Travel Advisors on What to Expect Riding Brightline

Floridians and tourists looking to travel the state in style without the hassle of driving or parking are leaning into a new solution: Brightline. This new high-speed passenger train services five destinations in South Florida, beginning or ending in Miami and Orlando, with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.

“I’ve personally used it for business trips down to South Florida from Orlando, and I’ve used it to get to South Florida for a cruise,” said Scott Wismont, CTA, owner and luxury travel advisor of Rainbow Getaways. “The Brightline option is excellent for those who don’t need a car in South Florida, like when heading down to take a cruise out of one of the South Florida Ports.”

Two different ticket types 
Rides on the Brightline train come in two classes: Smart and Premium. Smart fare (the more affordable option) still comes with business-class amenities, including complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, hand-stitched leather seats, and multiple power and USB outlets at each seat. With premium fare, you’ll get all that, plus as a first-class passenger, you’ll also get complimentary snacks and beverages and access to the premium lounge at the station.

“My clients have loved the experience,” said Wismont. “The Smart class appeals to those heading down for vacation or other social activities in South Florida. They raved about how comfortable the seats were, the fast Wi-Fi, and how easy it was to arrive and get on the train. The Premium class works excellently for those who need extra space to work; the additional legroom gives a larger table to work on.”

Riding from Orlando to Miami on a Smart ticket could cost as little as $78 roundtrip if you choose the least-expensive dates and times (or $198 with a Premium roundtrip ticket), but those may not always work with your schedule or tickets could be sold out if you didn’t plan. The increased fare at peak times can add up quickly — to upwards of $298 for a roundtrip Smart ticket and $388 for Premium.

When deciding between which class of ticket to purchase, also compare the cost to flights between Orlando and Miami — Wismont told TMR that Brightline is not always the best deal: “Given how competitive flight prices are compared to the Brightline service, I always weigh the options of if it’s better to fly or train down from Orlando. This is even more relevant as you get closer to travel when Brightline’s prices increase above what it would cost to fly.” 

What to expect at the station 
A far cry from the train stations of yore, Brightline stations are bright and airy with plenty of space and the amenities busy travelers crave. Passengers will find garage parking (extra fee), complimentary Wi-Fi, touchless turnstiles that work via your ticket barcode (accessible via an app for your smartphone you should download ahead of time), and ticket kiosks for those who didn’t book ahead.

The snack shop called >>MRKT is flush with grab-and-go options, while Mary Mary Bar is the perfect spot to spend some time with a craft cocktail and full meal service (think: sandwiches, salads, empanadas, flatbreads, and specialty coffees).

Just like at an airport, your bags will be scanned, and you’ll walk through a metal detector — but you can bring full-size liquids with you, and you don’t need to remove your shoes. You can bring your luggage on board to stow in the designated spot on each car, no matter if it’s oversized or not (fees may apply, depending on your ticket class). Brightline is ADA-accessible with level boarding to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and wheeled bags.

No matter which ticket class you purchase, you’ll have a comfortable wait at the station — but the best part of the Premium experience is access to the Premium Lounge. This quiet space includes plenty of comfortable seating and complimentary drinks and bites that are replenished regularly and rotated throughout the day. You can even book a private conference room if you’re working on the road and have a meeting that can’t wait until your vacation is over.

What to expect onboard 
Listen for your departure announcement, as that’s your indication that it’s time to head downstairs and onto the platform. All of the cars are clean, comfortable, and spacious. Smart class ticket holders may purchase drinks and snacks onboard. Premium ticket holders from Orlando to Miami are given a moist towelette to freshen up with, and complimentary food and beverage service throughout the ride — such as a sandwich, caprese salad, fruit cup, and macaron.

The ride is mostly smooth, though you will hear the train’s horn blast regularly as it crosses intersections. Each stop at the various train stations only lasts a few minutes and you’re off again.

The onboard service is another bright spot. “Brightline employees make the experience a true delight,” said Wismont. “It’s refreshing to interact with them, and because the ride is 3.5 hours, it’s much more relaxed than flight attendants are on a 30-minute flight.”

For clients who aren’t interested in making a long drive, sitting in traffic on the turnpike or interstate, and don’t want the hassle of dealing with an airport, Brightline can be an easy and economical way to connect to many of Florida’s most sought-after destinations. It’s especially handy when taking back-to-back cruises out of different ports or when doing a progressive vacation from Disney to the beach.