Amtrak announces Floridian, direct round-trip route between Chicago and Miami, stops include South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Amtrak announced customers can now purchase tickets for the Floridian, a new temporary direct round-trip route between Chicago and Miami, with the inaugural trip happening Sunday, Nov. 10.

You can currently book a ride from South Bend International Airport to Miami online.

There will also be intermediate stops in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.

The Floridian combines the routes of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star for a limited time.

“The Floridian offers customers an exceptional and sustainable journey to great destinations between Chicago and Miami, providing the amenities and delicious food our guests enjoy when traveling with us,” Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch said.

Customers traveling in Coach Class will have reclining seats, no middle seat, and windows to enjoy the scenery.

Customers can upgrade to a First Class private room and, for an additional fee, a limited number of dining car meals will also be available for Coach Class customers.

First Class options include a Roomette with two reclining seats that transform into upper and lower beds by night plus shower access, or a bedroom offering more space and an in-room restroom and shower.

Amtrak officials say the temporary Floridian route is due to the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York.

During the project, officials say one tunnel tube will be closed at a time to minimize service impacts and maximize construction access to modernize the tunnel infrastructure.