Savannah station (Amtrak)

Savannah, GA
General information
Location	2611 Seaboard Coastline Drive Savannah, Georgia United States
Coordinates	32.0836°N 81.1486°W / 32.0836; -81.1486
Owned by	Savannah Economic Development Authority
Line(s)	Savannah Subdivision
Platforms	1 side platform, 1 island platform
Tracks	3
Construction
Parking	Yes
Accessible	Yes
Other information
Station code	Amtrak: SAV
History
Opened	1962
Passengers
FY 2023	56,709 (Amtrak)
Services
Preceding station Amtrak Following station Terminus Palmetto Yemassee toward New York Jesup toward Miami Silver Meteor Jacksonville toward Miami Silver Star Denmark toward New York
Former services Preceding station Amtrak Following station Jacksonville toward Miami Palmetto (2002–2004) Charleston toward New York Preceding station Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Following station Wathourville toward Tampa Main Line Yemassee toward Richmond
Future services Preceding station Amtrak Following station Jacksonville toward Miami Floridian Nov. 2024 Denmark toward Chicago
Location

Savannah station is an Amtrak train station in Savannah, Georgia. The station was built in 1962 to replace the older Savannah Union Station, torn down for construction of I-16. Located at 2611 Seaboard Coastline Drive, the station consists of a terminal building on the east side of the north–south tracks, with a platform between the tracks.

History

The station was constructed in 1962 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, with funds channeled through the Georgia Ports Authority, to the City of Savannah, as part of the re-development requiring the removal of Savannah Union Station, to facilitate construction of Interstate 16 into the downtown area. The agreement provides for all tenant roads and/or successor carriers, use of the facility, in exchange for agreeing to the move. This would apply to carrier trains, like CSX inspection trains, occasional GrandLuxe tour trains, and even infrequent visits by the Sam Shortline Specials from Vidalia and Cordele.

Savannah Amtrak Station - interior mural

Architecture

Savannah station is an example of Modernist architecture. Unlike the Spanish-Renaissance and Elizabethan revival styles of the former Union Station, which reflect on past traditions, the current station's design conforms to the architectural traditions of its own time. With the station being constructed during the height of racial segregation, there were two sets of restrooms - one for white and another for colored. In 2014, the set of restrooms closest to the tracks were renovated to accommodate accessible requirements.

Operation

Savannah is served by the trains of Amtrak's Silver Service, as well as infrequent passage/parking of a variety of inspection, business, and excursion tour specials, and the occasional private car charter. It is the southern terminus of the Palmetto route and is along the Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes. North of Savannah, the Palmetto and Silver Meteor route diverge from the Silver Star line. While the Silver Star turns inland to serve Columbia, South Carolina and Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina, the Palmetto and Silver Meteor stay closer to the coast to serve Florence and Charleston, South Carolina. The trains do not converge again until Selma, North Carolina.

Unlike Savannah Union Station, this station does not require back-up moves, saving some operational time at the expense of having fewer tracks accessible to passengers.

The terminal offers ticketing, checked baggage, Amtrak Express shipping, and shipping services. It also contains a pedestrian tunnel that's marked as a "subway."

See also

• Central of Georgia Depot and Trainshed
• Savannah Union Station
• Public transportation in Savannah, Georgia

External links

• Savannah, GA – Amtrak
• Savannah, GA – Station history at Great American Stations (Amtrak)
• Savannah Amtrak Station (USA Rail Guide - TrainWeb)
• Sam Shortline Special Trains
• Antebellum South GrandLuxe Rail Journey