Taking the Train: Does Amtrak Go From Atlanta to Miami?

Yes, Amtrak does connect Atlanta to Miami, but there is no single direct train that runs straight from Atlanta to Miami without a transfer. If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and want to travel to Miami, Florida by train, you’ll typically need to:

1. Take Amtrak from Atlanta to another major hub (usually New York City or Washington, D.C.), and
2. Connect there to the Silver Service/Palmetto train that runs down the East Coast to Miami.

Because that option is long, expensive, and inconvenient for most people, many Atlanta travelers mix train, bus, or air travel instead. Below is a clear breakdown of how it works, what to expect at the Atlanta Amtrak station, and practical options that make sense from Atlanta.

Where Does Amtrak Leave From in Atlanta?

Amtrak service in Atlanta currently operates from:

Atlanta Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone (general Amtrak line): 1‑800‑USA‑RAIL (1‑800‑872‑7245)

Key points for Atlanta riders:

• Located in Midtown/North Atlanta, along Peachtree Street.
• Accessible by:
  • MARTA bus routes (check current routes and schedules).
  • Rideshare, taxi, or drop-off.
• There is no MARTA Rail station directly connected to Peachtree Station, so expect a short bus, taxi, or rideshare ride from the Arts Center or Midtown MARTA stations.

Which Amtrak Trains Serve Atlanta?

Atlanta is served by one main long-distance Amtrak route:

Crescent (New Orleans – Atlanta – New York)

• Runs daily (northbound and southbound).
• Connects New Orleans → Birmingham → Atlanta → Charlotte → Washington, D.C. → New York and beyond.
• Typical Atlanta arrival/departure times are very early morning or late at night, so overnight timing is common.

From an Atlanta perspective, the Crescent is the train you use to connect to other Amtrak routes that can eventually get you toward Florida.

Why There’s No Simple “Atlanta to Miami” Amtrak Train

If you search for “Atlanta to Miami Amtrak,” you might expect a single route like a direct bus or flight. But Amtrak’s network is hub-based, and Atlanta is mainly on a north–south inland route (Crescent), while Miami is on the East Coast Florida route (Silver Service).

The Florida Trains: Silver Service/Palmetto

Miami is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service, not by the Crescent:

• Silver Meteor / Silver Star (collectively often called Silver Service)
  • Operate between New York City and Miami.
  • Pass through cities like Washington, D.C., Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, and down to South Florida (including Miami).

These Silver Service trains do not pass through Atlanta. They run along the coastal route through the Carolinas and Georgia’s coast (Savannah), not through Atlanta’s inland corridor.

Can You Still Get from Atlanta to Miami By Amtrak?

You can, but with at least one major transfer and a long, indirect route.

Common Amtrak-Only Route: Atlanta → Washington or New York → Miami

1. Atlanta → Washington, D.C. or New York (Crescent)

   • Board the Crescent at Atlanta Peachtree Station.
   • Travel north overnight to Washington, D.C. (Union Station) or continue to New York Penn Station.

2. Washington or New York → Miami (Silver Service)

   • In Washington or New York, transfer to a Silver Service train:
     • Silver Meteor or Silver Star, both heading to Miami.
   • Ride the train all the way down to Miami Amtrak Station, usually located near:
     • Miami Amtrak Station – often referenced as near NW 37th Ave / Miami area (check current info when booking).

This trip is typically:

• Much longer than flying (often well over 24 hours of total travel time).
• More expensive than many airfares from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Appealing mainly to train enthusiasts or those who prefer not to fly and don’t mind long travel times.

Atlanta to Miami by Train + Bus or Train + Flight

Because there’s no simple one-seat Amtrak ride from Atlanta to Miami, many Atlantans use mixed travel instead.

Option 1: Train to a Florida City + Bus to Miami

You can combine Amtrak with bus service:

1. Atlanta → Jacksonville or Orlando by Greyhound or another carrier

   • Take a bus from Atlanta to Jacksonville, Orlando, or another Florida hub.
   • From there, you can switch to Amtrak (within Florida) or continue by bus.

2. Within Florida → Miami (Amtrak or bus)

   • Use Amtrak’s Silver Service between Florida cities and Miami.
   • Or continue on a direct bus to Miami.

This keeps some overland flavor but usually drops total travel time compared to going all the way up to Washington or New York first.

Option 2: Short Flight + Amtrak

If you really want the train experience in Florida but don’t want a 1–2 day detour:

1. Fly from Atlanta (ATL) to a Florida city on the Amtrak route, such as:

   • Orlando
   • Tampa
   • Jacksonville

2. Take Amtrak from that Florida city down to Miami using Silver Service.

This is sometimes used by travelers who like scenic rail segments but still want to keep the trip reasonably short.

Typical Travel Times Compared to Flying

Every trip is different, but in general, Atlanta travelers see something like:

*Times are rough, often longer with transfers, delays, and station time. Always check current schedules when planning.

From an Atlanta standpoint, if your main goal is simply to get to Miami quickly and affordably, flying is usually the most practical. Using Amtrak to connect Atlanta and Miami works better if:

• The train experience itself is a priority.
• You’re breaking the trip into multiple stops along the way.
• You’re comfortable with overnight and multi-day travel.

What to Expect Leaving from Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

If you decide to include Amtrak in your Atlanta-to-Miami plan, you’ll start at Peachtree Station.

Station Basics

• Smaller station compared to big-city hubs like New York or Washington.
• Has indoor waiting areas, basic services, and checked baggage options on many long-distance trains.
• Because the Crescent often stops at odd hours (very late night or early morning):
  • Plan transportation to and from the station in advance.
  • Consider your personal safety and comfort if arriving or departing in the dark.
  • Bring anything you might need for a long overnight ride: snacks, a travel pillow, light blanket, and chargers.

Getting to Peachtree Station from Around Atlanta

From common Atlanta areas:

• Downtown:

  • 10–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
  • MARTA Rail to Arts Center Station, then a bus or rideshare to the Amtrak station.

• Midtown:

  • Short rideshare or taxi along Peachtree Street.
  • Bus lines on Peachtree may serve the area depending on time of day.

• Buckhead:

  • Drive, rideshare, or bus south along Peachtree toward Midtown.

Plan ahead, especially if your train departs very late at night and bus or rail options are limited.

How to Plan an Atlanta-to-Miami Train Trip

If you’re set on using Amtrak at some point in the journey:

1. Check Amtrak’s schedule and fares

   • Use your preferred booking channel (online, app, by phone) to:
     • Look up Atlanta (ATL) to Miami (MIA).
     • Note all transfer points (often Washington, D.C. or New York).
     • Compare different dates, since long-distance schedules can vary.

2. Compare with other options

   • Consider direct flights from ATL to MIA or FLL (Fort Lauderdale).
   • Price out bus or mixed options (bus + train, flight + train).

3. Look at total door-to-door time

   • Include:
     • Getting to Atlanta Peachtree Station or Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
     • Layovers or transfer times.
     • Ground transport in Miami (Amtrak station, airport, or bus station to your hotel or final destination).

4. Decide your priorities

   • If you value speed and convenience, flying is usually better from Atlanta.
   • If you value scenic rail travel, comfort, and a slower pace, plan a multi-leg Amtrak journey with stops you’ll enjoy along the way.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Amtrak does not operate a direct Atlanta-to-Miami train.
• From Atlanta, your main Amtrak route is the Crescent, which goes north toward Washington and New York or south toward New Orleans, not directly to Miami.
• To reach Miami by Amtrak, you generally need to travel north first, then transfer to the Silver Service heading south to Florida—a very long and indirect route.
• Many Atlanta residents and visitors instead:
  • Fly directly from ATL to Miami, or
  • Use a combination of bus, flight, and regional train inside Florida.
• If you’re set on using Amtrak, start at Atlanta Peachtree Station, understand the timing and transfers, and be prepared for a multi-day trip.

For anyone in Atlanta, Georgia, the most realistic way to use Amtrak in an Atlanta–Miami trip is to treat the train as one part of a larger journey, rather than expecting a simple, direct rail line between the two cities.