Sunday marked the launch of one of America’s longest train journeys, a two-day experience that will transport passengers from the Midwest all the way to the southern tip of Florida.
Amtrak has now launched the “Floridian,” a new train line connecting Chicago to Miami. Reviving a service that last operated in the 1970s, this long-distance route merges the lines of Capitol Limited and Silver Star services.
“The Floridian has arrived,” Amtrak posted to X on Sunday. “Skip airport lines and traffic. Enjoy spectacular views, Traditional Dining & more. Our new route connects Chicago & Miami with stops in DC, Orlando & Tampa.”
The journey takes a total of 47 hours, during which passengers can enjoy the scenery of the Midwest-to-Southeast route. Trains will depart daily at 6:40 p.m., according to Amtrak‘s website, and arrive in Miami at around 6:00 p.m. two days later.
The new line is only a few hours shy of becoming America’s longest railroad journey, thanks to the California Zephyr. This 2,400-mile route, also operated by Amtrak, connects San Francisco with Chicago, and takes a total of 51 hours to complete, according to Polrail Service.
Amtrak said: “The Floridian journeys across Indiana and Ohio, through the Allegheny Mountains into Pittsburgh, past scenic Harper’s Ferry, along the historic B&O line through the Potomac Valley to Washington, and then across the south towards Florida’s beaches, cities, and family attractions.”
“Instead of driving a car, taking a plane or bus, the Floridian is bound to give you a memorable train ride,” Amtrak’s website reads. “Spacious accommodations make your trip more enjoyable, with showers and thoughtful amenities, friendly service, and delicious dining.”
For first-class passengers, the experience is elevated with table service and chef-prepared meals. Tickets start at $113 for coach and range from $700 to over $1,500 for first-class rooms, making it a unique travel option for anyone looking to skip air travel and enjoy a leisurely ride across multiple states.
The route revives a service that Amtrak ran between Chicago and Illinois in the 1970s, also called The Floridian.
According to Amtrak, the route also aims to relieve congestion on the Northeast Corridor as New York’s East River Tunnel undergoes renovation, after sustaining damage during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
While Amtrak has said the route is a temporary one, a spokesperson for the company told Block Club Chicago, “There is no end date that has been determined yet for this Floridian experiment.”
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