Search This Blog

Sunday, March 24, 2024

RIDING THE RAILS / MIAMI TO ORLANDO

Today, I will be taking you on a journey aboard the Brightline train from Miami Central station to the Orlando International airport station-Terminal C.

 

Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity railroad in the United States.

 

All Brightline trains are powered by FPL clean biodiesel with locomotives having diesel-electric engines for lower emissions and reduced noise.  

 


My arrival in Miami was 7:00am on February 24, 2024 aboard the Norwegian Joy cruise ship.  I opted for a one-way UBER transfer from the cruise port to the Miami Central station at a cost of $13.91USD.  

Just outside entrance to Miami Central Station

Entrance to Miami Central Station



I had pre-reserved seating for an 11:45am departure aboard the Brightline between Miami and the Orlando airport. 

 

When making my reservation online, fares throughout the day ranged from $39 to $169 one-way depending on ticket selection. 


The “Smart” ticket price for the 11:45am departure listed at $59 but I opted to upgrade to the “Premium” ticket at $139.  

 

"Premium" guests are treated to snacks and bites onboard for every leg of the journey.  Brightline also offers a complimentary breakfast for guests traveling southbound between Orlando airport and South Florida. 

 

Here a breakdown of the differences between a “Smart” ticket and a “Premium” ticket:

 

"SMART" TICKET

Business-class option with an array of food and beverages available for purchase

Complimentary unlimited onboard Wi-Fi

Hand-stitched reclining 19-inch leather seats

Multiple power & USB Type-A or USB Type-C outlets at each seat

Onboard snacks available for purchase

Onboard beverages available for purchase

Low hourly and daily rates in Brightline garages

 

"PREMIUM" TICKET

First-class experience with added amenities

Complimentary snacks

Complimentary beverages

Relax in Brightline premium lounges prior to boarding

Complimentary unlimited onboard Wi-Fi

Hand-stitched reclining 21-inch leather seats

Multiple power & USB Type-A or USB Type-C outlets at each seat

Premium lounge access prior to boarding

Brightline lounge services including iPads, scanners and printers

Access to conference rooms in Brightline lounge stations

Adapters and chargers upon request

Low hourly and daily rates in the Brightline garages

 

The Miami Central Station for Brightline can be found at 600 NW 1st Avenue.  It operates Monday to Friday from 6:00am to 11:00pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:00am to 12:40am. 

 

Entering the Brightline station feels like stepping into the future of travel.  The sleek, contemporary design and welcoming staff create an ambiance that promises a comfortable and enjoyable journey ahead.  For assistance at the Miami Central station, you can contact them at 831-539-2901.  

Cafe and waiting area/Miami Central Station

Self ticketing machines/Miami Central Station

  

Check-in and bag drop area/Miami Central Station

 

Inside Miami Central Station

Inside Miami Central Station

Escalators to platforms waiting area

 

Elevators to platforms and waiting area

 

Bar in platform waiting area

From the Miami Central Station, Brightline operates fixed shuttle routes to the Miami airport.  These shuttles run daily, departing 10 minutes after the southbound train arrives and make stops at Miami Terminals D, E, F, G, H and J.  

Fixed route shuttles at Miami Central Station

 

Another convenient choice accessible from the Miami Central Station is the complimentary Brightline ride on their Neighborhood Electric Shuttles, allowing travelers to reach various destinations within their service area,.  These destinations include Casey Center, Bayside Marketplace, Perez Art Museum, Brickell City Center, Historic Lyric Theater, and more.  The service operates from Monday to Friday 6:00am to 9:30pm, Saturday 7:30am to 10:30pm and Sunday 8:30am to 9:30pm

 

Neighborhood Electric Shuttle at Miami Central Station

 

Upon my arrival at Brightline Miami Central, I checked in one small roller bag at no additional charge, as it was included with my "Premium" ticket.  This left me with just a small backpack for the journey.  

 

As I found my train carriage, stashed my backpack, and headed to my designated seat, I was struck by the stylish interior hues, streamlined layout, and the impeccable cleanliness of the train.  

Finding our seats

Our seats

 

Checking out the safety briefing

 

The train pulled away precisely at 11:45am, smoothly departing from Miami Central station.  I found myself captivated by the passing scenery, from the impressive skyscrapers of downtown Miami to the verdant beauty of South Florida's landscapes. 

 

What truly stood out to me about traveling with Brightline was their unwavering focus on providing comfort and convenience.  The spacious seats provide plenty of legroom, and each car is equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets, perfect for staying connected or getting some work done on the go. 

USB and electric ports at our seats

 

With my "Premium" ticket, hunger becomes a non-issue throughout the journey.   Onboard food and beverage service is readily available at every stage of the trip.   







 

Brightline's high-speed service made the jurney a breeze, with minimal stops and maximum efficiency. Traaveling from Miami to Orland takes just 3 hours and 30 minutes, with 16 daily round-trips offering hourly departures in both northbound and southbound directions.

 

My journey concluded at the Orlando International Airport Terminal C, situated at 10705 Jeff Fuqua Blvd.  The Brightline station operates Monday to Sunday, from 4:00am to 1:15am.  For inquiries or assistance at the Orlando station, you can reach them at 831-539-2901. 

 

Orland Airport station

Orlando Airport station

Orlando Airport station

Orlando Airport station

Orlando Airport station

Orlando Airport station

Orlando Airport station

 

ADDITIONAL FEES

Carry-on and checked items based on rate tables below

Pet fees as listed below

 





 
 

 

For additional information regarding the Brightline baggage policies, click here,  then scroll down to GENERAL BAGGAGE FEES.

 

I can't help but reflect on what a fantastic journey I experienced. From the modern amenities and smooth ride to the convenience of traveling between two iconic Florida cities, riding the Brightline is an experience I won't soon forget. If you are planning a trip to Miami or Orlando, why not skip the traffic and stress of driving.  Hop aboard the Brightline for a journey that's as enjoyable as the destination itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment