Brightline, Florida’s high-speed rail service, is a relatively new and exciting way for cruise travellers to reach the state’s cruise ports—skipping traffic and avoiding short-haul flights between Orlando and Miami.

Sleek, modern, and surprisingly comfortable, Brightline now connects Orlando International Airport with Downtown Miami, stopping at West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.

We’ve used Brightline between Miami and Orlando in both SMART and PREMIUM classes. We paid for the tickets ourselves—Brightline didn’t know we were reviewing the service—so everything here is based on real experience.

Here’s what we’ve learned—and what cruise passengers need to know before booking.

Where Does Brightline Go? (And Which Cruise Ports It Works For)

Brightline runs down Florida’s east coast with access to several major cruise ports:

West Palm Beach: Around 10–15 minutes by car from the Port of Palm Beach (home to Margaritaville at Sea).
Fort Lauderdale: Just 10–15 minutes by car from Port Everglades.
Miami (MiamiCentral Station): Roughly 10–15 minutes by car from PortMiami.

Brightline doesn’t connect directly to any cruise ports—you’ll need to take a taxi or rideshare from the station.

Unfortunately, Port Canaveral—the main cruise port for the Orlando area—isn’t on the Brightline route. If your cruise leaves from there, you’ll need to rent a car or arrange separate transport.

For a comprehensive overview of travel options between Orlando and Miami, including comparisons of driving, flying, buses, and trains, check out our guide: The Best Ways to Travel Between Orlando and Miami (Including Cruise Ports!).

What’s It Like On Board?

Brightline offers two classes of service:

SMART (Standard Class): Assigned seating, free Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks available for purchase, and one carry-on plus one personal item.
PREMIUM: Includes access to exclusive lounges at major stations, complimentary drinks and snacks onboard, and a $10 Uber credit for your final transfer.

Trains typically run every 1–2 hours and are impressively clean, quiet, and efficient.

Our Experiences

Watch our experience using Brightline:

On each trip, we travelled between Miami and Orlando with a full 23kg suitcase - taking a cruise from Port Miami.

SMART Class: Miami to Orlando

SMART Class was comfortable and relaxed, but we were caught out by the luggage limits—our cruise-sized suitcases incurred an extra charge, which felt steep. Larger bags must be checked in, and you’ll need to arrive 30 minutes early to do so. This added time made the overall experience feel closer to flying in terms of convenience.

Security was similar to an airport but much quicker and less stressful.

Even without lounge access, the stations were excellent—modern, spacious, and equipped with cafés, bars, and shops.

The coach itself was very spacious and comfortable, with wide seats and a quiet atmosphere. It felt far superior to most domestic flights or long-distance coaches.

We departed Miami on time and had only a short delay around West Palm Beach, arriving in Orlando as scheduled. Still, we recommend building in buffer time if you have a tight connection.

PREMIUM Class: Orlando to Miami

We really appreciated the lounge access—especially since you need to arrive 30 minutes early anyway. The free snacks and drinks were a nice touch, though not quite enough to justify a major price jump on their own.

The seating felt very similar to SMART but the coach was quieter, and the onboard trolley service was friendly and attentive.

The $10 Uber voucher included with PREMIUM was helpful but didn’t cover the full fare—our ride from MiamiCentral to PortMiami cost $25 during rush hour.

Is Brightline Good for Cruise Travellers?

In many cases, yes—but it depends on your cruise port, how early you book, and personal preferences.

We’ve found Brightline to be a calm, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable alternative to driving, flying, or taking a coach. The best part is not having to drive—you can simply sit back and enjoy a drink or a coffee!

PREMIUM offers a few extras that make the journey feel special, but SMART is still a very solid option—just keep an eye on your luggage.

The main drawback is being tied to a set train schedule and needing to arrange travel to and from the stations.

How Much Does Brightline Cost?

Prices vary depending on the time of day, demand, and how far in advance you book—similar to airline pricing.

SMART start from around $39 for shorter trips. Orlando to Miami typically ranges from $79–$99.
PREMIUM fares range from around $79 to over $149 depending on the route and timing.

Booking early usually secures the best deal.

Tip: Groups of three or more get an automatic discount when booking SMART fares.

The Pros

Genuinely comfortable: Spacious seating more like a domestic first class flight.
Great for cruise travel: No traffic, no airport stress, and the experience feels like part of your holiday.
Modern and efficient: Brightline trains and stations are stylish, quiet, and clean—even SMART class feels more premium than many flights.
Flexable tickets: SMART and PREMIUM are eligible for travel credit if you cancel. See Brightline’s terms for up-to-date details.

The Cons

Luggage limits in SMART: Only one carry-on and one personal item included. Additional bags cost extra.
Transfers aren’t seamless: PREMIUM includes a $10 Uber voucher, but it rarely covers the full fare—especially in peak times.
Delays can happen: While most of our trips were on time, we experienced minor delays. Always allow extra time.
Not all cruise ports are connected: Port Canaveral isn’t served, and even the closest ports require a taxi or Uber.
Can be pricey: Especially if you book last minute or during high demand. Consider total costs including transfers.

Our Recommendation

Brightline is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel between Florida’s major cities. If you’re cruising from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, it’s a fantastic alternative to flying or driving.

Our top tips:

Allow buffer time for delays and transfers.
Book early for the best fares.
Cost it out: While car hire may seem cheaper at first, don’t forget about tolls, parking, and fuel. Also consider the stress of driving, traffic, and rental logistics—Brightline removes all of that.

Final Thoughts

We’ve used Brightline many times now, and while it’s not perfect, it’s become our go-to choice when cruising from South Florida. Most recently, we used it to get to our Icon of the Seas cruise—watch our full travel day here:

It’s modern, fast, and makes travel feel like part of the adventure—especially in PREMIUM class.

As long as you plan ahead and know which cruise ports it serves, Brightline is absolutely worth considering.

Check current fares and routes at gobrightline.com.

Brightline Review: Is Florida’s High-Speed Train Good for Cruise Travellers?