Amtrak Silver Star Train Stops, Stations, & Things to Know (A Complete Rider Guide)

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

1. Tampa to West Palm Beach
2. Orlando to Tampa
3. Tampa to Miami
4. Tampa to Kissimmee
5. Washington, DC to Raleigh
6. 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

1. Online: Use the Amtrak website or mobile app.
2. Phone: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
3. In-Person: Buy tickets at Amtrak stations or from travel agents.

Different Ticket Options and Pricing

1. Coach Class: Basic seating, most affordable.
2. Business Class: Extra legroom, reserved seating, free drinks.
3. Roomettes: Small private rooms with beds, and access to private restrooms.
4. Bedrooms: Larger private rooms with private restrooms and showers.
5. 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

1. Book Early: Tickets are available 11 months in advance. Early booking often means lower prices.
2. Travel Off-Peak: Fares are usually lower on weekdays and during non-holiday periods.
3. Join Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn points for travel that can be redeemed for free trips or upgrades.
4. Look for Promotions: Watch for special deals like buy one, get one free offers, or seasonal discounts.
5. 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

1. Watch your step: Be careful on stairs, steps, and platforms.
2. Stay back from the edge: Keep a safe distance from the edge of the platform.
3. Mind the Gap: Be careful when crossing the space between the train and the platform.
4. Assist Children: Help children when boarding and leaving the train.
5. Hold on to seat backs and railings as you walk through the train.

What to expect during your trip

1. Natural sights include stunning landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages.
2. Comfortable seating: relax in large chairs or private sleeping quarters.
3. On-board amenities include dining cars, lounges, and Wi-Fi.
4. Stops are usually short, although there are longer rests for fresh air and crew changes.

Tips for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

1. Bring comfort items: Pack a pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to help you sleep better.
2. Dress comfortably: Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during your trip.
4. Move: To stay comfortable, stretch your legs and walk around the train.
5. Be prepared for delays: Train journeys can sometimes be delayed, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Amtrak Silver Star

Amtrak Website:

https://www.amtrak.com/home

Amtrak’s Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amtrak/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amtrakalerts?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amtrak/?hl=en