On disembarkation day from our recent agency cruise, my wife and I had the opportunity to try something new—we took the Brightline train from Miami to Orlando!
This was actually my first time traveling by train, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As it turns out, it ended up being one of the easiest and most enjoyable travel days I’ve experienced in a long time.
Starting Our Trip in Miami
From the moment we arrived at the Brightline station in Miami, I was impressed with how simple everything was. The station was clean, modern, and very organized. Security was quick and easy to navigate, and there was plenty of seating available while we waited for our train.
One thing that was a little different from flying is that you don’t necessarily know your departure track far in advance. There were three different escalators leading down to the tracks, and our track was announced roughly 10 minutes before departure. Once it was announced, it was very easy to figure out where we needed to go.
As a side note, the Fort Lauderdale station is a little smaller, and it’s a little more obvious which track your train will be on!
No long airport security lines. No crowded gate area. No rushing from one terminal to another. It was a refreshingly easy way to start the trip!
What Is It Like Onboard Brightline?
Once onboard, my first impression was how spacious and clean the train was.
There are designated areas for larger suitcases while carry-on-sized bags can be stored above your seat. We had plenty of room for our luggage which is obviously important when you're coming directly from a cruise!
Seats onboard may face forwards or backwards!
The seats themselves were very comfortable and had much more space than you would typically find on an airplane. Each seat also had a retractable table that could be used for a laptop, food, drinks, or other personal items. The seats even reclined without invading the space of the passenger behind you.
It would be very easy to pull out a laptop and get some work done along the way—or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
You can order food by using a QR code on the menu located at your seat. While the food is not fancy (and it’s all pre-packaged!), it does come directly to your seat in minutes.
Miami to Orlando in About 3 Hours and 20 Minutes
Our trip from Miami to Orlando took approximately three hours and 20 minutes, and the ride itself was incredibly peaceful.
There were several stops along the way, but they were very quick. On our particular trip, we stopped in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach before continuing on to Orlando. Each stop lasted only about two or three minutes, so they really didn't add much disruption to the trip.
As we approached each station, an announcement was made giving passengers plenty of time to gather their belongings and prepare to get off. I was curious how quickly everyone could get on and off with such short stops, but it was surprisingly efficient. Departing passengers had plenty of time to exit while new passengers were able to board and get settled before we were moving again.
A Relaxing Alternative to Flying or Driving
One of my favorite things about taking Brightline was simply how relaxing the entire experience felt.
Instead of dealing with an airport, rental car, traffic, or a long drive after getting off a cruise ship, we could sit comfortably and enjoy the scenery as we made our way north. After several days of traveling, having someone else do the "driving" was pretty nice!
I can see this being a particularly convenient option for travelers who want to combine a South Florida cruise with a few days at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. It could also work in reverse if you're spending time in Orlando before cruising from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
And for families? I think Brightline would be surprisingly easy to navigate with young children. There is room to move, plenty of space for your belongings, and you don't have the same confined feeling that you do on an airplane.
Would We Take Brightline Again?
Absolutely.
Our first Brightline experience was clean, comfortable, organized, and incredibly easy. For a trip between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, I would definitely consider taking the train again rather than flying or renting a car.
Sometimes the transportation portion of a vacation is simply something you have to get through to reach the fun part. Brightline was different—it actually became an enjoyable part of the travel experience.
If you're planning a cruise from South Florida and want to add a few days in Orlando—or you're trying to figure out the easiest way to combine a cruise with a Disney or Universal vacation—this is definitely an option worth considering.
Looking for help planning your next cruise, Walt Disney World, or Universal Orlando vacation? Reach out today! We’d love to help you put together your next getaway including all those little transportation details that can make a big difference in how smoothly your vacation goes.