I took my first long-distance Amtrak trip. Here are 10 things that surprised me.
A first-time Amtrak passenger shares their experience traveling between Miami and Tampa, noting that the train was neither faster nor cheaper than driving. While the trip offered some unique perks, the author highlights the limitations of rail infrastructure in Florida compared to other regions.
Why it matters
The account illustrates the practical challenges of long-distance rail travel in regions where car culture and infrastructure remain dominant.
I traveled from Miami to Tampa and back aboard Amtrak. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider I took Amtrak from Miami to Tampa for my first-ever train trip. Compared to air and car travel, my long-distance train ride was neither cheaper nor faster. There was more waiting than I expected, but I also experienced some surprising perks. I've traveled a lot between cities and have explored nearly all of Florida, yet I had never set foot on a long-distance train before last year. While I am familiar with local light-rail systems like Miami's Metrorail and the New York City subway , I have most often opted for long-distance and intra-city buses when moving around Florida.
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