Did you know you can take a train to your cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Palm Beach and even Orlando (Port Canaveral)? In this article, I’ll show you everything you need to know about taking a Brightline train to your next cruise.
If you’re like me, there’s always anticipation and excitement when it’s almost time to cruise. Stressing about getting to the port on embarkation day and dealing with uncontrollable factors like weather, traffic and port parking is no way to start your amazing cruise vacation. I’ve had many great experiences using the Brightline train in South Florida, with service now between Orlando and Miami. Below I provide points of why the Brightline service makes getting to the port more enjoyable while saving cruisers money and frustration.
Routes (Travel Times & Distances)
Brightline currently operates 5 South Florida stations, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami, plus most recently service to and from Central Florida at their Orlando station. Whether you are cruising from Port Miami, Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach or Port Canaveral, you can pick up your train at the most convenient station. In addition to getting you to your cruise, those flying in can choose from any of the 3 major South Florida airports and Orlando International Airport providing plenty of options. With quick travel times between stations, airports and cruise ports, it’s easy to see how Brightline is a great choice.
Estimated travel times between Brightline stations:
(Servicing Cruise Ports)
Brightline (Orlando) to (West Palm Beach) – 120 minutes
Brightline (West Palm Beach) to (Fort Lauderdale) – 40 minutes
Brightline (Fort Lauderdale) to (Miami) – 38 minutes
Distances between Brightline stations and their closest cruise ports:
Brightline (Orlando) to Port Canaveral – 47 miles
Brightline (West Palm Beach) to Palm Beach Cruise Port – 4.5 miles
Brightline (Fort Lauderdale) to Port Everglades – 5 miles
Brightline (Miami) to PortMiami – 1.8 miles
Distances between Brightline stations and their closest airports:
Brightline (Orlando) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Inside Airport (Terminal C)
Brightline (West Palm Beach) to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)– 3.6 miles
Brightline (Fort Lauderdale) to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) – 7.5 miles
Brightline (Miami) to Miami International Airport (MIA) – 7.6 miles
Booking Your Train
Making a reservation on Brightline is a breeze. Head over to their website GoBrightline.com and create an account, this will make it easy for you to access your tickets on the mobile app. App is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Rail & Sail Packages
Rail & Sail packages feature bundled services including round trip train tickets, complimentary motor coach service between Brightline’s Orlando and Fort Lauderdale stations and embarkation terminals and baggage delivery service for a fee. Rail & Sail packages are exclusive for Princess Cruises ships departing Port Everglades and Port Canaveral.
For more details visit https://www.gobrightline.com/offers/princess-cruises
Luggage Handling
For those not booked with the Princess Cruises Rail & Sail package, you can still have your bags checked at your departure station. In fact, larger size items are required to be checked, plus you’ll appreciate not having to drag your bags on and off the train. When you arrive at your destination, just follow the signs to collect your bags from the designated area. If you prefer to carry you smaller bags with you, there is a luggage rack onboard each train to accommodate them, as well as overhead storage.
Onsite Parking
For those planning to drive to the Brightline station, onsite parking is available at each location. Pricing will vary based on duration and location, but adding it to your train reservation will give you the best rates.
Rideshare
Convenient pickup and dropoff areas available at each of the Brightline stations.
Passenger Lounges
All stations feature comfortable lounges to wait for your train. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available and there are plenty of USB ports and outlets to charge your devices. The shops offer prepared food items, coffee and other beverages for purchase. If you’ve upgraded to Premium service, an assortment of drinks and snacks will be available for no extra charge in your designated lounge. The stations also utilize smart turnstiles, making getting around a simple swipe of your ticket or smart phone.
Levels of Service
Brightline offers two levels of service, the standard Smart service provides a comfortable waiting area and seating onboard, complimentary Wi-Fi, power and USB charging ports with pay beverage and snack service at your station and onboard the train. Upgrading to Premium service, provides more comfortable onboard seating as well as individual seats for those traveling alone, priority boarding, plus exclusive access to the Premium departure lounge with included snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and available business services. Complimentary snacks and beverages are also included onboard the train for Premium guests.
Cost
Cost for the Rail & Sail packages will vary by departure dates and train times, but when comparing to the cost to park a car for the duration of your cruise at the port, there’s a definite savings. For those arriving by plane, the ease, comfort and value that Brightline provides is a great alternative to other modes of transportation.
Hopefully this article has opened up a new way for you to get to your next cruise.
