Eastern & Southern Train Reservations

Eastern & Southern Long-Distance Train Routes — Best Fares & Expert Assistance

Amtrak's Eastern and Southern long-distance routes link Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami on classic "name trains" that have run for generations. These routes cover 750+ miles and roughly 17–30 hours onboard, with coach seating, Roomette and Bedroom sleeper cars, dining service, and — on the Auto Train — the unique ability to bring your own vehicle. Whether you're crossing the New River Gorge on the Cardinal or riding the coast down to Miami on the Silver Meteor, our expert team can check live fares and sleeper availability instantly — call +1 (888) 457-7599, answered in 5 seconds, 24/7.

Lake Shore Limited — Chicago ↔ New York City / Boston

The Lake Shore Limited covers about 959 miles (Chicago–NYC leg) in roughly 19–20 hours, splitting at Albany-Rensselaer into a New York City section and a Boston section. It follows the Great Lakes shoreline through Ohio and upstate New York, tracing the historic Erie Canal corridor and the scenic Hudson River Valley on its final approach into New York.

Capitol Limited — Chicago ↔ Washington, D.C.

The Capitol Limited runs about 780 miles in roughly 17–18 hours, crossing Indiana, Ohio, and the Allegheny Mountains before following the Potomac River past historic Harpers Ferry into Washington, D.C. — one of the fastest overnight connections between the Midwest and the nation's capital.

Cardinal — Chicago ↔ New York City

The Cardinal operates three days a week between Chicago and New York, covering about 1,147 miles in roughly 27–28 hours. Its signature stretch runs through the New River Gorge and the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and Virginia, widely regarded as one of the most scenic rail crossings in the eastern U.S. Call +1 (888) 457-7599 to confirm operating days for your travel dates.

Crescent — New York ↔ New Orleans

The Crescent covers about 1,377 miles in roughly 30 hours, running daily from New York through Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, Atlanta, and Birmingham before arriving in New Orleans — one of the longest single daily routes on the East Coast network.

Silver Star & Silver Meteor — New York ↔ Miami

The Silver Star and Silver Meteor both run daily between New York and Miami, roughly 1,389 miles and 28–31 hours, forming the classic East Coast run through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. The Silver Star takes a slightly more inland path through Raleigh and Tampa, while the Silver Meteor runs a more direct coastal route through Savannah and Jacksonville.

Floridian — Chicago ↔ Miami

The Floridian is Amtrak's newest long-distance addition, reintroducing direct Chicago-to-Florida service via Washington, D.C. — a corridor that hadn't seen a single-train connection in decades. Call +1 (888) 457-7599 for the latest schedule and fare information as this route continues to expand service.

City of New Orleans — Chicago ↔ New Orleans

The City of New Orleans — made famous by the classic Arlo Guthrie folk song — covers about 934 miles in roughly 19 hours, running through the Illinois and Mississippi heartland and along the Mississippi River Delta into New Orleans.

Auto Train — Lorton, VA ↔ Sanford, FL

The Auto Train is Amtrak's only route where you bring your car — about 855 miles and 17 hours between Lorton (near Washington, D.C.) and Sanford (near Orlando), with your vehicle riding in an enclosed auto-carrier while you relax in coach or a sleeper car. It's a popular way to skip roughly 900 miles of I-95 driving. Call +1 (888) 457-7599 to check vehicle size limits and current departures.

How to Find the Best Fares on Eastern & Southern Routes

• Book Auto Train vehicle space early — it's capacity-limited and sells out fastest around holidays
• Sleeper fares include all onboard meals; coach fares do not
• The Cardinal only runs three days a week — confirm the schedule before planning connections
• Compare the Silver Star and Silver Meteor schedules — one may align better with your departure city
• Call +1 (888) 457-7599 — our agents can check live coach and sleeper fares across all 8 routes and find the best departure for your dates