Amtrak operates the Silver Meteor, a long-distance passenger train running between New York City and Miami, Florida. Introduced in 1939 as the first diesel-powered streamliner between New York and Florida, it served as the flagship train of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL) and one of the flagship trains of its successor, the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (SCL). When Amtrak assumed responsibility for intercity passenger rail service in 1971, the train was handed to them.
The train is part of Amtrak’s Silver Service brand, as does its sister train, the Silver Star, SAL’s previous flagship streamliner. The two trains are the last of the several long-distance trains that ran between New York and Florida during most of the twentieth century.
During fiscal year 2023, the Silver Meteor transported 283,932 passengers, a 258.5% increase over FY2022. In November 2023, the train earned a total of $7.3 million.
Schedule Highlights
- Trains leave New York City in the afternoon.
- Trains depart Washington D.C. in the early evening.
- Trains leave Miami in the morning.
- Overnight, Silver Meteor trains pass throughout the Carolinas.
Visit Amtrak.com to get the most recent schedules and timetables.
Planning Your Silver Meteor Trip
Booking Your Tickets:
Hopping on board the Silver Meteor is easy! You can book your tickets directly through Amtrak’s website https://www.amtrak.com/home or by calling their customer service line. Amtrak frequently offers deals and discounts, so be sure to check their website or ask a customer service representative about any promotions that might be available when you book.
Choosing Your Class of Service:
The Silver Meteor offers two main classes of service to suit your travel style and budget:
Coach:
Coach class is available on the Amtrak Silver Meteor train and has wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, no middle seat option, and at-seat trays, reading lamps, and power outlets. There are restrooms in each vehicle. Amtrak Guest Rewards customers who travel in Coach get 2 points per dollar spent.
Sleeper Car:
For a luxurious and spacious travel experience, consider upgrading to a sleeper car. Sleeper cars offer a variety of private room options, including staterooms, bedrooms, and family bedrooms. Each room includes a comfortable bed, a private bathroom with toilet and shower, and ample storage space. Passengers in sleeper cars enjoy exclusive access to the Metropolitan Lounge at selected stations, as well as complimentary meals served in the onboard dining car.
Silver Meteor Train Popular Stops and Stations
Stations
- New York, NY – Penn Station (NYP)
- Newark, NJ – Penn Station (NWK)
- Trenton, NJ (TRE)
- Philadelphia, PA – 30th Street Station (PHL)
- Wilmington, DE (WIL)
- Baltimore, MD – Penn Station (BAL)
- Washington, DC – Union Station (WAS)
- Alexandria, VA (ALX)
- Fredericksburg, VA (FBG)
- Richmond, VA – Staples Mill Road Station (RVR)
- Petersburg, VA (PTB)
- Rocky Mount, NC (RMT)
- Fayetteville, NC (FAY)
- Florence, SC (FLO)
- Kingstree, SC (KTR)
- Charleston, SC (CHS)
- Yemassee, SC (YEM)
- Savannah, GA (SAV)
- Jesup, GA (JSP)
- Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
- Palatka, FL (PAK)
- DeLand, FL (DLD)
- Winter Park, FL (WPK)
- Orlando, FL (ORL)
- Kissimmee, FL (KIS)
- Winter Haven, FL (WTH)
- Sebring, FL (SBG)
- West Palm Beach, FL (WPB)
- Delray Beach, FL (DLB)
- Deerfield Beach, FL (DFB)
- Fort Lauderdale, FL (FTL)
- Hollywood, FL (HOL)
- Miami, FL (MIA)
Popular Stops
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington, DE
- Baltimore
- Washington D.C.
- Richmond
- Charleston, SC
- Savannah
- Jacksonville
- Winter Park
- Orlando
- West Palm Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
Popular Destination for Travelers
Here are some Popular destinations for travelers include:
- Washington D.C.: Immerse yourself in American history and visit iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol Building.
- Orlando, FL: The perfect gateway to Walt Disney World and other world-class theme parks.
- Miami, FL: Experience the vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and pulsing nightlife of South Florida.
- Savannah, GA: Explore the historic city center with its charming squares and architecture, or take a ghost tour to learn about the city’s spooky past.
- Jacksonville, FL: Visit the Jacksonville Landing for shopping, dining, and entertainment, or explore the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve to learn about the area’s natural history and indigenous people.
Considering your budget and desired travel experience, you can choose the class of service and destination perfect for your Silver Meteor adventure!
Most popular Amtrak Silver Service routes
The train from Washington to Raleigh is Amtrak Silver Service’s most popular route. Trips from Orlando to Tampa and Tampa to West Palm Beach are also highly popular.
TOP AMTRAK SILVER SERVICE ROUTES
| Route | Duration | Daily Trips | Price |
| Washington to Raleigh | 5h 53m | 1 | $60 |
| Orlando to Tampa | 2h 8m | 1 | $12 |
| Tampa to West Palm Beach | 3h 48m | 1 | $30 |
| Tampa to Miami | 5h 26m | 1 | $30 |
| Tampa to Fort Lauderdale | 4h 48m | 1 | $30 |
| New York to Washington | 3h 34m | 2 | $102 |
| West Palm Beach to Orlando | 4h 47m | 2 | $30 |
| Miami to Orlando | 6h 20m | 2 | $30 |
| Tampa to Kissimmee | 1h 18m | 1 | $12 |
What to Expect Onboard the Silver Meteor
Amenities:
While the focus on board the Silver Meteor is on relaxation and enjoying the journey, there are some modern conveniences to enhance your trip:
- Wi-Fi: Select Silver Meteor trains offer Wi-Fi access, allowing you to stay connected or browse the web during your ride. It’s important to note that Wi-Fi availability can vary, so be sure to check with Amtrak or consult signage on the train itself.
- Power Outlets: Similarly, designated seating locations on some trains feature power outlets for charging your electronic devices. Again, availability can vary, so plan accordingly.
- Restrooms: Each coach car on the Silver Meteor is equipped with restrooms for your convenience.
Dining Options:
- Café Car: Open to all passengers, the onboard café car is your one-stop shop for delicious meals and snacks. Enjoy a variety of hot and cold entrees, sandwiches, salads, and beverages to satisfy your cravings throughout the trip.
- Sleeper Car Dining: A luxurious perk for Sleeper Car passengers, complimentary meals are included in your ticket price. The flexible dining option allows you to choose when and where you’d like to dine. Savor a meal in the comfort of your private room, or enjoy the elegant ambiance of the Amtrak dining car.
Entertainment Onboard:
While the ever-changing landscape serves as the main attraction, you might find some additional entertainment options onboard.
- Reading materials: A selection of magazines and newspapers may be available in Coach class, providing light reading material during your travels.
- Board games (on select trains): Some Silver Meteor trains offer board games you can borrow to enjoy with fellow passengers, adding a touch of friendly competition to your journey.
Accessibility:
Amtrak prioritizes a comfortable and accessible travel experience for all. Silver Meteor trains boast features like:
- Wheelchair lifts: Ensuring easy boarding and disembarking.
- Designated seating areas: Providing ample space and comfort for travelers with disabilities.
- Accessible restrooms: Offering convenient and well-equipped facilities.
Stations along the route are similarly equipped with accessibility features, including:
- Ramps and elevators: Facilitating easy navigation throughout the station.
- Designated parking: Providing convenient parking options for travelers with disabilities.
For more detailed information on Amtrak’s accessibility services, visit their website or contact their customer service department.
Things to Know
- There is WiFi aboard the Silver Meteor.
- A café vehicle is accessible to all passengers.
- The Silver Meteor has one-level Viewliner train carriages.
- Sleeping accommodations are provided at an additional fee. Meals are provided for sleeper car passengers via the flexible meal option.
- The Silver Star route passes through many of the same stations but also visits Lakeland, Tampa, and Okeechobee.
- If you’re going to Disney World, you may get off the train at either the Orlando or Kissimmee Stations, which are both approximately a 35-minute drive away. To speed up your travel, get out at the first station you see (or if you want to avoid interstate driving and likely Orlando traffic, Kissimmee Station is a better alternative, particularly if you are staying near Animal Kingdom).
- If you’re heading to Miami, we suggest utilizing the historic Hollywood Amtrak Station. It is around the same distance from downtown Miami and Miami Beach as the Miami Station (and you will get off the train sooner).
Amtrak Silver Service Train Guide & FAQs
The Silver Meteor and Silver Star are the two trains that make up the Amtrak Silver Service. Both trains go between New York and Miami, however, the itineraries are somewhat different. The path of the Silver Meteor is 1,389 miles long, whereas that of the Silver Star is 1,522 miles longer.
The biggest difference between the two trains is that they stop in separate cities in North and South Carolina. The Amtrak Silver Meteor travels down the coast, stopping in Fayetteville, NC, Florence, SC, and Charleston, SC, while the Amtrak Silver Star visits Raleigh, NC, and Columbia, SC. The Silver Star makes an extra stop in Tampa, Florida.
There is no formal dress code on the Silver Service. Passengers are encouraged to dress comfortably for their journey.
Yes, Amtrak Silver Service provides WiFi on its trains. Although most Amtrak Silver Service excursions will have WiFi as stated, certain trains may not have WiFi, and onboard WiFi may lose connectivity in rural regions. Please bring a book or download a movie simply to be safe. Amtrak’s Silver Service WiFi is normally best utilized for browsing the web, reading emails, and talking with friends; don’t rely on it to binge-watch your favorite program.
Yes, Amtrak Silver Service trains typically have power outlets and USB ports available for charging electronics.
You can usually find them in each row of seats. However, it’s always a good idea to check your specific train car, as some older or replacement cars may not have them.
To be a careful traveller:
Offer to share: If you’re using an outlet, ask your seatmate if they’d like to use it too.
Bring a power bank: For long journeys, it is recommended to carry a portable charger in case there are no outlets on your train.
A: Meals are not included in Coach class tickets. However, you can purchase food and beverages from the café car. Meals are complimentary for Sleeper Car passengers, with the flexible dining option allowing you to choose where and when you’d like to eat.
On a normal day, Amtrak Silver Service schedules 887 train journeys. However, the actual departure and arrival hours vary according to the day and route. To get the precise timetable for your journey, utilize the search function on this page.
No, Amtrak Silver Service does not offer Will Call tickets. You must purchase your tickets online or through any other authorized channel before reaching the station. This will ensure that you have everything you need to board the train with ease.
Yes, you will need to present a valid ID to board an Amtrak Silver Service train.
The ID must be government-issued and match the name on your ticket. Alternative forms of identification, such as a student ID, will not be accepted.
Yes, there are restrooms aboard Amtrak Silver Service trains. The restrooms are rather basic, with a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most restrooms do not have running water. Please exercise care and hang on to a rail when using a restroom in a moving vehicle.
Amtrak’s Silver Service provides food so you don’t go hungry. Be sure to bring a credit card or cash if you want to buy something to eat.
No, you don’t. When you book your ticket online, you will receive an electronic ticket (eTicket) by email. You can show the e-ticket on your phone to the conductor when you board the train.
Yes, Amtrak Silver Service offers premium amenities like extra legroom and entertainment options. If you prefer more room to stretch out, you’ll be happy to know that they have seats with extra legroom. The amount of extra space can vary between trains, but it’s always a nice perk.