Amtrak to Disney World – Complete Train Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World and considering train travel? You are in luck! Amtrak offers several convenient options to get you close to Disney World, with travel times typically ranging from around 1.5 hours from Tampa to about 8 hours from the Northeast, depending on your starting point. While Amtrak does not go directly into Disney’s gates, it provides easy access to nearby stations, like Kissimmee and Orlando, that make your trip seamless and enjoyable. This blog provides information you need to know about the Amtrak to Disney World.

Amtrak Train Stations Near Disney World

There are primarily three Amtrak options to reach Walt Disney World, each with its own advantages and considerations:

• Amtrak Kissimmee Station (KIS)
• Amtrak Orlando Station (ORL)
• Auto Train (Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL)

Amtrak Kissimmee Station (KIS)

For the closest and most convenient train stop to Disney World, the Kissimmee station (KIS) is the top choice, offering quick access, fewer crowds, and easy connections to the parks and local attractions.

Why choose Kissimmee?

• The Kissimmee station (KIS) is just about 25-30 minutes away from Disney World. It’s the best option if you want to be as close as possible to the parks, especially since it’s less crowded than the Orlando station.

Getting to Disney from Kissimmee: 

• Rideshare or Taxi: The quickest way, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft will get you there in about 25-30 minutes.
• Public Transport: The Lynx Bus Route 56 stops nearby and can take you directly to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, just a short walk from the station.
• Rental Cars: Major rental companies such as Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz are conveniently located near the station. Enterprise often offers pickup services if you reserve in advance.

Additional perks:

• Kissimmee’s smaller size means fewer crowds, making rideshare pickups smoother. Plus, the quaint Main Street area near the station offers shops and eateries, perfect for a quick bite or some shopping before hitting the parks.

Amtrak Orlando Station (ORL)

If you are considering taking the train to Disney World and want the flexibility of exploring Orlando and beyond, the Orlando station (ORL) is a perfect choice, offering convenient access, on-site car rentals, and major intercity routes that connect you to some of the East Coast’s largest cities.

Distance and travel time:

• The Orlando station (ORL) is about 30 minutes from Disney World by car or rideshare. It’s a popular hub, especially for those traveling from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic via routes like the Silver Meteor or Floridian.

Why choose Orlando? 

• Car Rentals: Orlando Station has on-site rental services, offering more flexibility if you prefer to drive yourself around Orlando and visit other attractions.
• Additional Travel Options: The station is well-connected and serves major intercity routes, making it a great hub for broader travel plans.

Getting from Orlando to Disney:

• Rideshare or Taxi: About a 30-minute trip, depending on traffic.
• Public Transit: Lynx buses are available, but take longer than a rideshare.

Bonus:

• If you are planning to explore more of Florida, Orlando Station’s connection to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. makes it a convenient starting point.

Auto Train (Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL)

The Auto Train offers a unique and convenient way to get to Florida—combining the comfort of overnight travel with the freedom of having your own vehicle waiting for you when you arrive.

What’s unique about the Auto Train?

• Imagine traveling overnight on a luxurious train, and arriving in Florida with your vehicle ready to go, no long drives. The Auto Train leaves from Lorton, Virginia (near D.C.) and gets to Sanford, Florida, just about 45-50 minutes from Disney World.

Benefits: 

• Convenience: Skip the traffic and fatigue of a long road trip.
• Own Your Vehicle: Perfect if you want to explore Orlando and nearby attractions on your schedule.
• Comfort: The journey includes dining options and private bedrooms (pets are not allowed).

Travel time:

• The overnight trip typically lasts around 17 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Rideshare & Local Transport: After arriving at Kissimmee or Orlando, rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are your best bet, especially if traveling solo or in a small group.
• Car Rentals: For maximum flexibility, renting a car is highly recommended. The proximity of rental agencies to Kissimmee Station makes this simple.
• Avoid Traffic Hassles: Going from Tampa on the train takes about 1.5 hours, so you can skip the heavy traffic.
• Additional Options: If you are coming from South Florida, consider Brightline, which offers faster service to Orlando International Airport, where you can connect to shuttles or rideshares to Disney.

Whether you are coming from nearby Tampa or traveling across the country on the Auto Train, Amtrak to Disney World offers a convenient and enjoyable way to start your Disney adventure. The Kissimmee station, thanks to its close location and easy access, is often the best choice for visitors. Just be sure to plan your local transportation ahead of time, especially if you are using rideshare or public transit, so your trip from the station to the magic goes smoothly.

Commonly Asked Questions