Looking for the Amtrak Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, DC? The trains still run on that route; they’re now the Floridian (trains 40 and 41), which continues to Miami.
I used to ride the Capitol Limited regularly from 2013 until it merged into the Floridian, and I’m keeping this page around for anyone still looking for the old name. Here’s what’s changed, how to ride that route now, and what we know about the Capitol Limited possibly returning.
Planning a trip at the moment? My Floridian guide has the latest on schedules, accommodations, and general travel tips.
What Happened to the Capitol Limited?
On November 10, 2024, Amtrak launched the Floridian. It temporarily combined the Capitol Limited’s Chicago–Washington route with the Silver Star’s Washington–Miami service.
Amtrak tied the change to its East River Tunnel rehabilitation project in New York. Ending the Silver Star’s run into New York freed up space in those tunnels while the work continues.
Travelers on the old Capitol Limited route kept their direct ride between Chicago and Washington. They also gained a ride from the Midwest to Florida with no change of trains in Washington.
You can read Amtrak’s Floridian announcement for the original details.
Is the Capitol Limited Coming Back?
Amtrak still describes the combination as temporary.
At the Rail Users’ Network Spring 2026 Conference, an Amtrak representative said planning was underway to restore the Capitol Limited and Silver Star in fall 2027. Both Railway Age and the Lackawanna Coalition reported the comment.
That is a planning window, not a confirmed first departure. Amtrak has not announced a restart date or a timetable.
When Amtrak releases return details, I’ll update this guide with the schedule and onboard information.
As of November 2026, still list the Floridian for the fall. But often booking is the last thing they change.
How to Travel the Route Today
Search Amtrak with your starting station, destination, and travel date. For trips along the old Capitol Limited route, look for the Floridian in the results.
You don’t have to ride all the way to Florida. Shorter trips like Chicago to Pittsburgh or Washington to Harpers Ferry are fine, subject to availability.
If you rode the Capitol Limited before, expect a different train. The Floridian uses single-level Viewliner sleeping cars instead of the two-level Superliners, and sleeping-car passengers get traditional dining instead of flexible dining. My Floridian guide covers the rooms, the dining car, and what to expect on board.
Kev’s Tip: Check the train name, departure time, and arrival date before you book. An old Capitol Limited timetable is fun for reference, but don’t plan today’s trip with it.
The Former Capitol Limited Route and Stops
The Capitol Limited connected Chicago and Washington, DC, over roughly 780 miles. Its overnight run linked the Midwest with communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Its stops, from Chicago toward Washington:
| State or district | Stations |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Chicago |
| Indiana | South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo |
| Ohio | Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Alliance |
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh, Connellsville |
| Maryland | Cumberland |
| West Virginia | Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry |
| Maryland | Rockville |
| District of Columbia | Washington Union Station |
The Capitol Limited ran as Train 30 eastbound toward Washington and Train 29 westbound toward Chicago. Today the Floridian serves these same stations as Trains 40 and 41.
What I Enjoyed About the Capitol Limited
For me, the Capitol Limited was always more than a way to get between two big cities.
The stretch between Pittsburgh and Harpers Ferry was my favorite. The train follows rivers through the hills of western Pennsylvania, climbs over the Alleghenies, and comes down into Maryland. Then it reaches the Potomac and pulls into Harpers Ferry. Watching the landscape change was part of the pleasure, whether I was heading to Washington or back home to Chicago.
The Floridian runs the same Chicago–Washington corridor, so you can still see it all. How much you see in daylight depends on the season, your direction, and how the train is running.
What Was the Capitol Limited Like Onboard?
The Capitol Limited ran with two-level Superliner cars. Accommodations included coach seats, roomettes, bedrooms, accessible bedrooms, and family bedrooms.
In its later years, sleeping-car passengers received flexible dining meals, and the café sold food and drinks.
Amtrak hasn’t said what equipment or dining a returning Capitol Limited would use. I’ll cover that once it’s announced.
Where to Find the Current Schedule
For current departure and arrival times, use my Floridain route guide or Amtrak’s timetable tool or search for your trip in Amtrak’s booking system.
If you find an older Capitol Limited timetable online, check its service dates. A familiar train name and station list don’t make it a current schedule.
Capitol Limited FAQ
Does the Capitol Limited still run?
Not under that name. Since November 2024, the Floridian has served the Capitol Limited’s Chicago–Washington route.
What train replaced the Capitol Limited?
The Floridian (Trains 40 and 41) runs between Chicago and Miami via Washington, DC.
Can I still take the train from Chicago to Washington, DC?
Yes. Book the Floridian between Chicago and Washington Union Station. You don’t need to ride on to Florida.
When is the Capitol Limited coming back?
An Amtrak representative has pointed to fall 2027, but Amtrak hasn’t announced a start date or schedule.
Kev’s Take
I’m glad this route is still running while we wait to hear more about the Capitol Limited’s return. For those of us in the Midwest, the Floridian also gives us a handy direct ride to Florida.
If you’re ready to travel, start with the train running now. My Floridian guide will walk you through the next steps.
Safe Travels and Happy Planning,
Kev
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