Amtrak’s new direct route between Chicago and Miami via the Gulf Coast is confirmed
Amtrak has launched "The Floridian," a new direct route connecting Chicago and Miami, and plans to restore service along the Gulf Coast by June 2025, strengthening the rail infrastructure in the United States.
In an effort to improve rail connectivity in the United States, Amtrak has recently launched a direct route linking Chicago and Miami. This service, known as "The Floridian," began operations on November 10, 2024, combining the routes of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains. The route spans over 2,000 miles, passing through key cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.
In addition to this expansion, Amtrak plans to restore service along the Gulf Coast by June 2025. This project aims to reinstate routes that were suspended after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, reconnecting Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana, and stopping in Mississippi’s coastal cities, including Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis.
Long Distance Service Upgrades. Photo: Amtrak Media.
Details of "The Floridian" service
Mississippi Senator, Roger Wicker, announced in a press conference that station and track construction in Mobile is underway, marking one of the final steps in restoring service to the region. This effort follows nearly two decades of planning and rebuilding after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. ‘I'm very excited to see construction begin on the station and the staging area in Mobile, which is one of the final steps necessary for services to resume,’ he said.
The "Floridian" train offers passengers seating options in economy class and private compartments, known as "Roomettes" and "Bedrooms," which include additional onboard services such as meals. The full journey takes approximately 47 hours, allowing travelers to experience a gradual transition from Chicago’s cold climate to Miami’s tropical atmosphere. Meanwhile, the railway company remains silent after the senator's statements, without specifying further details about the future service. At the same time, the construction company CSX is advancing infrastructure works to enable the new facilities, but no specific implementation deadlines are known yet.
Impact on rail infrastructure
The introduction of this new route also aims to ease congestion in the Northeast Corridor during the upcoming renovations of the East River Tunnel in New York, scheduled to begin in late 2024. By merging existing routes, Amtrak seeks to optimize operations and provide viable alternatives for passengers during this maintenance period. With the expansion of its services, Amtrak is not only improving connectivity between the Midwest and the Southeast but also offering travelers a comfortable and scenic alternative to air travel
The reintroduction of routes in the Gulf Coast and the launch of "The Floridian" reflect the company’s commitment to revitalizing and expanding rail transportation in the U.S. According to data provided by the company itself, the price of an economy class ticket starts at US$100, a value that rises for first class and if the passenger wishes to add any additional service (refreshments, snacks, more comfortable seats and so on). However, the value of this route has not yet been defined.