When I first heard about the new train line carving it’s way up through Florida, I was super excited. Then it seemed to go rather quiet. Future plans slowly evolved, tracks were laid and trains were built. Now the Brightline plys it’s way between Orlando and MIami many times a day. We finally had the chance to jump onboard in November 2024 and we can’t to share our Brightline Premium review.
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The Brightline
Way back in time, we first heard about this shiny new train line when it was being touted as a Virgin Trains project. “Awesome”, I thought, “We will fly to Florida with Virgin and then hop on a Virgin Train”. However, things went quiet from that end. I guess they decided the project wasn’t for them, and a new player entered the chat. Brightline had a spiffy website and seemed to be making progress (with a predictable blip due to COVID). Before we knew it, they had trains up and running between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and eventually, all the way up to Orlando. In November 2024, we had a trip planned to the theme park capital and decided it would be fun to try out the new service along the way.
Miami Station
The Brightline section is separate from the main Miami Station but is right next door. Coming at it from the South, it was about four minutes from the start of the Triline station. We took a covered walkway with plenty of retail space ready for its new occupants.
We head for the giant yellow sign and waited for the whoosh of air con as the doors opened. I was mentally prepared for it to be freezing but actually, it was a comfortable cool (this coming from a lizard like me).
The station was fresh and modern, with shiny floors and busy, bright screens. From speakers, chart toppers were playing, giving it a funky I’ve. There was a luggage drop off and guest services desk to the right. We passed this and made our way straight up the escalators.
Up here, things are clearly still to be added with a sign for a food hall and more. We were running slightly behind schedule so made our way straight through the ticket barriers. This was super easy with QR codes available on the Brightline app and in my Apple Wallet. Next was a quick bag scan and we were through.
The Brightline Lounge
The Brightline Lounge had plenty of seating, a classy bar called Mary Mary and a shop selling snacks and souvenirs. Again, it was all airy and nicely lit, with fun details. It is just our style.
The Premium Lounge
So when I said we were running behind schedule, it is because we wanted some time in the Premium Lounge. Our train was due to depart at 08:50 and it was 08:30.
The Premium Lounge was reminiscent of an airport lounge, with funky seating options but it had the advantage of a nice view to the city outside. This blew every other train lounge I’ve seen out of the water. On a central island we’re loads of breakfast options.
There waa:
- Fresh fruit
- A small selection of deli meats
- Cake
- A warmer with sausage, mini omelettes and breakfast potatoes
- A baked goods selection including bagels, waffles and pastries
There was also a drinks station. Here was a coffee machine offering both filter coffee and espresso options as well as chai tea and fancy flavoured coffees. Below a fridge was stocked with waters and canned soft drinks/sodas. Finally, on the right was a drinks dispenser with beers and wines. I heard no less than six people say that it was too early for alcohol. In the UK, everyone would be holding a boozy beverage, instead telling their friends that it’s five o’clock somewhere. I guess airport rules don’t apply in train world?
Now, at the time of writing, I am trying to maintain an intermittent fasting diet so this was torture. I just had a black coffee but wanted more than anything to construct a breakfast bagel with the round sausage patty, omelette and cheese slice. So much so that I was desperately trying to convince Mr Fluskey to have one, but he was happily demolishing some Frosties and a yogurt. All too soon our train was called for boarding so I grabbed my coffee and we made a beeline for Platform 2.
A note from future me: I am writing this on the train and am deeply regretting not just indulging in a plate full of salami, waffles with syrup and that bagel….what an idiot.
The Bright Blue
Up another escalator were the platforms and our waiting train, the Bright Blue. As we walked along, the adverts covering the windows stood out to me. You would if ever see this on most trains around the world….you have to fund your railways somehow though, eh?
Onboard
The interior was lovely, with a light taupe colour scheme. There were two big light strips on the ceiling and two small blue ones. I wonder if they all have this blue or if this is because we are on the Bright Blue?
There is a reasonably sized luggage rack at the end of the carriage and then a lovely large overhead shelf running along the whole carriage. Our backpacks and larger suitcases were stowed comfortably up there.
The Seats
The 21 inch wide leather seats were really comfy with oodles of leg room and even a slight recline. These are the kind of seats that slide forward rather than reclining into the space of the passenger behind. Thank goodness nobody will have to endure the drama that plane seats reclining brings. I am five foot but there was more than enough leg room me. Looking around at the taller folks around, they seemed perfectly comfortable too. And speaking of comfort, these seats are beautifully padded so a numb bum is not going to be your travel companion.
There are tables of two and four which face each other, but for the “airline style” seats which face the backs of the seat in front, there is still loads of table space. The tray tables are huge, with plenty of room for a laptop or a full picnic. Theres even a cute little pop out (currently quite stiff but I am sure they will ease over time) for a little coffee cup or phone stand.
The last thing to mention is the abundance of plugs around the seats. you are not gong to be fighting with the prson next to you for power. On each seat, under the central armrest you get two US plugs and two USB-A sockets. Then, there are two more mainline plugs under the seats in front. My seat’s plugs werrent working but Mr Fluskey’s were so there was still room for both of us to charge everything we needed.
Food & Drinks
We had read that drinks and snacks were included as standard in the Premium carriage. In the UK, this means a packet of biscuits and a cup of coffee or soft drink normally. Well, we were not prepared for the abundance on offer. The first service came through and I grabbed another black coffee and a snack for later, thinking we should make the most of the offer whilst it was there. (Me from the future again, my hands are a little jittery and I am wired).
We were offered drinks and snack another four or five times. Mr Fluskey had plenty of caffeine and sugar in the form of several cans of fizzy drink. We left the journey with a bag full of snacks ready for our theme park days, saving us a trip to a supermarket. There’s a Clif Bar, M&Ms, popcorn and other nibbly goodies. Honestly, the amount you could eat and drink alone make the upgrade worth it.
The Bathroom/Restroom
Clean, large and well-maintained, this is everything you can ask from a train bathroom. This one has a fun wall design and not one but two large mirrors as well. I’m not sure getting changed in a train toilet is the greatest option but if needs must, this one has you covered.
The door is opened, closed and locked using electronic buttons. Then, once you have done your business, the flush is a proximity sensor down on the right. I have a feeling this might confuse a few people. Then there is the Dyson tap. I love these cool tap and hand dryer combos bu pt Mr Fluskey hates them so clearly, they are massively divisive. There didn’t seem to be instructions anywhere so I bet lots of people miss it.
The Views
Sadly, the film on the windows was everywhere so it made taking photos and videos out of the window really tricky. Even more so was the sun shade which was pulled down by nearly every passenger. As ours was shared by three rows of seats and we are far too British, when the gent in the row behind pulled it down, we left it down whilst quietly grumbling about it. This is where the single seats facing each other have a major advantage. There is one shade per table and if you are travelling with those opposite, you can decide between you.
Orlando Station
We pulled into the Orlando station, located at Terminal 3 of the MCO airport. So handy for anyone travelling up to fly out..or the other way around. We hopped on the escalators into the station building for a quick look around.
The whole place had a similar vibe to the Miami terminus but on a much smaller scale. The Premium Lounge was about a third of the size but still had loads of seating., It was just closer together. We tried to see what food was on offer but the main buffet was tucked away and we could only spot pastries…so that is all we can confirm.
Now, one of the coolest little extras with Brightline Premium is that we were given a $10 Uber credit to be used from the station. This got us halfway to our hotel and was a really nice touch.
Is Brightline Premium Worth It?
Looking at some of the journeys for next month, you are looking at a price difference of between $20 and $80. For that extra money you are getting a larger seat, less crowded carriage …so far, so normal. However, then if you consider the swanky lounges and generous snack offerings things start to look better value. Finally, you are given that $10 Uber credit to use at the end of your journey which, for anyone travelling on to a hotel or home, is a great bonus. Alternatively, a preferential rate is offered in the Brightline car parks/garages.
Honestly, the Smart carriages, Brightline’s standard cars, are still really nice. The only physical differences are that they have more people in and seats two inches narrower. Everyone gets free Wi-Fi onboard and you can buy snacks or forgo them entirely if you are not into munching between meals. I think that as a special treat or if you are on a vacation, Brightline Premium is definitely worth it, but if this was my regular commute I wouldn’t upgrade.
The Future of Brightline
In Florida, there are plans to extend the Brightline through Orlando, past Universal and over to Tampa. This is incredible news for non-drivers like me and I think it is excellent.
I am also hopeful for the safety record to continue to improve as Floridians get used to staying away from the train tracks. Sadly, after years of slow and steady Amtrak trains, people think they can just nip across and be fine, but this is often not the case.
Finally, there is good movement on Brightline West. This new route would run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, utterly changing the game on the other side of the country. Fingers crossed!
Final Thoughts on Our Brightline Premium Review
The Brightline lived up to my expectations and then blew right past them. Clean, efficient and comfortable, this train is what modern train travel looks like. There are no arguments over navigation, dodgy i95 drivers and you get snacks. Plus, if it is the right time of day, you can all have a glass of wine in the lounge and then sleep your way to your destination if you like. Divine.
Oh, and one last thought. I am hoping that passengers learn how to use their “train voice”, the hushed, slightly shameful half-whisper of train commuters around the world…but thats a me thing and it won’t stop me hopping back onboard soon.
Rosie xx
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