Category: trains

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I took the famous Conch Tour Train around Key West. It was a fun way to explore the Florida island for $44 — even as a local.
I had a good time taking Key West’s Conch Tour Train, and I loved how affordable it was.

India Amos
- I’m a Florida local who tried Key West’s Conch Tour Train for the first time.
- The train took me past famous Key West landmarks and residential parts of the island.
- The ride was fun, pretty comfortable, informative, and under $50.
I’ve lived in South Florida for nearly eight years, and I’ve visited Key West a handful of times since I moved here.

Every time I go to the island, I try to do something different, and on my most recent trip, I rode the famous Conch Tour Train.

My ticket for an hourlong ride cost $44 and some change. You can buy tickets at the window, but I booked in advance online.

Here’s what I loved about it and why I think it’s an awesome attraction for first-time and return visitors to the Conch Republic.

The train depot is easy to find.

The train depot is a yellow building.

India Amos

Key West is fairly easy to navigate, and the train depot for this tour is right by Mallory Square, one of the most popular parts of the island.

It’s also located within walking distance of the cruise port and the lot where day trip buses typically drop off visitors.

I appreciated how punctual the tour was, and we left right on time.

If you’re visiting Key West on a day trip from Miami or as a stop on a cruise, you could easily fit this hourlong tour into your itinerary.

The train was pretty comfortable.

The train had padded benches.

India Amos

I was glad we sat on padded seats instead of a wooden bench, but I wish the backrests had been a little higher for even more comfort.

We had a rest stop in the middle of the tour where we could get out and stretch our legs, so that helped make the trip more comfortable.

I enjoyed seeing Key West’s highlights.

Sloppy Joe’s has been around for almost a century.

India Amos

There’s a lot to see on Key West, and this train ride goes through the island’s most notable attractions.

We started near the port on Front Street and drove all around Old Town, passing by popular spots like the Hemingway Home and Museum, Sloppy Joe’s, the Southernmost Point buoy, and the beach.

If you’re new to the island and want to get your bearings before exploring on your own, this is a great way to do it.

The train passes through residential neighborhoods, too.

The front of the train looked cool.

India Amos

Even though I’ve been to Key West a few times, I never did much exploring in the island’s residential neighborhoods.

However, on the train, we drove through Bahama Village, one of the places where Bahamian immigrants first lived when they relocated to the island, as well as some other residential neighborhoods.

The architecture was beautiful, and I learned some interesting facts about Key West’s early years and residents.

This was cooler than walking around the island, and I learned a lot on the tour.

I saw many of the most famous Key West attractions.

India Amos

Even though Key West is pretty small, many of the island’s most popular attractions are spaced out.

The first time I went to Key West in the summer, walking around the island all day was sweaty and uncomfortable. If you want to see Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point buoy, you won’t get as hot riding the Conch Tour Train as you would exploring the island on foot.

I also appreciated how educational the experience was. I’ve taken different tours to Key West and know basic information about the island because I live in Florida, and I still learned a lot on this trip.

The tour guide did an excellent job combining general information about the island with niche facts about Key West’s history, architecture, and culture.

The tour made me appreciate the island more and gave me ideas for my next trip.

I would suggest the Conch Tour Train to other visitors.

India Amos

I left with this experience a deeper appreciation of the island and the people who live there.

Plus, the Conch Tour Train gave me some great ideas for what I want to do on my next trip to Key West. Our guide shared suggestions for the best restaurants around the island, so I want to explore the local food scene a little more when I go back.

My tour ticket also came with free entry to the Sails to Rails Museum and two free walking tours. I didn’t get to do them on this trip, but I’d love to try them on my next visit.

Read the original article on Business Insider
March 12, 2025
I took a 12-hour train ride in business class. It was better and cheaper than the one-hour flight I usually book.
I spent 12-hours by myself in business class on a train. It was better and cheaper than my usual flight.

Margie Pumpa
- I usually take a one-hour flight to visit family, but this time I took the 12-hour train ride.
- I worried I was wasting time even though I was saving money, but I don’t regret my choice.
- The train ride was a relaxing break from my kids, and I felt refreshed when I visited my family.
I have family in Melbourne, about 450 miles away from me in Adelaide.

It usually takes me an hour by plane to visit them for a quick weekend getaway. I often go alone as bringing my two kids and partner isn’t worth the hassle or cost for such a short visit.

However, when booking a flight for a recent trip, I realized my plans coincided with a big event in my hometown. Flight costs were even higher than usual, with the cheapest seats starting at $380 each way.

Instead, I decided to take the cheaper 12-hour Overland train ride from Adelaide to Melbourne. Standard tickets were $145.

I was worried I’d feel restless on the long train ride, and that it’d take time away I could be spending with my kids or extended family.

Full of nerves, I added the business-class upgrade for $100, too, which would give me full meal service and more legroom.

My train journey felt way more relaxing than my plane ones

The train stations didn’t feel particularly stressful.

Margie Pumpa

On the day of my trip, I hugged my little family as I said goodbye and took a cab to the train station.

The train station felt more relaxed than the usual hustle and bustle of the airport. Boarding was fairly quick and easy.

I was assigned a comfy seat next to an oversized window and had plenty of legroom and space for my bag.

I had more room on the train than I would’ve on a plane.

Margie Pumpa

Almost straight away, the train attendant offered me a hot drink and asked me to select my meals.

At home, no one asks me what I want to eat — I’m usually the one trying to plan and serve meals to fussy kids. I was in awe as I chose a decadent selection of a hot breakfast, curry, and desserts.

I loved being served a meal on the train.

Margie Pumpa

Then, I put my headphones on and relaxed, watching the city pass through my window.

I’m not new to extended travel through the amazing Australian Outback. In fact, we routinely caravan as a family to wild campsites everywhere.

However, there was something special about not needing to carefully watch the road or worry about others. The biggest decision I had to make on the train was whether to have another serving of cake.

I enjoyed being able to look out the window.

Margie Pumpa

As we got closer to Melbourne, I got to just quietly watch the flat desert-like landscapes pass for miles. For the first time in a long while, I was actually feeling relaxed.

Eventually, after almost a full day on the train, I arrived at the Melbourne station around 7 p.m.

I now only had two full days to spend time with my Melbourne extended family, but I felt ready to slow down and appreciate our moments together.

I’ll book the 12-hour train ride anytime I get the opportunity

The train ride felt like a nice break for me.

Margie Pumpa

Fortunately, booking the train ride (and an upgrade) was one of the best decisions I made — and doing so gave me a much-needed break for just myself.

I always love visiting family in Melbourne, but my typical itinerary leaves me exhausted.

Usually, I rush to and through the airport, board a short flight, and then get immediately swarmed by more loved ones. The fast-paced journey doesn’t allow for much downtime or moments to reflect.

By booking a 12-hour train ride, I was forced to relax and take almost a full day to myself.

It didn’t feel like a waste of time at all. In fact, my downtime helped me have better quality time with my Melbourne family and return to my own feeling refreshed as a parent.

Plus, I saved money in the process. Even with the business-class upgrade, my train ticket was far cheaper than the flight.

If you ever get the opportunity to choose the slower travel option, I would highly suggest taking it.

Read the original article on Business Insider
March 12, 2025

Category: trains

I took the famous Conch Tour Train around Key West. It was a fun way to explore the Florida island for $44 — even as a local.

I took a 12-hour train ride in business class. It was better and cheaper than the one-hour flight I usually book.

My train journey felt way more relaxing than my plane ones

I’ll book the 12-hour train ride anytime I get the opportunity