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The "Floridian": Amtrak's New Chicago-Florida Serviced

Published: January 18, 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 to 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 routing via Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.

Designed to connect major cities throughout the southeastern United States, this vibrant rail service 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

The Amtrak Floridian was a passenger train that brought the charm of America's heartland to the sunny beaches of Florida. Operating from 1971 until late 1979, the Floridian connected Chicago, Illinois to Miami, Florida, 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 Louisville & Nashville Railroad's famed South Wind and other pre-Amtrak services following the consolidation of the nation's passenger railroads under Amtrak in 1971.

The Floridian's route journeyed approximately 1,484 miles, 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 train service initially operated tri-weekly but was later expanded to daily operations in response to growing demand. 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 Floridian 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.

Economically, the Floridian and several other Amtrak routes were viewed increasingly as unsustainable by the late 1970s.

Financial scrutiny and budget cuts during this period led to the examination of Amtrak'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 Floridian made its final run in October 1979.

Reflecting on the Floridian's legacy, it stands as a symbol of the transitional period in U.S. rail travel history when trains competed fiercely with burgeoning air travel and the country's growing highway system. Its story highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining a comprehensive national passenger rail service, showcasing both the potential and pitfalls of long-distance rail travel in America.

Though the original Floridian ceased operations over four decades ago, its memory lingers on in the annals of Amtrak's past and the hearts of train enthusiasts.

The route remains a testament to the enduring allure of rail travel and the dream of connecting diverse communities across long distances, an ideal that continues to shape the future of American railways.

The Modern Train

The Floridian was introduced 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 Floridian 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, Amtrak 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, it features two diesel locomotives—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 Floridian stands ready to welcome passengers aboard a memorable journey southward.

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