Palmetto Route Guide

The Palmetto route travels between New York City and Savannah, crossing eight states from the Northeast to the Deep South. With stops in major urban centers and laid-back Southern destinations, this route offers a relaxed way to experience a wide stretch of the East Coast without overnight travel.

Explore route highlights, popular stops, and FAQ to start planning your train trip.

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Palmetto Highlights

Daytime travel between New York and Georgia
Southern charm and sightseeing in Savannah and Charleston
Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston (spring event)
Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston
St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Savannah (one of the largest in the U.S.)
Rental cars in Florence, SC for reaching Myrtle Beach (1.5 hour drive)
Stops in walkable towns including Wilson, Fayetteville, Rocky Mount
Reserved seating and free non-alcoholic drinks in business class
There’s a stop at BWI Airport — a free shuttle takes passengers to and from the airport

Route Overview

What to Know	Facts & Highlights
Distance	829 miles
Travel time	16 to 17.5 hours
Frequency	One train daily in each direction
Amenities	Business class, Wi-Fi, cafe

Popular Stops

View popular stops along the Palmetto route below and click the links to explore things to do and places to stay.

Travel Tips

If Savannah, Charleston, or Richmond is your final destination, plan to use taxis or rideshare after you arrive. These stations are not in walkable areas.
New York Penn Station is in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square and the Empire State Building. You walk to many hotels, ride the subway, or get a Lyft, Uber, or taxi after you arrive.
If you prefer private accommodations, Silver Meteor trains stop at many of the same Amtrak stations and have roomettes and bedrooms, but train arrival times aren’t ideal for many cities in the South.

FAQ

Does the Palmetto offer sleeper cars?

No, the Palmetto is a daytime train and does not have sleeper accommodations.

Is there Wi-Fi on the Palmetto?

Yes, the Palmetto has free Wi-Fi, but video and music streaming isn’t allowed. Download music, movies, and shows before your trip.

Are there food and beverage options on board?

Palmetto trains have a café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. It’s always good to bring meals or snacks with you on board as selection is limited.

Which Palmetto stations are closest to downtown areas?

Stations in New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Washington D.C., Rocky Mount, Wilson, Selma, Fayetteville, Dillon, Florence, and Kingstree are closest to downtown areas.

Stations

Explore the full list of Palmetto train stations in route order. Click the station names to view amenities and additional details on the Amtrak website.