Amtrak - train travel Review

I was somewhat skeptical when my daughter told me she was buying an "All Florida Pass" for the Amtrak trains. She said that one could use it any time to go anywhere without restrictions of any kind. One could also request sleeping accomodations when one boarded, She said that we did not have to make reservations ever. All we had to do was turn up at the station just before the train arrived and get on the train. All of this for a whole year, and only for $250 per person. I thought it was another of my daughters pie in the sky schemes. But she did turn up with the two $250 "All Florida Passes" and we have now used the passes a number of times. It was just like she said. One has total flexibility. On can even change one's mind regarding destination while on the train, and go further or closer.

The Amtrak trains in Florida, unfortunately are not as nice as in other parts of the country, but they get you to your destination in a tolerable manner. For longer trips it offers relief from driving, and saves on gas. Your travel savings could increase dramatically if you rent a car at your destination, where you could pay one sixth of what you pay if you live in a congested area, like Southeast Florida.

There are two trains every day, traveling north and two traveling south between Jacksonville and Miami, with a slight western inclination to hit Tampa. All the stations in between, have at least clean toilettes and helpful personnel. You may take almost any amount of luggage you like, a great relief if you usually travel by plane.

The basic coach accomodations offered by the "All Florida Pass", are adequate. All train cars have two restrooms with the essentials, one for everyone and a hadicapped restroom. They have free ice cold drinking water. Many trains have electric outlets by every seat, which allow you to recharge your electronics. All trains have a dining car and a lounge accessible to all passengers. The prices are economical, except for liquor. You may upgrade your basic coach accomodations while on the train, to a full size private cabin. This could be costly or inexpensive dependig upon the specific request.