Brightline
 

Has anyone taken the Brightline train? I was just checking prices for a train from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando. There are two categories - Smart Fare and Premium Fare. The Smart Fare prices are from $49 to $59 for a one way ticket. The Premium Fare is from $109 to $309 for a one way ticket. This is the per person price so if a couple booked the most expensive ticket, it would cost $618. (But I think taxes are included.)

I also checked Miami prices. The price for Miami to Orlando appears to be the same as the price for Fort Lauderdale to Orlando.

You can fly Spirit for $39 and that includes a checked bag!!!

We have used Brightline from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando, and in the reverse direction, each time using the cheapest available ticket. They often have "Specials" so keep an eye out for them. I don't think there is a limit on bags but you may want to check. Security is minimum, so that's a lot better than using an airport.

My neighbors took the Brightline from Orlando to Miami just as a fun excursion.

Relaxed and took-in the sights from the train. Departed Miami for a day of looking around and dining, stayed overnight, then boarded train the next day for the ride back. I don't know what they paid for their tickets late last year but they enjoyed the trip.

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We’re going to do a similar trip just for fun.

I’ve gone on Brightline twice when visiting my Son & his family by myself.
Took Premium and it was good since you can get a seat by yourself.
I do not think the food and drink is worth the extra price to be honest.
It has been a very long time since I’ve taken mass transit ( LIRR & NYC subway)
and don’t really care for it at this age.

For most riders, it ain't cheap.

Can't find it, but there are reports of "average cost per rider".

It will take a couple years, but the "fun" rides will evaporate and the Bline will have financial issues.

This year, my wife and her sister took Brightline down to Fort Lauderdale for a crafting cruise. The trip down was very nice. On March 11 th, they returned on Bright-line. On the return trip, the bags that they checked were search and the small scissors (used in detailed cutting) were confiscated. They were told it was a new policy. I checked for the policy on line and found that, as of March 15, 2025, no sharp objects were allowed even in checked bags.