Map Shows New ‘Floridian’ Train Route From Chicago to Miami

Amtrak has unveiled a new temporary train route called the “Floridian,” offering daily direct service from Chicago to Miami, passing through several major cities along the way.
The route, which launches on November 10, combines two of Amtrak’s existing lines, the Capitol Limited and Silver Star, to offer an uninterrupted journey across the Midwest, through the nation’s capital, and down to the sunny shores of Florida.
A map has been released showing the major stops on the route, through cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa before reaching its final destination in Miami.
Amtrak customers can now purchase tickets for this new service, designed to provide a comfortable and scenic alternative to other forms of long-distance travel, such as flying or driving.
Amtrak described the route as a blend of “comfort and style,” featuring amenities designed to enhance the passenger experience.
“The Floridian offers customers an exceptional and sustainable journey to great destinations between Chicago and Miami, providing the amenities and delicious food our guests enjoy when traveling with us,” Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak’s chief commercial officer, said in a press release.
Passengers traveling in the Floridian’s Coach Class can expect wide, reclining seats with ample legroom, large windows for optimal views, and no middle seats.
For those seeking more privacy and comfort, Amtrak offers First Class private room options, such as Roomettes and Bedrooms.
These private rooms feature reclining seats that convert into beds at night, along with access to showers and additional amenities, including a dedicated attendant who assists with meals and luggage.
The introduction of the Floridian is tied to ongoing construction in the Northeast.
Amtrak is temporarily combining the Capitol Limited and Silver Star lines due to the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York.
The tunnel renovation will involve closing one tube at a time, impacting train capacity in the Northeast Corridor.
By combining these two major lines, Amtrak aims to minimize disruptions while continuing to offer robust service across the Midwest, East Coast, and Southeast.
According to Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, this new route represents a long-anticipated return of direct service from the Midwest to Florida.
“Our members have had a long-standing dream of restoring a one-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re thrilled that a new generation of American passengers will be able to experience this service for themselves,” Mathews said.
The Floridian will operate daily, with a total travel time of approximately 47 hours.