Train travel is booming. In the last year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has served 24+ million riders, and in 2023, Tampa’s Union Station served 129,036.
The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Meet the Floridian
If you’re leaving from Tampa Union Station, you may end up riding on the Floridian (a relatively new route):
- WiFi | Floridian trains come equipped with free WiFi, so you can keep reading TBAYtoday. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
- Food + Drink | This train offers cafe service (snacks and drinks for purchase) and traditional dining (chef-prepared meals for first class travelers).
- Accommodations | The Floridian features coach seats + various private roomettes and bedrooms.
Where it takes you
Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out a few places you can get from Tampa. Prices may vary.
- Orlando | ~2-hour trip | Coach: $8-$20 | Private rooms: $250-$450
- Miami | ~5.5-hour trip | Coach: $20-$40 | Private rooms: $250-$375
- Chicago | ~41 or ~48-hour trip | Coach: $100-$450 | Private rooms: $900-$1,600
First stop: The ticket counter
Purchase one-way tickets online, or buy a pass — the $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.
Next — getting to the station. Tampa’s includes free same-day and overnight parking, but you can also walk there from the Teco Streetcar Publix Station (#5).
Just down the track…
The Floridian is, for now, a temporary route that combines the Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains while rehabilitation work takes place in New York. Amtrak has not released a closing date for the Floridian.
