Take a look inside one of the only trains in the US considered high-speed

Taylor RainsJan 14, 2024, 03:28 IST

A selfie of the author boarding the Brightline in Orlando in October.Taylor Rains/Insider

Florida's new Brightline train travels at 125 mph along Florida's east coast.
Brightline is one of only two high-speed rail networks in the US.

Bolting at up to 125 mph, Brightline is the newest high-speed rail network in the US.

The train line's Orlando route opened in September and connects to Miami via 235 miles of tracks. And it's proving popular, with Brightline already doubling frequencies.

I recently rode on the train and prefer it over driving. Here's a look inside Brightline.

Florida's new high-speed train is the second in operation in the US alongside Amtrak's Acela.

Jeff Greenberg / Contributor/Universal Images Group Editorial

The networks are tiny in comparison to those in Europe and Japan.

The high-speed trains in Europe and Japan date back to the mid-1900s. Pictured is a European Thalys train (left) in 1997.Frank Leonhardt/picture alliance via Getty Images

But Brightline's vibrant yellow trains are just as nice.

Courtesy of Brightline

Broken down into two fare types, Brightline offers "smart" and "premium" experiences.

Coach number four on the Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

The differences involve onboard amenities, luggage allowance, and lounge access.

The exclusive premium lounge entrance at Brightline's Orlando train station. Courtesy of Brightline

Specifically, smart cars come in a 2x2 layout, while premium cars have solo seat options.

Solo seat option in premium car.Ronny Maye/Insider

Regardless of the car, the seats offer incredible legroom and hip space.

The legroom onboard Brightline's smart car.Taylor Rains/Insider

Passengers can also expect amenities like a seatback pocket, WiFi, a tray table, and power.

The amenities on the Brightline train.Taylor Rains/Insider

The tray table even has a tinier one built in.

The tinier table.Taylor Rains/Insider

Luggage racks are available above the seats and at the end of each car.

The luggage rack at the back of Brightline car 4.Taylor Rains/Insider

The seat does lack a footrest, though.

Onboard the Brightline train in Florida.Taylor Rains/Insider

Regarding the service, attendants walk through the aisle to take meal orders and sell drinks.

The menu onboard Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

Food options include things like egg sandwiches, yogurt, and Caesar salad.

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

I tried the food on my Brightline trip and thought it was actually pretty good.

A selfie of the author.Taylor Rains/Insider

With Brightline finally operating in Florida, the company is hopeful for a successful line out west.

Brightline

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