Amtrak’s ‘Floridian’ train marks its first 2-day trip from Chicago to Miami, a noteworthy addition to the rail service’s offerings.
The new Floridian route intricately weaves together two established lines: the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star, culminating in an impressive journey exceeding 40 hours.
“The Floridian has arrived!” Amtrak officials enthusiastically announced on X this past Sunday. Bypass the hassle of busy airport terminals and tangled traffic. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, relish Traditional Dining, and more. This fresh route links Chicago and Miami, with stops at key destinations like Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Tampa.
Opinions on social media varied, as many users expressed concerns about the journey’s duration. One individual humorously remarked, “A 48-hour ride. Yet in 1941, the trip took 29 hours (through a much more rational route of course),” reflecting on how modern travel has changed.
In Europe, another user shared, “I can take a train to Africa in the time that Amtrak takes to get to Miami,” offering a pointed contrast to international rail efficiencies.
“Very slow train,” one user lamented. “I’d choose trains over planes if we had high-speed options.” The juxtaposition of a leisurely journey with the demand for speed highlights a tension that rail travelers often navigate.
Amtrak’s social media team responded to the critique with a gracious invitation: “We hope that you will ride with us one day when you have time to relax and enjoy the view along the way.” The aim was clear, to embrace the beauty of slow travel where time itself is a companion, not an adversary.
One curious passenger asked, “What if I don’t have 2 days?” The Amtrak account suggested, “If you’re short on time, we offer various routes and schedules that might better fit your plans. We’d love to see you onboard enjoying the scenery along the way.”
Yet for some, excitement filled the air. “Awesome,” expressed one enthusiastic traveler. Another echoed, “This is really cool.” One man boldly declared, “ON MY LIST,” as if the Floridian journey had carved its place in their travel plans.
The Floridian serves as a temporary alternative due to the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York, projected to last until at least 2027. This development creates a unique intersection of challenges and opportunities as travelers adapt to new routes.
Travelers seeking a one-way ticket on the Floridian will find coach prices beginning around $110, while more luxurious private rooms hover in the $1,000 range. Local businesses, from quaint diners to bustling cafés, await the influx of travel-folk as this train dances through their cities.
Reflecting on these journeys, one might ponder the adventure that awaits beyond the miles, as human connections are formed in the shared space of a train car, where stories intertwine and memories blossom. The Floridian is more than just a route; it is a tapestry of experiences, stories of those who dare to step aboard and let the tracks guide them toward the sun-soaked coasts of Miami. Each stop along the way tells a tale, like the heritage brick buildings of Orlando or the bay sunsets of Tampa, holding within them the allure of discovery.
