There will soon be a (temporary) new route offering direct round-trip service from Chicago and Miami.
Amtrak's Floridian will take its inaugural trek between the two cities on November 10. The journey, offered daily, will last a whopping 47 hours and include intermediate stops in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa.
The new train route combines the trips usually taken by the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star, both affected by the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York, during which one tunnel tube will be closed, severely impacting the flow of traffic in the area.
“Our members have had a long-standing dream of restoring a one-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re thrilled that a new generation of American passengers will be able to experience this service for themselves,” said Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, in an official statement. “This move will free up badly needed equipment while taking pressure off Northeast Corridor infrastructure during the renovation of the ERT Project.”
Passengers will get to purchase coach class or first class tickets. The former include reclining seats alongside windows. The latter category of customers will enjoy private room options: roomettes (two reclining seats that transform into beds and shower access) or bedrooms (twice the space of a roomette and boasting in-room restroom and shower).
All private room ticket holders will also receive priority boarding, complimentary lounge access at major stations and dining service. Regarding the latter: Expect tables with linen tablecloths and glassware, chef-prepared meals, vegetarian and vegan menu options, kid-appropriate food options and, best of all, a free alcoholic drink with dinner.
Sure, the whole trip will last two full days ... but what's 47 hours in the lap of luxury?