If you’re planning a late winter or early spring trip to Florida, here’s a Presidents Day deal you might want to take advantage of.
Brightline, the private intercity rail company that operates express trains between Miami and Orlando, is offering half off some fares in the coming weeks.
However, you must book in the next few days to take advantage of the savings.
From now through Monday, travelers in a group of at least three can save up to 50% on Smart fares, Brightline’s standard fares (Brightline also offers more expensive Premium fares).
The deal applies to all trips from now until March.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to escape the cold or taking a spring break in March, you can save big on train tickets.
Deal Basics
Company: Brightline
Routes: All routes in Florida, including travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Brightline’s other stops in southeast Florida
Agreement: 50% off Smart rates for groups of three or more, or as low as $39
Travel dates: Tuesday through March 31
Book via: Monday
Sample trip
Brightline operates 16 trainsets on the Florida line and launched its expansion to Orlando airport terminals last fall.
It also makes stops at a half-dozen stations along the Florida coast, so it’s a convenient option for travelers who might have spent a few days at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World and want to enjoy a trip to the beach afterward.
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Travel time from one end of the line to the other (from Orlando to Miami) is three to three and a half hours.
Ticket costs can vary depending on the date and time of day, but are generally $29 or $39 to as much as $109 for a standard Smart ticket.
As part of its Presidents Day sale, Brightline is offering 50% off a Smart rate for groups of three or more. One caveat: the deal can only get you up to a minimum rate of $39.
In the example below for travel on February 24, you’ll see a $99 fare drops to $49.50 and an $89 fare drops to $44.50, but a $69 fare drops to just $39.
Again, the deal does not apply to Premium rates, which include free snacks and drinks and access to Brightline’s premium lounge in Orlando.
Smart tickets include WiFi on board and food and drinks are available for purchase.
Maximize your purchase
Pay for your train trip with a card that earns you bonus points or miles that you spend on everyday purchases or general “travel expenses”. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card And Capital One Venture earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, every day. Additionally, the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each anniversary year.
In short
The coming weeks mark the first spring travel period since the opening of Brightline’s station at Orlando Airport, making travel between Central Florida and coastal cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale easier.
If you’re planning to visit a theme park and the beach on a spring break trip to Florida and are traveling as a family or group, this deal can shave a significant chunk off the price tag.
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