When the first Brightline train pulled out of Miami Central station in May 2018, it revolutionized the way South Floridians travel through the region. The high-speed inner city train provides service to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, cutting commute times, eliminating the stress of traffic and parking, and providing a luxurious travel experience with affordable one-way fares starting from $10. There are also future plans for Brightline to provide service to Orlando in three hours, shaving off an hour from the drive time. The company has also recently begun talks to extend its service from Orlando to Tampa as soon as 2021, further expanding its impact on transportation throughout the state.

Six months after launching, Richard Branson’s Virgin Group announced a strategic partnership with Brightline and the company is currently undergoing rebranding and will go by the name Virgin Trains USA.

Miami Central Station

The Miami Central Brightline station is located at 600 NW First Ave in Downtown Miami. It’s part of a six-block development that will include office and residential towers, as well as a Central Fare marketplace and food hall with vendors including Joe & the Juice, Rosetta Bakery, Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar and more.

The Downtown location puts Brightline travelers within convenient proximity to such attractions as Museum Park, Perez Art Museum Miami, Frost Science, American Airlines Arena, the Adrienne Arsht Center and PortMiami. You’re also within close range to neighboring Brickell, Little Havana and Wynwood areas. You can access Miami’s Metrorail and Metromover from Miami Central station, making it an all around Miami transportation hub.

Typically, weekday trains depart from Miami as early as 7:10 a.m. and as late as 9:10 p.m., while weekend trains depart as late as 11:10 p.m.

Getting to Fort Lauderdale

Brightline riders reach Fort Lauderdale’s Brightline station in about 30 minutes, compared to the typical drive, which can take as long as an hour. The Fort Lauderdale station is located at 101 NW Second Ave., in close range to the area’s best museums and performing arts centers. It’s also positioned a few miles west of the beaches. One-way fares start around $10.

Getting to West Palm Beach

It takes approximately an hour to reach West Palm Beach aboard Brightline, compared to the typical 90-minute commute by car. The West Palm Beach Brightline station is located at 501 Evernia St., just a block south of famed Clematis Street, a few blocks north of CityPlace shopping center and west of the Intracoastal waterfront and two causeways leading to the island of Palm Beach. One-way fares start around $15.

The Brightline Experience

Brightline is designed not only to be a quick and convenient commute, but also a comfortable one. All Brightline trains are outfitted with large picture windows so you can watch the scenery slide by, while lounging in a cushy leather chair that reclines with multiple power and USB outlets, multi-use tray tables and complimentary high-speed WiFi. Brightline is fully ADA compliant and provides plenty of room to stow wheelchairs, as well as strollers, bicycles and luggage. It’s also pet-friendly, so bring your pooch along for the ride. You can book your ticket in Smart, SmartPlus or Select classes for added amenities and services that include meals, refreshments and alcoholic beverages.

The next time you’re considering traveling to or from Miami by way of Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, give Brightline a try for a fun, convenient and affordable ride.