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 Rains
- 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.
According to the AP, the project faced myriad delays including a failed partnership with Richard Branson's Virgin Group.
The official opening occurred in September, and Brightline has since doubled the frequencies between Orlando and Miami.
The company will run 30 trains daily between the two cities, up from 16.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has even taken a ride on Brightline.
Buttigieg rode from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, telling reporters "this is a bright area of America moving forward for high-speed rail."
He said there is "no cosmic reason" why the US doesn't have high-speed rail options like those in Japan and Germany.
Japan is famous for its ultra-speedy bullet train, the fastest bolting at 200 mph.
Then there are the 186-mph European trains that run through countries like Germany, Belgium, and France.
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.
There is no universal definition of high-speed rail, but, generally, a train is by most sources considered "high-speed" if it can travel at least 125 mph. That means Brightline's 125-mph train barely makes the cut, even if it only reaches that speed over a section of new track through Florida farmland between Orlando and Miami.
Acela can run up to 150 mph along the Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, and Boston, but only in very limited areas. However, its new Avelia Liberty trains are expected to run faster.
For my trip, I booked the longest Brightline route possible — a three-and-a-half-hour ride between Orlando and Miami.
The entire distance covers 235 miles, which is about the same as the Acela train ride between Washington, DC, and New York City.
My train stopped in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and a Miami suburb called Aventura before ending in downtown Miami.
My “Smart” fare cost $79 one-way, which I thought was a little steep but isn't surprising given Brightline's newness and demand.
"Smart" is the lower tier ticket, with the "premium" fare costing about $150 one-way.
My ticket came with two pieces of carry-on luggage and a reserved seat, while premium riders have access to an exclusive lounge at the train station and include food and drinks onboard.
Checked bags cost extra for smart fares but one comes free with premium, according to Brightline.
I boarded Brightline at Orlando International Airport, which has a beautiful train station adjacent to Terminal C.
The entire building was sleek and modern, with plenty of natural light and seating
Here, travelers can sit and relax, purchase train tickets, or talk to customer service.
I appreciated the information boards with train status and track numbers.
Before I could access the tracks, I had to scan my ticket and clear basic security.
I had to put my luggage through a scanner and walk through some sort of detector.
I was able to pass through with my phone and headphones on, and wear my shoes, so it wasn't as invasive as airport security.
Inside, travelers will find a store with snacks, drinks, and souveniers, as well as a bar.
Travelers can kill time with a drink or shop for last minute necessities.
There are also a few lounge options, including the open-seating smart lounge and the exclusive premium one.
The premium lounge had ticket scanners at the entrance so only those passengers could enter, while the smart lounge was open access and resembled seating at an airport gate, but nicer.
I only enjoyed the smart lounge for a few minutes before passengers were called for boarding.
My train was scheduled to depart at 2:54 p.m., and boarding started about 20 minutes before.
Brightline warns on its website that all travelers must be on the train at least five minutes before departure, so don't be late.
I stored my backpack on one of the storage racks in coach four and then made my way to seat 2A.
I could select my seat during the booking process and I opted for a window.
Getting settled, I thought the seat was spacious and well-padded.
At 5'3" tall, I had no shortage of leg space. The seat was pretty wide, too.
The seat had the expected amenities, including a seatback pocket, tray tables, and power ports.
There were power ports between the armrests on the back of the seat, as well as a set under the seat in front. Travelers have access to both USB sockets and outlets.
The main table was easily big enough for a laptop. There was a second smaller table, too.
I liked the smaller table for resting my phone to watch shows.
The only thing I wish the seat had was a footrest, which I think would make the ride more comfortable.
European trains like the Thalys had a footrest onboard.
Food was not included in my Smart fare, so I spent about $20 on an egg sandwich, popcorn, and a soda.
The menu also included things like chicken Caesar salad, parfait, and a caprese ciabatta.
I was actually pretty happy with the sandwich, but I'd bring food next time to save money.
It wasn't a lot of food for $20, but it was enough to keep me satisfied until I got to Miami.
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.
It's nice to see another rail system in the US after experiencing trains overseas, which I found is a lot easier than driving or flying in many cases.
I find the new train particularly useful for those without a car.
Going to college in central Florida, I found myself driving automobile-less friends to and from airports in Orlando, West Palm, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. If Brightline existed back then, it would have saved me a lot of miles and hours of driving.
Even those with a car may opt for the convenience of rail travel to avoid the many times congested interstates.
Interstate I-95 is Florida's main East Coast interstate, and it can get bottlenecked inside and outside major cities.
This means the estimated three-and-a-half drive — about the same travel time as Brightline — could take longer during certain times of the day.
So, I'd be willing to pay for the stress-free Brightline over driving, despite the pricey fare.
A friend of mine who lives in Miami told me she has ridden on the Brightline a handful of times and enjoys it.
She is a huge concert-goer, so Brightline opening up a station to major neighboring cities has made it easier for her to see live music without battling traffic or parking crowds.
Granted, the fares to West Palm and Fort Lauderdale where she rides are more affordable compared to going to Orlando.
Insider recently traveled on the Brightline from Fort Lauderdale to Miami in first class for $39. The first class experience from Orlando starts at $149 — so the distance definitely makes a difference.
Considering regular coach is as low as $15 one-way from West Palm to Miami, it'd be an easy choice between training and driving.
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