Amtrak to Florida: Routes, Stations & Travel Tips (2026)

Yes, you can travel to Florida by Amtrak, and it’s one of the most relaxing ways to reach the Sunshine State. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation in Miami, a family trip to Orlando, or a getaway to Tampa or Fort Lauderdale, Amtrak connects Florida with cities across the East Coast and beyond. Instead of dealing with airports and highways, you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and arrive ready to start your vacation.

Florida is served by several long-distance Amtrak routes, including the Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Floridian, and the unique Auto Train. This guide explains which routes serve the state, where you can travel by rail, what to see after arriving, and practical tips for planning your trip.

Does Amtrak Serve Florida?

Yes. Amtrak serves numerous destinations throughout Florida, making it easy to visit many of the state’s most popular cities without flying. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can choose between several long-distance routes connecting Florida with the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and other parts of the eastern United States.

Many stations are located close to downtown areas or provide convenient access to local transportation, making Florida an excellent destination for rail travelers.

Major Amtrak Stations in Florida

Orlando
Miami
Tampa
Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach
Jacksonville
Winter Park
Kissimmee
DeLand
Sanford

Best Amtrak Routes to Florida

Several Amtrak routes provide direct access to Florida, each suited to different types of travelers.

Silver Meteor

The Silver Meteor connects New York City with Miami, serving major East Coast cities including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Charleston, Jacksonville, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. It’s one of the fastest rail options for travelers heading to South Florida.

Silver Star

The Silver Star also links New York with Miami but follows a slightly different route through North Carolina before serving Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida. It’s a popular choice for visitors planning multi-city vacations.

Floridian

The Floridian provides another convenient rail connection between the Midwest and Florida, giving travelers an alternative route to cities such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.

Auto Train

If you’d like to have your own vehicle during your vacation, the Auto Train travels nonstop between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, carrying both passengers and their cars, SUVs, motorcycles, or small trailers. It’s an excellent option for road trips around the Sunshine State.

What to See in Florida

Florida offers far more than beautiful beaches. From world-famous theme parks and vibrant cities to tropical islands and unique natural landscapes, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Orlando

Orlando is one of the world’s most popular family vacation destinations. Beyond Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll also find Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, water parks, shopping districts, golf courses, and countless entertainment options for all ages.

Miami

Miami combines tropical beaches with world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, Art Deco architecture, and diverse cultural neighborhoods. Popular attractions include South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.

Tampa

Tampa offers a blend of history, waterfront attractions, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore Busch Gardens, Ybor City, The Florida Aquarium, and Tampa Riverwalk while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere than some of Florida’s larger tourist destinations.

Fort Lauderdale

Known for its beautiful beaches and scenic canals, Fort Lauderdale is perfect for travelers looking to combine sunshine with shopping, boating, museums, and waterfront dining. It’s also an excellent base for cruises departing from Port Everglades.

Getting Around Florida

Florida is a large state, so the best way to get around depends on where you plan to visit. While Amtrak provides convenient access to many major cities, you’ll often use local transportation or rental cars to reach beaches, theme parks, and natural attractions.

If you’re staying in a single city such as Miami or Orlando, it’s possible to explore many attractions without driving. However, travelers planning to visit multiple destinations will benefit from renting a car after arriving.

Rental cars: The most flexible option for exploring beaches, national parks, and smaller coastal towns.
SunRail: Orlando’s commuter rail system connects several communities in Central Florida.
Brightline: High-speed rail connects Orlando with West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami.
Local buses and trolleys: Available in most major cities, including Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.
Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Florida and are convenient for shorter trips.

Travel Tips for Visiting Florida by Train

Whether you’re heading to the theme parks, relaxing on the beach, or exploring Florida’s natural beauty, these tips will help you plan a smoother trip.

Book early, especially if traveling during school holidays, spring break, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Visit between November and April if you prefer cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
Pack lightweight clothing along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Allow extra travel time if connecting to cruise ports or airports.
Reserve theme park tickets in advance if you’re visiting Orlando during busy periods.
Consider the Auto Train if you’d like to have your own vehicle while exploring Florida.

Suggested Florida Itinerary

If it’s your first visit, consider combining several of Florida’s most popular destinations into one unforgettable vacation.

Day 1–2: Arrive in Orlando and enjoy Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, or SeaWorld.
Day 3–4: Continue to Tampa to explore Busch Gardens, Ybor City, and the Riverwalk.
Day 5–6: Visit Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and Las Olas Boulevard before continuing south.
Day 7–8: Finish your journey in Miami, exploring South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, and Bayside Marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Several Amtrak routes travel directly into Florida, serving destinations including Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

The Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Floridian, and Auto Train all provide rail service to Florida, depending on your departure city and travel plans.

Absolutely. Orlando is one of Amtrak’s busiest Florida stations and is served by multiple long-distance routes from the Northeast and other parts of the eastern United States.

Yes. Amtrak’s Auto Train transports both passengers and their vehicles between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, making it a popular choice for extended Florida vacations.

Yes. Traveling by train offers a comfortable alternative to flying, especially for longer vacations. You’ll enjoy spacious seating, scenic views, and convenient access to many of Florida’s most popular destinations.

Start Planning Your Florida Rail Adventure

From world-famous theme parks and tropical beaches to historic neighborhoods and vibrant waterfront cities, Florida offers endless possibilities for travelers arriving by rail. With multiple Amtrak routes serving destinations across the state, it’s easy to build an itinerary that combines relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Continue planning your journey with our Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Travel in the USA, or explore more destination guides, including Las Vegas, Arizona, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland.

Amtrak to Florida: Routes, Stations & Travel Tips (2026)