Brightline – Miami and Orlando

I took the opportunity to ride Brightline Florida from MiamiCentral Station in Downtown Miami to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando Florida. Brightline is a private run intercity rail service that operates Florida (known as Brightline Florida) and soon California/Nevada (known as Brightline West). For this blog, I’m going to detail my ride experiences from Miami to Orlando using Brightline.

Prices

I’ve purchased the round trip tickets on Brightline’s website.

The price breakdown (in US Dollars)

• Miami to Orlando (Smart Class) = $59.00
• Orlando to Miami (Premium Class) = $189.00
• Total = $248

This is the cheapest price since the train departed at non-peak hour. However, if purchased during rush hour or active hours, prices may increase around $15 – 30 dollars more.

I highly recommend purchasing the tickets on the website or Brightline App.

The station kiosk is difficult to use and may encounter a bug that could frustrate you. I saw a passenger getting frustrated with the kiosk because the kiosk would not allow to enter his destination. The spelling was correct but he had to select the autocomplete option in order to proceed (which doesn’t make any sense).

I had to assist him because I work with programmers and user experiences (and I know those type of programming error behavior). In addition, most of the time, the kiosk will sell you Premium Class only, which can be pricey.

Classes

Brightline offers two type of classes, Premium and Smart Class. Premium Class is considered as First Class and Smart Class is considered as Business Class. This structure is similar as to the Amtrak Acela (in northeast corridor between Washington DC and Boston), they offer First Class and Business Class only.

Premium Class

Inside the Premium Class Coach, the seating arrangement is two by one. Meals (such as sandwiches, fruits and a side) are provided during the trip between West Palm Beach and Orlando.

therwise, if traveling between Miami and West Palm Beach, snacks and drinks are complimentary.

Smart Class

Inside the Smart Class, the seating arrangement is two by two.

Similarity of both classes

The seats are almost the same, extra leg room, spacious table and comfortable seats. Only small differences about the seats are the width and leg room on Premium Class is some inches longer.

However, there two differences between those two classes, meals and the station lounge. Premium receives complimentary meals/snacks/drinks while Smart Class can purchase. In addition, on the train station, Premium Class has access to Premium lounge with (with complimentary snacks/drinks).

Stations

There are six active Brightline stations in Florida:

1. Miami (or MiamiCentral Station)
   • Transfer to Miami Metrorail, Miami Metromover (free people mover that goes around Downtown Miami/Brickell) Metrobus and Tri Rail Commuter Rail.
2. Aventura
   • Transfer to Aventura Mall (largest mall in Miami and second largest malls in the United States).
3. Fort Lauderdale
   • Transfer to Broward County Transit Buses and exit Downtown Fort Lauderdale and shuttle to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
4. Boca Raton
   • Exit to Downtown Boca Raton and Boca Raton Beaches.
5. West Palm Beach
   • Exit to Downtown West Palm Beach
6. Orlando
   • Transfer to Orlando International Airport people mover (to all terminals), Orlando Lynx Buses and taxi.

Each station has their own parking garage, lounges, restaurants, mini-store and customer service center.

My experiences

Finally, there is a convenient way to travel between Miami and Orlando in less than three hours and half.

Traveling

Although, the airplane should be a little quick but there could be a possible of delays and going through security. For sure, it is way better taking the train than driving. I’ve noticed that Florida has more turnpikes (or toll roads) than any other states in the country.

Customer Service

Brightline continues to excel well with their energetic and friendly customer service. Something that Amtrak needs to improve (although, some Amtrak employees are friendly and service oriented).

Station Experiences

The station is modern and “hip”. In the station, there are bar, mini-store, lounges, customer service center, and train station kiosk. The station is pretty secure. At the entrance of the train, you have to go through a brief security checkpoint (not like the airports). Inside the train station, there are security officers (or station managers) walking around inspecting and assuring passengers safety.

Inside the station, there are two type of waiting lounges, the general boarding and Premium Class Lounge. Each seats and tables has an electrical outlet to recharge your devices. In addition, the station (and train) has complimentary WiFi.

If you have access to Premium Lounge if you purchased Premium Class. in the Premium Lounge, there are complimentary snacks, meals, drinks (including alcohol).

Onboard Experiences

The train is spotless, modern, and spacious (with generous leg room for both classes). Although, I wished Brightline would offer “Quiet” cars because some passengers (especially children) were being too loud and there were some drunk adults rambling about something (it’s good that they take the train than driving). A quiet car would be much appreciated because I want to relax and see the view.

I highly recommend using Brightline if traveling between Miami and Orlando. Today, you’re at the beautiful beaches of Miami and tomorrow, you’re at Disney or Universal Studios Theme Parks.