Did you know you can take a train to your cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) , Palm Beach and Port Canaveral? In the article, I’ll show you everything you need to know about taking a Brightline train to your next cruise.
Brightline – Miami Station
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. The Brightline train service in Florida operates between Orlando and Miami, with several stops in between. 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 3 South Florida stations, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami. They also just recently added service to Orlando as well. Whether you are cruising from Port Miami, Port Everglades, the 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 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 (serving cruise ports):
Brightline (Orlando) to (West Palm Beach) – 2 hours, 8 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 – 7.4 miles
Brightline (Miami) to PortMiami – 1.7 miles
Distances between Brightline stations and their closest airports:
Brightline (Orlando) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)– 1.7 miles
Brightline (West Palm Beach) to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)– 3.6 miles
Brightline (Fort Lauderdale) to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) – 4.4 miles
Brightline (Miami) to Miami International Airport (MIA) – 7.3 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.
Rail to Sail Packages
Rail to Sail packages feature convenient pick-up and drop-off solutions to your cruise between Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station and Port Everglades with complimentary round-trip shuttle service provided by Princess Cruises.
Brightline – Princess Cruises Travel Times
Exclusive for Princess Cruises ships departing Port Everglades, Brightline offers a special Rail to Sail package for train service from their Orlando or West Palm Beach stations to Fort Lauderdale that includes everything mentioned earlier.
How it works:
- Book your Brightline ride marked with a Princess Cruises icon from Orlando or West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale on select sail dates.
- Reserve your baggage delivery service for an additional fee by visiting the Guest Services desk at Brightline Orlando Station or West Palm Beach Station.
- Guests with a Princess Cruises baggage tag can present their tag at drop-off. Guests without a tag must request one from a Guests Service Agent.
- Enjoy your ride to Fort Lauderdale Station. On arrival please hop onboard the Princess Cruises shuttle to Port Everglades.
Luggage Handling
For those not booked with the Princess Cruises Rail to 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, but is greatly discounted from regular daily and overnight posted rates at each station if you book in advance.
In South Florida, enjoy the benefit of adding parking to your Brightline booking for a flat rate starting at $12/day when you book in advance. Walk-up daily parking rates begin at $20/day.
Guests in Orlando can start their trip with parking at Orlando International Airport’s three surface lots surrounding our station or Parking Garage C. Offsite parking options from WallyPark starting at just $10/day.
Transportation
Brightline stations offer easy access to transportation services including rental cars and ride share options. Guests who purchase Premium service receive a $10 Uber voucher automatically applied to their Uber wallet.
Stations
Brightline stations utilize smart turnstiles, making getting around a simple swipe of your ticket or smart phone. They also provide convenient spots to grab a drink, snack or meal, complimentary wi-fi and comfortable lounges.
Brightline – Orlando Station
Brightline – Orlando Ticketing & Security
Passenger Lounges
All Brightline 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 onsite 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.
Brightline – Orlando Smart Lounge
Brightline – Orlando Premium Lounge
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 wider seats 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 Select guests.
Brightline – Train Interior
Fares
Fares for the Brighline 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 in Florida by plane, the ease, comfort and value that Brightline provides is a great alternative to other modes of transportation. Brightline also has promotions for discounts on a regular basis.
Hopefully this article has opened up a new way for you to get to your next cruise. Would you consider using Brightline to get yo your next cruise? Leave a comment below or join us on the Talking Cruise Community forums.
