I had no idea this existed until I had someone visit from Belgium and she was very resourceful with how she got around Florida. One of the things I loved about her taking the train we were able to be with her until the train left. It was MUCH cheaper for her to take the train to Miami instead of fly. I think around $50 vs well over $100 to fly. It may take longer than flying but the price difference can make the difference between getting to where you want to go or not. We took the Tampa Black History tour before we came to the train station. Learned that B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, use to come through here and cross the street to play at the historic Jackson house. (Pictured...it's in bad shape, but they are hoping to restore it. It needs A LOT of LOVE) I highly recommend checking out the Tampa Bay History Center for history tours in Tampa. There is a lot of great history here! https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/ read more

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The station is under construction on the outside west side. The fencing leaves a small path for people exiting to the pickup lane. Poor signage confuses passengers on which way to go. I recommend telling travelers to follow the signs to the parking lot on the east side and picking them up there until the construction is completed. read more

Tampa Union Station - Train Stations Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The Tampa Union Station is a beautiful historic landmark building but like most Amtrak stations that I have been in, there are no concessional venues to grab a quick snack whilst waiting nevertheless, the staff was great when I checked my bag. Everything was well organized, getting passengers with disabilities or those that need extra time, to the platform situated first and then the general boarding. read more

This is a beautiful historic building, but it is poorly maintained and absolutely filthy. No concessions but they do have vending machines. There's no ATM, even though it claims to have one according to both its website and Amtrak's. The restrooms are disgusting. It's unfortunate to see the place being so poorly maintained. read more

Very easygoing and calm experience. Train was clean. Seats on train were a little uncomfortable but spacious. read more

Bathrooms very clean, a/c strong in the building, lots of little exhibits inside with train history. Large green doors made me feel like I was in a doll house. read more

Ok this is a review of both the Union Station in Tampa and a cool little trip you can make to Lakeland for the afternoon. Union stations get their name because it was serving two or more companies/lines who shared a common station ( , unlike Penn stations that were proprietary to the Pennsylvania railroad). Great old building that is a little worse for wear but kept in pretty decent shape by the a non profit charity (consider a 100 dollar donation and get an engraved brick at the entry way). Tampaunionstation.com They have one museum glass display with artifacts but not much else to see other than the pictures in your mind on what the place was like in the heyday of rail. Satisfy the train nerd, explorer, novelty seeker, quirky date itch by taking the train to Lakeland for the afternoon. Book the silver star ( runs from NY to Miami) from Tampa to Winterhaven (Lakeland is the only stop until winterhaven (no ticket just to Lakeland) and a return leg winterhaven to Tampa. Cost you 28 bucks. Free parking at Union station (you can park overnight as well) . Leave Tampa around 1237 and get into Lakeland just after one pm. . Return train to tampa via Lakeland leaves at 420 (hmmm) giving you close to three hours to hit some food/cocktails, see a , cool little botanical garden the other side of mirror lake; Lots of places to eat and drink around mirror lake and downtown (1916, mojo federal bbq, Terrace hotel, swan brewing and dissent brewing) . All within ten minute walk. The seats in Amtrak coach are surprisingly large and comfortable. Rows of two on each side of the aisle. Has an outlet for electronics, seats recline and has adjustable foot rest. Very relaxing but you'll want to check out the scenery as it hits top speed of 81 mph. read more

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It's a 100+ year old (built in 1912) rail station on the edge of skid row in downtown Tampa. You can tell this once was a glorious monument to rail service. Now it's just an ignominious monument to mediocrity and ages long gone. Chipping paint, cracked plaster, grungy stone floors and general worn-ness around every last set of edges. There are, however, a couple of interesting displays set up on the south and east walls highlighting rail travel. When you enter, it's plain to see the group that took this station over from CSX did quite a bit to bring this place up to late 20th century standards. Apparently it had been derelict and in advanced decay by 1984. AC, modern lighting and restrooms, a few vending machines, etc. No WiFi or anything else like a snack bar or something that could scream 21st century...sigh. However if you're taking a train outta here, parking is free, and in a fenced lot! So once we walked to the ticket counter to check our bags, we just sat down until the train (Silver Star) showed up. There's only one platform out there so it's impossible to get lost. Grand Central Terminal or NY Penn Station it ain't! If this is a way to welcome folks to long distance train travel, then it's just as easy to stay the hell home. read more

Terrible, no wifi, no concessions, airport terminals are much more welcoming. Orlando has a great hotdog stand, for comparison. Here in Tampa, there's nothing read more

Tampa Union Station - Seating area indoors - Train Stations Near Me - Tampa, Florida

As far as train stations in America goes this one is a gem. The Gem is a bit dirtier than we might like but this historic landmark is often overlooked in downtown Tampa. Even if you're not traveling by train (there's no reason not to--- go by train!), Stop in here for a quick look. There's free parking. The historical significance and restoration of this station is enough reasons to check it out. read more

Tampa Union Station - Passenger waiting area. - Train Stations Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Upon walking in, you immediately feel a a flashback to a century ago, when the rails were ehat airlines are today. To make it better, the train was actually 1 minute early; very different from most Amtrak long distance routes. A creepy station initially (like all USA's nostalgic train stops. However this one truly was not being neglected like others. The efforts to maintain the Tampa Union station is clear and should continue its advocacy for a long time... at least until teleportation is available to the public! Save & keep our trains ! read more

Tampa Union Station - The desperate nature of the rails is stated - Train Stations Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I took my nephew here because he is a train hobbyist! He knows every nut, bolt, screw and train type like you know your beer or wine. Due to Covid, we were careful of our boundaries and social distancing. Overall kindness was met by a wonderful man who was the crew manager. He allowed my nephew to go take pics of the Amtrak silver bullet that was pulling into the station. And upon our departure, gave him a super cool railroad momento. It made my nephews day! He was so super excited! Thank you!! read more

I've never really dealt with any employees here. I usually already have my ticket or I'm getting straight off the train and going about my day. The station is super run down though. For sure should be updated a little. The last time I took the train, it was running more than an hour and a half late, that was upsetting. I missed my appointment. Obviously this isn't the actual stations fault. This station is on the out skirts of a bad part of town, so just be cautious if you're walking around the outside looking for your way to your next destination. Biggest complaint is just how outdated the inside is read more

This was my first time ever taking the train. I had heard a few bad comments about this place from people who have lived in Tampa, but I believe it has been restored or renovated since then. It was very clean with a lot of pews for seating. The staff at the counters were very nice and helpful. The conductors on the train were a bit unfriendly both going and coming back, but I think it's due to the volume of people they deal with daily. We had an issue with another rider in our assigned row and they took care of it quickly with both us and the previously rider satisfied. The train itself was very clean and spacious. The ride was also relaxing. I will definitely be taking this route of travel again! Especially since I can bring my dog for only $25. read more

The station is a national landmark and if you are in the area buoy should visit. Today I am Dropping my son off to return to FAU for his spring semester. The station is amazing building. The renovations that were completed returned the station to its former beauty! The check in process is also smooth . If you do not check bags you print tickets at home or at the self service stations in Union Station. The waiting areas are comfortable as well. There are no eateries so you have to bring food with you if hungry. They do have vending machines , but no real food. My only complaint is The landing areas and covers out where the trains arrive and depart need to be repaired and updated. read more

After years of neglect, Tampa Union Station was finally restored in the late 1990s. Today, it serves Amtrak, has a great meeting room upstairs, and reminds us of the importance rail once held for the City. Its a shame so few people ever visit here, but at least its in use, a declared landmark, and in pretty great shape for a building that was built in 1912. read more

The train station is not too far from Crosstown, Downtown Tampa, Channelside, the Tampa Port, and Ybor City... I used to travel to/from undergraduate school back in the late-80s and the facilities look the same -- not much has changed. There's WiFi at the station for a nominal fee; and I learned that Amtrak will soon offer WiFi on the train while its customers are in transit from point-A to point-B. The parking lot is not as plentiful - so plan accordingly if you are picking up a person or planning to park for the duration of your trip. If you opt to park onsite for the duration of your trip, please know that you are parking at your own risk. Know your surroundings. read more

I really like the train, soooo much better than flying. Far more calm and relaxed. You MUST have a roomette at a minimum. The primary advantage of the train is the reduction of interaction with the general population, which has gotten incredibly worse at airports. (I.e. spirit and southwest). The train service is very nice, but realize the general public is still present, so things like the restrooms will be disgusting and uncared for. Sasquatch's use it and leave it like the woods. Typical Americans. But overall, I'd still take the train over a flight any day. read more

Whether it is the romance of the rails, or more practical reasons that inspire people to go training, Tampa welcomes 140,000 passengers per year arriving to and departing from its beautifully restored station located between historic Ybor City, and the increasingly lively downtown district. Though completed in 1912, the station closed in 1984 until it was re-opened, newly restored, in 1998. Despite the closure, service continued from a temporary ticket office and waiting area set up adjacent to the station platforms. In 1988, the station became one of the first buildings tapped as a Tampa landmark due to a then-new-to-the-city historic preservation ordinance. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the station offers travelers food and drink from vending machines, features a few displays of model trains and train memorabilia but mainly serves as a striking reminder of an elegance of a bygone era. The Italian Renaissance Revival-style structure makes modern buildings appear quite boring and barren by comparison. read more

I will start by saying as a historical structure I loved the details of the inside and outside of this station. As you sit inside on the wooden benches, you feel as though as you are transported back to the 30s or the 40s. Historical I love all the details! As far as the amenities go, considering it is a rather busy train station, it would be nice if there was a little more. Maybe a stand where you could get coffee or something quick to eat would be nice. Note to self: pack food that will sustain me for 4+ hours when traveling from this station. A plus is that they have free long term parking. This makes it very helpful, so that you don't have to burden people with rides if you live a far distance. The staff is friendly and accommodating and you can't beat the deal of a round trip to Fort Lauderdale for 60 or so dollars. I can't really complain because Amtrak overall is easy and is so much better then entertaining yourself for 4 plus hours on a car ride to South Florida. Overall, I like. read more

I spent Wednesday from 10 AM waiting for my 12:37 train to Ft Ld. I expected it to go by quickly, which it seemed to. Then got a text that it would be delayed till 2:37. Didn't board till after 3. In spite of this unusual hiccup, the station was interesting and everyone friendly and polite. I agree they could use a snack bar. I hope to ride Amtrak again soon!! Make sure to pack a snack in case of a delay! read more

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Once again the train is late. Last time I traveled to Tampa it was 4hrs late. That time I rented a car and was home in Fort Lauderdale before the train even left the station in Tampa. It's crap! read more

Being a rail buff, I really wanted to like this building more than I did. It is a historic landmark as it should be, but it is located in a questionable neighborhood that has not finished gentrification and so it makes one wonder if their car will be there when they come back and those sorts of things. The terminal inside has basic amenities but the design is really where the appeal lies. Unfortunately, there is nothing to eat and there are no options within walking distance either, so hopefully your train won't be late. The staff are exceptionally helpful and good at what they do, so I recommend taking the train from here at least once. read more

I have been going to the station on & off throughout my life. It really got very run down and appeared to be more of a blight to Tampa, except to offer rail transportation. With all of the capital improvements, general cleaning & restoring, it is once again a thing of beauty. The architecture of the building is exquisite & stands out loud in proud in our diverse city. Tampa is such an assorted blend of modern & almost any other period of architecture, that we have a total mish-mash, which is part of Tampa's charm. In 1988 the station gained it's official Historical Landmark position in Tampa, which I really feel it deserved. Tampa is a quirky town, this beautiful building in a not so great area of town, but this does not in any way dismiss it's character, charm or historical significance. When it opened in 1912, Tampa had no growing pains, as it is experiencing now & I would guess that this appeared the logical location, for the primary mode of transportation to & from various locations. I have deep feelings of nostalgia & exuberance for our local train station. It may not be that big, but it serves our needs. Unfortunately many have lost their romance with the rails & their ever increasing prices, have stopped me on more than one occasion, from utelizing this as a form of transportation. This makes me sad & I am sure others feel the same way, prices need to be adjusted, but that is not the buildings fault. What's a girl to do? Land, sea, air, mule train, travel happy. read more

Great little station. Snacks and soda machines are in the corner room. Parking is iffy, see other reviews. We took a yellow cab and got there without a problem and on time. The train was a few minutes late but it made it up going up the coast. The return trip from the northeast was a few minutes early. Need to consider running another train to Orlando or south to Sarasota, Ft Myers and Miami. But first needs a secure parking garage or area. read more

This station is very nice and has a/c. I have been to a few others are they are not this large and clean. Very limited short term parking, but long term parking appeared to be free. Make sure you check train status because most of the trains coming from the north are very delayed. read more

We are currently sitting at the station awaiting our train to embark on our honeymoon :) This is my husband and my second time taking the train from this station and we love it. We love to travel and by train is our current favorite. The staff here is always very friendly and helpful. The building is clean and beautifully historic. We already can't wait to take another trip through this station. read more