Since Select gets a 30 minute pre-early boarding and the train was supposed to be departing soon we headed over to the escalator to the train. We then found out we were actually supposed to wait in the lounge until we were called. Too late to go back at this point so we kept waiting. Once we were called it was up the escalator and onto the train.
The cars were clearly marked and there were lots of staff on hand to help. In our coach, the seats were large and very comfy with outlets to charge items. There is also a menu that explains what is included, a map of the train lines, safety procedures, et. This is also where i learned that Select only gets free alcohol after 3pm. Since it was just after 2pm that would mean no booze for us oooorrr does it?
Looking out the window I saw a little welcome bar for Select so I jumped out and grabbed another 3 beers and a water before jumping back on the train. I figured that with a 37 minute train ride we could easily finish 3 beers. That is when the train started moving and we were off on our trip. The beginning of it was very slow as we got through Miami and then it picked up. It was also at this time the galley service started. Turns out we were allowed alcohol so i got a gin slime and the hubby got another beer but the server opened it so he now had two open beers which would be fine to finish.
Except we didn’t realize that there was only 10 minutes left in the trip. Before we knew it, we were off the drink with a drink in each hand and trying to carry luggage into the terminal. As soon as we got into the terminal we found a place that we could stand and finish our drinks as we were not allowed to leave with them. The staff was really nice and had no problem with us just hanging out. We spoke with a few and found out that the rail line the train uses is actually a freight line that they rent space which explains why it has the location that it does. The train also gets extremely busy during rush hour with all the commuters so if you are planning on traveling during the week make sure you watch the times you book as rush hour will not only cost you more than booking during the slow seasons, things fill up quick so if you have to travel during high times make sure to pre-book.
With the beers down we headed downstairs and our bags were waiting there with the baggage handlers. After giving him our luggage tickets he off loaded them and then helped us call a cab. If you have the Lyft app they have lift spots where drivers will be hanging out. Unfortunately they don’t have any of these for cabs so you do have to wait for one to come over but there is a comfy waiting area with air conditioning.
Overall I would recommend Brightline in a heartbeat and i certainly felt that we got our money’s worth. The great thing with this train is that it opens a few new options. You could easily look at flying into Miami and taking the train into Fort Lauderdale or vice versa. With it expanding into Orlando, that will give you a third airport that you can fly into for even more deals or if you want to spend a weekend on the beach ad then head into Disney World, you can. If you are cruising, both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale stations are both 20 minutes (drive) away so it is very easy to get around.
Currently pricing is still low (not as low as when they first opened but still low) so it will be interesting to see what the price will be. I’m hoping that they will keep it competitive with the airfare but affordable as it sounds like there are a lot of locals it sounds like who take it. If you are wanting to pop around between the three stops it does currently, you can get weekend all day/unlimited passes for a discount so make sure to check those out if you are wanting to get around.
