I rode Brighgtline Florida from West Palm Beach to Miami. This blog is a detail review and experiences in riding on Brightline. The YouTube video below is from MiamiCentral to West Palm Beach. However, this Saturday on 28 of May 2022, I will have West Palm Beach to MiamiCentral review.
I must say, I have enjoy riding Brightline. Excellent customer service, clean, smiling faces, and fast. If driving between Miami to West Palm Beach (vice versa) will take almost 90 minutes or more. Plus you face the risk someone crashing your vehicle and/or increasing wear/tear of your vehicle. On the other hand, I was tranquil while riding Brightline because I can read a book, do my work, surf the net, enjoy some good snacks/drinks, chit chat, and use their spotless restroom. And the ride is almost around 90 minutes.
For this post, I’m going a bit more details about my experiences and opinion using Brightline.
Why West Palm Beach?
Some of you may ask, why West Palm Beach? Is there anything to do in West Palm Beach? In my opinion, the beaches in West Palm Beach are great! It is quiet, calm, and not too crowded as Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Miami Beach (especially South Beach). West Palm is more like a quiet beach. Although the problem of West Palm Beach is there is no public restrooms and there is no service to rent umbrella/foldable chairs to take nap at the beach.
Brightline+ and Brightbike
Brightline+
If using Brightline, you can take advantage of their service called Brightline+. This service can drop you off anywhere within 5 miles of radius. Brightline+ offers two type of vehicle services: private or share ride. The private ride is you and the chauffeur. Share ride is like a bus, stopping at the passenger’s request stop.
Brightline+ can drop you off at the beach since the beach is located within the five miles radius. This summer, I am planning to upload a YouTube video on how to utilize Brightline+.
As of Spring 2022, riding Brightline+ is compliment (there is no cost). You have to make a reservation first before boarding a private or shared ride. I assume that in the future, the private ride will cost more than the share ride. At this moment, there is no price.
BrightBike
Brightline also offers bike share (or bike rentals) called BrightBike. At this moment, BrightBrike is only available at West Palm Beach Station. I’m not sure how this service works but I will investigate more details about BrightBike. On their website, BrightBike is included in your train ticket and the cost is free for the first 30 minutes. For pricing and how to use their bikes, please visit their website.
West Palm Beach Station
West Palm Beach Station is located at 501 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Train journey to Miami
You can purchase the tickets at any Brightline Station, online, or mobile app. I’ve purchased my tickets online. After you have purchased your tickets, you can print out the tickets (that has a QR code). The tickets will also be sent to your email. If you have an account with Brightline, the tickets are stored in your profile. You can utilize their mobile app to display the QR code.
Also, while you’re purchasing a ticket, you can reserve a seat. If you don’t, then Brightline will randomly select a seat for you. All seats are by a window.
Classes
Brightline offers two classes, Premium (first class) and Smart (business class). The classes is similar as the Amtrak Acela (United States High Speed Train between Washington D.C. – Philadelphia – New York City – Boston).
Premium Select (First Class)
Premium Select has access to the station lounge, which includes snacks and drinks (water, soda/pop, wine, and beer). At MiamiCentral lounge, you can also reserve a conference room for a meeting. On board the train, snacks and drinks are compliment.
Smart Select (Business Class)
It’s pretty basic. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Luggage
You can bring luggage or carry on bag onboard the train.
Checking in your luggage is located at the first floor (or main entrance) of the train station.
Stations
As of May 2022, there are three active train stations: West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and MiamiCentral (in Downtown Miami).
Boarding the train
The boarding process is simple. The station manager will make an boarding announcement. Premium Select passengers are the first ones to be boarded.
On the rail platform, there will be some Brightline personnel, guiding you if you have questions. Also, Premium Select Rail Car is the first rail car.
Onboard the train
After I have boarded the train, I looked for my assigned seat. Once everyone is boarded, the conductor will check your ticket, to check if you’re at the correct seat and railcar. I don’t believe they check tickets at Smart Class, maybe they do if you’re at the correct seat.
The seats are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Also, each seats have an electrical outlet and a USB-Type A charger port (to recharge your phone/tablet/device).
Before the train departs, the stewardess offered a bottle a water and cold towel.
After the train departs, the stewardess offered drinks and snacks. The snacks and drinks are complimentary for Premium Select Passengers. On the hand, Smart Select Passengers can purchase them.
Restroom
The restroom on this train is spacious (accessibility compliance) and spotless.
Passing by Boca Raton Station (under construction)
Boca Raton Station is an infill station that Brightline is building. This station is located on: NW4th Street and NW 2nd Avenue Boca Raton, FL 33432. You can also view the construction of the station from City of Boca Raton.
Arriving at Fort Lauderdale Station
The train stops at Fort Lauderdale Station for around five to ten minutes. Right by this station is Central Terminal Bus Station (operated by Broward County Transit), Fort Lauderdale Skyline and a few blocks away is famous district, Las Olas.
After departing from For Lauderdale Station, the stewardess will again offer drinks and snacks.
Passing by Aventura Station (future Brighltine Station)
Aventura Station is a infill station that will open soon. This station is located by Aventura Mall and Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) Aventura Mall Bus Terminal (you can transfer to MDT Metrobus Route 120 or Route S Beach Max to all Miami Beach).
Arriving at MiamiCentral Station (Downtown Miami)
MiamiCentral Station is located in Downtown Miami. At this station, there is a cafeteria where you can dine. Outside the station, you can transfer to Miami-Dade Transit Metrorail Orange/Green Line, Metromover (all lines, Downtown, Brickell, and Omni Loops), and some Metrobus. If you want to go to South Beach, Little Havana, or Brickell, take advantage of Brightline+. Since Miami International Airport (MIA) is outside the Brightline+ 5 miles (8 km) radius, there is a shuttle bus that can take you ti MIA Airport. Please consult with Brightline for MIA Airport Shuttle availability.
Brightline Future
I’m excited that next year (2023), Brightline is going to open a new station in Orlando International Airport MCO (Orlando Florida). A YouTube vlogger The Roaming RailFan, has been keeping track of Brightline’s progress. Here is a video of Brightline train testing at Orlando International Airport Station:
Imagine going attending to several theme parks in Orlando and then the next day, you go to the beach in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami Beach.
As Brightline expands, I hope they will offer signature hot meals for Premium Select passengers. For example, for breakfast, they could serve warm omelette or pancakes onboard. Lunch/dinner could be hot sandwiches or salads.
Other Brightline reviews on YouTube
Brightline from MiamiCentral West Palm Beach is on my YouTube Channel, HOUExplorer YouTube Channel.
