When people think of exceptional train travel, Europe often comes to mind. But after experiencing Brightline, I can confidently say that America now has a train service that outshines even the best of Europe. My recent journey with Brightline from Fort Lauderdale to Miami—and back—was nothing short of spectacular.
Brightline is a high-speed rail service connecting key cities across Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Orlando. With plans for expansion and a focus on providing a premium travel experience, Brightline has set a new standard for what train travel should be in the United States.
The Stations: A Glimpse of Modern Luxury
The experience starts the moment you step into a Brightline station. Both the Fort Lauderdale and Miami stations were big, bright, modern, and impeccably clean. The design feels like something out of an upscale airport terminal, with plenty of natural light and a contemporary aesthetic that immediately sets the tone for the journey.
Traveling in Premium Class (which I highly recommend), I had access to the first-class lounges. These lounges are beautifully appointed and designed for comfort and convenience. On my morning departure from Fort Lauderdale, the lounge offered a complimentary breakfast that rivaled the continental breakfasts of many hotels. Fresh pastries, coffee, juices, and more were available, providing a relaxing start to my trip.
When it comes to seating, Brightline knows how to cater to travelers. The lounges have ample, comfortable chairs, complete with USB power outlets at nearly every seat—perfect for recharging your devices or getting some work done while you wait for your train.
The Train: Comfort Meets Quiet Efficiency
The trains themselves are a testament to modern engineering and thoughtful design. From the moment I boarded, it was clear Brightline prioritizes passenger comfort. The trains are brand-new, spotlessly clean, and remarkably quiet. The Premium Class seats are large and spacious, with plenty of legroom and a recline feature that ensures a comfortable ride.
During the journey, I appreciated the serene and quiet environment, which allowed me to work uninterrupted. The Wi-Fi onboard was reliable and fast enough for both browsing and work tasks—a rare but much-appreciated feature on public transit.
The Return Journey: An Elevated Afternoon Experience
On my return trip in the early afternoon, the Miami station took the experience up another notch. The station was even larger and more impressive than Fort Lauderdale, continuing the trend of cleanliness and modernity. In the Premium Lounge, they were serving light hors d’oeuvres alongside complimentary beer and wine. This attention to detail really sets Brightline apart, making every moment of the journey feel premium.
Once onboard for the return trip to Fort Lauderdale, the train again delivered the same high level of cleanliness and comfort. The consistency in quality, from station to train and back, was striking and a major reason why I consider Brightline a game-changer for train travel in the U.S.
Why Premium Class is Worth It
If you’re considering traveling on Brightline, I cannot recommend Premium Class enough. The benefits—access to first-class lounges, complimentary food and beverages, spacious seating, and an elevated overall experience—are well worth the price. It transforms a simple trip into a luxurious journey that you’ll actually look forward to.
The Routes: A Seamless Way to Explore Florida
Brightline’s route currently connects Orlando in central Florida to Miami in the south, with stops in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach along the way. This route makes it incredibly convenient to travel between some of Florida’s most vibrant cities without the stress of driving. The service is particularly appealing for both business travelers and tourists, offering an efficient and enjoyable way to explore Florida’s major hubs.
Whether you’re heading to Miami for its nightlife, Fort Lauderdale for its beaches, or Orlando for its theme parks, Brightline is the ideal way to travel. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself.
A Gold Standard for Train Travel
Brightline has redefined train travel in America, offering a level of service that surpasses expectations at every turn. From the thoughtfully designed stations and lounges to the state-of-the-art trains, it’s clear that Brightline has set a new gold standard.
It’s time for other U.S. rail services—Amtrak, are you listening?—to take notes. Brightline proves that train travel can be fast, efficient, and luxurious. Even Romania’s Căile Ferate Române could learn a thing or two (or three or 900) from this exceptional service.
I can’t wait to travel on Brightline again, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone traveling in Florida. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to book Premium Class for the full Brightline experience. It’s train travel as it should be—elevated, luxurious, and unforgettable.
