Amtrak operates the Silver Star, a long-distance passenger train that travels 1,522 miles (2,449 km) between New York City and Miami, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia, Raleigh, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, and Stops in Savannah, Georgia. Jacksonville, Florida, and Tampa, Florida. The Silver Star and its sister train in the Silver Service brand, the Silver Meteor, are descended from several long-distance trains that traveled between Florida and New York for much of the twentieth century.
During fiscal year 2023, Silver Star carried 351,732 passengers, a 19.1 percent decrease from fiscal year 2022. In November 2023, the train’s total revenue was $8.7 million.
Schedule Highlights
- Every day, one train travels in each way.
- Southbound trains leave New York City in the late morning.
- Southbound trains leave Washington, D.C. in the middle of the day.
- Southbound trains leave North Carolina at night.
- Southbound trains arrive in Florida in the early morning.
- Northbound trains leave Miami at lunchtime.
- Overnight, trains arrive in South Carolina.
- If on schedule, trains arrive in Miami and New York City at about dinnertime.
Visit Amtrak.com to get the most recent schedules and timetables.
Overview of the Silver Star Route
The Silver Star is a long-distance train that travels between New York City and Miami, Florida. It offers a natural and relaxing way to experience the eastern United States.
Key highlights of the journey include:
- Coastal Views: Walking down the coast, you can see beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Visit historic cities such as Washington, D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina, which are steeped in history and cultural attractions.
- Experience a variety of landscapes including coastal plains, mountains and swamps.
The trip typically takes around 31 hours 33 minutes to complete, covering a distance of approximately 1,522 miles.
Major Stops and Stations
Popular Stops
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington, DE
- Baltimore
- Washington D.C.
- Richmond
- Raleigh
- Savannah
- Jacksonville
- Winter Park
- Orlando
- Tampa
- West Palm Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
Stations
| City | Station | Description | Amenities | Nearby Attractions |
| New York, NY | Penn Station (NYP) | Bustling transportation hub | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park |
| Newark, NJ | Penn Station (NWK) | Major transportation center | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Prudential Center, Newark Museum of Art |
| Trenton, NJ | TRE | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | State House, Trenton Farmers Market |
| Philadelphia, PA | 30th Street Station (PHL) | Historic and modern station | Numerous shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art |
| Wilmington, DE | WIL | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Delaware Art Museum, Hagley Museum and Library |
| Baltimore, MD | Penn Station (BAL) | Major transportation hub | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards |
| Washington, DC | Union Station (WAS) | Historic and grand station | Numerous shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Capitol Hill, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums |
| Alexandria, VA | ALX | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Old Town Alexandria, George Washington Masonic National Memorial |
| Richmond, VA | Staples Mill Road Station (RVR) | Modern station | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts |
| Petersburg, VA | PTB | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Petersburg National Battlefield, Blandford Cemetery |
| Rocky Mount, NC | RMT | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Rocky Mount Children’s Museum, Nash County Museum |
| Raleigh, NC | RGH | Modern station | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina State Capitol |
| Cary, NC | CYN | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | WakeMed Soccer Park, Bond Park |
| Southern Pines, NC | SOP | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Pinehurst Resort, Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve |
| Hamlet, NC | HAM | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Hamlet Depot, Hamlet Golf Club |
| Camden, SC | CAM | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Camden Archives and Museum, Kershaw County Museum |
| Columbia, SC | CLB | Modern station | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | South Carolina State Museum, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden |
| Denmark, SC | DNK | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Denmark Technical College, Denmark State Park |
| Savannah, GA | SAV | Historic station | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | River Street, Forsyth Park, Savannah Historic District |
| Jacksonville, FL | JAX | Major transportation hub | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville Jaguars Stadium |
| Palatka, FL | PAK | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Palatka Historical Society Museum, Putnam County Agricultural Center |
| DeLand, FL | DLD | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Stetson University, DeLand Museum of Art |
| Winter Park, FL | WPK | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Rollins College, Winter Park Village |
| Orlando, FL | ORL | Major transportation hub | Numerous shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando |
| Kissimmee, FL | KIS | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Old Town Kissimmee, Gatorland |
| Lakeland, FL – To/from Points North (LAK) | LAK | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Polk Museum of Art, Bok Tower Gardens |
| Tampa, FL | Union Station (TPA) | Historic station | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo |
| Lakeland, FL – To/from Points South (LKL) | LKL | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Polk Museum of Art, Bok Tower Gardens |
| Winter Haven, FL | WTH | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Legoland Florida, Chain of Lakes Park |
| Sebring, FL | SBG | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Sebring International Raceway, Highlands County Historical Society Museum |
| Okeechobee, FL | OKE | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Okeechobee Lake, Okeechobee County Historical Society Museum |
| West Palm Beach, FL | WPB | Major transportation hub | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Palm Beach, Norton Museum of Art |
| Delray Beach, FL | DLB | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Atlantic Avenue, Morikami Museum and Gardens |
| Deerfield Beach, FL | DFB | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Deerfield Beach Pier, Quiet Waters Park |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | FTL | Major transportation hub | Shops, restaurants, waiting areas | Las Olas Boulevard, Broward Center for the Performing Arts |
| Hollywood, FL | HOL | Smaller station | Basic waiting areas, food options | Hollywood Beach, Hollywood Broadwalk |
| Miami, FL | MIA | Major transportation hub | Numerous shops, restaurants, waiting areas | South Beach, Miami Beach, Art Deco District |
Most popular Amtrak Silver Star routes
- Tampa to West Palm Beach
- Orlando to Tampa
- Tampa to Miami
- Tampa to Kissimmee
- Washington, DC to Raleigh
- Miami to Orlando
Onboard Experience
Types of Accommodations
Coach: The cheapest choice, with comfortable seats with individual reading lamps, and power outlets.
Roomette: A private compartment for one or two passengers equipped with a convertible seat that turns into a bed at night.
Bedroom: A large private compartment with a bed, a small desk, and a wardrobe.
Dining Options
- Dining Car: Enjoy a sit-down meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of choices, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Café: A more casual option for snacks, drinks, and light meals.
Amenities
- Wi-Fi: Stay connected during your journey with Amtrak’s onboard Wi-Fi service.
- Power Outlets: Charge your electronic devices at your seat.
- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available throughout the train.
Accessibility Features
Amtrak is committed to providing accessible travel for all passengers. Features include:
- Wheelchair-accessible boarding and seating
- Accessible restrooms
- Assistance from Amtrak staff
- Priority boarding for passengers with disabilities
Note: Specific facilities and services may vary depending on the train and route. It is recommended to check with Amtrak for the latest information.
Ticketing and Reservations
How to Book Tickets
- Online: Use the Amtrak website or mobile app.
- Phone: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
- In-Person: Buy tickets at Amtrak stations or from travel agents.
Different Ticket Options and Pricing
- Coach Class: Basic seating, most affordable.
- Business Class: Extra legroom, reserved seating, free drinks.
- Roomettes: Small private rooms with beds, and access to private restrooms.
- Bedrooms: Larger private rooms with private restrooms and showers.
- Accessible Bedrooms: More space, designed for passengers with disabilities.
Pricing:
Prices vary based on class, travel dates, and booking time. Coach tickets can start as low as $7 and go up to $345 for longer trips or last-minute bookings.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals
- Book Early: Tickets are available 11 months in advance. Early booking often means lower prices.
- Travel Off-Peak: Fares are usually lower on weekdays and during non-holiday periods.
- Join Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn points for travel that can be redeemed for free trips or upgrades.
- Look for Promotions: Watch for special deals like buy one, get one free offers, or seasonal discounts.
- Use Rail Passes: If traveling a lot, rail passes offer unlimited travel for a set period.
Travel tips and things to know
Packing essentials for your trip
Entertainment: Download novels, magazines, movies, and music for travel.
Headphones and earplugs: ideal for blocking out noise and ensuring a quiet journey.
Camera: Capture beautiful scenery along the way.
Chargers and adapters: Keep your electronics charger throughout your trip.
Snacks and Drinks: Although there are food options, it may be helpful to bring your own snacks.
Safety and security tips
- Watch your step: Be careful on stairs, steps, and platforms.
- Stay back from the edge: Keep a safe distance from the edge of the platform.
- Mind the Gap: Be careful when crossing the space between the train and the platform.
- Assist Children: Help children when boarding and leaving the train.
- Hold on to seat backs and railings as you walk through the train.
What to expect during your trip
- Natural sights include stunning landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages.
- Comfortable seating: relax in large chairs or private sleeping quarters.
- On-board amenities include dining cars, lounges, and Wi-Fi.
- Stops are usually short, although there are longer rests for fresh air and crew changes.
Tips for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
- Bring comfort items: Pack a pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to help you sleep better.
- Dress comfortably: Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during your trip.
- Move: To stay comfortable, stretch your legs and walk around the train.
- Be prepared for delays: Train journeys can sometimes be delayed, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Amtrak Silver Star
Many travelers find the route between Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, North Carolina, particularly scenic, with rolling hills, forests, and charming towns.
Yes, there are a number of historical sites and attractions around Silver Star stations. For example, you can visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the National Mall in Washington, DC, and the Savannah Historic District in Savannah, Georgia.
Amtrak allows passengers to bring bicycles on board for a fee. There are designated areas for storing bicycles.
Yes, there are many attractions for families near Silver Star stations, including theme parks, zoos, and museums. For example, you can visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, or the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Off-peak season (shoulder season) usually offers lower fares and fewer crowds. However, the choice of season may also depend on your preferred weather conditions and activities.
Yes, you can buy food and drinks from the dining car or cafe. Vending machines for snacks and drinks are also available.
Amtrak Website:
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