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Florida Whiskey Train Rides

Published: September 15, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The romance of rail pairs naturally with a fine pour of whiskey: slow travel, picture windows, convivial conversation, and the ritual of a well-made dram. While some regions of the U.S. have established whiskey- or bourbon-themed rail excursions, Florida’s rail scene is a bit different.

The state’s offerings focus on dinner theater trains, modern intercity service with onboard bars, and seasonal pop-up events rather than dedicated, regularly scheduled whiskey trains. If you’re dreaming of a whiskey-forward journey by rail in the Sunshine State, here’s what’s available now, what to watch for next, and how to craft a memorable experience of your own.

What you can ride today

1) Seminole Gulf Railway’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train (Fort Myers)
If you’re looking for atmosphere, this Southwest Florida standby delivers. The Murder Mystery Dinner Train combines a multi-course dinner, live interactive theater, and a leisurely evening ride aboard vintage railcars. It operates year-round, with themed shows that change periodically. There’s a full bar on board, so while it’s not a whiskey-specific excursion, you can certainly order your favorite bourbon or rye to accompany dinner and the show.

Expect a three- to four-hour round trip, assigned seating at shared tables, and a five-course menu that typically includes choices for the main course. The route runs through the Fort Myers area at a relaxed pace that suits dining and conversation. Advance reservations are essential, weekends sell out, and smart-casual attire fits the vibe. If your goal is a refined, rail-forward evening where whiskey is available and the journey is the experience, this is currently Florida’s closest analog to a classic “whiskey train.”

2) Brightline (Miami–Orlando with intermediate stops)
Brightline is Florida’s modern higher-speed intercity service linking Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando (at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C). It’s not a themed excursion, but it does offer the most seamless way to enjoy rail travel and a proper drink. Premium-class tickets include complimentary beverages, typically covering beer, wine, and spirits. In standard class, you can purchase drinks from onboard service and at station bars before departure.

Practically, that means you can sip a whiskey highball between Miami and West Palm, or unwind with a neat pour on the longer Miami–Orlando leg. Trains are clean and contemporary, with comfortable seating, Wi‑Fi, and reliable schedules—ideal for building a rail-and-whiskey weekend that hops between South Florida cities without the hassle of driving.

3) Amtrak’s Silver Service (statewide)
Amtrak connects Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and beyond via the Silver Meteor and Silver Star. On most departures you’ll find a café car selling beer and wine; availability of spirits can vary by route and season. In general, Amtrak does not allow consumption of personal alcohol in coach seating; if you’re in a sleeper, you may consume your own in your private accommodation. For a whiskey-forward ride, check current onboard menus before you book, and plan to pair a train trip with tastings or bars near your arrival station rather than relying on the café car for a deep selection.

What isn’t here (yet)

As of this writing, Florida does not have a widely advertised, regularly scheduled whiskey-exclusive excursion like Kentucky’s bourbon-themed rail experiences. Some museums and excursion lines may host occasional adult-oriented events or special tastings, but these are typically one-offs rather than fixed seasonal series. If you’re set on a dedicated whiskey train, you may need to look out of state. If you’re flexible on the “theme,” you can still have an excellent rail-and-whiskey adventure in Florida with a bit of planning.

How to plan your own whiskey-forward rail itinerary

- Use Brightline as your backbone. The frequency, speed, and station locations make it easy to craft a car-free itinerary. Pick two or three cities, build in generous time between trains, and make reservations at top cocktail or whiskey bars near each station. Stations are centrally located, and rideshare is easy if a venue isn’t walkable.

- Pair dinner trains with a pre- or post-ride tasting. In Fort Myers, plan a late afternoon flight at a reputable bar before boarding the Murder Mystery Dinner Train, or a nightcap afterward. Always budget time; you won’t want to rush boarding or miss final calls.

- Book accommodations steps from your station. Staying within walking distance reduces logistics and lets you enjoy tastings responsibly. This is especially convenient in downtown Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and around Orlando’s airport station.

- Choose a theme for your pours. For a cohesive experience, focus on American rye one night and wheated bourbon the next, or compare classic Kentucky expressions with Florida-made releases where available. If a bar offers flights, ask staff to help build a progression.

- Mind train schedules and last departures. Whiskey rewards lingering conversation, but trains don’t wait. Save a screenshot of departure times, set alarms, and board early to snag seats and settle in.

- Hydrate and pace yourself. Order water with every pour, snack between drinks, and consider splitting flights. You’ll enjoy the ride—and the whiskey—more.

Distilleries to consider pairing with train travel

While not typically accessible door-to-door by train alone, several Florida distilleries produce whiskey and offer tours and tastings. Two to know:

- St. Augustine Distillery (St. Augustine): Known for Florida-made bourbon and rye, plus a polished visitor experience. Pair with an Amtrak trip to Jacksonville, then rideshare to St. Augustine for a day trip or overnight.

- Manifest Distilling (Jacksonville): An award-winning craft distiller producing rye whiskey among other spirits. The Jacksonville Amtrak station isn’t downtown, so plan a short rideshare.

Check hours, tour availability, and bottle shop rules before you go. Distillery calendars can change seasonally, and some experiences require reservations.

Safety, policies, and etiquette

- Age and ID: Bring valid, government-issued photo ID. Florida establishments will card, and rail operators can deny alcohol service at their discretion.

- Onboard alcohol rules: Brightline sells and serves alcohol aboard; Amtrak policies vary by class of service. Consuming personal alcohol in coach is generally prohibited on Amtrak. When in doubt, ask staff.

- Motion and moderation: If you’re sensitive to motion, favor whiskey neat or with a splash rather than sugary cocktails. Sit facing forward, and avoid tasting flights if the ride is choppy.

- Tipping: Tip bartenders and onboard attendants as you would on land. For dinner trains, gratuity policies vary—check your confirmation to see what’s included.

Watching for special events

Florida operators periodically experiment with themed rides and partnerships. To be first in line for any whiskey-forward pop-ups:

- Join email lists for Seminole Gulf Railway, Brightline, and nearby rail museums or excursion lines.
- Follow operators on social media, where limited-run tasting events are often announced first.
- Keep an eye on local spirits festivals; some coordinate with rail-friendly venues or timed departures.

A sample weekend concept

- Friday: Arrive Miami by Brightline. Check into a hotel near MiamiCentral. Enjoy an early whiskey cocktail and dinner downtown.
- Saturday: Late morning Brightline to West Palm Beach. Afternoon museum or beach time, then a curated whiskey flight at a respected bar near Clematis Street. Return to Miami on an evening train.
- Sunday: Brightline to Orlando for a leisurely ride with an onboard pour, then flights home from MCO or continue your Florida itinerary.

The bottom line

Florida doesn’t yet offer a dedicated “whiskey train” in the classic sense, but you can absolutely craft a memorable, rail-centric whiskey experience. Combine the theater and charm of Fort Myers’ dinner train with Brightline’s sleek city-to-city service, add thoughtful stops at quality bars and a distillery visit or two, and you’ll capture the essence of what makes whiskey-by-rail special: unhurried travel, rich flavors, and the simple pleasure of watching the Sunshine State roll by your window.