In my previous post, I talked about the difficult decision I have to make regarding how to travel to Kansas for my grandson’s celebration. While the idea of taking a train across the country seems appealing, I have never been on a train before. I decided it would be best to test it out with a shorter trip first. This will give me the chance to experience the train ride, get a sense of what it will be like—the comfort, the rhythm, and the overall atmosphere. I hope it will help me feel more confident with the idea of taking a longer train adventure in the future. The trip I have planned is short, but I hope it will provide me with enough insight to make the right decision for the bigger trip ahead.
I will be taking this trip in a couple of days. The train station is about an hour away, but I think my car will be fine parked there for this little day jaunt. The total cost of the ticket is $18. Although this is an extra expense, I believe it is a wise investment in my future. The train ride is about 45 minutes each way, and I will spend about four hours in the town before returning. For this trip, I will be taking two different trains. The first segment of the journey will be on the Floridian, and my return trip will be on the Silver Meteor. This will give me the opportunity to experience two different train services and get a better idea of what train travel is like. Unfortunately, neither have double-level cars to experience.
The Floridian
The Floridian is a long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak, providing daily service between Chicago, Illinois, and Miami, Florida, via Washington, D.C. This route was introduced on November 10, 2024, as a temporary combination of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains. The Floridian offers a direct connection between the Midwest and Florida, catering to passengers seeking a comfortable and scenic journey.
Route and Major Stops
Chicago, IL: Starting point in the Midwest.
Washington, D.C.: A significant midway hub.
Miami, FL: Final destination in the Southeast.
Floridian makes stops in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Amenities
These amenities aim to provide a memorable and comfortable journey for passengers.
Single-level Amfleet and Viewliner cars
Spacious Seating: Comfortable seats with ample legroom.
Free basic WiFi
Sleeping Accommodations: Private rooms for overnight travel.
Dining Car: Offers a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages.
Lounge Car: A space to relax and socialize.
The Silver Meteor
The Silver Meteor is another long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between New York City and Miami, Florida. Introduced in 1939, it was the first diesel-powered streamliner between these two cities and has a rich history of service.
Route and Major Stops
New York, NY: Starting point in the Northeast.
Philadelphia, PA: A major urban center.
Baltimore, MD: Known for its harbor.
Washington, D.C.: The nation's capital.
Savannah, GA: Historic coastal city.
Jacksonville, FL: Major city in northern Florida.
DeLand, FL: This is the closest station for me.
Orlando, FL: Home to numerous attractions.
Miami, FL: Final destination in the Southeast.
The entire trip from NY to Miami takes about 28 hours covering a diverse range of landscapes and cities.
Amenities
These amenities are designed to ensure a pleasant and convenient travel experience.
Silver Meteor features Viewliner equipment.
Free basic WiFi
Coach Class: Reclining seats with tray tables and reading lights.
Roomettes and Bedrooms: Private accommodations with options for bathrooms.
Dining Car: Provides meals prepared onboard for sleeper car passengers.
Café Car: Available to all passengers, offering snacks and beverages.
Conclusion
As I prepare for this trip, I feel a mix of anxiety, excitement and curiosity about the experience ahead. While it is a short ride compared to the long journey I may take to Kansas, it is a valuable opportunity to get a feel for what train travel entails. This short trip will allow me to understand the pace, the comforts, and the details of train rides like the Floridian and Silver Meteor. By the time I finish, I will have a clearer idea of whether this is a travel style I could embrace for the larger trip to my grandson’s graduation. With the knowledge I gain from this experience, I will be more prepared to make the right choice for the future—one step at a time.
Proverbs 16:9
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
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