What Brightline is and who runs it

Brightline is a privately owned passenger rail service that operates in Florida. Unlike Amtrak or regional transit systems run by government agencies, Brightline is owned and operated by Brightline Trains LLC, a private company. The service currently runs between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with plans to expand to Orlando and Tampa in the coming years.

Brightline trains are designed for shorter trips between these Florida cities — typically 30 minutes to an hour of travel time. The service is not subsidized by tax dollars the way most public transit is, so ticket prices reflect the full cost of operation. Trains run multiple times per day, with schedules that change seasonally and by day of the week.

Key Takeaways

  • Brightline operates three stations in South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach) and is expanding to Orlando and Tampa, with timelines that have shifted multiple times.
  • You buy tickets directly from Brightline's website, at station ticket windows, or through their mobile app, and prices vary by time of day and how far in advance you book.
  • Brightline stations are located downtown or near downtown in each city, not at airports, so you will need separate ground transportation to reach the airport.
  • Brightline offers a monthly pass for frequent riders between the same two stations, which can cost less than buying individual round-trip tickets.
  • Pets, bicycles, and luggage have specific rules — some are free, some cost extra, and some are not allowed during certain times of day.

Current Brightline routes and stations

Brightline currently operates service between three stations in South Florida. The Miami station is located at 600 NW 24th Street in downtown Miami. The Fort Lauderdale station is at 200 SW 3rd Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The West Palm Beach station is at 203 S Tamarind Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach. All three stations are in downtown areas, not near airports.

Brightline has announced plans to extend service to Orlando and Tampa, but the timeline has changed several times. As of now, the Orlando extension is under construction with no firm opening date announced. The Tampa extension is in earlier planning stages. Before booking a trip assuming service exists to either city, check Brightline's official website or call their customer service line to confirm current routes.

How to buy Brightline tickets

You can purchase Brightline tickets three ways: online at Brightline's website, through their mobile app, or in person at any Brightline station ticket window. Online and app purchases are typically faster, and you can book as far in advance as the system allows — usually several weeks ahead.

Ticket prices vary based on when you travel (peak times cost more than off-peak), how far in advance you book, and which direction you are traveling. A one-way ticket between Miami and Fort Lauderdale costs less than a one-way ticket from Miami to West Palm Beach because the distance is shorter. Brightline does not publish a single fixed price list; instead, prices change dynamically similar to airline pricing. Checking the website directly is the only way to see the actual price for your specific travel date and time.

If you travel the same route regularly, Brightline offers a monthly pass that covers unlimited trips between two specific stations for 30 days. The pass costs less than buying individual round-trip tickets if you make more than a few trips per month. Monthly passes are purchased online or at station ticket windows.

What you can bring on Brightline trains

Brightline allows passengers to bring luggage, but there are size and quantity limits. You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or backpack) at no extra charge. A second checked bag costs extra — check the current fee on Brightline's website, as it may change. Oversized luggage or items that do not fit in the overhead bins or under the seat may be refused.

Bicycles are allowed on Brightline trains, but only in designated bike cars and only during off-peak hours. Peak hours typically include weekday mornings and evenings. Bikes must be in a bike rack or secured in a way that does not block aisles or seats. There is no extra charge for bicycles during allowed times.

Pets are allowed on Brightline trains, but the rules depend on the type of pet. Small pets in carriers are allowed in the passenger cabin at no extra charge. Large dogs and other animals may have restrictions or may not be allowed at all. Service animals are allowed in the cabin regardless of size. Contact Brightline directly before traveling with a pet to confirm the current rules for your specific animal.

Brightline stations and ground transportation

Brightline stations are located in downtown areas of each city, which means they are not at the airport and not always near major hotels or attractions. From Miami's downtown station, you will need to take a taxi, rideshare service, or local bus to reach Miami International Airport (MIA) or other destinations. The same is true for Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach — the Brightline station is downtown, and you will need separate transportation to reach the airport or your final destination.

Some Brightline stations have parking available, but parking is limited and may cost extra. Check the Brightline website for parking information at each station before you arrive. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at all three stations, and local bus systems connect to the stations as well.

Refunds, cancellations, and changes

Brightline's refund and cancellation policy depends on the ticket type you purchased. Some tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed. Other tickets allow you to cancel or change your reservation up to a certain number of hours before departure, usually with a fee. The specific policy is shown when you purchase your ticket, so read it carefully before completing your purchase.

If Brightline cancels a train due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons, you are may have access to to a refund or a rebooking on the next available train at no extra charge. If you miss your train, Brightline does not automatically rebook you — you will need to purchase a new ticket for a later departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brightline go to the airport?

No. Brightline stations are in downtown Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, not at the airports. From a Brightline station, you will need to take a taxi, rideshare service, or local bus to reach Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), or Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).

Can I bring luggage on Brightline?

Yes. One carry-on bag and one personal item are included with your ticket. A second checked bag costs extra. Oversized items may be refused. Check Brightline's website for current baggage fees and size limits before your trip.

How much does a Brightline ticket cost?

Prices vary by route, time of day, and how far in advance you book. A one-way ticket between Miami and Fort Lauderdale costs less than a ticket to West Palm Beach because the distance is shorter. Check Brightline's website directly to see the price for your specific travel date and time.

Is there a monthly pass for frequent riders?

Yes. Brightline offers a monthly pass for unlimited travel between two specific stations for 30 days. The pass costs less than buying multiple individual round-trip tickets if you travel that route more than a few times per month. Purchase it online or at any station ticket window.

What happens if Brightline cancels my train?

You are may have access to to a refund or a rebooking on the next available train at no extra charge. If you miss your train, you will need to purchase a new ticket for a later departure — Brightline does not automatically rebook you.