Let's Take a Train Trip! Tampa, FL to Washington, DC

Traveling by train is my FAVORITE way to travel! I love the scenic views and easy onboarding process. I don't mind giving up the travel time for a bit more relaxation. 

This trip I traveled from Tampa, Florida to Washington, DC on the Amtrak Floridian line! that can actually take you all the way to Chicago, IL. In this post I'm going to share how I planned for the 24-hour train ride and things to expect on your train journey on Amtrak! Stay tuned for my MUST PACK LIST!

My starting point was the Tampa Florida train station, in downtown Tampa. Parking was sparce for my boyfriend dropping me off. I arrived about an hour before the train was set to leave, it was easy to navigate through the station to my track. 

We boarded the train by class and then similar destinations! I met many students who regularly use the train to go between Tampa and Orlando. I'm sure they are as excited as I am for the Brightline to connect to Tampa for another travel option and easy trips to Miami and Orlando! 

In my assigned seat, I was paired with another rider. The seat had plenty of room for me and my bag plus a full 120 plug! The train also offers free Wifi, many bathrooms and a dining car.

PRO TIP: I highly recommend traveling with a partner on the train. As you will most likely have someone assigned next to you if you sit alone. This is so much better for long distance rides and super helpful to have someone keep watch for bathroom and cafe car trips. 

Here's my seat setup! plenty of room a bag above and below. The seats recline and have footrests. 

I really appreciate the dining cars on Amtrak trains. The have plenty of well priced items (menu below) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was able to get snacks and a main for 15$ for dinner and breakfast. Cafe hours were regularly announced over the intercom. 

Dinner was a hot Texas Toast grilled cheese, drink, fresh veggies and a rice crispy. I had 2 sausage sandwiches and juice for breakfast. I also bring lots of snacks and fresh water on the trip. My snack bag was packed with crackers, chocolates, dried fruits and other items. 

If you wanted to, you could also eat in the dining car, and even order meals there. It has nice tables and plenty of seats if you are traveling with a group. 

As for the bathrooms, there are plenty across the train cars and the staff cleaned/ restocked them, regularly. 

As for the bathrooms, there are plenty across the train cars and the staff cleaned/ restocked them, regularly.

Now for one of my favorite parts of train travel, THE VIEWS - this trip up the coast was packed with amazing views of little towns, farmland, distant waterways and timeless train stations. I love taking trips up the coast during the winter, you'll get a rapid view of the changing seasons!

After sleeping overnight, with my bag tucked beneath me and my blanket. I took some time to freshen up in the bathroom. The sinks were plenty big to brush my teeth and there was a good bit of room to freshen up with wipes, change and such. 

Let's jump into my MUST PACK LIST, essentials for Train Travel: 

• Snacks and Bottles of Water - include napkins and wipes
• Electronic chargers (cube or strip with multiple inputs) 
• Blanket - even electric for winter travel - this was key to stay warm and secure my belongings 
• Books, coloring and relaxing activities, card games for groups
• Toiletries - ease of access to them and a change of clothes  

After 24-hours I FINALLY MADE IT the 800 miles to Washington DC. I love traveling by train because the stations are right in the middle of the city and the large ones are usually well resourced just like airports. I was able to take a short walk, staying indoors, out of the station and to the rental car lot!  

Thanks for coming along on my train ride! If you're looking for a change-up from our traditional flights and busy airports, check out a train trip! 

Happy Travels!!