New Amtrak Route: The Floridian - All The Surprising Details

Today we share all the information on the new Amtrak route The Floridian.
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The surprising details are revealed. There are several things that surprised us about this new route and we will share those with you. This is all the information you need to know about Amtrak The Floridian. This route combines the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star routes for a more efficient ride to south Florida. This route goes from Chicago to Miami and back.
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[@silvergretz]

I’m on the inaugural ride!

[@tomhenry1592]

Terrific!

[@waynekobialka79]

@@tomhenry1592 sweet i live in pittsburgh im riding in may let us know how it goes

[@tomhenry1592]

@@waynekobialka79 Sounds good

[@TransitFanner2695]

I won’t ride until possibly August or September depending on price, even though I have been watching the prices like a hawk so I know when to book the trip

[@ringo7561]

This isn't a new route...if it was the true Floridian it would run like the old one....Chicago, Nashville, Birmingham, Montgomery and then on to Florida...problem is not solved.

[@ronclark9724]

The former Floridian route went through Jackson TN and Albany GA skirting the Appalachians, NOT through Louisville, Nashville, and Atlanta. The former Dixie Flyer went through Nashville and Atlanta and Jacksonville before using the Florida East Coast line through Florida to Miami. The former Georgian went from Nashville to Atlanta, but it terminated in Nashville and Atlanta, it never saw Florida... When anyone says the Floridian went through Louisville, Nashville and Atlanta to Florida, they are MISINFORMED...

[@ringo7561]

@ronclark9724 sorry Ron, stops were Lafayette indiana, Louisville and Bowling Green, Nashville, Decatur, Birmingham, Montgomery and Dothan all in Alabama, Thomasville Valdosta and Waycross in Georgia...I'm looking at the 1971 timetable right now. It ran to 1979....as a matter of fact in finalized in Saint Petersburg....it split in Jacksonville....another part went to Miami

[@johne.porter1298]

@@ringo7561 along The Old L& N line.

[@coryphillips8526]

I agree. That sounds like a better route.

[@mikeymutual5489]

We don't need the old Floridian. We need a new Floridian that is not only more direct, but could alleviate the current train deserts in Louisville and Nashville, while giving Atlanta another train. The train would then head to Savannah and turn south there.

[@johne.porter1298]

Great route... The name "The Floridian" was an sarly era Amtrak train of days gone by. It served from Chicago to Florida on a different routing. I wish they would connect New Orleans to Orlando again. This would make travel west better.

[@ronclark9724]

This might happen with those THREE Superliner train sets from the ex-Capitol Limited for TRICE WEEKLY services. Amtrak also has another option providing a DAILY Sunset Limited from LA to New Orleans providing a daily shunt in San Antonio with the Texas Eagle and better connections with the daily Crescent in New Orleans. Texas prefers the DAILY Sunset Limited option, but I know others prefer the other TRICE WEEKLY option to Orlando. We will see what Amtrak does with those ex-Capitol Limited train sets. Frankly Phoenix and Houston deserve better than TRICE WEEKLY services... Many cynics point at the Sunset Limited's low ridership numbers but FAIL to point out DAILY services would DOUBLE that low number., if not more...

[@johne.porter1298]

@ronclark9724 The other option is something that officials have discussed. Rhe orher thought on the table is turning "The Ciry of New Orleans " at New Orleans and run it to Jacksonville and onto Miami. The tracks down to M9ami can except superliner traffic.

[@DJNX4995]

The sunset limited going back to Florida on the same old tracks are off the table with the condition and owners of those tracks

[@adambuesser6264]

It would be nice to have a one-seat train ride from Chicago to Indianapolis, Nashville, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami.

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately Amtrak does not have FIVE extra train sets, either Superliner or Viewliner/Amfeet... This Floridian train will consume FIVE train sets, ONE more than the Silver Star train sets. Amtrak had to repair cars out of service after derailments to create this ONE more train set. Train sets and rolling stock do NOT pop out of thin air by magic. As for the THREE train sets of the ex-Capitol Limited, the Sunset Limited will most likely claim all three to do either daily services west of New Orleans, or trice weekly services back to Orlando. We will soon see next year which option Amtrak chooses to do.

[@Monorail14]

​@ronclark9724 God, I wish would transfer the Amtrak Capital Limited superliner passengers to the Amtrak Sunset Limited. I also agree that Amtrak Sunset Limited should be extended from New Orleans, Louisiana back to Orlando, Florida again. Or Amtrak could extended the Amtrak Sunset Limited to the Sanford, Florida Amtrak Auto Train Station. Because the Sanford, Florida Amtrak Auto Train is already does maintenence from superliner passenger cars.

[@traintrak]

@@ronclark9724 Most likely the first, doubt they would extend back to Orlando considering that the stations on the panhandle need major refurbishment and the track owner is not CSX. They might use the Superliners just to keep up demand on their current routes.

[@DMAC1301]

What I like is if I must do coach I specifically ask for and have on my tickets, downstairs coach. It has been the same price as any coach but the seats are bigger and there are less seats in this downstairs coach area. It has its own bathroom and there is more leg room. It must be indication your tickets, all of them if any transfers are a part of your trip.if it’s. It on your ticket, you will be bumped upstairs into regular coach to accommodate anyone with downstairs coach indicated on their ticket.

[@marthajavinsky7199]

First ,Amtrak states this is a temporary route because of the construction in the New York tunnels so may go away in the future. We were booked on the Silver Meteor for December leaving from Richmond to Orlando and got a message from Amtrak that our train was cancelled. We were moved to the Floridian and had no idea what was going on. That’s when we found out about the Floridian. I do hope they will keep the route when the work is done!

[@detroiter2655]

Yup they moved my December Detroit to FLA, I am going to hit up the Floridian as it takes $ and time off.

[@ronclark9724]

@@detroiter2655 There will never be a several hours delay connecting in Washington DC to ride the Silver Meteor since Amtrak won't allow you to book the one or two hours connection with the Silver Star today. Amtrak's policy is THREE hours, not a minute less. But notice there won't be a connection in Washington DC after November 10,2024, thus you do ride the ex-Silver Star to Florida, the soon to be Floridian. To do this Amtrak's refurbishment program now underway which will soon be completed created an extra Viewliner/ Amfleet train set. The Silver Star presently uses FOUR train sets, the Floridan will use FIVE train sets... Next year we will soon discover what Amtrak will do with the THREE Superliner train sets of the ex-Capitol Limited. Southern California, Arizona, and Texas desire a DAILY Sunset Limited to New Orleans to have DAILY connections with the Crescent (did you hear that Grounded Life Travel), or a extended TRICE WEEKLY Sunset Limited to Orlando. With the new Gulf Coast daily train to Mobile from New Orleans soon to begin next year, I suspect the former instead of the latter. Surely Amtrak can use these Capitol Limited Superliner train sets on the Sunset Limited one way or another, but will Amtrak? Frankly TEXAS really desires a DAILY shunt with the Texas Eagle in San Antonio as well with a DAILY Sunset Limited. Keep in mind a TRICE WEEKLY extended Sunset Limited to Orlando would mean the train would be riding through the Florida panhandle and the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast during the NIGHT, whereas the daily Gulf Coast would be riding through the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast during the DAY. We will soon see what Amtrak does soon...

[@barbaralienhard3490]

That's interesting because I'm on the Silver Meteor in December from New York Penn to Orlando and it shows it stopping in Richmond at RVR station.

[@marthajavinsky7199]

It’s the Silver Star that is combining with the Capital Limited to make the Floridian, We where on the Silver Star originally . I wrote Silver Meteor by mistake.

[@detroiter2655]

@@marthajavinsky7199 nope still booked for both silver star & meteor for December. I'm going to call soon to try and change it to the Floridian, hopefully I don't get fined.

[@arlenemiller8766]

Why didn't do one through IN, KY, TN, GA, and then FL? That is what I would consider as the midwest. It sounds like it goes to the east coast and then south.

[@teambandicoottransit0824]

Exactly, like I don't think Greyhound will not going to salve the problem after Flixbus Bought Greyhound, I live at Bowling Green, KY and we use to have Greyhound until 2020 of April, and according to Wikipedia it says this (Bowling Green is the county seat of Warren County, Kentucky, United States.[3] Its population was 72,294 as of the 2020 census, making it the third-most populous city in the state, after Louisville and Lexington.[4] The Bowling Green metropolitan area is the fourth-largest in the state and had a population of 179,639 in 2020.) I'll say Nashville, TN, Bowling Green, KY, Louisville, KY needs Amtrak to transport people from those cities to Chicago, Detroit, or Dallas

[@trainlady]

Exactly! Louisville KY needs passenger rail service! The nearest station is Indianapolis or Cincinnati. For being the largest city in the state, it's residents must work very hard to take Amtrak. Even a connecting bus is very awkward when available. I have to find someone to drive me to Indy the night before and pay their gas and hotel expenses and then have them take me to the station at the crack of dawn. And, since to old and beautiful historic station is now a grand hotel, the wait at the combined bus and Amtrak station leaves a lot to be desired.

[@teambandicoottransit0824]

@trainlady my nearest Amtrak Station from Bowling Green, KY is Cincinnati, OH, and I had to ask my mom that she can drive me to Cincinnati to catch the Cardinal Train to Philadelphia, PA

[@Lynn-kh5rs]

It would also be nice if they increased rail options out of Cincinnati. Something more direct than taking a train due East to then get a train heading south. It's a pain to always have to go to Chicago to get a train to anywhere else.

[@teambandicoottransit0824]

@Lynn-kh5rs yeah, have trains to take people from Cincinnati, Cleveland, Louisville, Bowling Green, KY, Nashville and as well Detroit

[@randall8379]

Roomette is $1,555 Chicago to Miami on the dates I checked. With little layover time in Washington, passengers boarding in Washington or connecting from points north are likely to be inconvenienced with late departures.

[@coryphillips8526]

The only issue I have is the numbers. 40 & 41 are numbers for the former Broadway Limited. Which ran from New York through Philadelphia then on to Chicago. Which I'm still hoping will return. As for the Floridian, that will take away flexibility from passengers between New York & Washington. It should be a Superliner since it's traveling that great a distance. Side note, when will the Sunset Limited return to Florida?

[@traintrak]

One of main reason Amtrak is doing this route in the first place is the Superliner shortage out on western routes. In regards to the Sunset Limited, I wish it could happen but I doubt they would extend back to Orlando considering that the stations on the panhandle need major refurbishment and the track owner is not CSX anymore.

[@Mimilikesstuff]

I'm super happy... I just did a trip with the rail pass, and I'm hoping to catch the pass on sale in future so I can do it again, but with slightly different trains. So this new Floridian route should only be one segment of the pass instead of 2. Yay! More trains!

[@ronclark9724]

Nothing beats the value of the Amtrak Rail Pass...

[@stephenkeever6029]

Getting traditional dining back makes this a great improvement over the Capital limited! Now bring back the Broadway limited!

[@lelandrogers1078]

This is annoying that they didn't restore the original Floridian that went through Nashville and Atlanta. We lost it here in Nashville in 1978.

[@jimpern]

Not true. It went thru Birmingham rather than Atlanta, which made the train too slow, which is why I think it failed.

[@ronclark9724]

The former Floridian went through Jackson TN, Birmingham AL, and Albany GA, not Louisville, Nashville, and Atlanta...

[@lelandrogers1078]

@@ronclark9724 Amtrak stopped at Union Station here in Nashville until 1978. It ran from Chicago to Miami. They then turned Union Station into a hotel.

[@GLICKMIRE]

In the 1950s and 60s, Silver Star and Silver Meteor both followed the Seaboard route through South Hill, Norlina, Henderson, Wake Forest and Raleigh before passing through my home town of Southern Pines, NC. They ran about 12 hours apart and were the premier way to get from New York to Florida. Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) had its own Florida service which ran through Fayetteville, NC, and eventually Savannah, GA. Silver Meteor now follows the old ACL route all the way, but Silver Star branches off at Smithfield, NC and jumps over to the old Seaboard route at Raleigh and rejoins the ACL route at Savannah. I rode the Seaboard trains between Southern Pines and Baltimore a number of times during that period. Never rode any of the Silver service as they blew through Southern Pines like we didn't exist. My ride was the Palmland, another NY to Miami train but very local in nature with heavyweight 6-axle coaches. It was still an easy 9.5 hour ride to Baltimore. We would change locomotives to RF&P at Richmond, then the through coaches and sleepers would be switched to another train in Washington, DC, and travel via Pennsylvania for the remainder of the journey. One-way adult fare was $13.50. I now live in East Texas and there is no easy way to get to NC from here. Texas Eagle passes through here but it doesn't get to Chicago in time for reliable connection to the east. This new Floridian would be a great connection right to my old hometown by eliminating the change in Washington. However, the connection in Chicago would still be a problem. The only other alternative would be a grueling bus ride to Meridian to catch the Crescent. This would drop me off in Greensboro at some ungodly hour at night and 75 miles from my final destination. I hope Amtrak will eventually get some decent East-West service for the southern states but at my age, I doubt I will ever see it. Thank you for the great videos about rail travel. I watch them all.

[@daviddillman6432]

The original Floridian was a direct route to Miami and only one day. Also that route would allow superliners

[@ronclark9724]

However there are other demands for Superliner train sets, especially with the Sunset Limited I mentioned on the post above yours. As it is Amtrak had to search their dressers bottom drawers to find ONE extra Viewliner/Amfleet train set to create the Floridian. While it seems Amtrak has a large fleet of locomotives and rolling stock, Amtrak barely has enough to sustain the services they are doing presently, with just a handful of extra cars to cover for maintenance. Rolling stock does NOT pop out of thin air by magic.The Floridian will consume FIVE Viewliner/Amfleet train sets, one more than the Silver Star. Recently Amtrak did NOT have the Viewliner/Amfleet rolling stock to do this before, not until the ongoing refurbishment program repaired several cars was completed made it possible for Amtrak to do so now...

[@barbaralienhard3490]

I like it, it gives us more options as we're already in Florida.

[@bigjayusmc]

I booked RT roomette for the first train on 11/10. Chicago to Miami and back. Looking forward to it!! Also, It's only a temporary route while Amtrak’s East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project is being completed.

[@ronclark9724]

Maybe, it might be so popular it may stick. Amtrak can always add additional sleepers and coaches to the Silver Meteor, if necessary...

[@wichosaenz2]

I love following your train adventures! Your videos have been so inspiring. Regarding the new Florida-Chicago route, I understand your point about wanting a family room. However, based on your other videos and my own experiences, it seems that the majority of people who enjoy train travel are adults, often retirees, seeking a more relaxed and scenic journey. The long hours on a train without the constant stimulation of TVs and internet might be challenging for younger children. While I appreciate the idea of family-friendly accommodations, I think the current setup caters more to the preferences of the typical train traveler. Keep up the amazing content! Your videos are a great resource for anyone considering a train trip.

[@jcif2468]

When I saw the announcement I couldn't wait to hear your response. Sounds super cool. So the question is, when do you think you will take your first trip on it? 🎉😊❤

[@DanielCohen-j1n]

There was a train called the Floridian stopped service in the 1980s. I believe so what I Amtrak is doing by branding it that is there harkening back to the past in the same way that the meteor and the star.

[@ronclark9724]

Nearly all of Amtrak's train names are from the past...Texas Eagle, Sunset Limited, City of New Orleans, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, etc., etc.

[@DieselElevators]

What's interesting is that this, as far as I know, is the first time since the whole dining experience changed 5-8 years ago where traditional dining is available on a viewliner train. Ever since these big changes happened, viewliners have been exclusively flexible. Honestly, I didn't even know the kitchens were equipped to handle real cooking on the new style viewliner dining cars, I thought they were built specifically for flexible dining configurations.

[@RVail623]

This new Floridian is likely just a placeholder for some future Floridian that replaces the old & slow Floridian that was discontinued in 1979. Amtrak recently purchased a piece of real estate in downtown Atlanta for a potential new train station. Which is probably intended to be included in a future Floridian train: Chicago - Indianapolis - Nashville - Atlanta - Miami. Their current routing to Tampa is not ideal. If they could design a new route that continues south of Tampa to Ft. Meyers, they could eliminate the current backtracking to and from Orlando to Tampa. My suggestion: D.C. - Charlotte, NC - Columbia, SC - Jacksonville, FL - Tampa - Ft. Meyers. Which would also provide better Florida access to/from Charlotte. Let Brightline Florida take care of the passengers between Orlando & Tampa, once that segment is built.

[@davisebbert4835]

You guys are the best!!! Thank you for sharing the details for me (and many others). Tampa based

[@jrother]

Chicago to Miami/Tampa via DC just seems weird, there must be a more direct or efficient route from Chicago. 47 hours....

[@ronclark9724]

It is one night and nearly 24 hours on the City of New Orleans which isn't as long a route as Chicago to Miami... Figure two nights Chicago to Miami, and it was that long a half century ago...

[@DJNX4995]

Understand the Floridian is only temporary. The Capitol limited will more than likely be back after the construction of the tunnels in nyc. I like the superliners better tho. Best views upstairs and less foot traffic to, riding Capitol limited few days after Halloween

[@paulw.woodring7304]

The Superliners won't be back on the Cap though, part of the reason for this change is to release them to help fill-out western train consists. This is also the end of any long-distance trains being crewed out of the Washington, DC OBS crew base, which will now only have cafe and Acela Lead Service Attendants. I can't see DC getting the Cap back once they lose the service, Chicago will just staff it. Look for an engine change both ways in DC, there is no way to refuel locomotives on the platform in DC, they'll just swap-out for a fresh power set, also water the coaches, maybe dump the holding tanks and pull the trash as well. Viewliners are generally just used on single-overnight trips. Amtrak either denied this change in service for weeks, refused to comment, or some officials seemed to be in the dark about the impending change, people in planning and development who should have known. Some of the fans knew what was going on well ahead of some officials.

[@DJNX4995]

@@paulw.woodring7304 I can absolutely see it coming back after the tunnels finishing in nyc, viewliners are mainly for routes into nyc for being able to fit into those small tunnels maybe not superliners tho if it comes back but fans can’t see before the decision makers they make the call

[@HiknbfunnyHkkgg]

Young Timothy Miller Karen Perez William

[@tedbernstein3809]

Notably full dining service is now available between Chicago and DC on this route. The viewliner dining car is stunning and I've heard that sleeper passengers can use this as a sightseer lounge between meals. The Capital Limited did not have a sightseer lounge. Also equipment from the Capital Limited can be use to expand capacity on western trains. Finally, most Amtrak enthusiasts wants to see service restoration extended to the Texas Eagle.

[@ronclark9724]

Texas wants a DAILY Sunset Limited with a daily shunt to the Texas Eagle and a daily connection with the Crescent...

[@tedbernstein3809]

@@ronclark9724 add to that sightseer lounge and full service dining🤠👍🌈

[@susanjt747]

I’m excited. I was looking at DC to Portland after the 1st of the year and noticed the Floridian was the DC to Chicago portion and capital limited wasn’t an option. I didn’t know what the Floridian was and now I do. I’m happy it will be traditional dining.

[@cindymcdonald7547]

We usually board the Capital Limited in Martinsburg, WV. Martinsburg does not have checked luggage available. Therefore, we self load our luggage into the large bins downstairs on this Superliner train, and we have seats in coach for the short ride into Washington, D.C. In D.C., we check our bags, and then transfer to the Silver Star train with a roomette. Now we have a problem because the Viewliner trains do not have the large bins downstairs for luggage. Also, we do not have time to check our bags in D.C. In December this year, we have now booked a roomette for the entire Floridian train trip, but what do we do with our luggage? We have two bags each since we are departing Tampa on a cruise. Can we check our bags at some point on the trip? Any suggestions?

[@choc5166]

Hi. Love your videos. I’m traveling Amtrak from Philadelphia to Miami for a cruise. First time for both. How is the Wi-Fi on the train.

[@ailades123]

I always try to make my reservations early to take advantage of cheaper fare so I was pissed when I found the Silver Star was "sold out" for my annual Philly to Tampa Holiday trip in December. A few weeks of sleuthing revealed I had to break my trip in half in order to get the Tampa part without taking the bus. So for everyone going to Tampa the answer is take the NER to DC or Raleigh then board the FLORIDIAN to points south. Gets you there in about the same time.😊

[@bwcbiz]

I wonder how many folks from the New York area will take NE regional to DC to catch this if their schedule doesn't line up with the Silver Star. The Silver Star/Meteor were already pretty popular in the northeast.

[@im1who84u]

So glad to see this new service! I have been trying to get from North Carolina to Cleveland Ohio for the longest time on a train and now it is finally here! The arrival and departure times in Cleveland are a little off for me due to them being around 3:00A in the morning, but I'll still be taking and using the service. Glad it's finally here! By the way, I am retired from the airlines and can fly for free but would rather pay to take the train.

[@sbeckas]

2 days and NO observation car-not my cup of tea as a solo rider who enjoys the scenery. Not just hanging out in my little roomette. Yes, I know dining room gives views but I like to sit for several hours in the observation and meet fellow travelers.

[@FridayWithoutY-us2nk]

I love that we get to eat steak instead of beef stew on the Capitol Limited portion! Yay!

[@FridayWithoutY-us2nk]

You said in a prior video, though, that the hotels in Miami are far from the station?

[@sandym4875]

We are very excited about this train! Thanks Amtrak for connecting the Midwest to Florida without changing trains. I love the name! Great video as always!

[@stevencipriano3962]

Do you think the bedroom would be big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids(both 8)... Thx

[@KnowALot61]

Replacing only while construction in NY state is ongoing.

[@mikeymutual5489]

12:33 "Nothing is technically fully going away, those routes are still there..." Really? The crush of people that are going to book the Silver Meteor from NYC because the Star is gone will be overwhelming. Yes, they could book a Northeast Regional to DC and transfer, but they won't. So they are taking a train from more customers in NYC and giving a train to way less customers in Chicago. Instead, they should have had the Capitol Limited arrive in DC an hour before the Star coming from NYC and made those people transfer.

[@sswan9689]

Lol!! I found out the other morning when amtrak called me and told me my train was canceled for November 15th. I'm taking the train from Raleigh, NC to Orlando, FL. I ended up calling amtrak to find out why they were canceling the train and the agent told me, no we just switched you over to train# 41 going down and train#40 coming back up. So that train will also be making stops in NC. Amtrak really needs to change their verbage about saying they canceled your train and we have no other transportation for you. That put me in a panic!! Btw: this is only temporary. The East River Tunnel is being repaired, so they had to cut a,few of the trains out.

[@ringo7561]

A true Floridian train should run on Norfolk Southern tracks to Atlanta from Florida (Jacksonville)...then CSX from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Nashville then continue on CSX to Chicago. Including Atlanta would make this a popular train. Problem is Amtrak doesn't want to cut deals with the railroads or the railroads don't want Amtrak on their rails.

[@hirampriggott1689]

I've done the Cardinal and the Silver Star. This sounds interesting!

[@indianasunshine833]

I’m interested. I was looking at a map of the route and it goes to south bend Indiana. If it stops at the airport in south bend. That will be a nice long term lot to park in. You can avoid the mountain driving to Florida. And not worry about Atlanta traffic. Not bad, not bad.

[@cranberryjuice8903]

Sounds so exciting. Can’t wait to check out this new route. Thanks for the info 😊

[@stephanied.k.3589]

No family bedroom goingvto Florida?😮

[@kevinjamesjm7569]

Hi, I live in Columbia SC, and I sometimes take the silver star to my home town Philadelphia, but know it looks that I would have to take two trains to get there when I get to Washington DC. Instead of one.

[@mikeymutual5489]

One good thing about getting rid of the Capitol Limited is the crappy Superliner setup. Without traditional dining, an observation car or WiFi, having a two-level train is pointless, because the views aren't all that interesting. Viewliners are the pick if you value the ability to get around the train easily, and I assume that the train will have WiFi on it as well.

[@aaronhill443]

I do wish that the original Floridian came back as it would give an option of getting to Nashville and another option of getting to Atlanta. I am still on the fence about not having the Capital Limited as I did like having a Superliner option from my city(Cleveland). On a positive note, I do like that you do not have to change trains in DC. I did the two routes while taking a cruise a few years ago and the Capital Limited was a little late, but still made the connection. I also like that I can go directly to Savannah as it is one of my favorite cities. Plan on doing the Floridian connecting to the Borealis in December so I am excited about being able to ride two new train routes this year(3 if you count my ride in May onboard the City of New Orleans).

[@nearly-blindbrian8372]

very cool, I live inn Florida and my daughter lives in Minneapolis, now I only have to take 2 trains as opposed to 3. thanks for sharing!

[@nicoleannkyle]

What do you know about the route from Chicago to Minneapolis?

[@johnwm7039]

Biggest reason Superliners are not being used is there is a shortage of equipment on western routes. That equipment will be deployed there.

[@BeholdtheArchangel]

Will you guys be doing a video on the Floridian?

[@DanielCohen-j1n]

There was a train called the Floridian stopped service in the 1980s. I believe so what I Amtrak is doing by branding it that is there harkening back to the past in the same way that the meteor and the

[@charlesnelson7793]

I think this will be awesome, me and my wife will probably take this trip next summer

[@FrontRow-n4b]

Am I crazy or is this train replacing the capital limited ?

[@DavidThomas-vj3eu]

Great videos! Safe travels you two.

[@jerrymarshall1360]

Sounds awesome. Can't wait to ride. Thanks

[@Legalectric]

Might help with evacuation!! What a time to start a new route.

[@user-di2on5gl2d]

Will put this on my bucket list as well! ❤

[@MaciSpaulding]

Brown Frank Wilson Carol Johnson Kenneth

[@NowBoardingVlogs]

Hey you 2! I love hearing Amtrak will have a new route. One day I hope the US can match some of the European and Asian countries for train travel. I appears they are working on it!

[@DanielCohen-j1n]

And although it is sad to see those relics of the old seaboard airline in Atlantic coastline go by the wayside changes a good thing and I agree with you that this train is probably gonna be a rip roaring success

[@peggywood4360]

I want to go from Florida to Cincinnati. Will that work

[@kathiesullivan2543]

I’m excited to see the video of your trip!

[@ucbearcats1978]

Are there vegetarian options on the dinner menu?

[@susangoodwin450]

How do you get companion coupons?

[@DMAC1301]

I so love rail travel

[@danielstober6249]

I have read that the Superliner equipment which was being used between Washington and Chicago will be sent out west to help with the shortage of operable cars on the long-distance western routes.

[@pdickermn]

This is what I also understand. Helping consolidate the super liner fleet.

[@paulj6756]

Not to mention wasting Superliner cars on the Saluki and Illini

[@DanielCohen-j1n]

Agreed and as much as I would’ve liked to see Amtrak name it like the star or something fun like that I also agree with the folk that made the video that the Floridian is the right branding

[@DanielCohen-j1n]

I also honestly think that they ought to have routed this through New York to take advantage of the northeast corridor and the higher speeds that are all allows

[@ronclark9724]

I suspect the Sunset Limited may either see DAILY services or the return of the TRICE WEEKLY servies to Orlando... Texas prefers the DAILY Sunset Limited with daily shunts with the Texas Eagle and a daily connection with the Crescent, but others prefer the other option... Without any doubt the Sunset Limited needs some love... Frankly TEXAS feels Amtrak is SCREWING them... Imagine a TRICE WEEKLy Lake Shore Limited or a TRICE WEEKLY Silver Meteor? Ask those living close to the Cardinal route...

[@daveedmonds9717]

Please document the trip😊

[@jimpern]

47 hours is ridiculous. It's fine as a stopgap, but Amtrak still desperately needs a Chicago-Nashville-Atlanta-Florida train that takes no longer than 24-27 hours or so.

[@ronclark9724]

Nonsense. The Floridian in the past was a two night train. The City of New Orleans is and was a one night train... Again misinformation, the former Floridian went through Jackson TN, Birmingham AL, and Albany GA, not Nashville and Atlanta... The former train that went through Nashville and Atlanta from Chicago was the Dixie Flyer...

[@paulj6756]

Amtrak seems to have a short -lived memory. The original Floridian was a problem -plagued route. When it was discontinued, it was goodbye to a major headache.

[@ronclark9724]

The former route went through Jackson TN, Birmingham AL, and Albany GA, not Louisville, Nashville, and Atlanta... Track issues either way...

[@louisepennant7290]

Thank you so mush

[@georgemcdowell8302]

The Capitol had the old single level Heritage cars of the '40's & '50's until the '90's when Amtrak introduced Superliners on this route with Sightseer Lounge & Dining cars. Lately there haven't been Sightseer Lounge Cars-they've probably replaced them with Superliner Diner-Lounge cars. I believe Amtrak needs Superliner equipment for routes in the West since there's no word of building more of this equipment soon. During the '80's The Capitol had through coach cars between Chicago & Tampa without changing trains.

[@ronclark9724]

During the pandemic and during the Superliner fleet refurbishment program Amtrak pulled the Sightseeing Lounge off the Texas Eagle and Capitol Limited in order to refurbish the entire fleet. You have to pull cars from service to refurbish them. Amtrak chose NOT to pull the Sightseeing Lounge cars off the west coast trains during the refurbishment program, and rightly so as the west is more scenic. As for the diners, more than a decade ago Amtrak refurbished nine Superliner I diners and converted them to the Cross Country Cafes serving traditional dining meals. During the pandemic and afterwards, the Cross Country Cafes have continued to serve flexible dining meals. Hopefully soon flexible dining ends. Amtrak has been using the Cross Country Cafes to replace the Superliner II diners pulled for refurbishment a few at a time... I know many are frustrated by these pulls during the refurbishment program, but I have yet to hear anyone complain about the finished product when they return to service... Apparently everyone likes the new seat covers, bedding, lighting, new restroom fixtures, and flooring...

[@TheWolfHowling]

One of the rumoured reasons for combining the Capital Limited & Silver Star routes was reported Equipment Storages currently affecting Amtrak. If those problems could potentially be solved at some point in the future, might Amtrak possibly "upgrade" the Floridian to use Superliner rolling stock should it become available? Do y'all think it would happen? Maybe because Amtrak has only ever had single level Viewliner on the east coast routes, the infrastructure isn't capable of handling them?🤷‍♂ That's simply pure speculation on my part.

[@traintrak]

Most likely no for the Superliners. To my understanding, the Silver Star and Capitol Limited are being combined because of construction on the East River Tunnels and a Superliner shortage out on western routes. Superliners are perfectly capable of running between Florida and D.C., as the Auto Train is already running between there anyhow.

[@jasonacg]

It's nice to have one seat to Chicago, with a connection to the major western routes. However, the loss of direct service between Tampa and NYC is disappointing. Tampa is a popular stop, but we're badly underserved. Ideally, they would add a Tampa stop to the Meteor, but I know that's not in the plans.

[@ronclark9724]

Orlando isn't that far away... Ride a bus or have a friend or family drive you there... Not everyone lives in a city or town Amtrak serves...

[@louisepennant7290]

Hi guys, can you pick up the Floridian in new York city to Orlando FLA.

[@robertshedd31]

Not the Floridian, bu the Silver Meteor still will run from NYC to Miami, without going to Tampa on the way.

[@Specialcot77]

Perfect Name 🔥

[@feverishpinkmama]

It’s a great idea

[@rdbarne]

I'm still trying to figure out how cutting the Silver Star from NY Penn Station is going to help alleviate congestion in the East river tunnels while they're doing work? It's not like the Silver Star runs every hour on the hour out of Penn Station like the old Clockers to Philadelphia. If someone can explain it would be a great help.

[@TheOnlyLilithcat]

What I read is that it's to limit the number of trains that are fueled, cleaned and serviced in New York City.

[@deaventuraconkikomas4281]

I think it was going to be better going through Atlanta instead of Washington DC, It is closer to the center East States, which does not have a direct service of Amtrak, but well let's see how it works.

[@ronclark9724]

While Nashville and Atlanta want a daily train link, so does Dallas and Houston with a daily train link... Don't feel like the Lone Ranger...

[@littlee4620]

Omg there’s going to be another train stopping in Pittsburgh? I was already happy about Amtrak planning to add a second Pennsylvanian in the next year or so, but this is nice to know about as well. I hope the segment between Pittsburgh and Chicago on this one is during the daytime, though.

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately you arrive in Chicago in the morning after riding in the night through Ohio and most likely serving Pittsburgh after dusk just like the Capitol Limited...

[@DocBenson]

What's needed is a direct midwest train again... John Q. Public isn't going to want to ride two overnights to Florida. It would cut too much into their vacation time.

[@ronclark9724]

But in the past the Floridian and the Dixie Flyer were TWO night trains... Miami is considerably more east and south than the one night train journey to New Orleans... It is a 24 hours journey to Dallas-Fort Worth from Chicago on the Texas Eagle which doesn't pull into San Antonio after dusk...

[@DorothyHawkins-ng3tk]

Great news

[@helenamara8891]

Is the Floridan train a new train? I take silver stars twice a year and was wondering if this is a newer train. Tks

[@traintrak]

Depends how you view it. It is just a combination of the silver star and capitol limited replacing those trains and forming a direct Miami to Chicago via D.C. train.

[@nbmcla2]

Was one of the silver star or silver meteors the train that you could take your car?

[@ronclark9724]

No, that is the Amtrak Auto Train...

[@sriis7525]

❤❤❤

[@gasoliney]

Is this train temporary? I will travel to the States next year in March-April and it would be a great opportunity to travel from Chicago to Miami by train.

[@traintrak]

Yes it is temporary, but it will be around for a couple of years.

[@gasoliney]

@@traintrak thank you!

[@nataliemkennedy_aboutthebooks]

How long layover in DC

[@Monorail14]

The new Amtrak Floridan is currently scheduled to have a 40 minute layover at Amtrak's Washington D.C. station.

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

We just posted a video for this as well the other day and it's doing well for us. Not doing as good as your video but we are trying! Great video you two as always! Go Tigers! Let's clinch that playoff berth today and not stress over the weekend! Travel safe!

[@adifferenttake8351]

so basically now there is only one train out of NY to south Florida? i would have thought that route would require more than one train a day out of NY during the fall and winter. DC will now have two trains to Florida but NY only one - that is surprising..

[@sswan9689]

This is temporary. They are fixing the East River Tunnel in NYC so they had to cut out a few trains.

[@ronclark9724]

If the Silver Meteor is booked out, Amtrak can add additional sleepers and coaches to the Silver Meteor... And as for frequency of trains, Amtrak's northeast corridor has the most frequency of trains in America... Why the rant?

[@vinceghio]

I’m sad my grandparents live in Rockville md. I’ve only taken the capital limited and once I will miss the superliners

[@joesmith8821]

Taking Silver Meteor from PHL to FTL in March for a cruise.

[@jimlong3216]

This will be a disaster as the Silver Star is late, so do not expect to get anywhere close to ontime.

[@paulj6756]

I was thinking the same thing. I hate to be a naysayer and I hope I'm wrong.

[@ronclark9724]

As if Amtrak isn't late anywhere? They are, expect Amtrak to be late. Not everyone catches a train at the terminus station... Duh...

[@lily-kp1ll]

I've taken this route for several years via capital limited and silver meteor/star to Tampa. I love this new version because I don't have to worry about making Washington DC connection and no longer have to take the Amtrak bus back to Orlando from Tampa.

[@audrarichards103]

I live in Florida and have traveled both trains. I prefer the meteor. I have traveled from West Palm to Chicago with a six hour layover in DC. This will work well

[@Specialcot77]

I love the roommate only when from Penn Station to Charlotte, NC. Your 110% NY Lounge is the best just used Points to get another Pass

[@donnaleonard6127]

I’m looking forward to taking this train! Thanks so much for the video!

[@Specialcot77]

My Fiance 1st tries riding this weekend. She's asked so many questions, and I'll let her get the window seat regular and Business Class

[@tomhenry1592]

I am traveling the Silver Meteor Jan 1 2025 from Richmond VA to Miami and was booked on the Silver Star Returning Feb 15th. I was aware of the new train via FB ads earlier this week, but was impressed I received a call from Amtrak informing me that our ADA cabin is transferred to the new train number 40 and everything else is remaining the same. We had to select the Silver Star returning because of the departure time from Miami. Silver Meteor is just a bit early for disembarking a cruise ship - NCLBliss for us :-)

[@TheOnlyLilithcat]

Even though I have no particular desire to go to Florida, I'm very tempted to try this route just because.

[@dimanimatedtakes]

I like the name "The Floridian", it makes it less confusing and I read something about "Floridian" being the name of an old train from the 70s, so it sounds like Amtrak is calling back to that by naming this route The Floridian. I will say - I keep reading that this new one, The Floridian, is temporary. But I kinda hope that ridership will be so good on it that they will stick it on as a new permanent route because the Silver Service stuff does get confusing. At least to me it did. I do like the Chicago to Miami route though.