How to get from Brightline trains to port?

Cruising out of Florida has never been easier.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 19, 2024

Cruising out of Florida has never been easier, thanks to convenient routes on the high-speed Brightline train. The first and only high-speed train of its kind in the state, it launched operations in south Florida in 2018 with routes connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. A new route connecting Miami and Orlando recently opened — making it easy to get to Port Canaveral if you're flying into Miami International or Fort Lauderdale International airports for a cruise from Orlando. Boca Raton and Aventura also have train stations on the line, so it's a breeze getting to and from any of the ports. If you're looking to take advantage of the train to get to your cruise port for your next getaway at sea, here are five things you may need to know about traveling on Brightline trains to Florida cruise ports.

1. Consider All Options When Traveling to Miami's Cruise Port.

PortMiami is only about a 20-minute drive from Miami International Airport — with MiamiCentral station practically on the way. MiamiCentral station doesn't offer a route directly to the port itself, so if you fly into MIA or live locally, you can skip the train and catch a ride or transfer directly to the port of Miami. If you're cruising with Royal Caribbean, you can call the cruise line to arrange a transfer from the airport to your ship ahead of your sailing to make the journey even more seamless.

However, if you're heading from Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Orlando or Fort Lauderdale to a cruise out of PortMiami, taking the train might be a convenient alternative to renting a car or hiring a driver. Orlando and West Palm Beach offer service to Miami via the train — it takes about three-and-a-half hours to get from Orlando to Miami via the train, and less than an hour-and-a-half to get from West Palm Beach to Miami. From Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, it takes less than an hour via train. The MiamiCentral station is less than a 10-minute drive from PortMiami, making it a quick trip to the port once you arrive. Simply arrange a transfer or hop in a cab and head to PortMiami, where you can board your ship and get ready for your vacation.

2. Weigh Your Options When Heading to Fort Lauderdale.

harmony departure fort lauderdale sunset forward awards tile1 — HM, Harmony of the Seas departing Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 3 Sisters meet, Three Sisters event, homeport, sunset, November, 2016

If your cruise departs from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Brightline could be a good option depending on where you're coming from. Skip the traffic and take the quick trip via train from Boca Raton or Aventura to Fort Lauderdale station — it's less than a 20-minute train ride from each. And it's less than a 40-minute train ride from the MiamiCentral station or West Palm Beach to the Fort Lauderdale station. From there, it's just a 15-minute drive to Port Everglades. For those visiting from Orlando, sit back and relax on the three-hour ride from Orlando's station to Fort Lauderdale. If you're local to Fort Lauderdale or flying into Fort Lauderdale International Airport, skip the train and catch a quick cab or Uber ride to Port Everglades.

3. Remember that the Brightline Orlando Station is at the Airport.

The same rules apply to Orlando's Port Canaveral when it comes to taking Brightline. Hop on the train if you're traveling from Miami or Aventura — you'll get there in less than four minutes. The Fort Lauderdale (three hours via train), Boca Raton (two hours and 45 minutes), and West Palm Beach (two hours and 20 minutes) trips to Orlando also make for easy rides. The Brightline Orlando Station is located at the airport, so whether you arrive via train or plane, you'll need to take a cab or arrange a transfer to Port Canaveral — it's about a 45-minute drive from the airport to the cruise port. Locals should do the same and call a cab, car service or make arrangements for a transfer.

4. Compare Smart Versus Premium Fares.

Brightline offers two classes of tickets: smart and premium. Smart fares are less expensive than premium. They include complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and comfy leather seats with multiple power and USB outlets. If you're traveling smart class, you can choose to purchase a variety of food and beverages during your trip.

Premium tickets, on the other hand, grant you access to an exclusive lounge at each station, as well as complimentary snacks and beverages during your trip. They also include a complimentary Uber ride within a five-mile radius of any South Florida station. Both PortMiami and Port Everglades are within five miles of their respective Brightline stations, so you can use this complimentary ride to get from the station to the port free of charge. This can sometimes make spending the difference for a premium ticket worth it, as the price of a car service or cab ride from the station to the port can vary based on the amount of traffic and the time of day.

5. Use Exact Dates When Comparing Fares.

One-way smart fares on the train between Miami and Orlando and the locations in between typically range from $59 to $99 (though they can climb during busier times of the year). Double it if you're looking for a round-trip ticket. From Fort Lauderdale to Orlando, you're looking at similar pricing. Between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the price comes down to anywhere from $10 to $49 one-way (again, these prices are subject to change based on demand). Premium fares can be between $20-$90 more, but they come with perks such as lounge access, priority boarding, and complimentary checked luggage and snacks.

Ready to book your train tickets for your next South Florida cruise? Learn more about Brightline trains and climb onboard.