train travel from new york to Florida: there are plenty of Americans looking to make the trip from New York to Florida be it for vacation, family visits, or just travel through the Southeast. Flying is usually the quickest choice but nothing beats the charm and relaxation of a train ride. Amtrak is the national rail service of the US, with several routes between New York and Florida, allowing travelers a scenic and comfortable experience. In this blog we will go over all thing you need to know about taking a train from New York to Florida, exploring everything from the best routes and amenities, to tips for taking your trip experiences.
I here explain why you should choose Train travel from New York to Florida.
We tend to fly or drive in the United States, and as such overlook trains.However, train travel even for long distances like New York to Florida has its benefits. So to help you decide between the two here are some reasons why you might want to take the train.
- 1. Comfort and Space
Train seats are also large, with tons of space for legs (a big plus on longer trips), which is something you probably cannot say for most flights. Trains go across a number of beautiful panoramas and offer recliner seats, with an option to reserve exclusive roomette or bedroom for the added comfort. So, no more worrying about crab-like cabins or stiffened backs!
- 2. Scenic Views
Seeing beautiful scenery is one of the biggest advantages of taking the train. A trip through forests and hills between New York and Florida. Taking the train is a more relaxed way to travel and you get to experience the scenery that often goes by unseen while driving or flying.
- 3. Less stressful than air travel
Flying is a combination of long security lines, small seats and tight time constraints. So it makes travel by train far more boisterous. No TSA hassles, and it usually leaves you boarding not long before your train departs.
- 4. Affordable Options
Trains are not necessarily always less expensive than flights, but Amtrak has a number of pricing tiers, including seniors, children and military discounts. Also, you can save on hotel costs by taking an overnight train.
The Amtrak Routes From New York to Florida
The Northeast Regional and Silver Service routes offered by Amtrak connect New York City with points farther down the East Coast to Florida. Both come with different features and benefits, so let’s take a closer look at each
.1. NORTHEAST REGIONAL (New York to Washington D.C.)
Northeast RegionalThe Northeast Regional is a key route for train travel in the region and while it does not go all the way to Florida it feeds into other Amtrak services heading south. Passengers traveling from New York can take the Northeast Regional to Washington, D.C., where they will connect with the Silver Service trains heading to Florida.
Transit time: 3.5-4 hours from New York to D.C.
~ PHILADELPHIA → KEY STOPS: BALTIMORE, WILMINGTON, ETC.
Ideal for: Short hops between New York and D.C., where you connect to the Silver Service trains
2. NEW YORK SLEEPER SERVICE *Silver Service (New York to Florida)
Two of Amtrak’s most popular trains between New York and Florida, the Silver Star and Silver Meteor, These trains run all the way down to points in Florida from Penn Station in New York, some of which include Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Each route is characterized by comfort and special amenities.
- Time: 19-22 hours depending on the specific Florida destination.
Has stops in Washington, D.C., Richmond, Savannah and Jacksonville among others.
- Ideal For:Passengers looking for the most direct route between New York and Florida
THE SILVER METEOR vs. THE SILVER STAR
The Silver Meteor, typically faster than the slower Silver Star, stops less often along the route allowing for somewhat speedier travel, but the Star offers more scenery en route. It’s a toss-up based on what you care about — if it’s making a beeline for Florida, the Meteor’s your ticket. However, if you feel like taking it easy, the Silver Star is a slower ride with more sight-seeing opportunities.
Here are some amenities and services you will find on Amtrak trains.
Amtrak provides several services that can enhance your travel experience. So that gives you an idea of what this train trip from New York to Florida is like.
1. Comfortable Seating
Seats on Amtrak long-distance trains are roomy and recline. With the Silver Service, you have a range of choices from roomy coach seats to upgraded ones, such as the newly rejuvenated roomettes or bedrooms, allowing plenty of personal space for sound sleep.
2. Dining Options
Amtrak has onboard dining to keep you going while traveling between cities. There is usually a dining car for cheap eats to full meals. If you are on a Silver Service train and in a sleeper car, meals are usually included in the price.
- Dining Car: Breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian and special dietary meals are served.
- Café Car: Less formal than the restaurant car, offers sandwiches and other snacks as well as drinks.
3. Complimentary Wi-Fi and Entertainment
Of course, train Wi-Fi isn’t always as speedy as you’d find in a hotel or coffee shop, but you’ll get free access on most trains (the Silver Service included), courtesy of Amtrak. Plus, there are in-seat power outlets to charge your devices and complimentary entertainment tied to Amtrak’s app for movies, music, and games.
4. Baggage Allowance
Each passenger can check two bags free with Amtrack and you can bring one bag on as a carry-on. There is a small charge if you have more baggage, though. There is also room for larger items—like bicycles, provided you book one in advance.
5. Lounge Access
Amtrak Lounges in the larger cities, such as New York, Washington D.C. and Miami, are available to those with sleeper car tickets. Lounges like these provide a comfortable space where you can sit, quench your thirst by eating free snacks as well kids corner and also to relax in a quite sounded environment before departing for your train.
How to Have a Comfortable Train Ride from New York to Florida
Here are some tips for a comfortable journey to help you get the best out of your trip:
1. Plan Ahead and Book Early
Flights, Amtrak tickets and vacation rentals all can book up fast — especially around busy travel times, like the holidays or summer months. The early bird gets the best seat in the house — or something like that; best to book sooner rather than later for a better chance of getting one, and perhaps even at reduced price.
2. Bring Snacks and Water
Amtrak now has some decent dining car menu options, but you will want to pack snacks and water too just in case you’re traveling through a non-peak meal time (like breakfast if the dining car is closed).
3. Dress Comfortably
The train may be cold or hot depending on the season, so it is a good idea to take some layers. Wear comfortable shoes, too, since there may be at least some times between or during stretches of the trip where you’re going to feel like stretching your legs.
4. Enjoy the Journey
Traveling by train allows you to take a break. Relax watching the landscapes pass by, talking to your travel companions or reading a book. This process itself can have beauty in it.
Final Thoughts: Is Train Travel from New York to Florida a Good Fit For You?
Traveling on the train from New York to Florida is a leisurely, picturesque and easy way to travel. Amtrak Silver Service trains are a great option if you want to escape the grind of airport travel and just enjoy the ride, whether that means avoiding airports or cars altogether. Train travel is definitely something to consider for your next visit to the Sunshine State, given the amenities, price points and picturesque scenery.
Have you taken a train cross-country before? Have you tried travelling solo yet? Let us know in the comments below!
