Guide to the Amtrak Palmetto Train from New York to Savannah

The Palmetto is ideal for travelers who want to reach the Carolinas or Georgia from the Northeast without spending a night on the train. Because it operates entirely during the day, it serves as a great alternative to the overnight Silver Meteor. Passengers traveling from New York or Washington, DC to southern destinations like Charleston and Savannah can enjoy the changing landscapes of the East Coast in natural light. The availability of Business Class makes it popular with those looking for extra space on a long journey. It is well suited for passengers who prefer reading, working, or watching the scenery over navigating highway traffic or busy airports.

Route overview

Operating daily as of 2026, the Palmetto covers about 829 miles between New York and Savannah. The journey takes about 15 hours end to end. Unlike many Amtrak long distance trains, the Palmetto is not an overnight train. It runs entirely during the daytime in both directions, making it a long day trip for those traveling the full route.

The train departs New York Penn Station and travels south along the Northeast Corridor. It makes major stops at Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. After leaving the capital, the route continues into Virginia with a stop in Richmond, then crosses through North Carolina and South Carolina. Key southern stops include Florence, Charleston, and finally Savannah.

Because there are no sleeping cars, passengers book either Coach or Business Class seats. The daytime schedule means you will see the entire route in daylight, though winter trips may begin or end in the dark depending on your specific stations. It is a reliable option for regional trips, such as Washington, DC to Charleston by train or New York to Savannah by train, without the need to book sleeping accommodations.

What you see, section by section

New York to Washington

The journey begins on the busy Northeast Corridor. Departing New York, the train crosses into New Jersey and speeds toward Pennsylvania. You will pass through dense urban areas, industrial zones, and suburban towns. Major stops include Newark, Trenton, and Philadelphia. The route then crosses into Delaware and Maryland, stopping in Wilmington and Baltimore before arriving at Washington Union Station. This section is highly developed, offering views of city skylines, bridges, and the busy infrastructure of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Richmond to Florence

After departing Richmond, the landscape shifts dramatically as the train moves deeper into the South. The urban environment gives way to the rural scenery of eastern North Carolina. Passengers can look out over expansive agricultural fields and traditional tobacco country. The route also cuts through dense pine woods, offering a quiet, green backdrop. The train stops in several smaller communities, including Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Fayetteville, before crossing the state line into South Carolina and arriving in Florence.

Charleston to Savannah

The final stretch of the southbound journey travels through the distinctive coastal environments of South Carolina and Georgia. Leaving the North Charleston station, the train navigates the famous Lowcountry. Passengers are treated to views of expansive salt marshes, dense coastal forests, and wide tidal rivers. The scenery is flat and often humid, characterized by Spanish moss and wetlands. After a stop in Yemassee, the train crosses the Savannah River and arrives at the Savannah station, completing the trip.

Classes and onboard

• Coach
• Business Class
• Café car

The Palmetto offers Coach and Business Class seating for passengers. Coach class provides standard, comfortable seating with ample legroom, fold-down trays, and reading lights. This is a solid choice for budget conscious travelers making shorter regional trips or even the full journey.

Unusually for an Amtrak train this long, the Palmetto also features Business Class. Upgrading to Business Class gives you a dedicated car with extra legroom, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and a quiet atmosphere. This is highly recommended for the full trip of about 15 hours from New York to Savannah.

There are no sleeping cars on this train. For food on board, all passengers have access to the Café car. It sells a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume at your seat.