By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 19, 2024
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.
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.
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.