Amtrak offers a direct route to Miami from Chicago through the Floridian Train. It takes around 48 hours (about 2 days) to reach the destination. Four trains operate daily in both northbound and southbound directions, covering 46 stops in more than 1300 miles. It has two types of cabins available: Coaches and Private Cabins, including Roomettes, Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites, and Accessible Bedrooms. Passengers can book coach seats for $100 to $200, while bedrooms cost more than $1000. Furthermore, the Amtrak Chicago to Miami route has multiple discounts available for seniors, groups, students, children, seasonal sales, bidup, and rewards points.
Amtrak Chicago to Miami Route
Travel between Chicago and Miami operates in two directions: northbound and southbound through one train line. In addition, it operates daily on this route, offering a direct journey.
- Train: 40/41 Floridian (and 1040/1041 Floridian)
- Duration: Approximately 46 hours 40 minutes to 47 hours 40 minutes
- Distance: About 1,377 miles
- Frequency: Maximum two daily departures on both sides.
- Departure Station (southbound): Amtrak Chicago Union Station (CHI)
- Arrival Station (southbound): Amtrak Miami Station (MIA)
The arrival and departure stations reverse for Northbound travel from Miami to Chicago.
Amtrak Chicago to Miami Stops
The Floridian makes stops at major cities including Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Savannah, Tampa, and Miami. The full stop sequence southbound from Chicago includes:
- Chicago
- South Bend
- Elkhart
- Waterloo
- Toledo
- Sandusky
- Elyria
- Cleveland
- Alliance
- Pittsburgh
- Connellsville
- Cumberland
- Martinsburg
- Harpers Ferry
- Rockville
- Washington, D.C.
- Alexandria
- Richmond
- Petersburg
- Rocky Mount
- Raleigh
- Cary
- Southern Pines
- Hamlet
- Camden
- Columbia
- Denmark
- Savannah
- Jacksonville
- Palatka
- DeLand
- Winter Park
- Orlando
- Kissimmee
- Lakeland
- Tampa
- Winter Haven
- Sebring
- Okeechobee
- West Palm Beach
- Delray Beach
- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- Miami
Amtrak Miami Schedule from Chicago
As per the latest schedule, the Floridian train offers daily service between the two cities, but it departs only once or twice, mainly in the morning.
| Amtrak Train | Days of Operation | Departure /Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices | Private Cabins Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Floridian | Daily Service | 6:40 p.m./ 6:09 p.m. | 46 hours 29 minutes | $148 | $1392 |
| 1041 Floridian | Daily Service | 6:40 p.m. / 7:09 p.m. | 47 hours 29 minutes | $284 | $1528 |
Amtrak From Miami to Chicago Schedule
| Amtrak Train | Days of Operation | Departure /Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices | Private Cabins Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Floridian | Daily Service | 11:05 a.m. / 8:45 a.m. | 46 hours 40 minutes | $148 | $1238 |
| 1040 Floridian | Daily Service | 11:05 a.m./ 9:45 a.m. | 47 hours 40 minutes | $322 | $1429 |
Amtrak Vacation Packages in Florida
Passengers can access the Amtrak Vacation packages to and from Florida, and round-trip. It includes hotel accommodations and traveling in coach class from Chicago, Illinois.
- Washington, D.C. Ultimate Gateway Roundtrip from Chicago: 6 days and 2 destinations, with prices starting from $669 per person.
- Savannah Gateway Roundtrip from Washington, D.C.: 3 days and 2 destinations, with prices from $469 per individual.
- Miami and the Everglades Gateway Roundtrips from Washington, D.C.: 5 days and 3 destinations, from $529 per passenger.
- Coast to Coast- San Francisco to Washington, D.C.: 10 days and 3 destinations, from $1469 per trip.
- Coast to Coast- Seattle to Washington, D.C.: 10 days and 3 destinations, from $1469 per person.
Availability of Cabins in the Amtrak Floridian Train
The Floridian offers a choice between reserved Coach seats and private First Class rooms, with a First Class attendant on hand to assist with meals and luggage, and provide multiple services.
Amtrak Coach Class
Passengers in Coach Class are seated in reclining window or aisle seats with large windows. They can purchase meals at the Cafe car and even bring their own meals. One-way Coach fares between Chicago and Miami start at around $100 and can exceed $200 during peak holiday periods. However, as the journey lasts two nights, booking a private room is recommended.
Amtrak Roomette (First Class)
Roomettes feature two comfortable seats by day that convert into upper and lower beds at night. The rooms include a window, upgraded beds, pillows, towels, and linens, and access to shared restroom and shower facilities. Passengers get assistance with luggage, meals, seat turndown, and more from the First Class attendants.
Amtrak Bedroom (First Class)
Bedrooms provide twice the space of a Roomette and feature a sofa and a separate chair by day, which transform into upper and lower beds at night. Each room includes a large picture window, newly upgraded bedding, and a private in-room sink, restroom, and shower.
Amtrak Bedroom Suite (First Class)
The Bedroom Suite on Floridian Viewliner trains is the largest private accommodation available and combines two adjoining Bedrooms. It is appropriate for families or groups of up to four passengers across the two-night journey. The suite includes all Bedroom amenities for all occupants.
Accessible Bedroom (First Class)
An Accessible Bedroom is available for passengers who require wheelchair-accessible accommodations. It features a wider door, an accessible sink, a restroom, a shower, and all First Class amenities, including complimentary meals and priority boarding.
Dining and Onboard Services
Traditional dining meal service is offered as a complimentary benefit for First Class customers, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coach passengers purchase meals separately in the Cafe car, which offers coffee, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages throughout the journey. Outside food is permitted on board, but passengers may not bring their own alcohol; these beverages purchased in the Cafe car may be consumed throughout the train.
Amtrak Complimentary Wifi
On the Floridian train to Miami from Chicago, passengers can access a complimentary high-speed wifi on board.
How to Book an Amtrak Train to Miami
Booking the Floridian from Chicago to Miami, with multiple options available through Amtrak’s official channels.
Step 1: Access the Amtrak app or Website:
On the official Amtrak website, amtrak.com, enter Chicago Union Station (CHI) as the origin and Miami Amtrak Station (MIA) as the destination. Select the travel date and number of passengers. If anyone is senior or disabled, tick the option present on the home screen.
Step 2: Choose the train:
The Floridian is the only direct daily service. Train 40 departs Chicago at 6:40 p.m. daily and arrives in Miami approximately 46 to 47 hours later. Train 1040 operates on the same departure time but serves a slightly different stop sequence in Florida.
Step 3: Select the cabin:
Choose from Coach , Roomette, Bedroom, or Bedroom Suite based on the budget and comfort requirements. For a two-night journey of this length, Coaches can be uncomfortable and are not suggested.
Step 4: Apply discounts:
If eligible, select the applicable discount for seniors, students, military, or children before completing payment. Discount codes from Amtrak promotions can also be entered at this step.
Step 5: Book as early as possible:
The sleeping car seats usually book earlier than other trains, as the route of Amtrak from Chicago to Miami is quite popular. The reservations start 11 months in advance, with multiple discounts available.
Step 6: Board the train:
Arrive at Chicago Union Station at least 30 minutes before the 6:40 p.m. departure. First Class passengers benefit from priority boarding and access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station before departure.
NOTE: Tickets can also be booked by phone by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), at self-service kiosks, or through Amtrak’s official vacation partner AmtrakVacations.com for bundled package bookings.
Discounts Accessible on the Floridian Train to Miami
Several discounts are available on the Floridian for passengers traveling between Chicago and Miami.
Amtrak Children Discount: One child aged 2 to 12 years traveling with an adult receives a flat 50% discount on the lowest available Coach fare. Children under 2 years of age, not occupying a separate seat, travel free of charge on the laps of their parents.
Amtrak Senior Discount: Passengers aged 65 and older are eligible for a 10% off on the rail portion of their trip, applicable to both direct Amtrak tickets and Amtrak Vacations packages.
Amtrak Military Discount: Active-duty U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families receive a 10% off on the rail portion of any Amtrak Vacations trip. Active-duty military passengers also receive the same discount on direct Amtrak ticket bookings, applicable to Coach Class and private rooms on the Floridian.
Amtrak Student Discount: Students aged 17 to 24 with a valid university ID can save 15% on most Amtrak Coach fares. Tickets must be booked at least one day in advance, and the discount cannot be combined with other promotional fares.
Amtrak Group Discount: Groups of six or more passengers can save up to 60% on Coach fares by booking through Amtrak’s group travel program. Reservations must be made by phone, not online.
Amtrak Guest Rewards: Signing up for Amtrak’s free Guest Rewards loyalty program earns points on every journey, which users can redeem for future travel, room upgrades, or vacation packages. First Class passengers on the Floridian train earn bonus points per trip.
Amtrak BidUp: Amtrak BidUp is an opportunity to upgrade from Coach to a Roomette or Bedroom by submitting a bid. If the bid is accepted, passengers can secure private room accommodation at potentially lower than standard pricing.
Seasonal Sales: Amtrak runs limited‑time promotions offering up to 25% off routes, including this service, typically during off‑peak months such as January through March. Passengers can set a reminder on the Amtrak App to get notifications for this.
Tips for Traveling from Amtrak Chicago to Miami
To complete this two-night journey from Chicago to Miami, passengers must keep these tips in mind before booking and boarding the train.
Book Sleeping Car Early: The Floridian’s sleeping accommodations fill quickly, particularly for peak summer departures and major holiday windows. Book as early as possible. Amtrak opens reservations 11 months in advance, and secure train dates before arranging connecting flights or hotel stays.
Use the Floridian for Orlando and Disney World Access: Both the Orlando and Kissimmee stations are approximately a 35-minute drive from Walt Disney World.
Travel Off-Peak for Better Fares: Off-peak midweek departures outside summer, spring break, and holiday periods offer the best chances at lower prices, quieter cars, and more flexible inventory. January through March (excluding spring break) and late September through November are typically the most affordable windows for Floridian travel.
Pack Light for Comfortable Transfers: Amtrak provides all passengers with baggage allowance. However, navigating a two-night journey with minimal luggage is significantly more comfortable. Checked baggage service is available at Chicago Union Station and Miami Station for larger bags.
Download the Amtrak App: The app provides real-time train status updates, gate notifications, and mobile ticketing for the entire journey. During the journey is particularly important for passengers with onward connections.
Plan Connections Conservatively: As the Floridian is a long-distance train, delays can happen. Passengers can plan an overnight layover rather than a same-day connection at either Chicago or Miami.
Bring Entertainment and Snacks for Coach Travel: The journey is of two full nights and nearly two full days. Coach passengers should come prepared with books, downloaded entertainment, headphones, and supplemental snacks, as the Cafe car runs low on popular items during peak travel periods.
Board at Chicago Union Station: Arriving at least 45 minutes before the 6:40 p.m. Floridian departure and 60 minutes if checking baggage gives ample time to navigate the station, locate the boarding gate, and settle in before departure.
Traveling from Chicago to Miami is a long journey of about 48 hours (2 days), and the Floridian train provides service on this route. Passengers get options between Coaches and private cabins to select from. The prices for coaches are much less than roomettes or other cabins, but it’s not recommended for this long distance.
FAQs
The journey typically takes approximately 47 to 48 hours, making it a two-night overnight trip. Train 40 is scheduled at 46 hours 40 minutes, while train 1040 runs approximately 47 hours 40 minutes due to slight route variations in Florida.
The Floridian departs Chicago Union Station daily at 6:40 p.m.
The northbound Floridian departs Miami Amtrak Station daily at 10:05 a.m.
Coach seats start at $110 one-way, while private room fares start at $734 each way. Roomette fares for the full route typically cost around $1,000 one-way, with Bedroom fares priced higher. Prices generally increase more during peak holiday periods.
To book tickets to Miami by calling, you can contact 1-800-872-7245, tell the agent about the necessary information and card details for completing payment.
The Floridian offers Coach Class and First Class private rooms, including Roomettes, Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites, and an Accessible Bedroom.
Complimentary dining meal service is provided to First Class passengers. Coach passengers purchase meals separately at the Cafe car for traveling between Chicago and Miami on the Floridian.
Amtrak allows small dogs and cats on the Floridian train from Chicago to Miami with a reservation. Pets must weigh under 20 pounds, including their carrier, and must remain in the carrier throughout the journey.
Yes. The Floridian stops at both Orlando and Kissimmee stations, each approximately a 35-minute drive from Walt Disney World.
The main stops of Floridian train from Chicago to Miami are Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Savannah, Tampa, and Miami.
