There are approximately 45,000 flights zipping through the sky each day, but as advanced as our capabilities are to see the world, sometimes the scenic route is best.
That’s what Amtrak is betting on with a new route connecting a pair of America’s most iconic cities.
While you could certainly fly to either place in just a handful of hours, there’s a case to be made that train travel is a more rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Plus, seeing America’s vast beauty from above just doesn’t hold a candle to zooming by vibrant foliage from a train window seat this time of year.
Beginning in Chicago and ending in Miami, there’s so much to see on Amtrak’s latest adventure launching this fall.
Amtrak’s New ‘Floridian’ Train Ride
Ever sit on a plane checking your phone to see how much time has gone by?
If that’s you, then this train is gonna be a real doozy for ya!
The total time from Chicago to Miami totals 47 hours. And for those who think that’s insane, here is why it’s not so bad…
The new ‘Floridian’ route is combining the ‘Capitol Limited’ and ‘Silver Star’ routes forming one epic journey this fall.
In other words, you can stay for the entirety of the 47 hours or depart on yet another cool destination along the way.
However, Amtrak is betting big that this route will be popular despite flights taking only about 3 hours round-trip between the 2 cities.
Offering daily departures beginning November 10th, whether Miami is your final stop or not, there are some awesome stopping points along the way, including some other American icons and sunny hotspots.
The Full ‘Floridian’ Route
The ‘Floridian’ isn’t the only major change Amtrak is making. Due to a New York tunnel construction project halting plans for one route and combining them all into the newly branded ‘Floridian’.
Given the name, it seems Amtrak is encouraging travelers to power through the full journey to Miami.
But even if you don’t quite make it one of America’s most vibrant cities, there are many others in Florida along the route, among other notable U.S. cities.
Departing Chicago, you’ll head East through smaller cities like Toledo, passing through Cleveland, Pittsburgh, the gleaming fall foliage of Harper’s Ferry, and ultimately our bustling nation’s capital, Washington DC.
Remember what I said about that window seat?
From there, your eastward journey will come to a screeching halt as you descend south through Virginia, North Carolina’s newest travel hotspot of Cary, a few hidden gems in South Carolina, ultimately reaching the Southern Bell of Savannah as your first coastal stop.
After one more Georgian station in Jesup, you’ve reached your final state.
The underrated city of Jacksonville is your grand welcome into Florida, followed by Orlando, Tampa, and ultimately the end point, Miami, after zig-zagging the ‘Sunshine State’.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of amazing cities to visit in between one icon and another. No matter if you start or end in Chicago or Miami, this is one of Amtrak’s most jam-packed itineraries.
What To Expect On Board
47 hours is a long time to twiddle your thumbs. Heck, it only took James Franco 127 Hours to decide to chop his arm off.
Riding on the ‘Floridian’, you won’t need a helping hand; you just need to decide which type of accommodation to book.
Amtrak offers 2 classes for this rail line:
- Coach – reclining seats with spacious legroom, no middle seat, and windows
*Dining options limited - First Class – more private with option of Roomette or Bedroom (twice the space!)
Choosing First Class automatically gets you lounge access, which is where you’d find me for the majority of 47 hours!
As an added perk, First Class-ers are prioritized on the Dining Car, where meals are served.
These are the 3 menu items on board the ‘Floridian’:
- Breakfast: Amtrak Signature Railroad French Toast, 3-Egg Omelet
- Lunch: Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Natural Angus Burger, Vegan Chili Bowl
- Dinner: Amtrak Signature Flat Iron Steak, Atlantic Salmon, Rigatoni Bolognese
Tickets can be purchased here on Amtrak’s official website. Fares begin at $466 for Coach and $1,555 for First Class on the initial launch date for the full route (Chicago to Miami).
Savings Tip: Rates are much more tolerable, extending into December. For example, fares for December 7th are $113 for Coach and $734 for First Class.
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