Amtrak Revives the Floridian: A One-Seat Ride Between Chicago and Miami

Starting in November, Amtrak fans can enjoy a trip that has not been possible in 45 years: a one-seat ride between Chicago and Miami.

Dubbed “The Floridian” in honor of a long-defunct run between those cities, the new train will be available for about two years—designed to reduce congestion for the Eastern Tunnel upgrade between Manhattan and Long Island.

It will be Amtrak’s only two-night train east of the Mississippi.

And it has a full-service diner.

46 Stops in 11 States

But how, you might ask, does a route running south through Washington, DC manage to free up track in New York?

Well, the new Floridian is actually a combination of two existing trains: the Chicago-to-DC Capitol Limited and the New York-to-Miami Silver Star. Starting Nov. 10, these two will temporarily become one—joined, as it were, where they once crossed paths in Washington. From DC, the former Star will head northwest to Chicago instead of going on to Manhattan; and the one-time Capitol—which used to terminate in DC—will keep heading south to Richmond, Raleigh, Tampa and ultimately, Miami.

The result is a 47-hour ride both ways: Southbound Train No. 41 departs Chicago daily at 6:40 p.m.—while its northbound sister, No. 40, leaves Miami every morning at 11:05. With the cities mentioned above, the Floridian makes 46 station stops in 11 states—including such other destinations as Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale.

Sights along the line include the Allegheny Mountains, West Virginia’s historic Harpers Ferry and the Potomac Valley, with a myriad of marshes and marinas farther south as that scenic river broadens out toward the Chesapeake Bay.

All Abed!

Like all Amtrak trains, the Floridian will offer ample “coach” seating, which is both affordable and spacious—much roomier than flying, though not great overnight.

As for private bedrooms: Trains in and out of New York City (like the Star, for example) use single-level “Viewliner” cars—due to low-roofed tunnels under the Hudson. The Capitol, by contrast, has two-tiered “Superliners,” which offers—among other things—the spacious “family bedroom.” (This spans the entire nine-foot width of the car on its lower level.)

Though it combines trains with different equipment, the Floridian will consist entirely of Viewliners. This will free up badly needed Superliners for Amtrak’s popular Western trains; but it does cut back available accommodations along the new route—since Viewliners don’t have quite as many rooms as Superliner cars.

Folks overnighting on the Floridian can choose the snug “roomettes”—where two facing seats convert to upper and lower bunks for sleep—or the larger “bedroom,” with a couch and facing chair that likewise fold down into two-level bedding; this costlier option also has a private bathroom and shower.

Flexible Food

Though the new train reduces rooms, it does offer something that is currently available on just two other eastern routes: chef-cooked meals in a full-service dining car.

Amtrak’s western trips nearly all have this beloved feature; but in 2019, the company pulled diners off routes east of the Mississippi—switching instead to so-called “flex dining.” A selection of reheated pre-mades with the same menu for both lunch and dinner, these are just a step or two above airline food.

Meanwhile, the popular eastern Auto Train kept its diner; and then in 2023, Amtrak restored dining cars to the Silver Meteor and the Star, which both serve Florida from New York.

Since the Floridian runs two nights and covers six meals, Amtrak has retained the Star’s diner for its full run. Breakfast, lunch and dinner include such popular items as omelet, French toast, Caesar salad, artisan grilled cheese, salmon, flatiron steak and a choice of desserts.

The Floridian also carries a café-lounge for a la carte snacks, light meals and beverages.

Looking Ahead, Looking Back

As a long-time Amtrak devotee, I can’t resist the chance at an eastern two-night train with a diner; I’m already signed up for the ride in April, combining it with my first-ever Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field in the Windy City.

And speaking of nostalgia: Amtrak’s original Floridian ran from 1971 to 1979, taking a more westerly route through Louisville, Nashville, Birmingham, Montgomery and parts of Georgia. The first two cities on that list—from which one of Amtrak’s mighty forebears, the L&N, took its name—have not had rail service since that time.

Sure would be nice to see a more direct train restored along that route.

You might also like these stories: 

• America’s Most Beautiful Train Ride: A Trip on the California Zephyr
• Riding Amtrak’s Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
• The Desert Fox: Riding Amtrak’s Sunset Limited
• Riding Amtrak’s Silver Meteor: Overnight to Jacksonville and Back
• Riding Amtrak’s City of New Orleans: 3100 Miles Around DC, Chicago & the Big Easy

About the Author

Joseph W. Smith III is a writer, teacher and speaker in Central PA. Published in several websites and periodicals, Joe has also penned books on Hitchcock, the Bible, church life and under-the-radar movies—along with a volume of Great Jokes and Riddles. He plays trumpet in a community band; reads 100 books a year; serves as officer in his local church; struggles to keep cheering for the Buffalo Bills; listens to music whenever not sleeping; and maintains a small collection of unused postcards. He can be reached at robbwhitefan@gmail.com.

Featured image courtesy of Amtrak.