Taking Amtrak to Disney World lets you make the train ride part of your vacation experience. However, Amtrak does not stop on Disney property. This means you’ll need to arrange transportation from the station to your hotel or the parks.
The Silver Meteor and Floridian trains serve the Orlando and Kissimmee areas, while the Auto Train transports you and your vehicle to Sanford. The best option depends on your starting location, whether you plan to have a car in Florida, and how you intend to complete your trip.
I have taken Amtrak to Disney World, and my favorite arrival station is Kissimmee. During my visit, I took a local bus to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, which worked well. However, depending on your luggage and your hotel’s location, a taxi or rideshare might be a better option.
This guide compares trains and stations, explains transportation options, and helps you plan your journey from the train to the magic. I’ll also cover Brightline as an alternative for travelers coming from South Florida.
Grab your mouse ears and a cup of Beverly, and let’s get started!
Which Train Station Should You Use for Disney World?
Most travelers taking Amtrak to Disney World choose between Orlando (ORL) and Kissimmee (KIS). Both stations serve the Silver Meteor and Floridian. If you’re bringing your vehicle aboard the Auto Train, you’ll arrive in Sanford instead.
| Station | Train service | Why consider it? | Getting to Disney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kissimmee (KIS) | Silver Meteor and Floridian | My pick. Quieter station with a nearby LYNX (local bus) connection. | You can take a taxi, rideshare service, or the LYNX bus to reach Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center. |
| Orlando (ORL) | Silver Meteor and Floridian | Consider this if your trip includes other Orlando destinations or if you’ve arranged transportation. | Consider a taxi, rideshare, or rental car in advance, as public transit may require multiple connections. |
| Sanford (SFA) | Auto Train | For travelers bringing an eligible vehicle from Lorton, Virginia. | Drive your vehicle to your hotel after unloading. |
| Orlando Airport (MCO) | Brightline (not Amtrak) | An alternative for travelers coming from South Florida. | Take a paid shuttle, taxi, rideshare, or rental car from Orlando International Airport. |
Orlando’s Amtrak station and Brightline’s Orlando station are located in different areas. Amtrak operates from a station on Sligh Boulevard, while Brightline arrives at Orlando International Airport. Make sure your ride is set up for the right station.
My Pick: Kissimmee
I prefer Kissimmee because the station feels less hectic. Arriving from the north also allows me a bit more time on the train. I’ve also used the nearby LYNX bus connection to reach Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center.
However, getting to Disney property and reaching your hotel are two separate parts of the journey. Before selecting transportation, consider your hotel’s location, your luggage, and how many transfers you are comfortable making.
Kev’s Tip: Disney’s resort buses do not allow luggage. If you plan to use the buses to reach your Disney hotel, determine first how your bags will get there. See my luggage tips below.
Which Amtrak Trains Can You Take to Disney World?
Three Amtrak trains can take you to the Disney World area: the Silver Meteor, the Floridian, and the Auto Train. Each train offers coach seats and private sleeping accommodations. Your choice depends on your starting point and whether you plan to bring a vehicle.
Silver Meteor: From New York and the East Coast
The Silver Meteor runs between New York City and Miami, stopping in Orlando and Kissimmee. Passengers can board at stations including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC.
Along its route, this service offers a direct ride to Central Florida without a train change. If you’re starting elsewhere, check Amtrak’s website for all available connections for your entire journey.
See my Silver Meteor schedule and route guide for stops, accommodations, and onboard dining information.
Floridian: From Chicago and Points Along the Way
The Floridian travels between Chicago and Miami, stopping in Washington, DC, Orlando, and Kissimmee. It lets passengers boarding in Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and other stops along its route reach Central Florida without changing trains.
The Floridian temporarily combines the former Capitol Limited and Silver Star services during Amtrak’s East River Tunnel rehabilitation project. If you’ve traveled on either train before, parts of the journey may look familiar!
See my Floridian schedule and route guide for the complete station list and details about the onboard experience.
Auto Train: Bring Your Vehicle to Florida
The Auto Train runs between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. Lorton is located outside Washington, DC. After you arrive in Sanford and pick up your vehicle, drive to your hotel.
You must travel with an eligible vehicle to board the Auto Train. Passenger-only tickets and intermediate boarding stops are not available.
This option is ideal if you want your own vehicle for your Disney vacation or plan to explore more of Florida. Keep in mind the strict vehicle check-in time, and remember that unloading all the cars from the train takes time. This train does not offer checked bag service, so you will leave everything in your car except what you need for your overnight adventure.
See my Auto Train guide for schedules, vehicle requirements, and trip-planning tips.
Connecting from Another Amtrak Train
If you do not live along the Silver Meteor or Floridian route, you may connect from another train. Start by searching Amtrak’s website or app from your home station to Kissimmee (KIS) or Orlando (ORL).
Review the full journey to see the connections Amtrak offers for your travel date. Some trips may require an overnight stay in a connecting city, so check the itinerary before booking hotels or making park plans.
I recommend giving yourself time to settle in after you arrive. Avoid tying an expensive reservation or a must-do park visit to your train’s scheduled arrival time.
Having trouble finding an itinerary? My guide to common Amtrak booking mistakes and errors covers what to check before you give up on your trip.
Coach Seats, Private Rooms, and Food on Your Train
Your train ride is part of your vacation, so consider how you want to use that time—especially on overnight journeys. The Silver Meteor, Floridian, and Auto Train offer both coach seating and private sleeping accommodations.
Coach Seats
Amtrak coach seats offer ample space to stretch out, reclining seatbacks, and leg rests. Coach passengers have access to shared restrooms, but no showers.
Coach is typically the more affordable option. For an overnight trip, consider bringing a small pillow, blanket, and headphones to stay comfortable.
Private Sleeping Accommodations
A private room gives you space to relax during the day and a bed at night. Passengers in sleeping cars also have access to showers, an attendant, and meals during their journey.
Your choices include:
- Roomettes: Compact rooms for one or two travelers feature two seats that convert into upper and lower beds. The Silver Meteor and Floridian provide Viewliner roomettes, while the Auto Train offers Superliner roomettes.
- Bedrooms: More space than a roomette, plus a private toilet and shower. Check out my Amtrak bedroom guide for details.
- Family bedrooms: Available on the Auto Train, these family bedrooms are designed for two adults and two children. These rooms share restrooms and showers. My family bedroom guide provides information on the layout and bed sizes.
- Accessible bedrooms: All three trains offer different layouts depending on the equipment. Please discuss your accessibility needs with Amtrak before booking. You can learn more in my accessible bedrooms guide.
During my last trip, I traveled on the Silver Meteor in a roomette. I enjoyed waking up refreshed and having lunch in the dining car before heading to Disney World.
What Can You Eat on Board?
Food options depend on your train and accommodation:
| Train | Sleeping-car passengers | Coach passengers |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Meteor and Floridian | Traditional dining meals are included. | Café purchases; a limited number of dining-car meals may be available for an extra charge. |
| Auto Train | Traditional dining meals are included. | Café purchases and a complimentary continental breakfast. Dining-car dinner is not included for coach passengers and is not available. |
The café car sells snacks, light meals, and drinks. Café purchases cost extra, even with a private room.
On the Silver Meteor and Floridian, coach passengers listen to dining car staff for instructions on making meal reservations.
You may bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks. Please pack items that you can store and eat yourself, as Amtrak staff cannot heat or refrigerate your personal food.
For more information about meal service and what to expect, see my Amtrak traditional dining guide and my guide on the Amtrak café car.
Booking Your Amtrak Trip to Disney World
Before booking your train, decide which arrival station best fits your hotel and transportation plans. Search for the train station, not “Disney World,” as your destination.
- Kissimmee (KIS) or Orlando (ORL): For the Silver Meteor, the Floridian, or any itinerary connecting to either train.
- Sanford (SFA): Your Auto Train reservation from Lorton, Virginia, must include an eligible vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle; you may not travel without a vehicle.
You can book through Amtrak’s website or app, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL, or at a staffed Amtrak ticket counter.
Compare the Full Cost of Your Trip
When comparing coach seats and private rooms, consider factors beyond the ticket price. Account for meals, transportation between the station and your hotel, and any necessary overnight stays along the way.
For the Auto Train, include the vehicle charge and your passenger accommodations. If you plan to drive at Disney, check your hotel and destination parking fees before deciding what works best for your budget.
Give Yourself Time Before the Disney Fun
I suggest keeping your arrival day flexible. Train delays, picking up luggage, and getting to your hotel can all affect when you’re ready to head out.
If possible, schedule your first full day at the park for the day after your arrival. This allows you time to check in and settle without worrying about an expensive dining reservation or missing part of your park day.
Leave plenty of time to arrive at the station before departure, especially if it is your first visit. Auto Train passengers must also follow the separate vehicle check-in deadline.
Flying Partway and Taking the Train to Disney World
If you want to enjoy a train ride during your Disney vacation but are short on time or budget, consider flying part of the way. Fly into a city served by an Amtrak train to Florida, then take an overnight train to Orlando or Kissimmee. This option also works well for visitors coming from other countries.
Compare the total cost before booking, which includes flights, train tickets, airport transfers, and any overnight hotel stays. Flying partway can save time compared to an all-train journey, but it isn’t always cheaper.
Fly into Baltimore and Connect in Washington, DC
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) provides a free shuttle between its terminal and the nearby Amtrak/MARC station.
From that station, take an Amtrak or MARC Penn Line train to Washington Union Station, where you can board the Silver Meteor or Floridian trains to Orlando or Kissimmee.
The Northeast Regional train can accommodate the BWI-to-Washington segment; it does not service Florida. Be sure to check both train schedules before selecting your flight.
Fly into Newark and Connect to the Silver Meteor
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), take the airport’s AirTrain to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station. From there, take NJ TRANSIT to Newark Penn Station, where you can board the Silver Meteor headed to Florida.
The airport rail station and Newark Penn Station are separate stops. The Silver Meteor connection is at Newark Penn, not at the airport.
Check Newark’s AirTrain service advisories before traveling. Construction can require a shuttle bus for part of the airport transfer.
Fly into Miami for a Shorter Brightline Ride
For a shorter daytime train experience, fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) and transfer to Brightline’s Miami Central station.
Brightline runs to Orlando International Airport, making it easy to arrange transportation to your Disney hotel. While the MiamiCentral station is separate from Miami International Airport, an airport connector shuttle provides a link between the two. Check the current shuttle schedule and pickup instructions, and allow extra time for this transfer when planning your trip.
Brightline is a separate company from Amtrak. The next section explains this option and how to continue to Disney World.
Leave Room Between Your Flight and Train
Avoid scheduling a tight connection between your flight and train. Allow sufficient time for flight delays, baggage claim, airport transit, and international arrival procedures when applicable.
When booking flights and trains separately, do not assume a delayed flight will automatically protect your train reservation. An overnight stay in your connecting city can provide you with more flexibility—especially before a long-distance Amtrak departure.
Taking Brightline to Disney World
Brightline provides a daytime train service from South Florida to Orlando International Airport (MCO). This service operates independently of Amtrak, and you can buy tickets through Brightline’s website.
This service suits both South Florida residents and visitors who want to include a train ride in their Disney vacation. Unlike Amtrak’s overnight trains, Brightline offers seats rather than sleeping accommodations.
What to Expect on Brightline
Brightline offers two seating classes:
- SMART: The ticket includes your seat and onboard Wi-Fi, with food and drinks available for purchase.
- PREMIUM: The package includes upgraded seating, lounge access, and complimentary food and beverages.
Verify fare details and baggage allowances before booking, especially for longer trips with luggage.
Getting from Brightline to Your Disney Hotel
Brightline’s Orlando station is located at the airport, not on Disney property or at Orlando’s Amtrak station. You will need to arrange transportation for the final leg of your journey.
Options include:
- Mears shared shuttles or private rides: To book your shuttle, use Mears Connect and make sure your hotel is included in their service. For details on transferring between the train and the shuttle, visit Brightline’s Mears transportation page. Shared shuttle pickup is at Terminal C, so follow the pickup instructions provided with your reservation.
- Taxi or rideshare: Book a direct ride to your hotel. Select a vehicle that accommodates your group and luggage.
- Rental car: Consider renting a vehicle during your stay. When comparing options, include both rental costs and any parking charges.
Remember, Disney’s resort buses don’t allow luggage, so book a direct ride to your hotel.
The video below highlights a Brightline and Mears trip to Disney. Use it to understand the experience, and always verify the current booking and pickup instructions before traveling.
Getting from Your Amtrak Station to Disney World
When you arrive, you will need to get to your hotel or the parks. A taxi or rideshare offers a direct route, while public transportation can be a cost-effective option if the connections suit your needs.
Kissimmee Station to Disney World
Address: 111 East Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL
Station information: Kissimmee Amtrak Station (KIS)
The station is about 18 miles from Walt Disney World, roughly a half-hour drive depending on traffic and your hotel.
Taking the LYNX bus
From the Amtrak station, walk to the nearby Kissimmee Intermodal Station and board the LYNX 56 bus heading toward Disney. Get off at Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). In my experience, since the TTC is the last stop, the driver usually announces it, so you won’t be confused about when to get off. The ride costs only a few dollars!
LYNX 56 typically operates every 30 minutes, and the journey to the TTC takes about an hour. Allow extra time for waiting and potential traffic delays.
Visit LYNX’s routes and schedules page and select 56 – W. U.S. 192/Magic Kingdom for the current timetable. Check fares and passes before boarding.
The TTC is a transportation hub, not the entrance to every Disney park or a direct connection to each hotel. Plan the rest of your journey before choosing this option.
Taking a taxi or rideshare
To get directly to your hotel, arrange a taxi or rideshare from the station. This is particularly useful when traveling with luggage or companions who might struggle with transfers.
Orlando Station to Disney World
Address: 1400 Sligh Boulevard, Orlando, FL
Station information: Orlando Amtrak Station (ORL)
Orlando works best if you have arranged transportation or if your vacation includes other destinations in Orlando. This station is separate from Orlando International Airport.
Taking a taxi, rideshare, or rental car
You can take a taxi or a rideshare service directly to your hotel. If you prefer to rent a car, confirm the pickup location, office hours, and transportation options from the station before you reserve. Don’t assume that a vehicle will be waiting for you at the train station.
Using public transportation
From the Amtrak station in Orlando, walk to the nearest LYNX bus stop at the corner of Sligh Boulevard and West Copeland Drive, then board LYNX 40, which heads toward LYNX Central Station. From there, transfer to LYNX 300 to get to Disney. LYNX 300 serves both Disney Springs and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
On weekdays, you can also board SunRail northbound at Orlando Health/Amtrak, ride to LYNX Central, and transfer to LYNX 300. Regular SunRail service operates Monday through Friday, so check the SunRail schedule before relying on this connection.
Use LYNX’s current routes and schedules to plan the bus portions. When comparing public transit with a direct ride, include waiting time, transfers, and the final trip to your hotel.
Sanford Auto Train Station to Disney World
After arriving at the Auto Train, wait until your vehicle is unloaded before heading to your hotel. Unloading times can vary, so avoid scheduling any activities right after the train arrives.
Before you leave the station, check the current traffic and directions to your hotel. Also, factor in potential tolls and parking fees.
Getting to Your Hotel with Luggage
Disney’s resort buses don’t allow luggage, which often surprises guests. LYNX buses and Disney buses operate as separate systems. You can take a LYNX bus to Disney property, but you cannot transfer to a Disney bus if you are carrying luggage.
If you have suitcases, I suggest taking a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle directly to your hotel. After you check in and drop off your bags, you’re free to use Disney’s buses, boats, and monorail.
My Experience Taking Amtrak to Disney World
Trains are one of my magical places, especially when I have a room in a sleeper car. So why not take one to another magical destination?
On my last Amtrak trip to Disney World, I traveled in a roomette. Privacy, a bed to sleep horizontally, included meals, and access to a shower made the journey part of the vacation.
I selected Kissimmee as my destination point and took a LYNX bus to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center. I found the connection to be straightforward, and the bus was clean and easy to navigate. If you’re not familiar with city buses, reviewing the route and fare information in advance can help you feel more at ease.
For me, taking the train enhances the trip experience. The vacation begins when I board, allowing time to enjoy the scenery, savor a meal, and settle into the journey before arriving at Disney.
Your ideal trip may vary. Coach travel might suit your budget, a private room could help you rest better, or flying part of the way might make the train ride feasible. Choose the combination that works best for you so that you can be ready for some Disney fun!
Amtrak to Disney World Wrap-Up
Taking Amtrak to Disney World can make your journey enjoyable. Start by choosing the train and arrival station that fit your plans, then decide how you’ll get from the station to your hotel with your luggage.
Kissimmee is my personal favorite station to use, but the best choice depends on your starting point, budget, and transportation needs. You don’t have to travel the entire distance by train. Combining a flight with a train ride can help you incorporate this experience into your vacation.
For more help planning your next train adventure, join my free Travels with Kev newsletter. You’ll receive Amtrak travel tips, updates, and stories from my experiences on the rails.
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Have a wonderful trip, and please ride the Jungle Cruise for me so you can see the “backside of water!”
Safe Travels and Happy Planning,
Kev
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