Guide to the Amtrak Floridian: Chicago to Miami by Train

This long distance train suits travelers looking to travel directly between the Midwest and the Southeast without changing trains. It is an excellent option for those who want to watch the American landscape shift from industrial northern cities to tropical southern beaches. Passengers traveling between Chicago and Miami can skip the stress of driving and enjoy a relaxing ride through the mountains and along the coast. The route is also practical for shorter regional trips, connecting major cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Orlando. Whether you are heading south for a winter vacation or visiting family in the Carolinas, the Floridian provides a comfortable, scenic alternative to flying or driving.

Route overview

The Floridian covers about 1,900 miles between Chicago and Miami. The journey takes roughly 45 to 48 hours end to end, requiring two nights on the train if you ride the entire route. Trains run daily in each direction.

The route begins in the Midwest, crossing Indiana and Ohio before climbing through the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania and Maryland. After calling at Washington, DC, the train heads south through Virginia and the Carolinas, eventually reaching the Florida peninsula and terminating in Miami.

As of 2026, the Floridian operates as a temporary service. It was created in November 2024 by combining the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star routes. This change was made because work in the Washington area limited equipment and platform capacity. Amtrak has stated that the separate trains should return, though the exact timing remained unconfirmed in late 2026. Passengers traveling between New York and Washington connect to Northeast Regional or Acela trains at Washington to join the Floridian.

What you see, section by section

Chicago to Pittsburgh

Leaving Chicago, the train travels east across northern Indiana and into Ohio. This section runs along the hinterland of Lake Erie, passing through Cleveland and Toledo. If you are traveling southbound, you will pass through this region mostly at night, meaning the views will be limited to city lights and station stops. Northbound passengers catch more daylight here, revealing the industrial heritage and agricultural plains of the Midwest before arriving at Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh to Washington

This segment is the scenic highlight of the entire journey. The train follows the old Baltimore and Ohio route, tracing the paths of the Youghiogheny and Potomac rivers. You will travel through the rugged Allegheny Mountains and pass historic towns like Cumberland. The best views appear around Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac. Daylight timing varies by direction, but this mountainous river valley provides excellent scenery before the train arrives in Washington, DC.

Washington to Savannah

South of the capital, the landscape softens as the train moves through Virginia and into the Carolinas. You will travel through the Carolina Piedmont and the Sandhills region, stopping at cities like Richmond and Raleigh. The route then transitions into the Carolina lowcountry, characterized by dense pine forests and coastal plains. Depending on your direction of travel and the time of year, parts of this stretch will be crossed overnight before the train reaches Savannah.

Jacksonville to Miami

Entering Florida, the environment becomes noticeably tropical. From Jacksonville, the train moves inland past Central Florida lakes and the citrus belt. You will stop in Orlando and Tampa before the route turns back toward the Atlantic coast. The final hours of the trip take you through coastal cities like West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Palm trees and warm weather dominate the views as the train completes its journey into Miami.

Classes and onboard

• Coach
• Roomette
• Bedroom
• Accessible Bedroom
• Café and dining service (equipment varies)

The Floridian offers several classes of service to suit different budgets for the two-night trip. Coach class provides reclining seats with ample legroom, which is a budget friendly option for shorter daytime segments. Because this is an overnight train, many passengers prefer to book sleeper accommodations. You can choose a Roomette for two people or a larger Bedroom with an enclosed toilet and shower. An Accessible Bedroom is also available for passengers with mobility needs.

All passengers have access to café service for snacks and light meals. Dining service is also available, though the specific equipment and menu options vary. Sleeper class passengers generally have meals included in their ticket, while coach passengers rely on the café car. When packing, review the luggage rules to ensure your bags meet the size and weight limits for your chosen class.