If you’re planning a late-winter or early-spring trip to Florida, here’s a Presidents Day deal you may want to take advantage of.
Brightline, the private intercity rail company that operates fast-moving trains between Miami and Orlando, is offering half off some fares over the next several weeks.
However, you must book in the next few days to tap into the savings.
From now through Monday, travelers in a group of at least three can save up to 50% on Smart fares, which are Brightline’s standard fares (Brightline also offers higher-end Premium fares).
The deal applies to all trips taken from now through March.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to escape the cold or taking a spring break trip in March, you can save big on a rail ticket.
Deal basics
Company: Brightline
Routes: All Florida routes, including trips from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Brightline’s other southeast Florida stops
Deal: 50% off Smart fares for groups of three or more, or as low as $39
Travel dates: Tuesday through March 31
Book by: Monday
Sample trip
Brightline operates 16 trainsets across its Florida line and launched its extension to the 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 may have spent a few days at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World and then want to enjoy a trip to the beach.
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The travel time from one end of the line to the other (from Orlando to Miami) is anywhere from three to 3 1/2 hours.
Ticket costs can vary, depending on the date and time of day, but are generally from $29 or $39 to as much as $109 for a standard Smart ticket.
As part of the Presidents Day sale, Brightline will knock 50% off a Smart fare for groups of three or more. One caveat, though: The deal can only bring you down to a minimum fare of $39.
In the below example for Feb. 24 travel, you can see that a $99 fare drops to $49.50 and an $89 fare to $44.50, but a $69 fare drops to just $39.
Again, the deal doesn’t apply to Premium fares, which include complimentary snacks and beverages and access to Brightline’s premium lounge in Orlando.
Smart tickets do include onboard Wi-Fi, with food and drinks available to purchase.
Maximize your purchase
Pay for your train trip with a card that earns bonus points or miles spent on everyday purchases or on broad “travel” expenses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, every day. Also, 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.
Bottom line
The coming weeks will mark the first spring travel period since the opening of Brightline’s station at the Orlando airport, making travel between Central Florida and coastal cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale more convenient.
If you’re planning to visit a theme park and the beach during a spring break trip to Florida and are traveling as a family or a group, this deal could knock a good bit off the price tag.
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