All Aboard the Brightline Train
We recently took the Brightline from Miami to Orlando after our cruise so we could visit Universal, which is in Orlando. The train connects Orlando to South Florida with a relaxed transit. Many cruise passengers traveling to/from Orlando or Central Florida may find this easier than balancing airport-to-port ground transfers.
I stepped of my cruise ship and within 5 minutes I was at the Brightline Miami Central station at 9:00 a.m. with 3 kids and luggage in tow. We checked our bags quickly, and breezed through the security check (no need to unpack or remove electronics.) Checked bags are allowed on Miami, FLL and Orlando, and it closes 30 minutes before boarding. We chose the 9:45 a.m. train. The station was sleek and modern, with a bar/cafe. You don't have to be 2 hours early like for a flight.
Once onboard, we settled into our seats in coach, car #2. It was roomy, with generous legroom and a wide tray table. Our seats faced the seats on the other side of the table. There were other seats without a table as well. I plugged in my phone to one of the many charging ports and had lots of room overhead for our carry-ons. Outside the window, the Florida landscape went by: palm trees, some urban areas between Miami and Ft Lauderdale, then marshes, and farmland. Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available onboard. Each seat area offers power/USB or outlet access for charging phones, laptops, etc.
The Brightline route from Miami to Orlando covers roughly 235 miles and takes about 3 hours 25 minutes under typical operations. While it’s not bullet-train (fast all the way) it’s fast enough to beat typical driving (especially when factoring in road traffic).
Midway through the ride, we ordered coffee and muffins from the app and they came quickly. The train glided quietly with no bumps, no jolts, or swaying like the Amtrak trains do. The kids had plenty of room to move around, or walk to the bathroom. It was much roomier than an airplane or a car.
We arrived at Orlando’s station (right at the airport), and I couldn't believe how fast 3 hours went by. We took an Uber to our Universal hotel, to start the second part of our trip. It was such a comfortable and hassel free way to get from southern FL up to Orlando. This is a game changer for people needing to use a different airport, or to visit the Disney or Universal parks pre- or post-cruise!
Cruise port access: If you're flying into Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and then hopping on a cruise, you can use Brightline to connect you from Orlando (or vice versa) without needing to drive or arrange a long shuttle. The train connects you to South Florida with a relaxed transit. Many cruise passengers traveling to/from Orlando or Central Florida may find this easier than balancing airport-to-port ground transfers.
One-leg travel: For trips that might otherwise involve flying into Miami, then driving up to Orlando (or the reverse) just to catch another flight or cruise, Brightline can replace that road leg and reduce stress.
If you'd like, we can help you plan a full itinerary using Brightline (which trains to take, how to connect to airports or ports) so that you can extend your vacation! Have you rode the Brightline?? What did you think? Leave a comment below!
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