The population of Florida has grown by almost 20% in recent years and is expected to grow even more over the next decade. However, many of those visiting or moving to Florida also love trains and have expressed a desire to see high-speed rail service extended into this fascinating region. But do they?
The Florida High Speed Train project, also known as the Brightline, is a privately funded passenger rail service that began operating in January 2018. It connects downtown Miami and other locations in south Florida with cities along the east coast of the state, including Orlando and Daytona Beach.
If you’re planning a trip to visit friends or family members, going on vacation, or just want to explore new parts of the state, then read on for more information about traveling by train in Florida. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about high-speed trains in Florida, including details about ticket prices and timetables.
How Fast Does the Brightline Train in Florida Go?
The maximum speed of the Brightline train in Florida is 79 miles per hour, or about 151 kilometers per hour. Passengers will travel from Miami to West Palm Beach in approximately one hour and 15 minutes, and from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in around one hour. From Miami to Orlando, the Brightline train takes just over three hours.
From Miami, the Brightline train continues on to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. While the trains go between Miami and Orlando, the route travels along the Beachline. It takes the train about two and a half hours to go between Miami and West Palm Beach, one hour and 10 minutes to go from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, and just over three hours to go from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando.
How Many Stops Does the Brightline Train in Florida Make?
The Brightline train operates between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and West Palm Beach, Florida. The distance between the two cities is about 110 miles. The train travels along a route that follows the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) route from Miami to Orlando and then on to Tampa. Along this route, it passes through Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Hialeah, Miami, and West Palm Beach. The train stops at stations along the way.
The Brightline train makes 9 stops in total. But only 6 of those stops are currently in operation. The Stations:
- West Palm Beach Station
- Fort Lauderdale Station
- Miami Station
- Boca Raton Station
- Aventura Station
- Port Miami Station
- Orlando Station (under construction)
- Disney Springs Station (under construction)
- Tampa Station (under construction)
How Long Does It Take to Travel from Miami to Orlando on Brightline?
Brightline’s service between Miami and Orlando is 2.5 hours long, with a few stops along the way. The first 15 miles of the route are dedicated to spur and freight trains, which can be quite loud and bumpy. Once you leave this section of track, Brightline’s railcars start rolling. The ride from Miami to downtown
Orlando takes just over an hour and 12 minutes, so it’s not a long journey by any means. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is the weather: Brightline runs during all seasons, but winter storms can affect your travel time. If severe weather is forecast for your route, schedule your trip for another day or consider taking public transit instead.
What Are the Benefits of Taking a High-Speed Train in Florida?
There are numerous benefits to traveling by high-speed train in Florida, including reduced road traffic, environmental sustainability, reduced noise pollution, and increased safety. The Brightline train in Florida operates on rails and does not require road space, like buses and other forms of public transportation do.
This means that it does not contribute to traffic congestion on the roads, as well as making the journey faster and more efficient. The train is also fully electric, and all of the electricity used to power it is renewable. This makes the train extremely environmentally friendly and sustainable.
There’s also an increased level of safety on the train compared to on the road. Trains have fewer accidents than cars and other forms of transportation, and the Brightline train in Florida has train drivers who are fully trained and certified in operating the train and keeping passengers safe.
What Are the Future Plans for The Brightline Train in Florida?
Brightline has ambitious plans to expand its network and service area into other parts of Florida. The company is currently working on a $600 million project to extend its service from West Palm Beach to Orlando, with an expected completion date of 2021. This will make it possible to reach Orlando in just three hours and 20 minutes, which is an improvement over driving time between the two cities, which is four hours and 20 minutes.
The company also has plans to expand into Miami in early 2020, as well as potentially into Tampa Bay and Jacksonville later on down the line. It’s likely that Brightline will continue expanding its network into more cities across Florida if it continues to be successful with its current operations.
How Much Will Brightline Tickets Cost?
Brightline tickets will be $10 for a one-way trip from West Palm Beach to Orlando and back, or $25 for a round-trip ticket. You can also buy a monthly pass for unlimited rides for $49, which is a pretty good deal if you’re planning to spend time on both coasts. The fares include a discounted pass for seniors (62 and older).
You can buy your ticket at Brightline’s website, with kiosks in downtown West Palm Beach, West Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. You can also buy tickets by phone at 1-855-858-7275.
If you’re interested in taking a bus tour of the area with your family or friends, Brightline has several options. Most tours are two hours long and cost between $30 and $40 per person.
Where Does the Brightline Train Go?
The Brightline train in Florida travels from Miami to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. From Miami, the train continues on to West Palm Beach, and from there it travels to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. From West Palm Beach, the train travels to Orlando, and from there it continues on to Downtown West Palm Beach.
How Far Does Brightline Train Go?
The Brightline train in Florida travels a total of 133 miles, or 216 kilometers, between Miami and Orlando. During that journey, the train passes through three counties – Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach – and goes through ten stations. The journey from one end of the line to the other takes about three hours and ten minutes.
The first ever Brightline train left Miami on July 19th, 2017. After a few months of service, the company announced the start of ticket sales for the Orlando route. The first ticketed journey from Orlando to Miami took place on January 12th, 2018. Now, the trains are transporting thousands of passengers every day. The company plans to expand its services to Tampa, which will make the journey between Miami and Tampa a total of about five hours.
What Are Brightline Trains Like?
Brightline trains are very similar to other Florida trains – they have free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, extra leg room, and comfortable seats with ample space for luggage. One thing that makes them stand out from their competitors is their design – inside, there are specially designed spaces for pets and bicycles, as well as quiet zones where you can relax without any distractions.
They also have spacious restrooms for both men and women. If you want to watch TV or listen to music while traveling between Miami and Orlando, there’s no need to bring your headphones – each seat has its own built-in entertainment system with access to hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, apps, podcasts, music channels…
You can also make use of free Wi-Fi on board the train if you want to stream content. The trains are equipped with four large LCD screens that display information about the train’s progress, including the current speed limit and station name.
In addition to televisions, each seat has an individual USB outlet to charge your devices. Brightline trains also have power outlets for laptops and other devices.
Can You Bring Your Own Food on Brightline?
While you can’t bring your own food onto the train, there are several food options available for you to purchase while you’re on board. At each of the 11 stops, there are concession stands where you can purchase snacks and drinks, as well as freshly prepared food.
If you’re looking for a full meal, you can dine at one of the two restaurants located at Miami Central and Orlando Central stations. At both the Miami Central and Orlando Central stations, there are coffee shops where you can get a cup of coffee or tea and a snack.
What’s The Difference Between a Brightline Train and A Metrorail Train?
The trains operate on an elevated rail system that runs above the ground. The trains are capable of traveling at speeds up to 110 mph (177 km/h). The trains make stops along their route at stations, which include Miami Central, Orlando Central, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach.
Can I Bring My Bike on A Brightline Train?
Bicycles are allowed to be transported on the trains but must fit inside a bike carrier that is located at each end of the car. Bikes may not be taken out of the bike carrier or placed in front of seats during peak travel times. Bikes must also be removed from the train during off-peak hours.
Where Can I Park My Car Near a Brightline Station?
There are several parking lots located near each station where you can park your car for free. In addition, there is plenty of free parking in downtown Miami and downtown West Palm Beach as well as at many local hotels throughout the cities where you’ll be able to find parking garages and lots with reasonable rates all within walking distance from each station.
If you’re planning on traveling around Miami or West Palm Beach by car as much as possible, we recommend taking advantage of these great deals!
Is There Wi-Fi on Brightline Trains?
Wi-Fi is available at all 11 stations, as well as on board the Brightline train.
Guests can connect to the Internet at any of the stations by using the ‘Rail Wii’ network. Once connected, guests can explore the ‘Rail Wi-Fi’ network and select ‘Brightline’ for access to the Wi-Fi onboard the trains. Guests can also stay connected on the go with the free Brightline app, available for iOS and Android.
Do Brightline Trains Have Bathrooms?
While there are no bathrooms onboard the Brightline train in Florida, there are facilities available for you to use at each of the 11 stops. At each of the stops, you can find a public restroom, along with vending machines and other amenities.
At the stations in Miami and West Palm Beach, there are also restaurants, retail stores, and other amenities. The company’s goal is to have these facilities available at each of the stations along its route.
Are Pets Allowed on The Brightline Train in Florida?
Yes, pets are allowed onboard Brightline trains in Florida. Pets must be kept in a carrier or on a leash at all times while onboard the train. Pets are not allowed to ride on your lap or in an open seat next to you. Brightline does have a pet relief area for use at each station along its route.
Pets must have current rabies and other required vaccinations to ride the train. Passengers are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on the Miami Airport Train due to construction at the Miami Airport Station.
Conclusion
The Florida High Speed Train, also known as the Brightline, is a privately funded passenger rail service that began operating in January 2018. It connects downtown Miami and other locations in south Florida with cities along the east coast of the state, including Orlando — home to Disney World — and Daytona Beach. If you’re planning a trip to visit friends or family members, going on vacation, or just want to explore new parts of the state, then the Brightline is a great way to travel. For more information about traveling by train in Florida, visit the Brightline website.
