How to Take a Scenic Train Ride to Palatka, Florida

Watching the landscape roll past from a train window is one of travel's simple pleasures. In Palatka, that journey ends just blocks from the city's historic downtown, making rail travel a relaxing and convenient way to discover one of Northeast Florida's hidden gems. Daily Amtrak service connects the city to destinations throughout Florida and beyond.

Amtrak Routes That Stop in Palatka, Florida: 

Perhaps you’re in Florida and looking for a nice place to get away to for a few days. 

Travelers can reach Palatka from many Florida cities, including:

• Orlando
• Miami
• Hollywood
• Fort Lauderdale
• Deerfield Beach
• Delray Beach
• West Palm Beach
• Sebring
• Winter Haven
• Kissimmee
• Winter Park
• DeLand
• Jacksonville 
• Lakeland
• Okeechobee
• Tampa

Those coming from farther away can easily hop on an Amtrak train and take the scenic ride to Palatka, too. There are multiple ticket options available that allow you to customize your experience, including some that allow you comfortable accommodations for overnight rides.

Floridian: 

• This train’s route stretches from Miami to Chicago and weaves through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 
• Amtrak’s Floridian route makes daily arrivals and departures in Palatka, Florida. 
• Although accommodations could vary by train, ticket options may include: Coach Class Seat, Viewliner Roomette, Viewliner Bedroom, Viewliner Bedroom Suite, Viewliner Accessible Bedroom, and Trainside Checked Bicycle.
• Passengers can enjoy onboard dining and beverage service during their journey. 

Silver Meteor: 

• The Silver Meteor route extends from Miami to New York and traverses through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. 
• Amtrak’s Silver Meteor route makes daily arrivals and departures in Palatka, Florida. 
• Accommodations may vary by train, but ticket options could include: Coach Class Seat, Business Class Seat, Viewliner Roomette, Viewliner Bedroom, Viewliner Bedroom Suite, Viewliner Accessible Bedroom, and Trainside Checked Bicycle.
• The train offers onboard dining and beverage service. 

The Historic Train Station in Palatka:

The building at the Palatka Amtrak station, also known as the Old ACL Union Depot, was originally built for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad back in 1908 and was also served by the Florida East Coast Railway. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a welcome treat to travelers as they disembark in Palatka.

While the building itself serves as a tribute to Palatka’s railroad history, the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society has also worked hard to let visitors experience even more of the area’s past. Inside the building is where you’ll find the David Browning Railroad Museum. There you can see an array of railroad artifacts and memorabilia. The museum is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge, and it’s a nice addition to your trip. Some visitors choose to peruse the museum’s treasures when they first step off the train in Palatka, while others make the museum their grand finale before boarding the train to head back home. 

If the timing of your trip coincides with one of the David Browning Railroad Museum’s open house events, add that to your calendar as well. Those events are held quarterly and you can take a look at the society’s online calendar to see when those will be held.

Local Transportation in Palatka, Florida:

The train station in Palatka is only three blocks from the historic downtown district. It’s easy to hop off of the train, head downtown, and enjoy a few days in Palatka. 

• The Ride Solution: offers bus service from the Palatka Train Station to many locations around town.
• 386 Transportation: is a taxi company that services Putnam County, Florida and you can call or text to schedule a ride.
• Rydei: offers private rides as well, and you can request a ride online or via text. 

Pro Tip: Trains schedules can sometimes vary due to unforeseen delays. Download the Amtrak App before your trip to follow along with your train’s actual arrival time.

Ideas for Your Palatka Getaway:

Once your train rolls into Palatka, Florida, the fun really begins. Downtown Palatka is a charming place where you can experience art, cute boutiques, fishing, walks by the St. Johns River, a riverboat cruise, scrumptious food, fun nightlife, and more – all without leaving downtown. To get more information on what to do, where to stay, and more, download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android.