For most folks, a vacation in Florida doesn’t start with a train timetable. Yet, a century ago, it was railroads that led the first snowbird exodus to the Sunshine State. Today, Amtrak offers three ways to travel by train in Florida. And 21st-century passenger rail expansion, like Florida’s new Brightline (soon to be Virgin Trains USA), continues to expand options for Florida travel by rail.
Amtrak’s Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains link Florida destinations like Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa (Silver Star only) and Miami with Northeast cities including Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York City. Amtrak Auto Train takes passengers and their cars from DC to Florida, non-stop. The trip, between the Washington suburb of Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida — outside of Orlando — saves travelers 12 hours of hard driving. All three Amtrak trains run daily, operate over-night, and feature reserved Coach and Sleeper accommodations, dining car, and lounge car.
Since spring of 2018, Florida’s new Brightline has been bypassing traffic-choked I-95 with fast, express rail connections between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Sixteen hourly round-trips go the distance from dawn till after dark. ADA-accessible and bike-and-pet-friendly, Brightline trains offer dining/beverage service, WiFi/USB port access, and luggage check. Brightline stations are intermodal, offering fully integrated city, beach, and airport connections.
Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville
In less than a decade, SunRail has eased travel between Orlando and Central Florida destinations like Kissimmee/Amtrak, Orlando Health/Amtrak, Winter Park/Amtrak and Sanford. The commuter rail service facilitates access to regional transportation; most notably thanks to LYNX Bus #111, a non-stop train-to-plane service between Sand Lake Road Station and Orlando International Airport Intermodal (which is expected to welcome Brightline service from South Florida in 2021).
In Tampa, the TECO Line Streetcar System links Downtown and Channelside to historic Ybor City (limited service due to construction, November 2019 through February 2020; shuttle replacement service available). Tampa International Airport (TPA) is connected by HART bus #30 to downtown’s TECO streetcar; transfer to HART bus #9 (or walk 10 minutes) to Union Station (Amtrak).
Jacksonville’s JTA Skyway monorail crosses the St. John’s River between Downtown and Southbank areas. Transfer to/from Skyway at Rosa Parks Transit Station for Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) via JTA Bus #1 and Amtrak via JTA Bus #3.
Miami and South Florida
Miami lies at the heart of Florida’s most rail-friendly region. Downtown, Brightline’s new MiamiCentral terminal is connected directly to Government Center Station integrating the new rail line with Miami’s Metrorail elevated rapid transit system. The station is also served by Metromover, a free “skytrain” linking destinations in the CBD, and by Metrobus 120 Beach MAX to Miami Beach. Principal Metrorail transfer stations include Miami International Airport Intermodal (Tri-Rail and Metrobus Airport Flyer #150 to Miami Beach), and Tri-Rail Transfer (Tri-Rail and Metrobus #L to Miami Beach). Regional Metrobus and tourist-oriented trolley-facsimile buses provide supplemental service. EASY Cards and Passes are valid for Metrorail, Metrobus, and Tri-Rail travel.
South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter rail runs local trains in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade Counties. The daily service operates 2-3 trains per hour at peak times. Major destinations include Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and West Palm (all with direct Amtrak transfer); and Tri-Rail Transfer and Miami International Airport stations (both with direct transfer to Metrorail rapid transit). Tri-Rail does not currently serve any Brightline stations however that will hopefully change in the second half of 2020 when the commuter line begins serving MiamiCentral.
All three South Florida airports are accessible by rail.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is linked by Palm Tran Shuttle to Amtrak and Tri-Rail services at West Palm Beach Station. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is connected by free FLA1 Shuttle to Tri-Rail FLL Airport Station. For Amtrak travelers, access to/from FLL Airport Station by rail requires an Amtrak/Tri-Rail transfer at either Fort Lauderdale Station or Hollywood Station. Miami International Airport (MIA) Intermodal Station is currently served by Tri-Rail, Brightline trains, and Metrorail rapid transit. For Amtrak travelers, access to/from MIA Intermodal Station by rail requires an Amtrak/Tri-Rail transfer at Hollywood Station. Amtrak passengers detraining at Amtrak’s Miami station take Metrobus Route L to Tri-Rail, Metrorail, and Miami Beach.
