Florida’s answer to high-speed rail – Brightline – has been running high-since 2018.
Service began on Florida’s east coast between West Palm Beach station and Fort Lauderdale. Later that year, service was added from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. In 2023, trains began running between Miami and Orlando. Next, Brightline will add a station in Tampa on Florida’s west coast.

 

 

High Speed Rail
For now, travelers can experience the train at a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour in South Florida – from Miami north to West Palm Beach – and a maximum speed of 125 miles per hour between West Palm Beach and Orlando.  The distance between Miami and Orlando is approximately 235 miles, and takes approximately three hours via Brightline.

 

If you arrive at Miami International Airport, for example, you can reach the Miami Central Station where Brightline trains stop. Brightline offers shuttle service to and from the airport to the train. Ride the shuttle from the train station to the airport for $10 for the first guest and $5 for each additional rider in the same party.

 

What this means is you can ride the train, for example, from Miami to Disney World in Orlando or not far from the historic and renowned Breakers or the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. Alternatively, you can ride the train from Miami to Aventura, and on to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, or West Palm Beach.

 

 

What To Do Along the Way
Here’s a rundown on what to see and do once you get off the train in either Miami or West Palm Beach.  Miami and Miami Beach. First, know that Miami Central Station is in Miami at 600 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, in the downtown area. Both the Brightline train and the older Tri-Tail commuter train stop here.

 

Miami is on the mainland while Miami Beach is situated on a barrier island to the east, and will require you to drive, rent a car, or hire a ride-hailing service such as Uber approximately 3.5 miles across the MacArthur Causeway.

 

The train ride from West Palm to Miami typically takes an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 18 minutes, and the trip across the causeway is approximately 20 minutes. That said, if you’ve never been to South Beach, definitely go. You’ll be intrigued by the Art Deco architecture. You’ll take in a lot of sights, and capture what makes South Beach a unique American destination. One of the best ways to experience South Beach is to wander down Ocean Drive beginning at The Betsy, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. This is a visually exciting walk, and, depending on the time of year and day it will be teeming with people to a greater or lesser degree.

 

If you’ve never been to Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive in South Beach, you’re in for a treat. Explore on your own or sign up for the history of the Art Deco district with a tour guide by the Miami Design Preservation League.

 

The Official Art Deco Walking Tour takes visitors (and interested locals) on a 90-minute introductory journey into the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles of the Miami Beach Architectural District.

 

Rain or shine wear comfortable shoes for exploring hotels, restaurants, and other commercial structure as well as visits to some interiors. Cost is $35 per person or $30 for those 65+, veterans and students.

 

 

West Palm Beach
The station, located at 260 Quadrille Plaza Drive, West Palm Beach, near the intersection of Clematis Street, is within easy striking distance of a barrier island, home to the tony town of Palm Beach. The island can be reached by Flagler Memorial Bridge or Royal Park Bridge. If you want to experience Worth Avenue with its shops and restaurants, it’s closer to the Royal Park Bridge as is the Norton Museum of Art.

 

If you want to visit the Flagler Museum cross the Flagler Memorial Bridge, which also leads to The Breakers, the world-renowned hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Stoll around, dine in one of its restaurants, browse at The Shops in the courtyard, or just and get a tasty peanut butter smoothie at News & Gourmet, one of the shops and boutiques. Spend some time walking along the red brick walkway above the ocean where the waves literally break and crash. Shared transportation in all-electric vehicles can be hailed with the Circuit app to locations in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach weekdays and weekends from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

 

Brightline Fares
One way fares between Miami and West Palm run between $22 and $104 depending on whether your clients are traveling in business or premium class. Both classes of service feature wifi and power ports/usb ports at each seat, as well as complimentary carry on bags. Premium service adds a complimentary checked bag, complimentary drinks and snacks onboard and also in the premium lounge prior to boarding.

 

For more information visit: www.gobrightline.com or sign up as a Travel Advisor at: https://www.gobrightline.com/travel-advisors.