How a New Rail Line Is Reinventing the Florida Vacation

"The company's comfortable carriages now link some of the state's most in-demand cities, beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports with a speed and polish more commonly associated with Europe or Japan. In an Old Florida twist, Brightline runs along some of the same railways that were knitted together by Henry Flagler in the late 19th and early 20th century-the ones that laid the groundwork for the state's present-day tourism industry."

"It's such a distinctive shift that people have coined a term for scooting around the state: we now go "Brightlining" up to Orlando for a Walt Disney World Resort weekend, or down to Fort Lauderdale for the International Boat Show. (The company also provides last-mile shuttles to major events like the boat show so that riders don't have deal with Uber hassles.)"

"While going car-free is one major upside, hopping aboard the Brightline has several other advantages that are winning over would-be drivers, including me, to the tune of more than 2.2 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025. Stations have lounges that rival those found in airports, at least for Premium ticket holders. On board, there's speedy and reliable Wi-Fi, plus a selection of snacks that includes fancy gummy bears and charcuterie boards you'd actually want to eat."

Brightline operates modern intercity trains linking Orlando, Miami and other high-demand Florida destinations in comfortable carriages with European- or Japanese-style speed and polish. The service follows historic Flagler-era railways and has prompted more than $6 billion in investment along the Miami–Orlando corridor. Brightline enables car-free, multifaceted itineraries that combine theme parks, Miami nightlife and short Caribbean cruises while avoiding highway traffic. Riders commonly "Brightline" to events and attractions, and the company provides last-mile shuttles for major gatherings. Stations include airport-style lounges for Premium passengers, trains offer reliable Wi‑Fi and elevated snack options, and fares often sit below $100.

Read at Travel + Leisure