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The "Floridian"

Last revised: February 25, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Amtrak's Floridian was a highly anticipated addition to the national rail system, that officially began operation on  November 10, 2024.

It utilizes two trains to connect Chicago and Florida, the Silver Star and Capitol Limited.  Historically, this route was popular with the public but utilized a much more efficient corridor running via Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.

The most notable was the City of Miami, a train launched by the Illinois Central in late 1940 but which required four different railroads to complete - the IC, Central of Georgia, Atlantic Coast Line, and Florida East Coast.

The current Floridian offers passengers a unique blend of convenience, scenic views, and modern amenities.  This guide will explore the Floridian’s operational details, the key cities on its route, and what passengers can expect from this delightful journey through an iconic part of America.

Historic Train

Amtrak's original Floridian was a passenger train that brought the charm of America's heartland to the sunny beaches of Florida. Operating from November 14, 1971 until late 1979, this particular service also connected Chicago to Miami, paving a scenic route that traversed the Southern United States and showcasing the varied landscapes from the Midwest to the Southeast.

This ambitious railway project sought to fill the gap left by the loss of several famed trains on this corridor - most notably the South Wind and previously mentioned City of Miami - following Amtrak's 1971 formation.

The Floridian's route journeyed 1,481-1,597 miles (depending on the end points, Miami or St. Petersburg), winding through the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia before reaching its terminus in Florida.

Key station stops included Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; and the major Florida cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa before culminating in Miami.

This extensive journey offered passengers not only a practical travel option but also an opportunity to witness the gradual transition from the rural, rolling farmlands of the Midwest to the vibrant cities and subtropical environment of Florida.

The Floridian offered comfortable, long-distance travel, featuring sleeper cars, full dining services, and lounges. It endeavored to maintain a standard of luxury and service that could entice passengers away from emerging airline competition.

Despite its appeal, the train faced numerous challenges throughout its operation. Some of the significant hurdles included operational issues such as track deterioration, delays, and scheduling difficulties, largely due to sharing tracks with freight operations.

These challenges were exacerbated by budget constraints and varying maintenance standards across the different railroads that Amtrak depended upon. As a result, the Floridian often struggled to maintain its schedule, leading to passenger dissatisfaction and declining ridership over time.

It faced the challenge of crumbling Penn Central trackage (ex-New York Central) across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. This led to occasional rerouting via the Missouri Pacific (ex-Chicago & Eastern Illinois) and L&N (former Monon) north of Louisville.

In January 1977, the brutal winter snowstorms in Chicago forced a two-week suspension of the Floridian. Similar woes plagued two other Penn Central long-distance trains retained by Amtrak, the National Limited (former PRR Spirit of St. Louis) and the ex-NYC James Whitcomb Riley.

The train continued utilizing old E-units it had acquired from various railroads until new SDP40Fs arrived  in the mid-1970s. Unfortunately, these new engines - already fraught with derailment issues - didn't perform well on the deteriorating PC tracks and experienced a number of accidents.

The train encountered severe delays and frequent derailments, including incidents even at just 10 miles per hour. The train remained steam-heated, never upgraded with Head-End Power (HEP).

In the mid-1970s, the Floridian briefly merged with the Auto-Train Corporation's Louisville, Kentucky–Sanford, Florida Auto-Train service. But unlike the success of the original Lorton, Virginia–Sanford Auto-Train, the Louisville–Sanford route struggled, partly due to the Floridian's notorious delays, leading to its indefinite suspension a few years before Auto-Train Corporation finally collapsed in April 1981.

Consequently, Amtrak stopped using Union Station in Louisville as of November 1, 1976, opting instead for the Auto-Train station near Louisville International Airport until the Floridian service ended for good.

Financial scrutiny and budget cuts during this period led to the examination of the carrier's long-distance services, and ultimately, the Floridian was singled out among routes facing potential elimination. After years of operating at a loss and amid calls for greater efficiency within Amtrak's network, the trainmade its final run in October 9, 1979.

The Modern Train

The Floridian was reintroduced in early 2024, reinvigorating a route that had become synonymous with the cultural and economic tapestry of the southeastern United States.

Building on legacy routes and reestablishing connections lost over the years, the train symbolizes not only a rekindling of past passenger rail glory but also a step forward in sustainable travel options.

Amtrak's reintroduction of this service underscores a commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility for an increasingly mobile population.

Interestingly, however, the carrier has stated it does not plan for the Floridian to be a permanent train.  It will only operate during the overall of the East River Tunnels.

Equipment and Details

Listed as trains #40 and #41, the Floridian makes 46 stops, covers 2,076 miles, and can complete the trip in roughly 47 hours.   The train utilizes single-level Viewliner and Amfleet cars, closely resembling the setup of the Silver Star.

Typically, operates with two diesels on the head-end—either GE P42DC or Siemens ALC-42 models—followed by four Amfleet II coaches, an Amfleet cafe/lounge, a Viewliner diner, two Viewliner sleepers, and a Viewliner baggage car. Amtrak aims to include a third sleeper by March 2025.

The Floridian offers travelers a refreshing alternative to air travel across the southeastern United States, providing a medley of comfort, scenic beauty, and connectivity.

Whether for a business trip, vacation, or a nostalgic rail adventure, the train stands ready to welcome passengers aboard a memorable journey southward.

With its extensive reach and commitment to quality, the Floridian is more than a mode of transport; it is the gateway to a storied region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking vistas.