NYC to MIAMI on Amtrak's SILVER STAR - 32 Hours in a NEW Sleeper

[@LonestarTrips]

UPDATE: Amtrak's Silver Star has been combined with the Capitol Limited to form the new FLORIDIAN Service between Miami and Chicago! The Silver Meteor remains from NYC to Miami, but the Silver Star is no more. Quick correction: I should have said the “Hudson River” instead of the “East River” after departing NYC. I apologize for the incorrect statement.

[@Kenneth-bo1mq]

Nice Narrative of your Amtrak trains experience

[@cairylester]

5:37 Thanks for the correction. When I heard u saw East River, I was thrown for a loop. 😊

[@Jurornumber5]

@@cairylester I am thrown for a loop when you say "I heard u saw". Is this really what people do now? One guy makes a movie documenting a train ride, and hundreds of others correct his narration.⛈

[@amanifaraj8718]

What the Fuck!?

[@gingermurphy6479]

J

[@kylepost4]

This video made me tear up. My dad was supposed to take this trip in summer 2020 to celebrate him finishing his cancer treatment. Obviously the world shut down in March 2020 and he canceled the trip. He passed away in June, just 2 days before his trip was supposed to happen. 😢

[@gabrielapaulinho1luv]

So sorry for your loss😢, I can't even imagine your experience💔

[@JamilLynch]

So sorry for your loss. 😢

[@LonestarTrips]

Hey, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad's strength in battling cancer and your family's perseverance through such a challenging time are truly inspiring. I hope that someday you may be able to take this train in his honor, and I hope you find comfort in knowing that he's with you in spirit, celebrating every milestone and memory.

[@shemitch]

Please accept my condolences. Why don't you take the trip in honor of him?

[@lauriepierrelouis]

My condolences. I also lost my dad and he said he preferred to travel by train so he could see the scenery. Everyone has their own way of grieving but he'd want you to be happy too.

[@kingbradentucky]

I ride this train often, enough the crews started to recognize me, from Tampa to up north and back. I think it's a very good "beginner" overnight train trip and the chance to depart from NYC and use the Metropolitan Lounge really helps wow people on what train travel SHOULD be like.

[@seprishere]

Alas my only overnight on Amtrak was DC to Chicago. I do want to do London to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper though.

[@randomtransitadventures]

real

[@ECDT1089-EtheLamborghini]

I ride the Silver Service round trip once a year from Maryland to Florida for vacation. I love it. July can't come fast enough

[@TheGetmoneyman]

Me and my mother used to ride it all the time from dc to Florida, this was when it still stopped in ocala, I'm booking a trip soon so my kids can experience it

[@peaches4044]

@@TheGetmoneyman. Did you do Coach? I am trying to find people have and find out what their experience was

[@TheGetmoneyman]

@peaches4044 yes we did coach , but I have already did my trip at the beginning of July, it was my first time in a sleeper, it was decent, kinda expensive but all of your meals are included in your ticket and you can either go to the dinner car or have them bring it too your room , and the trains have free wifi now which worked pretty decent

[@ECDT1089-EtheLamborghini]

@@peaches4044I rode coach years ago. It was okay. You just don’t get the extra amenities like you would with sleepers, and your seats are assigned by the conductor depending on how many were sold.

[@peaches4044]

@@ECDT1089-EtheLamborghini Oh so you have no clue if you can get a window seat or not? I have to bring my own food no matter where I sit. The only amenities for me in roomette would be sleeping and water. Yes I could get coffee or other drinks I thought maybe I might do the bid up I have to take an afternoon train so I am hoping it might not be so crowded You have to take a bus for a few hours at the end

[@trainsignal123]

I love trains, amtrak and all that train stuff after growing up w trains, designing displays, and working at a historic railroad for over 25 years. so with that being said. I think that your video presentation is TERRIFIC.. I especially loved the coordination with the people on the ground (nice extra touch) and the virtual railcams. I love those things. Keep up the good work and thanks for introducing us to the new cars~! Have great trips ahead. Thank you!!!

[@TheManunderwater]

Is the traditional meal service still plastic tableware or is it now ceramic.

[@stephenkeever6029]

I must express my ongoing admiration for the seamless flow, captivating engagement, and overall pleasant viewing experience your production style consistently delivers. Your ability to showcase another Amtrak journey while keeping it fresh is truly commendable. I wish I could have provided footage for your trips in and around Philadelphia, but my work schedule did not allow it.

[@janedaugherty8407]

My dad “hoboes” on trains when he was a young man. He was born in 1893 so it was a VERY long time ago. I hope he looks down upon the trains of today…..I bet the riders of today don’t have stories, like daddy did, to share. I guess that is a good thing! 🤔. I would love to take this trip on Amtrak. 🤔

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Uhmmmm born in 1893? Was he like 70 when you were born?

[@janedaugherty8407]

@@TheMrPeteChannel …Actually, I think he was 49 or 50…….he was 18 years older than my mom! He had a very interesting life…. He “rode the rails” as a youngster and worked construction on his travels. He was a Master Bricklayer and it was said it took 3 “hod carriers” to keep him in “mud”, i.e., cement, when he was building a wall. In his 90’s, he was advising builders in the Manassas, VA, area who were repairing and re-building Civil War type buildings. I am 81 and have an older brother, 84, and a younger one, soon to be 80. My Mom was 86 when she passed. It was said he was a “moonshiner” and I know for a fact that we always had a couple of jars of “homemade ‘shine” around as I grew up.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

​@@janedaugherty8407Wow. Really that's all I can say us wow. What a life!

[@isabellind1292]

@@janedaugherty8407 I love your comments. Your father would be touched to read them. I wish you good health & happiness.💓🌺

[@FreihEitner]

Nice! Glad to see traditional dining beginning to come back in the eastern US.

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

There’s also a likelihood of the Crescent returning to traditional dining later this year as it already has been confirmed that dining cars will be restored by July. The Lakeshore Limited could also be in the running as well.

[@saangtoaikaa9211]

@@johnsons74thsquadron74When will it return on the Texas Eagle & CONO?

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

@@saangtoaikaa9211 As of now, there are no plans to return either the Eagle or the City to traditional dining. But that doesn’t mean it will be permanent, it’s highly subject to car availability. Right now, Superliner dining cars are in such short supply that the City has been running without one since last summer. While unsure if traditional dining will return to either of these routes, the City will have a diner restored to its consist in the coming weeks. The Texas Eagle will also have a Sightseer Lounge restored in October.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Where did you find this out, I doubt the observation car will happen on the Texas Eagle since then they will have 2 observation cars when the Sunset Limted connects to the Texas Eagle in San Antonio and low of cars so we will see what happens.

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

@@chrisdobrowolski2783 That is incorrect. The Texas Eagle historically had a consist of a baggage car and 7 Superliner cars. (2 sleepers, 1 diner, 1 lounge, and 3 coaches). The only cars that continue past San Antonio on the Sunset Limited are one coach and a sleeper. The rest of the consist stays in San Antonio including the Eagle’s lounge and diner. The Sunset always operated with one lounge and diner the entire route from New Orleans to LA. The Eagle would wait for the eastbound Sunset with a thru coach and sleeper that would be attached to it before it departs for Chicago.

[@kendufresne]

One of these days I would like to travel from Boston to Miami using the Silver Star in one direction and the Silver Meteor the other. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@arlenestanton9955]

What is the difference between the 2 trains?

[@mattkane5468]

You went rattling through my neck of the woods at 110 MPH. Adams Yard is in my hometown of North Brunswick, NJ.

[@jimpern]

I understand the Viewliner 1s have now all been retired. The last time I rode in a roomette on the Crescent before the pandemic, the only times I had to leave my room were to go to the dining car for meals. It was handy to have the toilet in the room, but I'll adapt.

[@LonestarTrips]

They have not been retired, and likely will not for quite some time.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@LonestarTrips 110MPH restriction on them, not on one of our trips. Our GPS clocked us in at 115 MPH. And I would still look for a Viewliner 1 car if taking a Roomette. As for the food, it has always been good when I've traveled.

[@michaelrief4424]

This was a lot of fun. I’ve ridden Amtrak numerous times but I’m 78 now and my train travel days are over.

[@kennixox262]

As a native of the Tampa Bay area, I totally forgot that Amtrak goes to Tampa. Have not lived there in many decades.

[@PuzzlingRailfanatic]

Yet another excellent video/trip report/documentary, as always!

[@tomcat11561]

Except for that hight pitched voice

[@buttercuppy269034]

Love your videos! They make me wants to ride so bad, I’m disabled so I’d have to accompanied for sure! Taste the Biscuit, taste the goodness of the biscuit!😅❤

[@TonMaison]

Same here unfortunately 😕

[@gabrielapaulinho1luv]

The sun shining in the bluest sky, and through slightly ominous clouds, combines with gently falling rain for a lovely tableau and ambience. How the camera adores the garden elements and shows the picturesque neighborhood is delightful and calming. The reflections in the rain in harmony with the sun remind us to appreciate each small moment in time. Oh, how I love a charming film that celebrates nature! ☺️💚🌦🌞

[@Mike-hf8kq]

I remember riding the star and meteor in the old days when they both had tampa and miami section s and split/joined in jacksonville. Also remember the even older days when they split/joined in Auburndale.

[@NormanAllen-ps9ju]

I love your videos of train trips on Amtrak ! I like your positive attitude , and I am never bored . Your photography is excellent, and the inserts from trackside fans also add interest ! I also appreciate the fact that you know very much about trains and Amtrak ! Keep up the excellent work !!!

[@raycooney7632]

Nice job. Great scenery and great commentary.

[@LonestarTrips]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@J.M.Chadwick6]

Very nicely done; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very clever to incorporate the Raifan cameras. I watch them every day and it was great to see your train passing thru.

[@LonestarTrips]

Much appreciated. The railfan cameras add so much to the video, and now that I have a rolling agreement with VR to use their cams, there should be more shots like it coming in the future.

[@wolteraartsma1290]

really enjoyed this. May I point out that the northern end of Tri-County Rail is Mangonia Park, north of W.P.B.? I rode the whole length from Miami airport to Mangonia Park and back to gratify my desire to arrive in Lake Worth by train. Settled for passing through Lake Worth by train. Mangonia Park (at that time) still had the old Florida bungalows up on cinder blocks. Miami had a few left like that near downtown but they are probably long gone. In the first decade of this century there was talk of a second commuter rail line on the F.E.C. track but looks like Brightline eclipsed that.

[@LeeAvison]

Yeah a cool Video , Thanks for the information here , It is Priceless 👍👍

[@RealCrimsonPeach_TSFTWDTFTL]

This was a great video! I've always wanted to go to Florida, and Amtrak is one of the main reasons why. I am also glad to hear that the East Coast routes got their traditional dining back. Honestly, I think that burger looks pretty amazing. I'm also a pretty huge fan of Super Mario, so if I ever take Amtrak to Florida, I would likely visit Orlando so that I could check out Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios. As a matter of fact, my mom is actually considering a family vacation down there during a summer within the next few years. Anyway, I always enjoy your content, and I look forward to seeing more of it in the future.

[@SteveLipmanMusic]

My wife and I just made the trip between New Haven and West Palm and return about 4 weeks ago on 97/98. Both trips were excellent, the food was amazing, and the service in the sleepers was great both ways. We ran pretty much on time. A couple of comments though regarding our Viewliner II. On all trips the windows were filthy as they were in your video. Amtrak needs to wash these trains in New York and Miami. They generally operate timely and there is no credible excuse. This really is a major detraction. The other comment is regarding the shower operation both north and southbound. It took almost 15 minutes for the water to get to an acceptable temperature. As far as the water pressure, southbound it was weak but doable. Northbound it basically was a trickle. I managed but they need work. I personally do prefer having the toilets down the hall vs the rather smelly experience found in the Viewliner I's. I've been traveling this route frequently since the mid 1970's and have experienced almost all Amtrak's incarnations in Florida service. Interestingly, the Viewliner I's when new offered in room music and Videos and really kept the kids entertained. Still, capacity over the years has really shrunk. When I first began riding, these trains stretched easily to 17 cars offering separate diners to both coasts, nicely appointed lounge cars and even a sleeper lounge with complimentary hors d'oeuvres for sleeping car passengers. Unfortunately, due to the age of the equipment, air conditioning many times failed as did heat and electricity. The newer equipment was definitely an improvement in that department and was a necessity if the service was to continue. Obviously, Amtrak is again facing this same issue, too much old, worn-out equipment to handle demand adequately. Hey, why not post a picture of yourself so we can put a face to the voice! :)

[@LonestarTrips]

Glad you've been able to enjoy Amtrak's Florida services in all their many forms! I agree the showers can be hit or miss. I forget if it was on this route or the train previous (which would have been the Cardinal in this case), but the shower took forever to get up to temperature. The water pressure was good, or at least good enough, on both occasions. I'm hoping that these new cars are only the start of what's to come with Amtrak long distance. With the Request for Proposal for the superliner replacements expected next month paired with the FRA long distance study published a couple months ago, I can only imagine the future is bright for sleeper trains in the US. Also, I posted a face reveal a couple months ago after the channel hit 20k subscribers if you're looking to put a face to the voice!

[@SteveLipmanMusic]

@@LonestarTrips Thanks for the response! Yes, it will be interesting to see just what designs are in the future for Amtrak's long-distance services. Yes, I've seen many changes over the years. Actually, Flex dining was not the worst incarnation for food service on Amtrak. During a very lean period, all meals were replaced with microwave versions of absolutely terrible quality. At least the Flex meals, usually warmed in the convection oven, were tasty, although the esthetic was and remains awful. I remember the rubber eggs from those days and tough, salty meat. In addition, the cutlery and dishes were so cheap they actually frequently failed during use. This rather nasty dining was ultimately distributed throughout the system. They began phasing out that horror incrementally. The Builder and Capitol were designated premier trains and received full dining with Pyrex dishes, glasses, tablecloths and silverware. All trains eventually received the service. On the Florida trains there were two other food delivery experiments I remember. The buffet dining cars which constituted a kitchen and buffet line, paired with a car consisting of tables, were quite successful and useful when the Florida trains carried huge numbers of passengers compared to today and all passengers could access the service. These were a Claytor brainchild and ran basically when he was in charge of Amtrak. The food on these was chow-line style. You stood in line, picked out your meal, it was put on a plate and carried to the adjoining car by an attendant. The food was of average quality. I remember the salmon being dry and overcooked but certainly better than Flex. The other incarnation that ended almost before it began was "Family Dining" where platters of food or tureens of very gross Italian Wedding Soup were put on a table for everyone to share. People absolutely detested this service, and it was rather quickly withdrawn. Hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. Regarding your pic, I honestly tried to find this, but have absolutely no idea which video it resides. Perhaps you can send: [e-mail] . Thanks! Steve

[@LonestarTrips]

Wow, I never would've though a buffet service would make it past the planning stages, let alone onto an actual train. And I can only imagine how terrible the actual microwave meals must have been. I personally don't think flex dining is all that bad, but a step below that would really be awful. Anyways, I always enjoy hearing stories from rail travel of generations prior! Also, here's a link to the face reveal/QnA video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2G9qKanirJnr80

[@arlenestanton9955]

Can you get off at Ft. Lauderdale?

[@SteveLipmanMusic]

@@arlenestanton9955 Absolutely, both the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star have station stops in Lauderdale.

[@davids1258]

Love this stuff! Started riding trains in 60-64. Pennsy through Indy. The “Spirit.”

[@Neville60001]

VIA Rail needs to buy a ton of Viewliner II cars from CAF and replace the antiquated past-their-prime Budd passenger cars on both the _Ocean_ (Montreal to Halifax) and _Canadian_ (Toronto to Vancouver) trains.

[@gregorylparks7304]

That's look cool! Great Picture of Tren Urbano

[@JaxB-po8ld]

@LonestarTrips! I love this video! The Silver Star train is the best one ever! I love it!! Thanks for posting jt

[@LonestarTrips]

I’m so glad you enjoyed! It’s a shame the silver star is being turned into the Floridian as of November 10th, but it’s great to have a comprehensive video on it.

[@JaxB-po8ld]

@LonestarTrips! Will the Silver Star still start in New York to Miami still? How about the Silver Meteor? I heard it will be a Floridian train starting soon!

[@LonestarTrips]

Sorry I missed your response. The Floridian will take the place of the Silver Star from Miami to DC, but the Meteor will remain in service from NYC-MIA.

[@JaxB-po8ld]

@LonestarTrips! I understand! This is kinda of exciting of the Silver Star being the Floridian train across the USA also! The Auto Train from Lorton to Sanford!

[@cryorig_transit05]

7:44 Amtrak says that it will run revenue service on Spring 2025!

[@Theconservativeindependent]

Hey hey...Raleigh NC neighbor here. Love the train videos that inadvertently take me home 😂❤

[@Perich29]

When you get to Washington DC they will do a realay swap where they do a drop and hook, the electric will drop and hook to cars going to NYC, and the Disesl loco whill hook to cars going to Miama, its a Relay swap. The train trip is like sailing onboard the Queen Mary 2 on land.

[@ServraghGiorsal]

He finally. Got around to. Showing the. Roomettes . Are there any handicapped accessible compartments? Could a walker/ rollater transvers the hallways??

[@karlstriepe8050]

So pumped for the return of real food! Odd no dinner starters and no egg quesadillas, but given amtrak salsa sucks, loss of quesadilla is fine.

[@LonestarTrips]

Right?! Real food finally returns! If what people are saying is correct, the crescent and maybe even the Lake shore limited will also see the return of traditional dining this year.

[@giogullotto]

"and the biscuit... well, it's a biscuit" truer words have never been said before speak your truth king

[@ronclark9724]

Amtrak just announced the retirement of the Silver Star and Capital Limited. Both will be replaced by the newly named Floridian sleeper train equipped with Viewliners. The DC to NYC section of the Star loses sleepers, but Amtrak provides many trains there already. I remember you once suggested Amtrak provides services everywhere from Chicago except Florida. Not true for long.

[@BeckyDaniels-db3bc]

I'm aware that they're going in a high rate of speed but I never realized just how fast or how much faster it's going to get. I was under the impression I really wanted Amtrak trip but to see the scenery and across the United States not to speed across it but enjoy it

[@robertbufkin5568]

Thanks!

[@LonestarTrips]

Thank you for the donation!

[@eliaomg]

On the 23rd I rode the silver meteor and it was so fun

[@LonestarTrips]

Nice! In all honesty, the silver meteor is the better service, mainly because it's significantly shorter.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@LonestarTrips The fun fact is that if the Star gets delayed a little, the Meteor makes it into Miami first. There have been trips where listening to the RR radio we hear conversations of the dispatcher deciding which train is going to go first. At times the two are running only a block signal set apart. The Meteor is also the only one which connects with the Cardinal and it was stupid when they cut it instead of the Star during Covid.

[@MrBeauGator]

Very well done. I ride the Silver Meteor once, maybe twice a year from New York City to West Palm. Rode the Silver Star once a couple of years ago. It was quite interesting, especially the turn around outside of Tampa. I usually watch these kinds of videos with the sound all the way down, as there is an art to good commentary that not everybody gets. You, my friend, did a fine job! Thank you.

[@workinghardusa]

Great video, well done!

[@LonestarTrips]

Much appreciated, thanks!

[@TheRoadTripChannel]

Nice trip. I take it this video filmed before the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that happened just recently, as you mentioned going through Baltimore, Maryland. 🚆 Ironically, we had TWO earthquakes here in central New Jersey on Friday. Epicenter happened just about 20 miles northwest from where I live. Magnitude 4.8 and 4.0 earthquakes. Wow! 😲

[@gabrielapaulinho1luv]

I'm in Jersey City -- yah, that earthquake yesterday morning and the aftershock around 6 p.m. were crazy! My building shook and I felt the floor rumble beneath my feet. I thought the building was about to blow up. My adrenaline sent me grabbing exactly what I needed in 10 seconds to exit my apartment and I joined my neighbors in fleeing to the sidewalk. Insane experience! But the earthquake on the East Coast in 2011 (I think the epicenter was in Virginia) measured about 5.8 on the Richter scale.

[@TheRoadTripChannel]

@@gabrielapaulinho1luv Grew up in JC when I was very young (Country Village section). The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail 🚆 is great going through JC by the Newport Centre Mall. 😊

[@lalakerspro]

@@gabrielapaulinho1luv Meanwhile in california we dont bat an eye at a 5.8 lol. Easterners are funny freaking out at an earthquake

[@LonestarTrips]

I filmed this in December of last year, so well before any of the wild events happened in the northeast.

[@CaradhrasAiguo49]

I don't think the Key Bridge was ever visible from any part of the Amtrak NEC. Maybe from the Baltimore light rail viaduct over the Patapsco...

[@billbresson4663]

Traveling on the silver meteor this weekend looking forward roomette reserved

[@cliffordporteriii6625]

Bring back a full service diner👍🏽😎🚃🚃🚃🚃

[@SuperDave30]

Another great awesome video.

[@Sundance1987]

Excellent; thank you; encouraging, as I wish to enjoy this route in the new sleeper, from Florida to NYC, roundtrip; I reside in north central Florida! Keep traveling and be safe!

[@PCBill0622]

Nice trip report-I appreciate you enthusiasm for Amtrak. I, as well, can’t understand the menu modifications from the western dining. Some minor corrections: I know you meant Hudson River Tunnel. Just curious-do you carry a scanner on your trips. CSX, including Amtrak on CSX tracks, calls out train number and location so it’s really easy to follow your location as well as other trains in your area. Glad to see you are a VRF subscriber. At Auburndale you were looking at No. 98-MIA-NYC (not 97). After Auburndale Jct. you passed a plant with a lot of steam coming from it. That is one of the largest orange juice processors in the state.

[@robertmonaghan5420]

Wish Amtrak kept The Toilet. Super Convenient, and You really didn't know it was there. It didn't smell either

[@joememphis1571]

I returned from Union Station in Kansas City (plus a five hour layover in St. Louis) about a couple of weeks ago and I bought a roomette and it was pretty nice to say the least. The restrooms and showers were a tad tight as I’m tall and rotund but I managed. We had to take a bus from Fort Worth to Temple due to numerous miles of train tracks that had been damaged by the recent storms all over East Texas.

[@JJRol.]

Great video Lonestar! Was this trip before recording Brightline content? Also thank you for providing conversions to kmh, it saves me a lot of maths and time!

[@LonestarTrips]

Thanks! And I'm glad the unit conversions are working out. Apologies for not including them sooner, but now they're here to stay! Also, this was recorded after the Brightline content. It was a part of a much longer journey in December of last year, which started with the Southwest Chief, transferred to the Cardinal, and then used the Star to get down to Miami.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Quite a trip reaching the same latitude as the Bahamas!

[@blind_gamer16]

Hey y'all! Thanks again to Lonestar for lett me swong by FTL and catching 91. Here's a tip: if you're wanting the best signal for Wi-Fi, it's best to sit in the dining car (or cafe car). I think you'd get the best signal there. Gotta love railfanning once in a good while!

[@LonestarTrips]

Thank you again for the footage! It really added another layer to the video. And that's an excellent tip! I think the main connection point is in the cafe car, which makes sense why the wifi signal is better in there. Thanks again!

[@axelr9075]

taking the Silver Star next month. Glad to hear the dining car is back up to full service - and yes, those Amtrak Steaks taste great

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

As always, a wonderful report on a route I definitely must take. Here are my thoughts on this as well as news trends: As of last month, coach passenger access to the dining car has been restored on both Silver Service trains. Rates are the same as they are on the western routes that already offer this service. On the Viewliner II sleepers, I really appreciate Amtrak’s decision to remove the in room toilet for roomettes. Sure a shared facility may be more inconvenient, but it’s much better than having to deal with the stench of sewage in your room. I really hope Amtrak hires more dining car staff to handle the patronage that these trains have demand for. Upon restoring traditional dining on these routes, Amtrak dropped a 3rd sleeping car from the Silver Meteor over concerns to overburdening the dining car staff. “Make the service better and at the same time reduce capacity” don’t pair well together. The Meteor never ran with less than 3 sleeping cars pre-Covid and with Amtrak bringing back 8 Viewliner I sleepers from storage, the reduced capacity makes even less sense and this is why the Silver Service trains were chosen to have traditional dining restoration first as opposed to routes like the Crescent, because they have more demand and more revenue than any other route aside from the western routes. While I do miss the former CB&Q heritage dining cars that operated on the eastern routes until 2016, the Viewliner II Diners are a really nice replacement. The glass dividers between each booth is especially a nice touch. Love the trip reports. Keep them coming!

[@hirampriggott1689]

I rode the Silver Star from NY City to Kissimmee, Florida two years ago in a roomette. Very relaxing. I fly so much, and I wanted to try something different, and I enjoyed it. Lots of old timey nostalgia and history, plus you avoid the airport hassle.

[@richardsmith4187]

Great video and loved seeing Ashland Va and Folkston Ga as I watch both cams along with Plant city. Nice you got to stop in Tampa ( my home ). I hope to take a nationwide tour on Amtrak soon and look forward to the sleeper cars ! Thanks again

[@audrarichards103]

Love your video I have taken both trains from NY to Sebring except the train heads west to Tampa

[@LonestarTrips]

Glad you enjoyed. I'd like to take the Silver Meteor someday, likely heading north from Florida to NYC.

[@ShamWowProphet]

Great video!!! My bucket list includes doing such a great trip! Call me old school....but I miss those tail cars. Trains always look incomplete.

[@carolbarno5557]

I really enjoyed this video! Thank you

[@kbyrdleroy]

Always love your videos. Very informative and humourous when intended. Please do more, specifically airplanes.

[@ccmgoalie35]

I did a roomette buffalo to nyc was so nice about 8.5 hour trip Hoping next summer to go Metropark to dc to pitttsburgh in a bedroom Amtrak is great

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Excellent review and scenery on the route. Can you travel on the auto train if you are not travelling with a car/vehicle?? Hope all is well, take care. Greetings being sent from across the pond in England

[@presteign]

From checking on their app, it does seem like a vehicle is necessary. But given that you'll probably need a car at both ends anyway if you take the autotrain (both stations are about a 30 min drive from the city center and essentially inaccessible by public transit), the silver meteor/star would be a uniformly superior experience in that case anyway, unless you're adamant about specifically riding a train from DC to Orlando without intermediate stops

[@JC-bl9bo]

Excellent video as always. Why do you suppose the ALC-42 wasn't the lead Loco?

[@paulconnors2078]

I know meals are included in sleeper fares, but if you wanted to buy another entree, would you be able to do so?

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

I've known this train for years

[@hongs8867]

It seems to me Amtrak sleeper is very expensive. How far in advance do you purchase tickets to get best price?

[@LonestarTrips]

It depends how extensive the trip is I’m taking. I usually aim for about 4-6 months in advance, as that’s when the prices are usually the lowest.

[@kingbradentucky]

I have never figured out the rhyme or reason on prices. It's all driven by some algorithm. I've paid anywhere from I think $600 to $850 for one way Tampa to NYC. I usually try to book two to three months out.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

According to grounded life travel KZbin the cheapest fare is the first roommmate booked on that train, next 1 is more expensive and the last roommate on that train will be the most expensive.

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

As mentioned in my initial comment, space on these trains is particularly expensive to book because capacity was tightened at the same time traditional dining was restored. The Silver Meteor had a 3rd sleeping car dropped at the moment the dining service was introduced because of supposedly the dining car staff being insufficient to handle that many passengers. So far there haven’t been plans announced yet to restore that car. The Star could also use an additional sleeper as well.

[@gabrielapaulinho1luv]

Hi there. As a customer of Amtrak Guest Rewards, I'd like to offer my 2 cents.😅 You cannot book an Amtrak fare of any type more than 11 months in advance.

[@kingbradentucky]

Tampa is Florida's second busiest station. They will fill up an entire car just for the Tanpa to Orlando leg. Its already beyond insane that route is not mutli trains daily. It will also be a shame if the Chicago to Florida train route does not stop in Tampa b/c its a very midewest transplant area.

[@michaelwyatt1684]

Taken silver Star several times train back's up in station

[@saangtoaikaa9211]

Amtrak Routes that are less than 750 miles have to be supported by State funds. Red States like Missouri [Missouri River Runner] and North Carolina [Piedmont, Carolinian] fund Amtrak's state supported routes. Will Florida ever spend money on supporting Amtrak for passenger rail?

[@kingbradentucky]

@@saangtoaikaa9211 sadly, no. Florida won't spend the money on rail.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

Brightline has plans to serve Tampa in the future.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

​@@saangtoaikaa9211why should they? Brightline can do it better and without public funding.

[@vincent412l7]

I need to ride this (these?) trains. I've always wondered where the height restriction(s) are on this route (why they cannot use SuperLiners). I would love a SuperLiner sleeper set out at Washington to be picked up to go to Florida.

[@LonestarTrips]

The height restrictions are the tunnels on the NEC. As for superliners down to Florida, you can take AutoTrain from Lorton, VA, just south of DC, to Sanford, FL. Granted, you need to bring a car with you, but it’s all superliners on that train.

[@vincent412l7]

​​​​@@LonestarTripsyes AutoTrain runs down to Florida, and the Capitol Limited runs to Chicago. I just wondered if SuperLiners can run the entire route from Washington to Florida. Maybe a third train, to restore / replace the SilverPalm, between Washington and Florida, with SuperLiners. Or maybe when they do the engine change they can add a SuoerLiner (although this would be a headache for operations).

[@gravelydon7072]

@@LonestarTrips Superliners also can run the Cardinal route from Chicago to DC. And yes, I have been on it when they did. A great view in the New River Gorge. So that answers Vincent412l7 question below. Superliners can go to Beech Grove either on the Cardinal or by the Capitol Limited and then the Cardinal to get there.

[@RSDX99]

If the Silver Star which I have ridden many times is Amtracks most popular train then it should have the latest and best passenger cars available along with the best attendants. Not my experience!

[@AG7-MTM]

Why is it amtrak runs all its services through penn station? Why not run a few out of grand central?

[@southerncrescentproductions]

The Star is the signature long distance train that stops in my home city of Raleigh NC! The fathers I’ve ever gone on this train is Richmond VA. I’ve never done a sleeper car in my entire life. Would you recommend it?

[@bsr6823]

OMG I am so happy they brought back traditional dining!!! I may actually do this trip again soon.

[@JohnnieV]

At 31:30 head east to Tampa? Tampas on the west coast of Florida so that’d be really difficult

[@freightdawg6762]

Excellent!!!

[@svenmartin840]

Did you see Danny Harmon, Millennial force or jawtooth filming???

[@chipholland9]

Which bed orientation gives you better sleep? With it in line with the coach, or cross-ways?

[@stuartlee6622]

Tell us what did you wear TO the shower? AND on the way back FROM the shower do people wear pajamas??

[@RABSTRAINS]

I really enjoy your trips!

[@JediTev]

You were talking about the toilets not being in the Viewliner IIs, the old Slumbercoaches had toilets in the room. It was a covered by a padded seat. Didn't even notice it was there. The idea for sink came from those old sleeper cars.

[@thomasfarrell2209]

The tunnels are not under the east river. You should have said north or Hudson River

[@LonestarTrips]

Yep, I should’ve. It was a rush to get this ready and I missed it in my edits. Sorry about that.

[@yvonneplant9434]

The train hall is as gorgeous as this video says!!!! ❤

[@AmtrakNerd42]

Have you made a video about the California Zephyr?

[@LonestarTrips]

I haven’t yet. I tried to ride it a couple weeks ago, but had the journey cut short due to a winter storm west of Denver. I’ll be making a video on the first part, with the intention on completing the journey over summer.

[@AmtrakNerd42]

@@LonestarTrips ok, thank you.

[@henrivanbemmel]

I get that there are no deep fryers on board, but air fryers work great. Why not have fries and wings etc using air fryers?? Seems safe enough to me.

[@WahleahHarjo-b5z]

I love the train so much and can't wait to ride the train for my first time with my family

[@hermanchan2794]

Do you think Siemens chargers are ever allowed into New York City tunnels. They seem like they contain electricity inside the diesel power.

[@MrMarshmallow26]

The ALC-42s are only diesel power, but the Amtrak Airo Chargers will feature hybrid ALC-42Es which will probably be allowed in the tunnels if they're running on services utilizing the tunnels.

[@hermanchan2794]

@@MrMarshmallow26 And also for the Empire Corridor they will have Siemens chargers with electric batteries while running on third rail at the same time.

[@BirbarianHomeGuard]

The diesel engine powers an electric motor that spins the wheels.

[@hermanchan2794]

@@BirbarianHomeGuard interesting

[@de-fault_de-fault]

Virtually all diesel locos are electrics in disguise…instead of pulling current from the outside, they use the diesel engine to make it on-board, but the actual traction power still comes from electric motors at the wheels. This is what makes dual-mode locos possible. However, none of the current Charger fleet are dual-mode capable, so they need the engine running at all times and therefore can’t be used in Penn Station.

[@reallyjustrandom1230]

The fastest train In Japan will get you about 900 miles in about 8 hours. Imagine something like that here in the states! Amazes me how far behind we are in the times when it comes to our transportation.

[@PARABOLA1966]

Blame it on the, American mentality. Also; contrary to most European and Japanese high-speed rail lines, American passenger trains have to share track with freight trains, and most of those are owned by the freight lines.

[@reallyjustrandom1230]

​@@PARABOLA1966 yup.

[@PenSteel-ih8qr]

The US is about a 100 times larger than Japan , it would cost billions to run the specialized rails and Japanese rail system is owned by the government, the rail system in the US is privately owned!!😮😮

[@reallyjustrandom1230]

​@PenSteel-ih8qr the amount of money we give to other countries alone would be enough to cover high speed rails in the U.S. our spending budgets are in the trillions and is much higher than that of Japan. For the record, I'd have no issues with our public rail systems being owned by the our government (the tax payers). There are many countries that are way ahead of us in both infrastructure and publications transit. We really need to wake up and get moving forward else we will continue to move backwards in our infrastructure.

[@PenSteel-ih8qr]

@@reallyjustrandom1230 once again our rail system is privately owned and maybe you're a commie but most Americans want less Government intervention 🤪

[@peaches4044]

I wonder what traveling by coach would be like. From NYC to Tampa Roomette. Do the seats recline

[@patarnold402]

Yes they make a bed ❤❤

[@peaches4044]

@@patarnold402 Can the seats recline a bit during the day without making it into a bed

[@HAThompson]

This was great, thank you. Rode the train for the first time from Dallas to Pontiac, Mi last year. Looking forward to my next train trip!

[@LonestarTrips]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope your first train trip was excellent, and safe travels on your future travels.

[@MrMarshmallow26]

I would love to take Amtrak all over the country, especially the Silver services or Auto Train to get to Florida. Awesome!

[@gravelydon7072]

I travel a lot on the Auto Train and even on a bad trip, it is better than driving. Last year we were 5 hours late into Lorton because we had a fuel leak on the loco and were delayed that long in Jax while we got another ( 3rd ) loco. I do feel sorry for the crews at times as we have often left as late as 2100 from Lorton and not gotten into Sanford as late as 1630. And seen the crews go on the law before we even reached Deland.

[@JaxB-po8ld]

This is the best train ever!! I love it

[@MaureenKelly-p8d]

Very enjoyable…..thank you…from Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LonestarTrips]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@K.D-1109]

What day did u take this train also I just took this trip its really fun

[@jimward7881]

I hope with the new tunnel will allow for the auto train to go farther north. Maybe even New York

[@LonestarTrips]

Auto train will unfortunately stay as Lorton to Sanford, mainly because it requires a specialized station to deal with auto traffic.

[@k.m.h7480]

I took a Amtrack from Grand Central to LA and went 1st class . It was the best vacation I ever had . Not crazy about California tho I didn’t see any movie stars lol

[@thejmister4961]

Some great kayaking under the nec bridges through md

[@christophercancel934]

my favorite route.

[@Lorena-OT7]

Omg this is my dream travel, NY to Florida❤

[@tylersmall6024]

Great video!!! This is a bucket list route for me to take. What has been your favorite route so far?

[@LonestarTrips]

My favorite so far has been the Coast Starlight. The mix between stunning mountain passes and coastal views is really phenomenal.

[@AL5520]

Another geat video. Just one thing. We tend to read initials if possible so it's CAF, as a word (kaf) and not C-A-F.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

That butter cake looks soooo good!

[@prairiedoggy1]

Best train travel video I’ve seen!