I rode on Florida's brand-new high-speed train from Orlando to Miami. I think it's overpriced but still more convenient than driving.

Taylor RainsJan 13, 2024, 21:04 IST

A selfie of the author on the Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

Florida's new 125-mph high-speed train started running between Orlando and Miami in September.
Brightlight's 235-mile rail line connects the two cities in about three and a half hours.

As a born and raised Floridian who also went to college in the state, I was always dependent on a car to get around.

However, the Sunshine State now has a high-speed rail system along the East Coast called Brightline. Albeit still slow compared to some international trains I've been on this year, I've been eager to try out Florida's new 125-mph rail connection.

Here's what my ride was like between Orlando and Miami.

The $5 billion Brightline project was announced in 2019 and it took four years to complete.

Brightline train.Jeff Greenberg / Contributor/Universal Images Group Editorial

The official opening occurred in September, and Brightline has since doubled the frequencies between Orlando and Miami.

Brightline train station.Courtesy of Brightline

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has even taken a ride on Brightline.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the Brightline.Brightline

He said there is "no cosmic reason" why the US doesn't have high-speed rail options like those in Japan and Germany.

The coach section on the Shinkansen bullet train.Taylor Rains/Insider

Although slower compared to international trains, the only high-speed rail that exists in the US is Florida's Brightline and Amtrak's Acela networks.

Amtrak

For my trip, I booked the longest Brightline route possible — a three-and-a-half-hour ride between Orlando and Miami.

The elevator up to the Brightline train station at Orlando International Airport.Taylor Rains/Insider

My “Smart” fare cost $79 one-way, which I thought was a little steep but isn't surprising given Brightline's newness and demand.

The Brightline at Orlando station.Taylor Rains/Insider

I boarded Brightline at Orlando International Airport, which has a beautiful train station adjacent to Terminal C.

The Brightline station in Orlando.Taylor Rains/Insider

Here, travelers can sit and relax, purchase train tickets, or talk to customer service.

The ticket kiosks at the Brightline station.Taylor Rains/Insider

Before I could access the tracks, I had to scan my ticket and clear basic security.

Security at the Brightline station.Taylor Rains/Insider

Inside, travelers will find a store with snacks, drinks, and souveniers, as well as a bar.

The bar and shop inside the Orlando Brightline train station.Taylor Rains/Insider

There are also a few lounge options, including the open-seating smart lounge and the exclusive premium one.

The "premium" lounge was behind a set of scanners.Taylor Rains/Insider

I only enjoyed the smart lounge for a few minutes before passengers were called for boarding.

The "smart" lounge was open entry.Taylor Rains/Insider

I stored my backpack on one of the storage racks in coach four and then made my way to seat 2A.

Coach number four on the Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

Getting settled, I thought the seat was spacious and well-padded.

My seat on the Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

The seat had the expected amenities, including a seatback pocket, tray tables, and power ports.

The amenities of the seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

The main table was easily big enough for a laptop. There was a second smaller table, too.

The tinier table.Taylor Rains/Insider

The only thing I wish the seat had was a footrest, which I think would make the ride more comfortable.

There was no footrest.Taylor Rains/Insider

Food was not included in my Smart fare, so I spent about $20 on an egg sandwich, popcorn, and a soda.

The drink menu onboard.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was actually pretty happy with the sandwich, but I'd bring food next time to save money.

The egg sandwich was cut into two halves and put on pumpernickel bread.Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, Brightline was easily up to par with the high-speed trains I’ve ridden on in France, Japan, Germany, and the UK this year.

Europe's Thalys high-speed train at Amsterdam Central Station.Taylor Rains/Insider

I find the new train particularly useful for those without a car.

Courtesy of Brightline

Even those with a car may opt for the convenience of rail travel to avoid the many times congested interstates.

Heavy traffic along I-95 in Miami, Florida, in 2018.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A friend of mine who lives in Miami told me she has ridden on the Brightline a handful of times and enjoys it.

The regular coach seats inside the Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

Granted, the fares to West Palm and Fort Lauderdale where she rides are more affordable compared to going to Orlando.

A Brightline train.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A celebrity stylist explains how to select a color palette when packing light for a trip

Cookies on the Business Insider India website