Jacksonville, FL Station (JAX)
Jacksonville Amtrak Station serves as a key rail transportation hub in Jacksonville, Florida, operated by Amtrak, the national passenger rail service. Located in the Northside neighborhood, this station (station code JAX) connects passengers to major destinations along the East Coast and nationwide via long-distance and regional routes.
Opened in early 1974 to replace the historic downtown union station, today’s facility features a brick-faced building with essential amenities for travelers.
Location & Contact Information
Address:
3570 Clifford Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32209-2123 USA
Station Code: JAX
Customer Service / Ticketing: (888) 929-3161
Official Website: www.amtrakdeals.com
Map Coordinates: Northside Jacksonville, between downtown and Jacksonville International Airport
Key Features & Amenities
Station Facilities
The Jacksonville Amtrak Station provides essential services to make your trip comfortable. The station includes:
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Indoor waiting area | ✔️ YES |
| Ticket office | ✔️ YES |
| Restrooms | ✔️ YES |
| Checked baggage service | ✔️ YES (available) |
| Parking | ✔️ YES Free daily and overnight parking |
| Accessible platforms | ✔️ YES Wheelchair accessible |
| Wi-Fi | ❌ NO (not typically available station-wide) |
| Vending machines | ✔️ YES |
Traveler Tip: Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure if you need ticketing or baggage assistance.
Train Services & Routes
Jacksonville Station is served by major long-distance Amtrak routes:
Major Trains Serving Jacksonville
| Train Name | Route Highlights | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Meteor | Connects Miami ↔ New York City along the Atlantic Coast | Daily service |
| Floridian | Long-distance service between Chicago and Miami (via Jacksonville) | Daily service |
The Silver Meteor provides scenic travel from Florida up through the Southeast and Northeast regions, stopping in key cities including Orlando, Savannah, Charleston, and Washington, D.C.
Note: The historic Silver Star previously served this station but has since been merged into the Floridian schedule.
Train Schedule & Travel Tips
Schedules may vary seasonally and due to operational changes. Always check Amtrak.com or call ahead to confirm train departure and arrival times.
Typical Patterns:
- Southbound trains usually depart in the early morning or midday.
- Northbound trains often arrive in the late afternoon or evening.
Accessibility & Passenger Services
Jacksonville Station is designed to serve a wide range of passengers:
Accessibility Features
- Wheelchair access to platforms and restrooms
- Accessible ticketing office and waiting areas
Passenger Services
- Station staff available for queries and baggage handling
- Covered outdoor seating for comfort while waiting
Transportation Connections
While this station is not highly walkable from nearby downtown areas, it offers convenient connections via rideshare, taxi, and local bus services:
- Lyft / Uber / Taxi: Readily available for first-mile / last-mile transit.
- Local Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) buses: Several bus lines serve nearby routes.
There are no major hotels within walking distance; passengers typically book rides or lodging close to downtown or near the airport.
History of Jacksonville’s Rail Station
The current Jacksonville station opened in January 1974, replacing the iconic downtown Union Terminal (now the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center).
Initially, multiple trains served this station, including the Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Champion, and Floridian routes. Budget cuts in the late 1970s curtailed some services, leaving the Silver Meteor and Silver Star as primary services.
In the early 2000s, discussions began about relocating or expanding rail service back into downtown Jacksonville as part of a proposed multimodal transit center, though funding has remained challenging.
Nearby Points of Interest
While primarily a transportation hub, the station places you within reach of:
- Downtown Jacksonville entertainment and dining
- Beaches and waterfront parks – First Coast area
- Urban cultural attractions (e.g., museums, historic districts)
What Travelers Say
Traveler reviews describe the station as functional and practical, with basic comforts and helpful staff. Some travelers note that it’s clean and efficient, while others mention typical concerns about restroom maintenance and waiting area ambience.
