Abe A.
Yelp
The Brightline is the train that takes you from Orlando to South Florida (all the way to Miami) and is our new favorite way to get to Ft Lauderdale. The Brightline Orlando station is located at the Orlando International Airport, C Terminal. There is an airport section as well as the train section. If you are taking the train, there is parking in their garage or offsite parking spots, same as if you are flying out of OIA. My wife and I have done both options and where parking onsite is easier, there is the chance there are no parking spots. We had a terrible time trying to find a spot the first time we took the brightline, we almost were unable to locate a spot. We do prefer to park off site, however, you will have a longer walk to the train station once dropped off. Getting dropped off, will require you to walk quite the distance. I would suggest finding an employee and asking how to get there. We had to make a few turns and head back into the parking garage. If you are doing this, give yourself plenty of time to walk and get over there. Brightline recommends about 30ish minutes before your train, but we prefer to go early as if we were flying. That is just us.
Once you are in the Brightline station, there is an employee that can help you check in, check your bag and print your ticket. This is not required as all of this can be done on your phone. You also can carry your suitcase on board. There are spots above your head and a larger area in each car, to store your luggage. There is not an employee to assist you with your luggage unless you are checking it (there is a cost). You need to be prepared to carry all your belongings onto the train yourself. Tickets are only scanned to get into the actual terminal, then you do not need them again, unless you cannot remember your seat. Once you scan your ticket, you put your belongings onto the Xray machine to be scanned. It is very different than when you fly. No one assists you; you do not need to take shoes off, but you will need to empty your pockets. There is an employee monitoring so if you do have questions, they are there to assist.
The actual terminal is pretty large, compared to Ft. Lauderdale, the only other stop we have been too. It has a new, fresh, clean feelings. It is very clean inside as well including the restrooms. There is a small gift shop (credit only, no cash), restrooms, VIP ticket area, a few seats and Mary Mary, the bar. This is where my wife and I hang out to wait for the train. We will find seats at the bar since they offer food options. We have been here a few times and have tried a few different options. I personally enjoy the breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese. It is served hot and is a really great breakfast sandwich. I also enjoy their empanadas, they are a tad small so you might want to order 2 if you are hungry, but they are served with a great garlic dipping sauce. My wife enjoyed the guava pastry, which is served warm as well. Since we take the train when we are on vacation, we also get a morning cocktail. I usually order an old fashion, depending on the bartender. There are a couple of bartenders that make these really good. If they are there, I will definitely get one. My wife likes to get a mimosa since it has OJ and its early. We have also tried one of their signature drinks- Mule Skinner- lychee syrup, vodka and ginger beer. This was so good; my wife and I have made it at home. If you do not want anything from the bar, then you are able to order snacks, drinks and sandwiches on the train, based off availability.
To board the train, you will need to head downstairs to the platform. They will not allow you to enter the platform until your train has arrived and they give you only about 10 minutes to get down to the platform and onto the train. It moves quick, so be ready. I would reccomend if you are sitting at the bar pay attention to the time and make sure to pay ahead. The bartenders are really good about asking your train time, but I would suggest helping them and paying attention. The train will leave without you.
Overall, the brightline is a great option to get to South Florida. When we visit family, we usually drive, and this is so much easier. It cuts the time in half; we get to relax and ride in very comfortable seats. This is great for traveling south, or even for a day trip. There are trains that leave every hour back and forth. I would also recommend signing up for the emails, there are lots of discounts they offer. Aces!