Train trips from Jacksonville offer a relaxed way to explore Florida, the East Coast, and beyond. Whether you’re heading north to cities like Washington, D.C. and New York, or south to Miami, Amtrak’s Silver Meteor or Floridian routes can take you there.
In this guide, we highlight the best Amtrak trips from Jacksonville, featuring convenient schedules, minimal transfers, and travel tips to make your train (and destination) experience enjoyable. Note that all trains departing from Jacksonville offer inexpensive coach seats and more expensive private rooms that include meals.
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Savannah
Savannah is only a 2.5 hour train ride from Jacksonville and is full of charming squares and historic architecture. Plan to get a taxi, Uber or Lyft to reach your accommodations (the historic district is walkable and a great place to stay). Due to the train arrival and departure times, you’ll need to stay in the city at least two nights if you want to sightsee.
Jacksonville to Savannah Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Floridian |
| Travel time | 2.5 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Savannah, GA (SAV) |
| Arrival area | Not walkable, short ride to downtown |
| Best for | Romantic getaways, historic charm, ghost tours, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations |
Winter Park
Winter Park is a historic and upscale city near Orlando. A day trip from Jacksonville is doable, but keep in mind that train delays can limit your time there. Trains stop within walking distance of restaurants, the Saturday farmers market, Winter Park History Museum, and the Park Plaza Hotel. Don’t miss the scenic boat tour, and art lovers should visit The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
Jacksonville to Winter Park Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Floridian |
| Travel time | ~2 hours, 45 minutes |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Winter Park, FL (WPK) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Best for | Main Street shopping, top-rated restaurants, lake water sports |
Orlando
Another Amtrak day trip option from Jacksonville is Orlando. You can plan a trip around a festival, walk around Lake Eola, or take the kids to the hands-on Orlando Science Center. Trains arrive just south of the Central Business District (5-minute drive away; Lyft and Uber are easy transportation options). Plan to stay overnight to check out nightlife, live performances, sporting events, or one of the many area theme parks.
Jacksonville to Orlando Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Floridian |
| Travel time | ~3 hours, 10 minutes |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Orlando, FL (ORL) |
| Arrival area | Somewhat walkable (rideshare helpful) |
| Best for | Theme parks, family entertainment, immersive attractions |
Charleston
Get your fill of Southern food and historical sightseeing with a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. After you arrive, it’s a 20-minute Uber or Lyft ride to downtown Charleston. If you prefer to rent a car, plan to use a rideshare service to reach rental car options at the airport since the train arrives at night. View the list of the top things to do and best places to stay in Charleston to start planning.
Jacksonville to Charleston Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Silver Meteor |
| Travel time | 4 hours, 15 minutes |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Charleston, SC (CHS) |
| Arrival area | Not walkable, short ride to downtown |
| Best for | Southern cuisine, charming architecture, military history, cultural tours |
Tampa
Avoid I-4 traffic with a train trip to Tampa. Trains arrive in the Channel District near downtown, historic Ybor City, and the cruise ports. Lyft, Uber and streetcar are easy transportation options, and top attractions to visit include Busch Gardens, the Tampa Riverwalk, and the Florida Aquarium. Consider a trip in January to check out the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
Jacksonville to Tampa Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Floridian |
| Travel time | 5.5 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Tampa Union Station |
| Arrival area | Walkable, near streetcar |
| Best for | Guided tours, riverfront attractions, events, cruise connections |
South Florida
For a South Florida getaway by train, you can choose from six destinations: West Palm Beach (upscale), Delray Beach (laid-back beach town), Deerfield Beach (family-friendly), Fort Lauderdale (boating and nightlife), Hollywood (charming beach boardwalk) and Miami (big city culture). Tip: the Silver Meteor train will get you there faster than the Floridian.
Jacksonville to South Florida Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Floridian |
| Travel time | 7.5-11 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Various |
| Arrival area | Rideshare or taxi needed |
| Best for | Beaches, nightlife, shopping |
Southern Pines
Southern Pines, North Carolina is a charming town known for its equestrian culture and scenic outdoor areas. You’ll arrive in the middle of the historic downtown, which is full of tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and local restaurants. Nearby, choose from numerous golf and horseback riding opportunities. Plan to use rideshare or rent a car (Enterprise offers pickup service or use Turo) to reach attractions including Reservoir Park and Weymouth Woods.
Jacksonville to Southern Pines Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Floridian |
| Travel time | 9 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Southern Pines, NC (SOP) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Best for | Golf trips, relaxed small-town escapes, equestrian activities |
Raleigh
Known as the “City of Oaks,” Raleigh, North Carolina has tree-lined streets, historic neighborhoods, and a mix of museums, performing arts venues, and craft breweries. There are also many places to enjoy the outdoors, including Pullen Park (one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S.), Umstead State Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum.
Jacksonville to Raleigh Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Floridian |
| Travel time | 10.5 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Raleigh Union Station (RGH) |
| Arrival area | Walkable |
| Best for | Museums, green spaces, craft breweries, festivals |
Richmond
Richmond, Virginia is an easy overnight train trip from Jacksonville, especially on the Floridian (which offers a good arrival time). It’s a great city for historic sights, museums, and outdoor attractions. Highlights include whitewater rafting, the Maymont mansion and gardens, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (which is especially popular in the spring), Carytown neighborhood, and the White House of the Confederacy.
Jacksonville to Richmond Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Floridian |
| Travel time | 11.5 hours (Silver Meteor), 14 hours (Floridian) |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Richmond Staples Mill (RVR) |
| Arrival area | Rideshare or taxi needed to reach downtown |
| Best for | Historic tours and sites, river activities, cultural experiences |
Washington D.C.
For a trip full of history and culture, travel to Washington D.C. Highlights include the many museums (most are free), monuments big and small, year-round events, and fantastic restaurants. Consider a sightseeing tour to easily explore the many attractions, and plan your trip in March to view the cherry blossoms. Note that you can also travel to Alexandria, Virginia and book a hotel in Old Town if you prefer to stay in a less urban environment.
Jacksonville to Washington DC Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Floridian |
| Travel time | 14+ hours (Silver Meteor), 16.5 hours (Floridian) |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Washington Union Station (WAS) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Best for | Museums, cultural landmarks, transfers to the Cardinal and Crescent routes |
Philadelphia
Travel to Philadelphia to eat an authentic Philly cheesesteak and visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, museums, and the waterfront. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. After you arrive, you can connect with commuter trains, subway lines, rideshare, tourist trolleys, and bikeshare. The Schuylkill River Trail is an especially beautiful place for a bike ride.
Jacksonville to Philadelphia Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor |
| Travel time | 17 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Philadelphia 30th Street Station (PHL) |
| Arrival area | Walkable |
| Best for | American history, food tours, historic neighborhoods, arts scene |
New York City
New York City is the last stop on the Silver Meteor route. You’ll arrive at Penn Station with easy access to the subway, commuter trains, taxis and rideshare. There are many museums, attractions, restaurants, Broadway shows, and shopping destinations to check out while you’re in town. The holiday season is a fun time to visit with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, and performances.
Jacksonville to New York City Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor |
| Travel time | 18.5 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | New York Penn Station (NYP) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Best for | Iconic landmarks, sightseeing cruises, live shows, unique neighborhoods |
Harpers Ferry
Famous for its role in the Civil War and John Brown’s raid, Harpers Ferry offers visitors a unique mix of heritage, scenic hiking trails, and charming streets lined with shops and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the surrounding rivers and the Appalachian Trail, while history buffs can step back in time at preserved landmarks and interpretive sites.
Jacksonville to Harpers Ferry Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Floridian |
| Travel time | 18.5 hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Harpers Ferry, WV (HFY) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Best for | Civil War history, hiking, scenic views, small-town charm |
New River Gorge
For beautiful scenery in the Appalachian Mountains, travel from Jacksonville to West Virginia. This journey requires a train transfer in Washington D.C., but it’s worth it for the views in the New River Gorge. Travel to Thurmond and use the Hills to Hill shuttle to reach Ace Adventures Resort, which has guided national park activities. Or book your tickets to Charleston to travel completely through the gorge and have access to rental cars and hotels.
Tip: Because the Cardinal only operates three days per week, you’ll need to experiment with travel dates using the “Find Trains” feature on the Amtrak.com homepage. You’ll be prompted to select different dates if the Cardinal isn’t running on your selected days. You can also fly one-way to Charleston and ride Amtrak back to Jacksonville to shorten your trip.
Jacksonville to the New River Gorge Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Silver Meteor, Cardinal |
| Travel time | 27.5 hours to Thurmond, 29 hours to Charleston, WV |
| Frequency | Silver Meteor (daily), Cardinal (3x per week) |
| Arrival station | Thurmond, WV (THN) or Charleston, WV (CHW) |
| Arrival area | Thurmond for shuttle pick-up only, Charleston is walkable |
| Best for | Mountain scenery, visits to New River Gorge National Park |
Chicago
Chicago is the last stop on the Floridian route and a major transfer location to other Amtrak routes. It’s a wonderful place to visit in the summer with a lakefront trail, riverwalk, beaches, and many neighborhood festivals. World-famous attractions like the Chicago Institute of Art, Field Museum, and Willis Tower Skydeck can also be enjoyed all year long.
Jacksonville to Chicago Overview
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Trains | Floridian |
| Travel time | 35+ hours |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Arrival station | Chicago Union Station (CHI) |
| Arrival area | Walkable |
| Best for | Architecture tours, museums, live performances, connections to the scenic California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Southwest Chief routes |
More Information
- Amtrak Stations in Florida
- Jacksonville Station Information
- 10 best East Coast Amtrak trips
- 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
- 8 epic cross-country Amtrak trips
Top photo: “New River Gorge Bridge” by Mike Goad, Public Domain
US Train Travel Guide 