City to city
Orlando to Miami by Train
Passengers can take a direct train from Orlando to Miami on either the Silver Meteor or the Floridian, with journey times ranging from about 4 hours 45 minutes up to 9 hours 30 minutes.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floridian | about 7 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes | Daily in each direction (temporary service, as of 2026) | No | No, direct |
| Silver Meteor | about 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
Traveling south through Florida by rail offers a comfortable alternative to driving the busy highways. Amtrak provides two daily direct options between Orlando and Miami. The Silver Meteor is the faster choice, skipping the diversion to the Gulf Coast. The Floridian takes a longer route to serve additional communities before heading south. Both trains operate during the day on this segment, meaning you will not need to sleep on board. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during the busy winter travel season when many people head south.
Your train options
As of 2026, you have two daily direct trains to choose from. The Silver Meteor takes about 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes. The Floridian takes longer, requiring about 7 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes because it detours to the west coast of Florida. Neither train travels overnight on this specific trip.
Both trains offer standard Coach seating, which is perfectly adequate for a daytime journey. If you want more privacy, you can book a Viewliner Roomette, a Bedroom or an Accessible Bedroom. You can read more about Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explained to see if the upgrade makes sense for you.
The Silver Meteor includes a dining car, while the Floridian provides café and dining service, though the exact equipment varies. The Floridian is a temporary service combining the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star. Amtrak has stated the separate trains should return eventually, but the timing remains unconfirmed.
The journey
The journey south from Orlando takes you through the heart of the state before reaching the busy Atlantic coast. Leaving Orlando, the train passes Central Florida lakes and orange groves in the citrus belt. The Silver Meteor heads south through Kissimmee, Winter Haven and Sebring. The Floridian takes a longer path, branching west to stop in Lakeland and Tampa before rejoining the main southbound line.
After moving through the inland agricultural areas, both routes reach the Atlantic coast. You will travel through the Gold Coast cities, stopping at West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood before arriving in Miami. Since this segment happens during the day, you will have plenty of daylight to watch the transition from quiet inland lakes to the dense urban environment of South Florida.
The stations
You will board at Amtrak's Orlando station, a 1926 Mission Revival building located south of downtown. SunRail commuter trains share this facility. Be aware that the private Brightline service uses a completely separate station at Orlando International Airport.
Your trip ends at Amtrak's Miami station, which is situated northwest of downtown in Hialeah. Most passengers arriving on the Silver Meteor or the Floridian continue their journey to their final destination by taxi, rideshare or bus. Brightline trains do not use this facility, arriving instead at MiamiCentral downtown.
Tips
- Check the current timetable to see which train aligns best with your schedule, as the Silver Meteor is significantly faster.
- Read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips to find the best fares for your travel dates.
- Make sure you go to the correct station, as Amtrak and Brightline do not share facilities in either city.
- Review our guide for the first time on Amtrak if you are unfamiliar with the boarding process.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a sleeper car on the train from Orlando to Miami?
Yes, both the Floridian and the Silver Meteor offer private accommodations, including roomettes and bedrooms. However, because this specific segment takes place entirely during the day, you will not be traveling overnight. Booking a room simply provides daytime privacy and space.
Why does the Floridian take so much longer than the Silver Meteor?
The Silver Meteor travels on a more direct southern path. The Floridian takes a detour to the west coast of Florida to serve Lakeland and Tampa before it continues south toward Miami, adding several hours to the total journey time.
Do Amtrak trains arrive in downtown Miami?
No, Amtrak trains terminate at the Miami station in Hialeah, which is northwest of downtown. Passengers typically need to arrange a taxi, rideshare or local bus to reach downtown Miami or the beaches.