How to Book Train Travel From Washington, DC to Tampa

Traveling via train from Washington, DC's Union Station to usually sunny Tampa can be the most affordable, relaxing way to get there in under a day's travel time. Seeing the southeastern coastal states from the window of a Silver Liner or Palmetto train might also be the most scenic choice available without the headache of driving.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A computer or PDA with Internet access.
• A credit or debit card.
• Dates and times for travel.

Book Your Train Tickets

1. Begin your online fare search well over a week in advance to ensure availability on your Washington, DC to Tampa trek. This busy route tends to sell out without warning at odd times, so acting ahead can save huge headaches.
2. Select a Roomette or Bedroom for personal climate control, privacy and a comfy place to rest your weary head on the way to Tampa. You'll arrive rested, fed and informed by taking advantage of free meal, linen and newspaper service offered in these classes.
3. Print boarding passes from the convenience of your home to avoid huge lines at Union Station's Quick Track kiosks and Amtrak ticket windows.

Negotiate Union Square

4. Look twice at your train numbers. Silver Line service and Palmetto trains run even on the northbound track, odd on the southbound side. You'll want to be sure you're not bound for New York before departing Union Station.
5. Forget packing! Buy everything you need at Union Station's full-sized, full-service mall the day of your departure.
6. Find all Amtrak services conveniently located toward the center rear of the ground level concourse, opposite the main Massachusetts Avenue entrance.

Travel Comfortably

7. Layer clothing for self-service climate control in coach and business classes, which always tend to be too hot or too cold for one's taste.
8. Port your portable music devices to drown out noisy neighbors, offending mechanical noise and other auditory irritations during your nearly full-day adventure to Tampa.

Tips & Warnings

• Stow a beverage, a book and a snack in your carry-on bag, right next to your toothbrush, spare socks, clean underwear, soap, lotion and any other favorite refreshing toiletries you may need for half day's transit.
• Hone in on weekly discounts under the orange Hot Deals tab on Amtrak's reservation page.
• Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit the link below.
• Waiting too long to book can cost you--last-minute travelers can expect to pay considerably more than advance reservation makers.