Floridians and those visiting the state now have a competitive alternative to road and air travel.
Brightline, a high-speed train that runs between Orlando and Miami — with four stops in between and more in the works — offers a clean, cool, and comfortable way to travel within the Sunshine State.
The rail line began operating in 2018 with stops in South Florida, then expanded to Orlando in late 2023.
The Orlando to Miami journey from end to end takes about three hours and thirty minutes. According to Google Maps, driving the same route would take about four hours (or more if there's traffic).
On a sunny Saturday in March, I took a Brightline train from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach. When I bought tickets, prices ranged from $10 to $44 for the 36-minute ride.
I decided to splurge on a premium ticket for $44 — $20 more than a regular ticket — and I'm glad I did.
The included snacks and drinks, extra space, and access to a special lounge before boarding made the trip feel like a first-class experience.
Here's what my Brightline trip was like from end to end.