9 Scenic Train Rides In Florida, USA - Updated 2022

1. Sign up for the fun rides by Seminole Gulf Railway

Seminole Gulf Railway began as a freight train in 1987, servicing Southwest Florida, and eventually added daytime excursions and dinner trains in 1991. Its first murder-mystery show, Murder on the Seminole Express, catapulted into success and resulted in more themed rides like Christmas Rail.

If you’re not sure which fun thing to do next in Florida, come bring the entire gang and sign up for the various rides offered by Seminole Gulf Railway. It’s your chance to see the state in a different light, and you might just solve the mystery of a lifetime!

Seminole Gulf Railway

Address: 4110 Center Pointe Dr #207, Fort Myers, FL 33916, United States

Website: Seminole Gulf Railway

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

2. Take your locomotive-obsessed little ones to Largo Central Railroad

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If your kids (or maybe yourself!) are obsessed with all things trains and railroads, don’t pass up the chance to visit Largo Central Railroad. You’ll get to ride a train at the park, meet so many like-minded individuals, and swap favorite locomotive trivia and tidbits. You’ll also get to see ultra-detailed train car replicas, steam engines, and so much more.

If you’re looking for more than just a ride and are interested in learning about the railroad’s history, you sure won’t regret paying a visit.

Largo Central Railroad

Address: Largo, FL 33771, United States

Website: Largo Central Railroad

3. Ride through Disney World's magic

This train ride takes you through the Disney World’s all popular “Main Street”. Made to recreate the classic hearts of American town, Main Street has been a favorite of many since it made its world debut in 1955. This train ride in Florida is especially exciting if you’re not from America: you will be able to experience the classic and adorable cliché of American towns! This authentic steam-powered train will also take you to other parts of the theme park such as Fantasy Land.

Walt Disney World

Website: Disney World

4. A unique museum experience at Florida Railroad Museum

History and train lovers, unite! The Florida Railroad Museum is a collection of authentic and fascinating exhibits. But unlike a lot of museums where everything seems to be frozen in time, this train trip in Florida gives you the opportunity to literally go through the exhibits. For just 14 USD, you will board the train to get the full experience of older locomotives, for a 13-mile (20 kilometers) round-trip through history.

Fully immersed, they also organize special events where you get to re-enact historical moments from inside the train (for example, a play-pretend trip to the North Pole).

Florida Railroad Museum

Website: Florida Railroad Museum

5. Hop on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train

With the Murder Mystery Train, gastronomy, theater, and sight-seeing meet in this one-of-a-kind dining experience. Watch live-actors as they act out interactive scenes of thrilling plays. As the train passes through south-western Florida, you can enjoy a truly entertaining evening and a truly delicious dinner. The price per person is 80-85 USD, which includes both the show and a five-course meal. This dinner train ride in Florida sure is worth the money!

Murder Mystery Dinner Train

Website: Murder Mystery Dinner Train

6. Family fun at Gold Coast Railroad Museum

While not a children’s museum, this attraction located close to Miami Zoo makes for a fun, educational, and cheap activity for children. Gold Coast Railroad Museum gives you access to several train layouts, but your children don’t have to just watch them: they can play inside these very trains! If you want, or if your children want, you can also go on a short ride aboard the Edwin Link Children’s Railroad, which takes place every weekend for just 2.50 USD. Whether they prefer the authentic locomotives or Thomas the Train, they will surely enjoy this fun museum.

The museum now has 40 pieces of unique rolling stock including Presidential Pullman Passenger Car “Ferdinand Magellan” U.S. Car #1 and NASA #2 SW-1500.

Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Website: Gold Coast Railroad Museum

7. Comfortable travel with Amtrak Auto Train

This train will allow you to travel in and out of Florida, as well as through the beautiful Sunshine State. The ride will show you its unique landscapes while you sit comfortably in your train: you get plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view. The train is full of amenities like free Wifi, dinner, breakfast, etc. But the best thing about this train is that you can actually take your car with you, without the hassle of a long car trip. Instead, you can sit comfortably, and arrive at your destination with your own car.

Amtrak Auto Train

Website: Amtrak

8. Hop on a luxurious ride through Florida with Amtrak Silver Meteor

Starting from New York, passing through several Florida cities to arrive finally at Miami, the Amtrak Silver Meteor will show you Florida’s most scenic views while you sit comfortably for the ride. Or maybe, instead of sitting, you can lay down to enjoy the view since you can actually stay in little rooms with beds (and even a restroom and a sofa in some) for your ride. Delicious food and free Wifi will accompany you on this homey train.

Amtrak Silver Meteor

Website: Amtrak

9. Ride in style through the Sunshine State with Brightline

This ultra-modern fast train, courtesy of Brightline, was made by designers with comfort and style in mind. The eco-friendly locomotives are filled with light and wide windows so you can truly enjoy the scenery. The restrooms are clean and spacious, the seats are large and comfortable, the tables fully equipped with outlets and USB ports, and food aboard will keep you satiated. These trains are pet-friendly, and also offer accommodation for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes. On top of that, the stations are state of the art and modern as well, and you can find them in the following cities: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and soon in Orlando.

Brightline Train Ride

Website: Brightline

Experience a lively Florida

These train tours in Florida not only take you to see beautiful landscapes, they really give you the chance to fully immerse yourself in it through lively activities. Take a break from the usual water parks and national parks and opt for a a scenic train ride instead. Whether you want a classic ride or an extravagant play to be acted out in front of your eyes, hop on one of these trains and enjoy Florida your way!