 |
| I traveled from Miami to Tampa and back aboard Amtrak. Michael715/Shutterstock |
Though I’ve traveled extensively throughout Florida by car, plane, and bus I had never taken a long-distance train until recently. My journey from Miami to Tampa on Amtrak marked my first foray into cross-city rail travel. I had always relied on local transit like Miami’s Metrorail or high-speed commuter options such as Brightline, TriRail, and SunRail. But this time, I wanted to explore a more nostalgic, perhaps even romanticized, form of travel.
Amtrak operates its Floridian line through both Miami and Tampa, connecting them via a historic route that spans all the way to Chicago. I opted for coach on my way north to Tampa and upgraded to a first-class roomette for the return trip to Miami. What I found was a mix of old-world charm, modern inconveniences, and a handful of unexpected delights.
Here are 10 things that surprised me the most on my first Amtrak journey.
 |
| I traveled from Miami to Tampa and back aboard Amtrak. Michael715/Shutterstock |
1. It Was Neither Cheaper Nor Faster Than Driving or Flying
I expected train travel to offer at least one clear advantage: lower cost or faster transit time. But to my surprise, it was neither. The ride took nearly six hours and included nine stops, adding roughly 90 minutes compared to a typical car ride between Miami and Tampa. While the train occasionally hit speeds of 80 miles per hour, its average speed was closer to 45, slower than most Florida highways.
Even the cost was more than I anticipated. A coach ticket ran me $60, and the roomette cost $230. Meanwhile, a budget airline like Spirit charges anywhere between $35 and $150, and driving the route costs about $34 based on fuel averages. In that sense, Amtrak was slower and not necessarily budget-friendly.
 |
| Some of the stations along the way felt like miniature museums. Kristine Villarroel |
2. It Felt Like Traveling Back in Time
Despite its shortcomings in speed and cost, train travel had an undeniable nostalgic appeal. The stations, especially Tampa Union Station, offered a glimpse into early 20th-century travel culture. Built in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the station’s architecture and atmosphere felt like a step into a different era one where trains were the lifeblood of American travel.
The scenic route was equally transporting. Passing through small, rural towns and stretches of countryside gave me a view of Florida I had never seen from the highway or from 35,000 feet in the air. It was a different lens through which to experience the state, and for that alone, it was worth trying.
 |
| At the Tampa Union Station, fellow passengers and I endured the Florida heat while waiting for the train's arrival. Kristine Villarroel |
3. I Encountered More Waiting Than Expected
While delays are nothing new in the world of travel, I had hoped that Amtrak would offer a smoother experience than buses or congested highways. Instead, I found myself waiting in lines and stuck in unexpected delays. I spent nearly an hour in line at the café car on one trip leg and experienced a five-hour delay on the other due to extreme heat an increasingly common challenge for rail systems, according to recent reports.
It was a reminder that trains, while nostalgic, are not immune to the realities of climate and logistics. Amtrak did not provide a public statement about the delays or my specific experience, though I did receive a follow-up apology email.
 |
| Train boarding is nothing like headache-inducing airport maneuvers. Kristine Villarroel |
4. Boarding Was Surprisingly Simple
One area where Amtrak outshines air travel is the ease of boarding. There were no security lines, no TSA checkpoints, and no baggage fees. When the train arrived, I simply walked on board and found my seat. For someone used to the rigors of airport travel, this felt refreshingly efficient.
That said, I did briefly wonder about safety something airline protocols heavily emphasize. But Amtrak’s official stance is that the airport-style security model doesn't easily transfer to train stations. Instead, they rely on Amtrak Police, a specialized force tasked with maintaining safety across their rail network.
 |
| Even aboard a first-class roomette, the train ride was quite bumpy. Kristine Villarroel |
5. The Ride Was Bumpier Than I Expected
I had assumed that train travel would offer a smooth, gliding sensation akin to light rail. Instead, the journey felt surprisingly bumpy, not unlike enduring continuous mild turbulence on an airplane. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was enough to cause some motion sickness, especially when trying to move between cars.
Having booked a roomette for the return trip, I was thankful to have a place to lie down and relax, which helped ease the motion discomfort. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is worth considering.
 |
| I spent most of my ride at the café car, which was a few cars back from my coach seat. Kristine Villarroel |
6. I Was Free to Roam And I Loved That
One of the joys of train travel that set it apart from flying or long-haul bus rides was the ability to get up and walk around. On both legs of my journey, I took full advantage of the train's layout. I explored the café car, visited the dining area, and walked between passenger cars when I needed to stretch.
Although navigating the cars required careful balance especially during bumpy sections it added a welcome sense of freedom that buses and planes simply can’t offer. This small luxury made the long ride more enjoyable.
 |
| I bonded with fellow passengers during our hourlong wait for food. Kristine Villarroel |
7. It Was a Surprisingly Social Experience
Unlike flying or driving, where everyone is typically isolated in their own world, train travel felt oddly communal. The close quarters, shared dining spaces, and group delays created a kind of camaraderie among passengers. Whether it was eavesdropping on fellow travelers’ conversations or sharing small talk in the café car line, the experience felt less lonely and more interactive than I anticipated.
For introverts, this could be a drawback. But for someone like me, it added texture to the journey.
 |
| The dining experience made me forget that I was traveling at nearly 80 miles per hour. Kristine Villarroel |
8. The Dining Car Felt Unexpectedly Upscale
When I booked the $230 roomette, I didn’t expect much more than added space. But it came with a complimentary dinner in the dining car, and to my surprise, the ambiance felt closer to fine dining than fast food. White tablecloths, fresh flowers, and polite service elevated the meal experience far beyond what I expected from a train.
At that moment, I forgot I was traveling 80 mph through central Florida. It felt more like a boutique restaurant on wheels.
 |
| While plated very differently, the choice between a burger and mac and cheese didn't feel too different. Kristine Villarroel |
9. But the Food Itself Was Inconsistent
While the dining car looked elegant, the meal options varied significantly. Because my return train was five hours behind schedule, many of the premium food choices were unavailable by the time I boarded in Tampa. Instead of a three-course dinner featuring entrees like salmon or steak, I was offered a pre-packaged turkey sub, a ham sandwich, or a cheeseburger all of which I recognized from my earlier coach trip.
While Amtrak later acknowledged the situation in an email and apologized, it did highlight how logistical issues can affect even premium ticket holders.
 |
| Even with delays, I enjoyed the experience of traveling by train. Kristine Villarroel |
10. Train Travel Wasn’t Just a Journey It Was an Experience
Despite delays, bumps, and underwhelming food options, the overall trip felt like more than just a way to get from one place to another. It was an experience in itself. Watching the changing landscapes roll past the window, conversing with strangers, and dining aboard a moving train all combined to create something richer and more meaningful than I expected.
For travelers looking to slow down, enjoy the ride, and discover a side of travel that’s often overlooked in today’s speed-driven world, long-distance train travel offers a unique, nostalgic, and immersive alternative.
