My love for horseback riding trains dates back to high school, with memories of my first Amtrak ride, and I took in mountainous views on my trip from Washington to Montana.
During my university studies in Scotland, I was able to experience the UK’s well connected public transport system. There, trains and buses could take you anywhere. The lush scenery and Scottish accents were heard while traveling by train.
It was an enthusiastic prediction that I was on the Brightline for my first serious train trekking in sunlight. Certainly, I have tested the Sun Rail Commuter in Central Florida, and this long trip felt like something different and special. After a summer ramming around the Greater Orlando area, I preferred to kick my foot and draw in the sights without the headache of fighting traffic on my trip to Miami.
In mid-July I headed to South Florida for a flight for the epic opening of the Bahamas Carnival Celebration Key. This is how my first Brightline trip went.
Brightline Orlando Station
On a Friday afternoon, the area in front of the security at Orlando Terminal felt quiet and empty, and I thought there might be times when it was lively. I blew the wind through security, which is similar to passing the TSA line at the airport.
Just two years from Orlando, everything feels new, modern and beautiful. I had an upgrade ticket with access to the Premium Lounge, but didn’t leave enough time to enjoy the food and drinks included at Orlando Station.
Boarding was called approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. I sat in a premium car and realized there was plenty of room to spread multiple plug outlets near each seat.
I’m heading south
The train began moving at 4:50pm, when it left. We left the airport complex and headed east next to State Road 528, quietly but quickly drove along, faster than the car at highway speeds. I thought to myself, “It’s much better to relax than sitting here and in the traffic.”
A few times on our journey, we ran over us on the opposite track and disappeared in seconds. At 5:25pm I was looking at the Cocoa water tower and was ahead of driving the pace within an hour of our journey. By 6:15pm we were at Fort Pierce. It usually took an hour and 45 minutes by car and was completed within an hour and a half.
I had a hard time connecting to Wi-Fi for the first hour or two of my trip. Up until that point, it was way too easy.
Aside from work and the ability to relax and stretch during transport, I enjoyed the views of the small coastal town and natural scenery along the way. This included multiple intersections of the Intracoastal Waterway, DJ Will Cocks Preserve in Fort Pierce and Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
One of the perks of premium tickets is the free meals and snacks. Over an hour of the trip, I opted for a slider meal with a small side salad, plantain chips and a tart for dessert. This product was nothing special, but the food included was satisfying.
The bathroom on board was also clean and neat and spacious, especially compared to the cramped bathroom of the plane. One of the main benefits of train travel is not to worry about seat belt signs or turbulence extensions.
Around 8pm, we were able to catch a glimpse of the sunset through the window on the other side of the train, and we arrived in Miami about 45 minutes later. From boarding to arrival, about four hours after departure, it was my most stressful travel experience in recent memory and was no longer necessary than having to drive.
Homeword Bound
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to return after being spoiled by the premium experience on my first trip. I had time to spend at Miami Station before boarding, so I made the most of the premium lounge.
The exclusive spot had comfortable chairs and room for spread, plus a small buffet of light bites and a self-service draft beer. In addition to having that experience at the station, the extra cost was worth it as it included the food found on the train.
The return trip was not noticeable and just as easy. I was mostly obsessed with laptop work, but the service was excellent and the seats were cozy.
In fact, the man on the other side of the aisle left his shoes and was kicked in his briefcase like an Ottoman. If it doesn’t travel slowly, I don’t know what to do.
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If you’re going
Brightline tickets can be purchased at gobrightline.com.
