23 Train Rides in FLORIDA (Incredible, Scenic, & Fun)
Want to see the Sunshine State in a different light?
Experience the thrill and excitement of Florida’s train journeys with your loved ones.
There are picturesque train adventures in Florida suitable for people of all ages and interests, from simple day trips to travels through theme parks to themed rides.
Both young and old train fans will enjoy taking to the tracks in Florida.
So get your finest conductor’s hat and whistle ready because we’re about to hop aboard some of Florida’s most exciting trains.
Here are the top 23 most incredible, scenic, and fun train rides you should try in Florida.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Road Trips in Florida.
Train Rides in Orlando, Florida
1. Walt Disney World Resort
Since Walt Disney constructed a miniature railway in its backyard in 1949, trains have played an integral role in the company’s history and culture.
Walt Disney World Railroad is the first of many Orlando transportation options provided by Disney theme parks today.
The activity is situated in Magic Kingdom Park, and it takes guests on a 20-minute trip of the park, stopping in many places in the U.S.A. on historic, steam-powered trains.
Need more excitement on your train ride?
Other train rides include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Wildlife Express Train, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
The train will take a bit, but they will get you there quickly!
It also allows guests to travel across Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, which can last for around 7 minutes and takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour enabling you to see different animal enclosures and medical care facilities.
Address: Orlando, FL, United States
2. Universal Orlando Resort
Are you a Harry Potter fan and dreaming of visiting Hogwarts?
All you have to do is ride the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando.
This famous train, a part of the World of Harry Potter, stops at King’s Cross Station in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Station.
Passengers using a special pass can embark from one park to another and ride between the two through rural Britain.
On your travels, be on the lookout for wizard-friendly attractions and Dementors.
The experience will indeed stimulate the Harry Potter in you!
So, you better use your time wisely.
Book now and never miss this wizardly experience for you and all your loved ones to enjoy.
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
3. Seaworld Orlando
Located in the heart of Orlando, Florida, lies the amusement park and aquatic animal park known as SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. is responsible for its maintenance and operation.
Elmo’s Choo-Choo Railway is a miniature train designed specifically for children that run through the Sesame Street Land area of SeaWorld Orlando’s primary theme park.
When you go to SeaWorld, this is just one of the numerous things you can do to have fun in the classic daytime television neighborhood.
They also offer other activities such as exciting rides, food festivals, animal experiences, etc.
Discover more about the exciting new addition to SeaWorld Orlando’s park, Sesame Street Land!
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
4. LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Are you looking for the perfect train and adventure for your child to have a wonderful childhood worth remembering?
LEGOLAND is the right place for you and your family to spend your holidays or weekend getaway.
The DUPLO Valley was created specifically for young children and is loaded with rides and attractions that were made specifically for children, such as the DUPLO Train.
Kids are welcome to join the train alone or with their families for a journey throughout a DUPLO-style landscape with various outdoor recreation areas, including farms, camping, and fishing places.
However, children must measure at least 86 centimeters tall to ride unaccompanied by an adult.
Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, United States
5. Icon Park
Train rides are supposed to be full of laughter and entertainment.
But it is your choice to find the perfect place to enjoy a new experience worth cherishing.
If that’s the case, ICON Park will surely give you an adventure and many attractions to love.
A ride on the Pearl Express Train is an entertaining way to glimpse the amusement, culinary, and commercial hub at ICON Park on International Drive.
Some of the attractions that can be found there include The Wheel.
The train leaves from the inner courtyard of ICON Park, where it travels all around the site, making it an excellent activity for the entire household.
Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
6. Gatorland
Gatorland offers a fun experience in Florida with many attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
It is a 110-acre entertainment park and animal sanctuary.
Owen Godwin started it in 1949 on reclaimed ranch land; to this day, his family is the sole owner.
You can ride the Gatorland Express Railroad an infinite number of times during your visit if you pay a small additional price, even though this attraction requires its unique ticket.
The entire travel around the site takes approximately twenty minutes to finish and extends around the park on a path that goes by the Alligator Breeding Marsh and other displays.
With this, kids can enjoy the view and have a fun experience with animals while loving the train ride in the park.
Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States
7. Walt Disney World Railroad
Those familiar with Walt Disney’s history would recognize that he sincerely appreciated railroads and structured his first theme park on the idea that visitors would be transported by train.
For obvious reasons, the sheer volume of visitors to Walt Disney World at the Magic Kingdom makes this railroad experience the most famous in all of Florida.
As Walt Disney had pictured it, the original site is linked by a 3-foot narrow-gauge railway that spans 1.5 miles.
Perhaps one of Disney World’s most popular features for decades, the railway uses authentic, refurbished steam engines.
These engines were initially constructed for something like the Ferrocarriles Unidos de Yucatán.
It is a 3-foot system that runs in Yucatán.
Address: 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Orlando, FL 32836, United States
8. Central Florida Railroad Museum
This museum, run by the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, is situated in Orlando’s suburbs, specifically Winter Gardens.
After the organization bought the property in October 1979, it was formally launched to the public with a big ceremony in 1983.
As stated on their website, the organization’s main objective is to acquire and conserve railway history, with an essential concentration on Central Florida.
They also aim to rehabilitate and present railroad relics for the enlightenment and entertainment of current and upcoming generations.
Examine the various exhibits to discover more about the region’s railroad past.
The museum reports having regular weekday hours of 1 pm to 5 pm except for certain holidays.
Address: 101 S Boyd St, Winter Garden, FL 34787, United States
9. Winter Park Station
The train is among the finest transportation options in humanity and provides a pleasant ambiance for you to rest on your travel to Winter Gardens.
Train rides are perfect for you if you want to travel fast, avoid cars, and have picturesque views.
Fares between Orlando and Winter Garden begin at just $7.5 and are among the most cost-effective modes of transportation on this route.
There is a train line that travels directly from Orlando to Winter Garden.
You must reserve your spot as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
Look at the several available travel options, and then use the schedule to pick the day that works best for you.
It is better to check the available tickets online to avoid the long line of people.
Address: 148 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States
Also see our article on Horseback Riding in Florida.
Train Rides in Miami, Florida
1. BrightLine
Brightline is a commuter rail service between West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
The train has indeed been called “Wi-Fi on wheels” due to the numerous free services and amenities available to passengers, such as spacious seating and innovative forms of entertainment.
You may get doorstep service of meals from local eateries through Brightline.
In addition, the train offers special quiet compartments and business class for those who need sleep.
The journey on the Brightline is quite comfortable because it is quiet, and there are scarcely any disturbances.
At peak times, the trains leave every 30 minutes.
Last August 2018, it began operating between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
You won’t believe how quickly you can travel beyond multiple states on one of these trains, with their two engines and four carriages accommodating up to 240 people each.
Address: 161 NW 6th Street Miami, FL 33136
2. Miami Station
The Silver Meteor departs from Miami and makes its way to New York, making stops in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
The train offers a variety of conveniences, such as comfy seats, a selection of food, and restrooms; nevertheless, the focus on providing exceptional customer service is just what enables this ride to stand out as being especially enjoyable.
While on board, you can notice that crew members continuously monitor passengers as they walk the aisles.
In addition, the kind conductors will sometimes welcome you to share dinner with them at their private table.
The train is comfortable and peaceful, which made for an enjoyable journey through the interior of Florida.
Address: 8303 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33147, United States
3. Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a fantastic opportunity to travel through time and gain insight into Florida’s past.
The museum, which can be found towards the west of West Palm Beach, houses various historical artifacts.
Some of these include two steam trains, an electrical tram, flatbed trailers, commercial vehicles, and cargo machinery, among other things.
The affordable train rides provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history.
In addition, you can board the Florida East Coast commuter train, which originated in the 1920s and was located at the Royal Park Station in West Palm Beach.
The train will bring you past breathtaking landscapes, such as expansive fields, lush forests, and natural wildlife sanctuaries.
Address: 12450 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, United States
4. MiamiCentral: The Polar Express Train Ride
Have you been dreaming about a holiday train excursion with gingerbread houses, shortbread biscuits, and other seasonal treats?
The Polar Express Train Ride will surely give you a magical tour throughout Florida.
The trip will mesmerize you and will make your stay in the city longer yet more exciting.
During this one-hour trip around Miami Beach, passengers can rediscover the enchantment of the popular vacation classic while reclining somewhere inside fancily adorned Brightline train cars.
The tour will take place on Brightline.
Your journey will include entertainment, performing chefs, tasty delicacies, songs, and the man in red.
They also have special events, especially on holidays.
So be sure to stay tuned on their next trip.
Address: 600 NW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33136, United States
Also see our article on Bowling in Florida.
Train Rides in Fort Myers, Florida
1. Seminole Gulf Railway
Another fantastic option to take in the splendor of Florida’s nature reserves is to travel the Seminole Gulf Railway.
In 1886, the first train arrived in Punta Gorda, as stated on the company website.
The railroad goes between Fort Myers and Naples, passing Florida’s most picturesque areas like Estero Bay Preserve State Park and Bonita Springs.
Also, the train follows a gorgeous track that skirts the shoreline and provides passengers with amazing views of beaches in the gulf.
During May and June, it even offers daily tours to take you across the Imperial River and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where hundreds of birds gather all around the famed bird sanctuary.
Address: 4110 Center Pointe Dr #207, Fort Myers, FL 33916
2. Murder Mystery Dinner Train
Do you want a whole lot of new experiences on a train ride?
Do you love mystery and solving cases?
Suppose you’re looking to investigate a crime story but feel like staying in the comfort of Florida.
This journey will bring out the Sherlock Holmes in you.
The Murder Mystery Dinner Train leaves Sanford, Florida, and while you are on board, you can play professional detective while enjoying a delectable three-course meal.
You and your buddies will decode the evidence, devise a strategy to investigate the crime and identify the person responsible for the crime.
The ride is enjoyable and full of mystery.
If you want to avoid stress once you get to the station, you can reserve a seat online to avoid waiting in line.
Address: 2805 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966, United States
3. Railroad Museum of South Florida
This site, located in Fort Myers and prone to be neglected, features a small array of machinery and interpretative displays.
The Atlantic Coast Line, produced in 1905, and a railcar constructed for the Seaboard Air Line in 1953 are two of their more notable components.
In addition to that, make it a point to experience a ride on the tiny train that runs on their 1/8th-scale track.
It travels a distance of approximately one mile.
In addition, the train passes several small buildings that help compensate the towns included in the train’s route.
Many provide historical context in showing local Southwest Florida settlements as they were in the 50s.
The museum is accessible most of the calendar year and features a gift shop for visitors’ convenience.
Address: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907, United States
Also see our article on Kayaking in Florida.
Train Rides in Tampa, Florida
1. TECO Line Streetcar System
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transportation Authority is in charge of operating the TECO Route Streetcar, which is a historical rail line transportation in the city of Tampa.
When it first launched on October 2002, the line was 3.86 kilometers long and 2.4 miles long.
In 2010, it was enlarged to 2.7 miles.
Most of the route is on a protected way, and the system is designed as a straight track with many intermediate rail tracks.
And over 3 kilometers of rail lines are used for the trolley rides provided by the TECO all across the city center of Tampa.
They use Birney cars that have been refurbished, and there are plans to broaden the system.
Address: 603-611 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
2. Tampa Union Station
You’ll find the historically significant Tampa Union Station in Tampa, Florida.
Joseph Leitner was the architect of this structure.
Their company launched it into service on May 1912.
The station, built in Italian Renaissance architecture, served three different railroads.
A group known as “Friends” is working to ensure the property’s continued upkeep and preservation.
An ATM is available on-site.
The building does not have an elevator, payphones, Wi-Fi, or ticketing kiosks.
However, they have a ticketing office and public toilets.
The train does not allow children to travel alone.
If you require assistance checking baggage or purchasing tickets or boarding passes, you must arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart.
However, if you are not checking baggage and do not want help, you should arrive at the terminal at least thirty minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Address: 601 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Also see our article on Tubing in Florida.
Train Rides in Palm Beach, Florida
1. Flagler Museum
The museum was ultimately finished in 1902.
The group claims that preserving and sharing the legacy of Florida’s growth due to Henry Flagler’s initiatives is its top priority.
The significance of his Florida East Coast Railway in making Florida the tourist magnet it is today is often overlooked.
Vacation spots would only exist with this railroad.
Without Flagler and the FEC, these towns would never have become the global tourist meccas they are today.
Except for significant holidays, you can visit the museum every day of the year.
If you join the club, however, your visits are free forever.
The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach is located in the fantastic white hall estate Henry Flagler built for himself.
Address: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480, United States
2. BrightLine – West Palm Beach
Take a ride on the trendy Brightline train leading to West Palm Beach and discover everything the city offers when you get there.
When you ride with Brightline, you will never miss a moment of fun because this cutting-edge station is conveniently located near many attractions, including museums, natural areas, beaches, and activities.
In addition, if you pay an additional fee for Brightline+, you can ride in style to all of the most exciting developments, marketplaces, and festivities the city has to serve.
You can also easily access the Palm Tran Bus, Palm Trolly, and Tri-Rail Station; the shopping center and eateries are within walking distance.
Shared vehicles and motorcycles that are beneficial to the environment are also available.
Address: 501 Evernia St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Also see our article on Fun things to do in Florida.
Train Rides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
1. Cypress Creek Station
The station was supposed to launch on January 1989 together with the remainder of the Tri-Rail line.
But, due to construction difficulties, the installation was postponed for just several months.
Finally, on June 1989, the Cypress Creek station began business.
Cypress Creek Station offers free parking to those who are traveling.
The station has ticket vending machines.
During the train’s hours, ticket-selling devices may be found on Track 1 and Track 2 in both locations.
The TVMs can process cash, debit cards, and credit cards, so it is accessible for whatever mode of payment.
Their connections include a riding partner for the Tri-Rail system.
In addition, passengers can request a free trip in an Uber or Yellow Cab taxi from Monday through Friday if they are located within the marked areas.
Address: 5910 NW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
2. Tri-Rail
Are looking for an easily accessible, fast navigating and has lots of view ride.
Tri-Rail is the best answer.
The station is complete with its amenities to serve all its passengers.
You need to buy a ticket first before you can ride the train.
Also, you don’t have to worry if you need an internet connection, as they have free Wi-Fi.
Tri-Rail relieves hundreds of vehicles from the road, making it possible for many students and employees to go to their places of employment and education safely and affordably.
As long as the system continues to offer an essential service to the local community, including during times of crisis, the Tri-Rail trains will continue to operate according to their typical timetable.
Address: 200 SW 21st Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
3. Tradewinds And Atlantic Railroad
You may take a miniature train ride that is a quarter-mile long and costs only $1.50 on the third Saturday of the month.
The Tradewinds and Atlantic Railroad are appropriate for children and adults even though it is just 1/8 of life-size.
You’ll be able to hear the clickety-clacking of the train rails underneath you as you travel across the picturesque lake.
On the northern edge of Tradewinds Park, on the other end of the road from Butterfly World, is where you will discover the Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad.
It is in charge of the operation of the trains.
The place is open from 10 am to 4 pm so that you can have more time to enjoy the site.
Unfortunately, pregnant moms are not permitted to ride for their pregnancies.
This precaution is done to ensure the well-being of the unborn kid.
Address: 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33066
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Outdoor Activities, State Parks, and Festivals in Florida.
Looking beyond Florida? Check out our article on the best Train Rides in Illinois and New York.