Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches, world-class theme parks, sunny weather, and diverse attractions. If you’re considering a visit or an escape to the Sunshine State, why not travel by train? Amtrak provides connections between major cities and charming coastal towns in Florida. It also offers the unique Auto Train, which allows you to travel with your car. Additionally, you can take Amtrak in Florida to Disney World and other popular theme parks!
Whether you’re a local wanting a weekend without a car or a visitor planning a scenic trip, this guide gives you important information about traveling with Amtrak in Florida. You will find details on routes, stations, and places to stay, along with helpful tips.
Routes: Amtrak in Florida
Florida has three daily long-distance Amtrak trains; however, it lacks Amtrak regional train service. There are several local regional trains, including Brightline, Tri-Rail, and SunRail.
Floridian (Miami ➝ Washington, DC ➝ Chicago)
The Floridian is Amtrak’s newest long-distance train and combines the Silver Star and Capitol Limited into one seamless route.
It runs from Miami through Florida’s heartland, up the East Coast, and then over to Chicago, making it perfect for travelers heading to the Midwest.
You can connect to this train in the Northeast via Washington, DC.
Silver Meteor (Miami ➝ New York City)
The Silver Meteor is a daily train connecting Miami to New York City.
It runs faster than the Floridian and hugs more of the East Coast. Many travelers choose the Meteor for direct flights from Florida to New York.
Auto Train (Sanford, FL ➝ Lorton, VA)
Unique in the U.S., the Auto Train lets you bring your car, SUV, or motorcycle along for the ride. It’s a popular choice for snowbirds and road-trippers who want to avoid the long drive on I-95.
Should I take the Silver Meteor or the Floridian?
The most crucial factor in deciding between the two options is your starting point and destination.
Both trains have several stops in common in the Southeast, but they cater to different travel patterns. The Silver Meteor is ideal for travel between Florida and the Northeast, while the Floridian is best for connections to the Midwest.
If you have both trains as options, I would choose the one that best fits your budget and schedule.
Depending on your destination, you may need to transfer trains or use one of Amtrak’s connecting services (see below for more information).
Accommodations Onboard Trains to Florida
The Floridian and the Silver Meteor are built from the same types of cars; they are essentially similar in their offerings, aside from their routes.
Silver Meteor & Floridian (Viewliner Trains)
- Coach seating
- Sleeping cars
- Food options:
- Café car (all passengers)
- Traditional Dining (included for sleeper passengers, limited seating may open for coach passengers)
Auto Train (Superliner Trains)
- Coach seating
- Sleeping cars
- Food options:
- Café cars
- Traditional Dining (included for sleeper passengers)
Amtrak Stations in Florida
Here is a list of every Amtrak station in Florida, organized from south to north. Unless noted otherwise, both the Silver Meteor and the Floridian serve all these locations.
South Florida
- Miami (MIA): Southernmost Amtrak station
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 8303 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL 33147
- Hollywood (HOL): Near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station, 3001 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021
- Fort Lauderdale (FTL): Close to the cruise port and downtown
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station, 200 Southwest 21st Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Deerfield Beach (DFB): A 1926 Mediterranean Revival depot
- Silver Meteor Only
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station, 1300 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
- Delray Beach (DLB): Charming downtown with shops, Dining, and beaches nearby
- Platform with Shelter
- Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station, 345 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
- West Palm Beach (WPB): Gateway to Palm Beach resorts
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station, 209 South Tamarind Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Central Florida
- Okeechobee (OKE): Near Lake Okeechobee – Floridian only
- Floridian Only
- Platform with Shelter
- 801 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972-2130
- Sebring (SBG): Home to Sebring International Raceway
- Floridian Only
- Platform with Shelter
- 601 East Center Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870-3513
- Winter Haven (WTH): Closest stop to LEGOLAND
- Floridian Only
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 1800 7th Street SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880-4375
- Lakeland (LKL & LAK): Historic downtown with a charming station
- Floridian Only
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 600 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801-5036
- Tampa (TPA): Gateway to Florida’s Gulf Coast, with Thruway connections to St. Petersburg and Sarasota
- Floridian Only
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 601 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602-3555
- Kissimmee (KIS): Closest stop to Walt Disney World (learn how to take Amtrak to WDW here!)
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 111 East Dakin Avenue. Kissimmee, FL 34741-5723
- Orlando (ORL): Major hub; both the Floridian and Meteor stop here
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 1400 Sligh Boulevard. Orlando, FL 32806-3905
- Winter Park (WPK): Walkable downtown with shops and cafés
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- Amtrak/SunRail Station, 148 West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32789-3825
- DeLand (DLD): Gateway to Stetson University and historic downtown
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 2491 Old New York Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720-2808
- Palatka (PAK): Historic 1908 station near the St. Johns River
- Platform with Shelter
- 220 North 11th Street, Palatka, FL 32177-3615
North Florida
- Jacksonville (JAX): North Florida’s biggest city, with Thruway bus connections to Tallahassee and Gainesville
- Station Building (with waiting room)
- 3570 Clifford Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32209-2123
Auto Train Station
- Sanford (SFA): Located north of Orlando, this is the only Florida stop for the Auto Train. You cannot connect to any other Amtrak trains from this station.
Traveling from Amtrak in Florida to Other Services
Sadly, trains cannot go everywhere we want, but Amtrak has you covered with Thruway buses, which extend your travel options:
- Tampa ➝ St. Petersburg/Sarasota
- Orlando ➝ Daytona Beach/Tampa
- Jacksonville ➝ Tallahassee/Gainesville
Other regional rail connections include:
- Brightline: High-speed rail from Miami to Orlando (separate tickets required; not bookable with Amtrak).
- Tri-Rail: Commuter service linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
- SunRail: Orlando’s commuter rail, with connections at Orlando Amtrak station.
Quick Tips for Riding Amtrak in Florida
- Book Early for the Best Deals
- Trains, especially the Auto Train, often sell out. Book well in advance to secure the lowest fares.
- Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions, or check how you can save money on Amtrak.
- How to Book
- Use the Amtrak app, website, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL, or a trusted travel agent.
- Pack Your Own Snacks and Drinks
- While trains have dining and café cars, options can be limited, and these facilities often close at night.
- Packing your own snacks and a refillable water bottle (a must in the Florida heat) is a smart move.
- Guests are allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages, but consumption is limited to private sleeping car rooms only.
- If you purchase them on board or at the station, you can consume them.
- Arrive Early and Check Station Amenities
- Arrive with plenty of time to spare!
- Not all stations are created equal; learn more about the types of stations within the Amtrak system.
- To learn about the amenities at your station, click the station above to preview them.
My Experience Traveling on Amtrak in Florida
I’ve used Amtrak several times to and from Florida, and it’s been a smooth, stress-free way to travel. Taking the train to Walt Disney World via Kissimmee was surprisingly easy. While I could have used a rideshare, I took a public bus and got there safely for a few dollars. I’ve also made the trip to St. Petersburg, which involves a bus connection from Tampa or Orlando. Depending on the route you take.
I’m especially excited about the possibility of Amtrak restoring Gulf Coast service in the coming years. This would reconnect communities along Florida’s Panhandle and Gulf Coast, restoring passenger rail to an area that has been without it for far too long.
Ready to Ride Amtrak in Florida?
Whether you’re heading for Miami’s beaches, Orlando’s theme parks, or a scenic trip up the East Coast, Amtrak makes traveling in Florida easy, affordable, and fun.
I have traveled on Amtrak in Florida, both in a roomette and a bedroom, and found it a great way to travel and explore the state.
Thanks for joining me on Amtrak in Florida. I hope this is a helpful way to start your research and provides the links you need.
When you’re ready, visit Amtrak.com to book your ticket. For package deals, you can also check with a trusted travel agency.
Safe travels and happy planning!
Kev
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