Planning a train trip through Florida? You’ve got two main options: Amtrak’s legacy rail service and Brightline’s modern high-speed trains. Both connect major Florida cities, but they offer completely different experiences.
Here’s the quick answer: Brightline is faster and more modern for short trips between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Amtrak is better for longer journeys, overnight travel, and connecting to destinations outside Florida.
Let me break down everything you need to know to choose the right train for your Florida adventure.
What’s the Main Difference Between Amtrak and Brightline?
Amtrak is America’s national passenger railroad, operating long-distance routes across the country. In Florida, Amtrak runs the Silver Service/Palmetto line, connecting Miami through Jacksonville to cities up the East Coast.
Brightline is a privately-owned, high-speed rail service that launched in 2018. It focuses exclusively on Florida travel, running modern trains at speeds up to 125 mph between South Florida and Orlando.
Think of it this way: Amtrak is like a comfortable intercity bus with sleeper options, while Brightline is more like a premium airline experience on rails.
Routes: Where Can Each Train Take You?
Amtrak Routes in Florida
Amtrak’s Silver Service operates along Florida’s east coast with these major stops:
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale (Hollywood)
- West Palm Beach
- Okeechobee
- Kissimmee
- Winter Park
- Orlando
- DeLand
- Palatka
- Jacksonville
The Silver Service continues north to Savannah, Charleston, Richmond, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City—making it perfect if you’re traveling beyond Florida.
Brightline Routes in Florida
Brightline currently connects four main cities:
- Miami (Downtown at MiamiCentral)
- Aventura
- Fort Lauderdale
- Boca Raton
- West Palm Beach
- Orlando (at Orlando International Airport)
That’s it. Brightline doesn’t go anywhere else—yet. The company has announced plans to expand to Tampa by 2028, but for now, it’s strictly a South Florida to Orlando corridor.
Winner for route coverage: Amtrak wins if you need to reach smaller Florida towns or travel outside the state. Brightline wins for quick trips between major Florida metros.
Speed & Travel Time: Which Gets You There Faster?
This is where Brightline really shines.
| Route | Brightline | Amtrak |
|---|---|---|
| Miami to Fort Lauderdale | 30 minutes | 45-50 minutes |
| Miami to West Palm Beach | 1 hour | 1.5-2 hours |
| Miami to Orlando | 3-3.5 hours | 5-6 hours |
| West Palm Beach to Orlando | 2 hours | 3.5-4.5 hours |
Why is Brightline so much faster? Several reasons:
- Modern dedicated tracks in some sections
- Fewer stops along the route
- Higher maximum speeds (125 mph vs Amtrak’s 79 mph in Florida)
- Priority dispatching on shared track sections
Amtrak’s Silver Service makes more stops and shares tracks with freight trains, which often causes delays. I’ve taken both trains multiple times, and Brightline consistently arrives on time while Amtrak can run 30 minutes to 2 hours late.
Winner: Brightline for speed and reliability.
Schedule & Frequency: How Often Do Trains Run?
Brightline Schedule
Brightline runs multiple daily departures—typically 16-32 trains per day depending on the route:
- Miami to Orlando: Every 1-2 hours from early morning until evening
- South Florida local routes: Even more frequent service
- Operating days: Every day of the week
Amtrak Schedule
The Silver Service operates with much less frequency:
- Southbound: 2 trains daily (morning and evening)
- Northbound: 2 trains daily (morning and evening)
- Operating days: Daily service
If you miss your Brightline train, you’ll catch another one soon. Miss your Amtrak train? You’re waiting until the next day or taking a much later departure.
Winner: Brightline offers far more flexibility with frequent departures.
Ticket Prices: What Will You Actually Pay?
Pricing varies significantly based on when you book, day of travel, and demand. Here’s what you can typically expect:
| Route | Brightline Smart | Brightline Premium | Amtrak Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami to Fort Lauderdale | $15-$25 | $30-$40 | $10-$15 |
| Miami to West Palm Beach | $25-$40 | $50-$70 | $15-$25 |
| Miami to Orlando | $79-$149 | $149-$199 | $40-$80 |
| Orlando to West Palm Beach | $59-$99 | $99-$149 | $30-$60 |
Important pricing notes:
- Amtrak offers deeper discounts if you book 14+ days in advance
- Brightline prices fluctuate like airlines—book early for best rates
- Kids under 12 get discounts on both services
- Seniors (65+) save 10% on Amtrak year-round
- Students can find deals on both platforms
Winner: Amtrak is generally cheaper for budget travelers, but Brightline’s speed can justify the higher price for time-conscious passengers.
Onboard Experience: Comfort & Amenities
This is where personal preference matters most.
Brightline Experience
Brightline feels like you’re flying first class—on the ground:
- Seating: Modern leather seats with generous legroom
- WiFi: Fast, free WiFi throughout the train
- Power outlets: At every seat (both USB and standard outlets)
- Food & drinks: Complimentary snacks and beverages in Premium; café car in Smart
- Bathrooms: Clean, modern restrooms with attendants checking regularly
- Lounge access: Premium passengers get exclusive lounges at stations
- Entertainment: Personal entertainment system at each seat in Premium
The trains are brand new, spotlessly clean, and designed for the Instagram generation. Large windows, contemporary styling, and excellent air conditioning make for a pleasant ride.
Amtrak Experience
Amtrak offers a more traditional train experience:
- Seating: Comfortable reclining coach seats (older but spacious)
- WiFi: Available but can be slow or unreliable
- Power outlets: Available at most seats (varies by train car)
- Food & drinks: Café car with snacks, sandwiches, and beverages for purchase
- Bathrooms: Clean but showing their age
- Sleeper cars: Available on long-distance trains (not typical for Florida-only trips)
- Observation: Large windows for scenic viewing
Amtrak’s advantage? You can get up and walk around freely. There’s more space to stretch your legs, and the café car becomes a social spot where passengers chat and share travel stories.
Winner: Brightline for modern amenities and polish; Amtrak for classic train atmosphere and room to roam.
Station Locations: Which Is More Convenient?
Location convenience can make or break your trip.
Brightline Stations
Brightline built stations in prime urban locations:
- Miami: Downtown MiamiCentral (walking distance to Brickell, easy connections to Metrorail)
- Fort Lauderdale: Downtown, near Las Olas Boulevard
- West Palm Beach: Downtown area
- Orlando: Inside Orlando International Airport (Terminal C)
These downtown locations mean you can walk or take a short Uber/Lyft to hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The Orlando airport station is particularly convenient if you’re flying in or out.
Amtrak Stations
Amtrak stations are more spread out:
- Miami: Hialeah area (requires a taxi/rideshare to reach South Beach or downtown)
- Fort Lauderdale: Hollywood station (not in downtown Fort Lauderdale proper)
- West Palm Beach: West Palm Beach station (downtown area)
- Orlando: Downtown Orlando station at Historic Church Street (not near theme parks)
- Jacksonville: Downtown Jacksonville
Amtrak’s Miami and Fort Lauderdale stations require ground transportation to reach most tourist areas. However, the Orlando downtown location is better if you’re visiting downtown attractions rather than theme parks.
Winner: Brightline for convenience to tourist destinations and business districts.
Baggage Policy: What Can You Bring?
Brightline Baggage
- Carry-on: 2 personal items (luggage, backpack, etc.)
- Weight limit: 50 lbs per item
- Size restrictions: Must fit in overhead bins or under seats
- Checked baggage: Not available
- Bikes: Not permitted
You’ll need to manage your own luggage—there’s no checked baggage service.
Amtrak Baggage
- Carry-on: 2 carry-on bags (50 lbs each)
- Personal item: 1 personal item (25 lbs)
- Checked baggage: Available at staffed stations (2 bags up to 50 lbs each, free)
- Bikes: Permitted on some trains with reservation ($20 fee)
- Oversized items: Can usually be accommodated
Amtrak is more flexible if you’re traveling with lots of luggage, sports equipment, or a bicycle.
Winner: Amtrak for travelers with heavy luggage or special items.
Best Use Cases: When to Choose Which Train
Choose Brightline When:
✅ You’re traveling between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or Orlando
✅ Speed matters more than cost
✅ You want a modern, premium travel experience
✅ You’re traveling light (carry-on only)
✅ You need reliable arrival times
✅ You’re making a business trip or day trip
Choose Amtrak When:
✅ You’re traveling outside Florida (to Georgia, the Carolinas, or the Northeast)
✅ You need to reach smaller Florida towns
✅ You’re on a tight budget
✅ You have lots of luggage or special items
✅ You enjoy the classic train travel experience
✅ You want to meet other travelers and socialize
✅ You’re booking an overnight journey with a sleeper car
My Personal Experience: Which Do I Prefer?
I’ve ridden both trains dozens of times, and here’s my honest take:
For quick trips between South Florida and Orlando, Brightline wins hands down. The speed, reliability, and modern comfort make it worth the extra cost. I’ve taken it for business meetings in Orlando and weekend getaways to Miami, and it’s never disappointed.
For leisurely travel or budget trips, I still love Amtrak. There’s something romantic about traditional train travel—watching Florida’s landscapes roll by, chatting with strangers in the café car, and feeling unhurried. Plus, when I’m traveling with my family and tons of beach gear, Amtrak’s baggage flexibility is a lifesaver.
If Brightline eventually builds out more routes and adds more affordable pricing tiers, it could become my default choice. But for now, both trains serve different purposes beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both trains allow you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Brightline Premium includes complimentary snacks and beverages. Both have café cars where you can purchase food.
Brightline is cleaner and more entertaining for kids with its modern vibe. Amtrak offers more space to move around, which restless children appreciate. Both are kid-friendly—it depends on your priorities.
Amtrak offers a 10% senior discount (65+) on most fares. Brightline doesn’t have a standard senior discount but occasionally runs promotional rates.
Absolutely. Both trains have WiFi and power outlets. Brightline’s WiFi is faster and more reliable in my experience. Many business travelers use both services as mobile offices.
Both offer great views of Florida’s landscapes. Amtrak’s route along the coast provides more varied scenery. Brightline’s Orlando route passes through Central Florida’s natural beauty. Neither disappoints.
Yes, both Brightline and Amtrak are ADA compliant with wheelchair accessibility, accessible restrooms, and assistance available. Book in advance and notify the company of any special requirements.
Amtrak allows small dogs and cats (under 20 lbs) in carriers for a $26 fee on most trains. Brightline currently does not permit pets except for service animals.
Brightline typically offers rebooking on the next available train or a refund. Amtrak provides similar accommodations. Travel insurance is recommended for flexible peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Which Florida Train Should You Take?
There’s no universal “better” choice—it depends entirely on your specific trip.
Choose Brightline if: You value speed, modern amenities, and convenience for travel within their limited network of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
Choose Amtrak if: You need extensive route coverage, budget-friendly fares, generous baggage allowances, or you’re heading anywhere outside Brightline’s service area.
Personally? I keep both in my travel toolkit. Florida is lucky to have two quality rail options—use whichever fits your journey best.
Have you ridden Brightline or Amtrak through Florida? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Safe travels!