Amtrak has launched an exciting new travel option for passengers seeking a comfortable and scenic journey between the Midwest and Florida. The Floridian, a temporary route, now offers a direct round-trip experience connecting Chicago and Miami, with convenient stops in major cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. This innovative service combines the routes of the well-regarded Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains, providing a unique and limited-time travel opportunity. The inaugural journey commenced on Sunday, November 10th, marking a new chapter in Amtrak’s commitment to passenger satisfaction.
According to Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch, “The Floridian presents an exceptional and sustainable travel solution to popular destinations spanning from Chicago to Miami. Passengers can expect the high-quality amenities and dining experiences that Amtrak is known for.” This new route is designed to offer both comfort and convenience, making train travel an attractive alternative for long-distance journeys.
Experience Comfort and Style in Every Class
Whether you choose Coach or First Class, the Floridian is designed with passenger comfort in mind.
Coach Class: Relax in spacious, reclining seats with generous legroom and enjoy the panoramic views through large windows – all without the inconvenience of a middle seat. For those looking for an enhanced dining experience, a limited number of dining car meals are available for purchase.
First Class: Upgrade to a private room for an even more luxurious experience. Choose from a Roomette, which features two reclining seats that convert into upper and lower beds at night and provides access to shower facilities, or a Bedroom, offering twice the space, along with a private in-room restroom and shower. For travelers with disabilities, Accessible Bedrooms are conveniently located on the entry level and provide ample space for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
First Class private rooms boast large bi-level windows, a personal sink, and dedicated attendant service. Your attendant will provide turndown service, meal assistance, luggage handling, and insightful stories to enhance your journey. First Class passengers also enjoy complimentary lounge access at major stations and priority boarding, adding to the premium travel experience.
Indulge in Delicious Dining Options
Dining on the Floridian is a highlight of the journey, with options to suit every palate.
Traditional Dining: First Class passengers in private rooms can savor the complimentary Traditional Dining service in the elegant Dining Car. Enjoy chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served with table service including glassware, cutlery, and linen tablecloths. The enhanced menu features vegetarian, vegan, and children’s options, along with a complimentary alcoholic beverage with dinner. Popular menu items include Amtrak Signature Railroad French Toast and Three Egg Omelet for breakfast, Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Vegan Chili Bowl for lunch, and Amtrak Signature Flat Iron Steak and Atlantic Salmon for dinner.
Café Service: All passengers can take advantage of the Café service onboard, which offers a newly updated menu featuring a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages available for purchase. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a refreshing drink, the Café Car provides convenient options throughout your trip.
Why the Floridian? Navigating Track Improvements
The Floridian route is a temporary solution created due to the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York. As Amtrak undertakes this essential infrastructure modernization, which will ensure reliable service for the next century, combining the Capitol Limited and Silver Star routes into the Floridian allows for efficient equipment use and minimizes service disruptions during the tunnel work.
Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, noted, “Our members have long envisioned a seamless, single-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida. We are delighted that this service is now available for a new generation of passengers. Amtrak’s innovative approach in maintaining passenger flow during these crucial infrastructure upgrades is commendable.”
Route and Schedule Details
The Floridian (Trains 40 & 41) operates on a schedule similar to the combined routes it replaces. It maintains the existing stops of the Capitol Limited (Trains 29 & 30) between Chicago and Washington, D.C., and the Silver Star (Trains 91 & 92) between Miami and Washington, D.C. It’s important to note that the Silver Meteor (Trains 97 & 98) continues its daily service between New York and Miami, offering another travel option along the East Coast.
For more information about the Floridian route, including schedules, fares, and booking options, please visit the official Amtrak website or contact Amtrak customer service. Amtrak’s customer service team is available to assist with any inquiries and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to experience the Floridian and enjoy a unique train journey between Chicago and Miami.
