I booked basic and premium seats on Florida's Brightline train, and the $20 upgrade cost was well worth it for its many perks

Christina JaneJul 30, 2023, 20:42 IST

I've ridden Brightline trains a few times before and I wanted to compare its premium and smart classes.Christina Jane

I rode the Brightline train on both of the offered class fares, smart and premium.
Smart tickets on Brightline can start at $10 one-way, while premium tickets tend to start at $27.

Since their inception in 2018, the Brightline trains in Florida are arguably some of the most efficient sources of public transport to be introduced to the state.

With operations in six cities, including hotspots like Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, Brightline stands as a paragon of efficient and enjoyable train travel.

The passenger train offers two ticket options: smart and premium, both offering riders a different experience. I rode the train from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale with a smart ticket and rode premium from West Palm Beach to Miami.

Here's how both of the fare classes compare, based on my experience.

Premium tickets are typically about triple the price of smart tickets.

You can purchase Brightline tickets online or in person at a stationChristina Jane

As a premium-ticket holder, I got access to a not-crowded lounge with unlimited complimentary snacks and drinks.

From cheese and salad to a fully stocked beverage bar, I found the eating options to be very impressive.Christina Jane

I found the smart lounge was more crowded and didn't have as many amenities.

The smart lounge in West Palm Beach before it filled up.Christina Jane

The premium ticket allows you to choose preferred seats ahead of time, but smart seats are automatically assigned.

On the left is the double seating on the train and on the right is the quad seating with a table in the center.Christina Jane

Premium-ticket holders receive priority boarding, which was nice but didn't feel necessary.

Premium passengers can get on the train first.Christina Jane

Seats for both of the fare classes were fairly similar, but premium seats were a little bigger.

I found seats in both smart and premium to be spacious.Christina Jane

Premium-ticket holders also receive complimentary food and drinks on board.

I was offered drinks and snacks at the start of my ride when I was in premium class.Christina Jane

Smart-ticket holders can purchase snacks and drinks on the train and still expect to spend less than the cost of a premium ticket.

If you choose the smart option you can still buy snacks and drinks on board.Christina Jane

Premium ticket holders receive a complimentary Uber to any destination of their choice within a 5-mile radius of the station.

You can enjoy a free Uber ride as a premium passenger.Christina Jane

I enjoyed riding both classes, but I think the premium fare is the better option.

Both classes were pretty solid, but I found premium to be worth the extra cost.Ronny Maye

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