travel by train florida

5 Incredible Florida Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Victoria is a native Floridian and writer for OIYS. She also makes art, jewelry, and other things for her shop, The Gilded Gator .

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Florida has plenty of incredible day trip destinations all over the state. Whether you want to visit the ocean, explore charming small cities, or get out into the lovely rural areas, there’s something for everyone. Don’t get us wrong, we love road trips, but there’s just something special about taking a train. It feels adventurous, and dare we say, a little glamorous. It’s pretty nice not to worry about sitting in traffic or braving Florida’s highways, too. For all you train enthusiasts out there, we put together a list of a few scenic train rides in Florida that you can take and a couple of train rides that are just for fun – check them out!

1. Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Fort Myers

2. Tampa (via Amtrak)

3. Savannah, Georgia (via Amtrak)

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4. Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish

5. Winter Park (via Amtrak)

Do you enjoy train travel? This is one great way to enjoy a day in Florida. With so many different options for train trips in Florida, it will be hard to just choose one! We recommend spacing them out throughout the year so you can continue your exploration of these fun train adventures.

Have you taken any of these scenic train rides in Florida? Do you have a favorite among the train tours in Florida that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for other great options to get out and explore the state, check out these 13 Florida day trips that will definitely make your day. No matter where you go or how you get there, you can plan your trip with the help of our friends at Expedia.com .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Train rides in florida.

How many train rides near me in Florida are there?

If you're wondering, "How many train rides near me in Florida are there?" you're in luck! There are three train routes in Florida and 18 stations, so there are quite a few trains around the state. That means plenty of places to explore via the classic railroad. Traveling by train is such a fun and unique experience, and there are plenty of wonderful ways to enjoy it in Florida. With 14 different passenger railroad carriers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

When did the railroad come to Florida?

Florida has had a railroad for 160 years. The railroads were built in Florida in the 1860s, with the very first line running from Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key . After the Civil War, the railroad lines expanded. They expanded into Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad and grew from there. There is a long and rich history of railroads in this amazing southern state.

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, amtrak stations in florida.

Florida has almost 20 Amtrak stations, most of which are on the East Coast and in Central Florida. Unfortunately, there is no service in the Panhandle, and Tampa is the only city near the Gulf of Mexico with a station. Explore all Amtrak stations and routes in Florida below to learn about your options.

Florida Amtrak Stations

• DeLand, FL (DLD)
• Delray Beach, FL (DLB)
• Deerfield Beach, FL (DFB)
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FTL)
• Hollywood, FL (HOL)
• Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
• Kissimmee, FL (KIS)
• Lakeland, FL – To/from Points South (LKL) (Silver Star only)
• Lakeland, FL – To/from Points North (LAK) (Silver Star only)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Okeechobee, FL (OKE) (Silver Star only)
• Orlando, FL (ORL)
• Palatka, FL (PAK)
• Sanford, FL – Auto Train Station (SFA) (Auto Train only)
• Sebring, FL (SBG)
• Tampa, FL – Union Station (TPA) (Silver Star only)
• West Palm Beach, FL (WPB)  (pictured above)
• Winter Haven, FL (WTH)
• Winter Park, FL (WPK)

Florida Amtrak Routes

• Auto Train (stops only in Sanford, FL)
• Silver Meteor
• Silver Star (goes to Tampa)

More Information

• Orlando Station Guide
• Amtrak to Disney World
• Tampa to Miami on Amtrak
• Best Amtrak trips from Florida
• Best things to do in Florida

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Amtrak To Florida Route Options and Train Map

When taking Amtrak to Florida, these three Amtrak routes offer the only service to the sunshine state. The Auto Train , Silver Meteor and Silver Star are your options if you want to travel to Florida by train. It is only possible to reach Florida on Amtrak from the east coast as there are no cross country routes that include stops in Florida. The Auto Train has only one stop in Sanford, Florida. The Silver Star and Silver Meteor will make stops up and down the east coast and both have multiple stops in Florida.

The Auto Train

The only way you can take Amtrak to Florida with a car is on the Auto Train. The Auto Train only makes stops in Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida. It is also the only train that will transport your vehicle. This train is mainly used by people who are heading to Florida for a long period of time and want a vehicle with them, but don’t want to make the long drive.

This is an overnight train in both directions and has tickets available in coach or sleeper cars . You’ll have wifi service as you make the 17 hour journey that covers 855 miles. The Auto Train also features a dining car and cafe.

Both stations that service this train are small and have minimal services.

The Silver Meteor

The Silver Meteor travels between New York City and Miami, making many of the same stops as the Silver Star. The Silver Meteor will reach Miami 3 hours quicker though, but it doesn’t stop in Tampa, or a few locations in North Carolina. If you are going to Tampa, you’ll want to choose the Silver Star.

The Silver Meteor travels to the major stations of New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, Charleston SC, Savannah, Jacksonville, Winter Park, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

The prices for both trains are generally the same, unless one is more booked than the other for your particular dates. This is an overnight Viewliner train so you’ll have ticket options in coach and sleeper cars. Meals are available in the dining car and the cafe and there is Wifi on the train.

If you are taking Amtrak to Florida, and deciding between the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star, it usually come down to which train arrives at your station at a more convenient time.

Penn Station – Moynihan Train Hall

You will board your Amtrak train in Moynihan Train Hall in New York. It’s a gorgeous hall with 92 ft high skylights and modern amenities. It is a world class station. You will find restaurants as well as convenience stores.

There are lots of options for hotels near this station. The closest option is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Penn Station .

Miami Amtrak Station

This is a small station servicing the Silver Star and the Silver Meteor. Amtrak was supposed to move their services to the new 2 billion dollar train station but were unable to make the move when it was discovered they had miscalculated and the Amtrak trains would not fit. The Miami Amtrak Station is just 20 min from the airport by car. They have checked bag service, restrooms and bag storage. You will find a Walmart about 15 min walk from the station but it’s best to bring what you need with you to avoid this walk in the Miami heat.

The Silver Star

The Silver Star is a sister train to the Silver Meteor and makes many of the same stops, including the end stations of New York and Miami. The major difference is that the Silver Star travels to Tampa, and a few extra stops in North Carolina, making the trip 3 hours longer. It shares the same beginning and ending stations of New York City and Miami, but you can board at any station it stops at.

Major stations along the route are New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, Raleigh, Columbia SC, Savannah, Jacksonville, Winter Park, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Meals are available in the dining car or cafe and wifi is available on the train.

Amtrak To Florida Tips

If you can’t decide between traveling in coach or getting a sleeper car when you take Amtrak to Florida, you can get an idea of what each experience would be like on our YouTube channel .

We’ve also reviewed all the meal options you’ll be offered in the dining car on each of these trains. In addition to the dining car, each train also offers a cafe.

Robert Marmion

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Guide To Amtrak/Passenger Trains In Florida (2024)

Last revised: January 1, 2024

By:  Adam Burns

Florida, known for its sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and tourist attractions, is also home to a diverse range of passenger trains including intercity, regional, and commuter in nature.

These services offer an efficient and convenient mode of transportation for both residents and visitors, connecting major cities, tourist destinations, and key regions across the state.

This article provides a brief look at the current services available in Florida, highlighting their routes, features, and contributions to the state's transportation network.

One of the prominent passenger train services in Florida is Brightline, a private intercity rail system operated by Brightline Trains LLC. Currently, Brightline operates two routes:

Miami to West Palm Beach: This route covers approximately 70 miles and connects downtown Miami to West Palm Beach, with intermediate stops in Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airport. Brightline offers a high-speed and comfortable travel experience, featuring amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, food and beverage services, and spacious seating.

West Palm Beach to Orlando: Under construction and expected to be operational in the near future, this route will extend Brightline's service from West Palm Beach to Orlando, spanning around 170 miles. The expansion will enhance connectivity between South Florida and Central Florida, providing a convenient transportation option for tourists and residents alike.

Amtrak, the national passenger rail service in the United States, operates several routes that serve Florida. These routes include:

Silver Service

Amtrak's Silver Star and Silver Meteor connect Florida to major cities in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country. The Silver Star runs between New York City and Miami, while the Silver Meteor connects Miami to New York City via cities like Jacksonville, Savannah, and Washington, D.C.

Together, these trains are known as the Silver Service .  Both trains have quite a history as part of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad's popular fleet of southern streamliners during the classic era of rail travel when no expense was spared to make sure passengers thoroughly enjoyed their trip.

As the trains served the sub-tropical regions of the U.S. from South Carolina to Florida they actually remained fairly popular with the public all of the way through the 1960s, which is a significant reason why several of then-Seaboard Coast Line's fleet was retained after Amtrak began.

While the carrier's versions of the trains today are not quite as opulent, combined they still attract nearly one millions riders annually.  The most prominent train to make up Amtrak's Silver Service today would certainly be the SAL's Silver Meteor.

This train was the railroad's flagship, first inaugurated on February 2, 1939 just when the streamliner craze was really catching on around the country. The Meteor evoked the South in every way possible with "tropical" colors adorning both the exterior and interior.

While the original train was meant to be an all-coach run on the SAL it also offered through Pullman, sleeper service between Richmond-New York/Boston via the Pennsylvania and New Haven railroads.

In the 1950s the Meteor sported its most prominent feature, the “Sun Lounge”, which featured glass ceilings since height restrictions forced the railroad from using domes.

In any event, the inauguration of the Silver Meteor forced rival Atlantic Coast Line to scramble and showcase its own streamliner to Florida, The Champion .

By the late 1960s both trains were still in service on the Seaboard Coast Line and because of their success survived through the start of Amtrak on May 1, 1971.

While the Silver Meteor has been retained by Amtrak it has undergone numerous routing changes, and even a name change since 1971.  The train began bypassing Jacksonville just a year later in 1972, one of the major stops under SAL ownership. However, this was returned in 1973.

Later that decade and into the 1980s it switched over to former ACL lines in Florida although part of these changes were due to the abandonment of SAL corridors as then CSX Transportation.

Today, the Meteor uses Amfleet coaches for dining, lounge, snack, and diner services while Viewliners sleepers as used for nightly accommodations. Power north of Washington, D.C. is provided by AEM-7 electrics and General Electric "Genesis" diesels south of that point.

Overall, the entire corridor from Boston to Miami is 1,389 miles in length and requires more than 28 hours per trip. Ironically, this is now more than two hours slower than during the Seaboard era when the train required just under 26 hours along the same route.

Annual ridership on the Meteor now sits at nearly 400,000 annually, or just over 1,000 passengers per trip. As for the Silver Star the sister train to the Meteor offers quite a similar routing.

However, the one change with the train is that it connects directly to Tampa before reaching Miami as its sibling bypasses this city (but does offer bus service).

As such, the entire route is 1,522 miles in length, nearly 150 miles longer.  The accommodations, however, are roughly the same with Amfleet and Viewliner cars used on every train. A typical consist for the Star includes a baggage, two Viewliners, a Heritage Fleet diner, a café car, and at least three coaches.

This unique service allows passengers to transport their vehicles (cars, motorcycles, or small boats) along with them on the train. The Auto Train operates between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.), and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando), providing a convenient option for travelers who wish to avoid long-distance driving.

Tri-Rail, officially known as the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) Tri-Rail Commuter System, is a commuter rail service that operates in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. It was established in January, 1989 to alleviate traffic congestion along the busy Interstate 95 corridor and provide an alternative mode of transportation for commuters.

Tri-Rail operates along a 74-mile corridor, stretching from Miami International Airport to Mangonia Park, with 18 stations serving major urban centers, employment hubs, and suburban neighborhoods. The rail system effectively connects cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, providing a seamless and convenient commuting experience for thousands of daily passengers.

The service operates seven days a week, with increased frequency during peak hours. Weekday service starts early in the morning and continues until late evening, catering to individuals working various shifts. On weekends, Tri-Rail offers a reduced schedule, ensuring continued accessibility for those who rely on public transportation outside of typical working hours.

Tri-Rail prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience. The trains are equipped with comfortable seating, spacious interiors, and amenities like Wi-Fi access, charging stations, and bike racks.

Passengers can relax, catch up on work, or simply enjoy the journey while avoiding the stress of traffic congestion on busy roadways. Additionally, Tri-Rail stations provide ample parking spaces, making it convenient for commuters to park their vehicles and board the train.

Tri-Rail plays a crucial role in integrating various transit modes within the region. Many Tri-Rail stations are strategically located near bus terminals, allowing passengers to seamlessly transfer between rail and bus services. This interconnectivity facilitates multi-modal commuting, enabling passengers to reach their final destinations efficiently and sustainably.

Tri-Rail has plans for future expansion and enhancement. The Tri-Rail Coastal Link project aims to extend service to downtown Miami, connecting the existing Tri-Rail system with the vibrant urban core. This expansion will further improve connectivity within the region and offer additional commuting options for residents and visitors.

SunRail, operated by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (CFRTA), is a commuter rail system serving the Central Florida region. Launched in 2014, SunRail was introduced as a solution to the increasing traffic congestion on major roadways and as a means to enhance connectivity for commuters.

SunRail operates along a 61-mile corridor, spanning four counties: Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola. The service connects key urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and employment hubs within the region. The route encompasses stations in cities such as DeBary, Sanford, Orlando, and Poinciana, ensuring widespread coverage and accessibility for residents and visitors.

On weekdays, the service operates from early morning to late evening, with increased frequency during peak hours. The trains operate less frequently during non-peak hours and weekends, providing essential service for those who rely on public transportation beyond traditional working hours.

SunRail has plans for future expansion and enhancements to further improve connectivity and service in Central Florida. Proposed expansions include extending the rail line to DeLand in Volusia County, and adding new stations to better serve growing communities and key destinations. These expansion efforts will increase accessibility and connectivity, further reducing reliance on personal vehicles and easing congestion.

Rail travel in Florida plays a significant role in the state's transportation infrastructure, connecting major cities, regions, and tourist destinations. Brightline, Amtrak, Tri-Rail, and SunRail offer a variety of routes and schedules to cater to the needs of both residents and visitors.

These train services provide a reliable, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternative to driving or flying, easing traffic congestion, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to sustainable transportation in the Sunshine State.

As Florida continues to grow and evolve, the expansion and improvement of passenger train services will further enhance connectivity, accessibility, and mobility throughout the state.

Tourist Trains

If you are simply after a train ride for the day, Florida is home to a few organizations which offer scenic trips for the public.  Most notably these include the Florida Railroad Museum, Seminole Gulf Railway, and Gold Coast Railroad Museum.

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

© Copyright 2007-2024 American-Rails.com. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted).

Find train tickets to Miami

Good to know, top tips for finding miami train tickets.

• Miami Station, which is known for being the primary train station in the city, has a variety of amenities, facilities, and services that travelers are welcome to take advantage of. For example, there are sitting areas where you can rest after a long day of traveling, public restrooms, and drinking fountains. You will also find some vending machines that sell basic drinks and snacks, as well as payphones and ATM machines.
• When you travel with Amtrak to Miami, you will almost always have access to Wi-Fi on your train. This Wi-Fi connection is free and unlimited for all travelers, and will typically work with most electronic devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Many seats have their own outlets as well, which is convenient for keeping your electronics charged.
• Train tickets for Miami that are purchased through Amtrak will typically allow passengers to bring one small animal onboard with them. It’s important to keep in mind that your furry friend must always be in an enclosed carrier when on the train. You are also not allowed to bring pets into the train’s food car unless it’s a service animal.
• The city is known for being a busy area, due to the fact that it is a popular tourist destination and also a local business hub. Because of this, Miami tends to have a lot of traffic and congested roads. Booking a train to Miami is a nice way to avoid being caught in this, particularly as you can sit back and enjoy the local scenery at the same time.
• Looking for cheap train tickets to Miami? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to Miami for the following prices or less: From Fort Lauderdale $54, from Winter Park $55, from Miami $70
• Miami's most searched train station on KAYAK is Miami. It is located 7 miles from the city center.
• You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel to Miami at noon.

FAQs when traveling to Miami by train

What is the most popular train station in miami.

Miami and Miami Virgin MiamiCentral are the most searched stations in Miami by KAYAK users.

Which train companies travel to Miami?

Brightline and Amtrak are popular train companies operating in Miami.

How long is the train journey to Miami from the closest popular cities?

Jacksonville to Miami - 9h 10m Fort Lauderdale to Miami - 0h 36m Orlando to Miami - 3h 30m Winter Park to Miami - 5h 40m Tampa to Miami - 2h 20m

What is the luggage allowance for trains to Miami?

Many of the trains to Miami are serviced by Amtrak, which has a policy that allows travelers to bring a few items onboard at no cost. For example, each customer has the right to travel with two carry-on items, as well as two personal items. You can also bring up to two standard-size suitcases for free, as well as two additional suitcases by paying an extra fee for each item.

What options do I have for traveling from Miami Station to the city center?

An easy way to travel from Miami Station to the city center is by driving, which will normally take you around 15 to 20min depending on traffic and weather conditions at the time. Public transportation is an option as well, such as local bus lines 9, 32, and 112. If you will be traveling to the city center via bus, you can expect the journey to be between 1h and 1h 15min. A single bus ticket is usually around $2.25.

What cities can I travel to by train for a day trip from Miami?

Those that are interested in going to a nearby city by train for a day trip from Miami have a few different towns that they can choose from. Orlando is a popular place to go, and it is known for its many theme parks, including Walt Disney World. You can also spend some time in Jacksonville, which is the most populous city in Florida and has numerous scenic beaches and nearby hiking trails.

What different amenities does Miami Station have for travelers with disabilities?

If you or someone that will be traveling with you has a disability, keep in mind that Miami Station offers certain amenities and facilities to help your travels go as smoothly as possible. All restrooms and ticket offices are accessible for individuals in wheelchairs. The train platforms, waiting rooms, and drinking fountains are accessible as well. If you will need any additional assistance with disembarking your train or moving throughout the station, employees are there to help. It is usually best to contact the station ahead of time.

Book train tickets to Miami (round-trip)

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Florida's Brightline Rail Service Has a BOGO Sale Happening Right Now

The sale ends on Sunday.

It's buy-one-get-one on Brightline for a limited time.

Until Sunday, train travelers can snag 2 tickets for the price of one on the Florida train line for travel between April 1 and May 31. Passengers can enter the promotion code “FAST” during the checkout from now through March 24, 2024.

The discount applies to tickets booked in the 'smart' category of class.

The Brightline train service connects Orlando, FL to Miami, FL with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Brightline says they are developing future stops in Stuart and Cocoa. 

Brightline shared with Travel + Leisure that the promotion can be especially helpful for spring break travelers looking to explore different parts of Florida, or cruise passengers who are flying into different cities than where their cruise departs. For example, if a cruise passenger flies into Orlando International Airport, they could take the Brightline to Port Miami to embark on their cruise. 

Brightline has special offers and transportation options for upcoming events in Florida such as the Ultra Music Festival , Palm Beach International Boat Show , and Inter Miami CF games. 

The promotion of the buy-one-get-one free comes as Brightline was named one of the ‘World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies’ by Fast Company magazine. 

“With the success of our Florida system and the development of Brightline West, we are establishing a blueprint for how to build high-speed rail around the country and setting the foundation for a new industry that will generate jobs right here in America,” Brightline’s Founder and Chairman Wes Edens said in a news release of the accomplishment.

Brightline is in the planning and development of a new 218 mile high speed rail service that will connect Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NV. 

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

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• Princess Cruises and Brightline introduce Rail & Sail (train...

Princess Cruises and Brightline introduce Rail & Sail (train+cruise) program

Princess Cruises and Brightline/BLFX (high-speed intercity passenger railway in Florida connecting Miami with Orlando) have collaboratively introduced the Rail & Sail program. This program provides cruisers with swift and seamless access to Princess' ships departing from two Florida homeports - Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral) .

With Rail & Sail, guests experience a streamlined journey in luxurious comfort, significantly reducing travel time compared to conventional road travel.

As part of the announcement, a train featuring four custom-designed cars (adorned with Princess' iconic Love Boat branding) was unveiled. These train cars proudly display Princess' signature logo and images of popular call ports. Furthermore, Princess' branding will be prominently displayed within Brightline's five terminals across Florida.

Additionally, a convenient luggage express service was introduced, allowing guests to check their bags at their Brightline station and find them securely waiting in their stateroom upon arrival to the ship.

Princess guests can take advantage of special discounts of up to 15% when booking Smart and Premium Rail & Sail packages through Brightline's website. Furthermore, for a limited time, guests booking a Princess cruise through May 5 will receive a Brightline credit of up to US$150 per person for its Smart and Premium class service, based on stateroom type.

Brightline offers Princess guests access to a comprehensive schedule of trains departing daily, providing 16 round-trip transits between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Travel options include:

• Southbound from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale (with stops at West Palm Beach and Boca Raton)
• Northbound from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando (with stops at Boca Raton and West Palm Beach)

Residents of South Florida can also utilize Brightline's services from its downtown Miami a nd Aventura terminals, with stops in Fort Lauderdale or Orlando.

Transportation | Brightline partners with Princess Cruises,…

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Transportation

Subscriber only, transportation | brightline partners with princess cruises, wraps train with ‘love boat’ theme.

Florida’s high-speed Brightline train has partnered with Princess Cruises for a “Rail & Sail” program that includes one of its trains made over with the iconic imagery of the brand with ties to “The Love Boat.”

Most Princess ships call Port Everglades home in Fort Lauderdale, including the debut later this year of its newest and largest ship, the Sun Princess. The line is expanding with its first ship to be based out of Port Canaveral this fall when Caribbean Princess arrives.

The nearly 113,000-gross-ton vessel began sailing in 2004, christened by Jill Whelan who played Vicki Stubing on “The Love Boat.” Princess ships were featured during the show’s run in the 1970s and 1980s.

Brightline runs from Miami to Orlando with several stops in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and a northern terminus at Orlando International Airport. The line has future stops planned that include Cocoa, near Port Canaveral.

The deal between the train and cruise companies aims to offer passengers hassle-free travel to the two port destinations that includes an optional express baggage checking service at $35 per bag that people can use so their luggage is checked at the train station and will make its way to their staterooms.

The deals include complimentary motorcoach travel from the Brightline station to the cruise port terminal to board the ships. The Orlando-to-Port Canaveral service will begin once Caribbean Princess begins sailing in November.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” said cruise line president John Padgett in a news release. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

The partnership also offers discounts of up to 15% on packages booked through the Brightline website. For those who book through May 5, an extra credit for up to $150 per person for certain packages is available.

The Princess theme design adorns four cars that include the Princess “seawitch” logo and depictions of popular ports of call. Princess branding will also be on display at Brightline terminals.

“Brightline has been connecting travelers to South Florida ports since we began operations in 2018 and cruisers from the beginning have found our train to be the easiest way to start their vacation,” said Brightline President Patrick Goddard in the release. “Today’s partnership with Princess Cruises and this train wrap with the iconic Love Boat branding is yet another example of the connection between cruisers and Brightline.

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Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: April 4, 2024 / 8:10 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on the morning of March 26  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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