Brightline Passenger Trains

Article & Photos by: Kelsey Walters

Not long ago, our family was taking back-to-back trips to Miami. With a couple of daunting drives ahead of us, one of which was only for a single day, we were dreading the thought of double road trips in South Florida traffic. Then we saw the promotion for buy-one-get-one free tickets on Florida’s high-speed passenger train, Brightline.

Family-Friendly Deals and Offers

The Brightline is currently running between Orlando and Miami, with stops at Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Future stops are planned for further expansion including Cocoa and Stuart, beginning as early as 2026. Be sure to sign up online for discounts and news alerts so you’re always in the know. With deals regularly offered like BOGO tickets, “Adults Ride for Kids’ Prices” trains, or their recent Summer sale with tickets starting at $32, it’s easy to see why Floridians are ditching the highway for high speed.

For families, you can’t beat the deals – kids under 24 months ride free, and kids ages 3-12 ride for 50 percent off SMART class rides (the standard option). Automatically save 25 percent off SMART Saver and SMART fares for three or more guests to any destination in South Florida. Ride to or from Orlando and unlock 25 percent off PREMIUM fares, too. Plus, a day trip without having to make countless bathroom and snack stops? Priceless.

Central Locations and Easy Access

All of the current Brightline stops are in the heart of downtown and major attractions, making it easy to get to top destinations without your vehicle. Ubers and taxis are abundant, or in the case of Miami, we were able to take one of the many free ride options such as Freebee and the Miami People Mover to get around.

Much like airplanes, tickets are priced according to demand, with earlier and later hours dipping lower in cost. Orlando trains depart from the newest Terminal C out of the Orlando International Airport so there is plenty of parking at a well known, easy to navigate location. We opted to depart somewhat early with a departure time of 8:50 a.m., which put us in Miami at 12:20 p.m., giving us nearly the entire day to explore. Clocking in at 3.5 hours, it wasn’t a dramatic difference in travel time over our own vehicle (in the best conditions), however we arrived right in the thick of a major music festival and would have been sitting for hours just trying to get downtown, or worse – find parking.

Trains top out at around 125 mph depending on their location, but do slow down in more urban areas and at bridges or crossings. However, the high speed rail is incredibly efficient and arrives on-time and departs within minutes. Be sure to arrive early, you will not be admitted within 15 minutes of your departure time, and have your belongings ready to go and move to the platform at arrival time, or be ready to immediately get off the train when it comes to your stop. High speed waits for no one.

Premium Amenities and Features

Tickets, add-ons, and answers to all your questions are readily available on the Brightline app right on your phone. You can check in, modify your trip, and purchase tickets all electronically. The Brightline stations are similar to an airport terminal and are comfortable and spacious. Orlando’s features a full bar and assortment of snacks, premium lounge for those who have purchased first class tickets, and ample seating.

When you book your tickets, you can opt to pay an extra fee to choose your seats, but if you book your entire party together (as long as accommodations are available) Brightline will automatically do its best to seat you all together. In our case, with four adults and one child, we had the two center 4-seaters at our disposal for the length of our trip. Keep in mind that what may appear to be empty seats may be filled later on as more passengers are picked up at later stops. Parties of 3 or more booked at the same time automatically receive 25 percent off.

Comfort and Convenience Onboard

There is overhead storage for luggage and bags and tickets include one carry-on per person. Larger luggage may be added for a fee at checkout or upon arrival at the terminal. There are even bike racks so you can bring everything you need for your trip. That includes your furry friend, as pets are allowed to travel as well (be sure to check all the policies and rules before travel)!

Unlike a plane or vehicle, there is ample leg room and you are free to get up and move as you please. Bathrooms are located between cars, and I was blown away at how spacious they were. I even took Avery in one to change into her pajamas for the ride home.

Cars are equipped with free WiFi and each seat has its own charging stations both in the tabletops and between the seats. Table tops also offer slide outs for even more room with cupholders. Snack and drink carts regularly cruise the aisles offering an assortment of spirits, cocktails, beers and wines, sodas and juices, plenty of snacks and even ready-made sandwiches and salads. Menu options and complimentary Premium Lounge snacks/drinks are included in Premium First Class tickets.

If you’re looking to get out and explore a bit more of Florida this summer and want to skip the stress of packing up the car, hit the rails instead!

BRIGHTLINE HIGH SPEED RAIL
GOBRIGHTLINE.COM

Orlando Station – 10705 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Suite 3546, Orlando, FL 32827
Miami Station – 161 NW 6th St, Miami, FL 33136
Aventura Station – 19796 W Dixie Hwy St, Miami, FL 33180
Fort Lauderdale Station – 101 NW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Boca Raton Station – 350 NW 4th St, Boca Raton, FL 33432
West Palm Beach Station – 511 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401