The Sun-Times sent a reporter and photographer on the first run of the Floridian from Chicago to Miami — on one condition. We have to ride the whole way in coach.

Although the new route is temporary, American train travel is making a comeback. More than 28.6 million passengers rode Amtrak trains last year, 24.6% more than in 2022. Last December, the Biden-Harris administration shared its plans to invest $8.2 billion in high-speed rail infrastructure, including upgrading and expanding existing lines.

Here are some of the best trips you can take from Chicago’s Union Station — from a short ride across the state to a multi-day cross-country trek.

Amtrak’s first train from Chicago to Miami left the station on Sunday and arrived on Tuesday. Last month, Amtrak announced it would be launching its new Floridian line, a rail service between Chicago and Miami. Its inaugural run began on Sunday, Nov. 10.

For the first time since the 1970s, Amtrak is offering direct service from Chicago to several cities in Florida.