Book now: Brightline has 50% off fares for spring break travel across Florida
Florida's high-speed Brightline passenger train is enticing families and friends to hit the rails this spring break with a deal for 50% off Smart fares for travel across the state. Groups of three or more who are traveling together can save big on select trains traveling to and from Orlando, with tickets available for as low as $29 per person. The deal applies to rides booked now through April 30 of this year, making this an ideal offer for college kids looking for a spring break getaway or families in need of an easy vacation.
The sale applies to Smart fares, which is Brightline's business-class tier. Smart fares give you flexibility to adjust your travel plans if things come up, and you also get free seat selection between South Florida stops and Orlando.
You have to move fast to take advantage of this deal. You must book your fares by this Wednesday, March 5, to get the discounted rates. The sale fares only apply for travel Monday through Thursday, as well as on Saturdays. Also, the best prices typically will be for early-morning and early-evening trips, so keep that in mind when planning your travel.
Deal basics
Rail operator: Brightline
Deal: 50% off Smart fares; for groups of 3 or more traveling together
Routes: Select trains originating or ending in Orlando
Travel dates: Through April 30
When to book: By March 5
How to book: Directly through Brightline using the promo code "SPRING50."
Sample Fares
In case you're not familiar with Brightline's website, know that you'll have to enter the promo code "SPRING50" at the beginning of the search process. Make sure you click "Apply" before searching for tickets, so the discounted prices will display.
If you want to travel from Aventura to Orlando, you have several options on Saturday, March 29, from $29.25 per person for early-evening departures.
A family of four in West Palm Beach could head north to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Studios for just $39.50 per person on Monday, March 24.
If Orlando is home base and you need a break, why not head for some quiet time on Fort Lauderdale's world-famous beaches? We found several late-afternoon options on Monday, March 17, for just $29.25 per person.
If you're interested in attending the Miami Open tennis tournament (March 16-30) or the Ultra Musical Festival (March 28-30), you can book one-way fares to head from Orlando to Miami in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 25, from $33 per person.
This route is available for less than $30 on the last train of the day. So if a late arrival works for you, this is as cheap as it gets.
Maximize your purchase
Pay for your Brightline trip with a card that earns bonus points or miles on everyday purchases or on broad "travel" expenses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) 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 (see rates and fees) earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each anniversary year.
Bottom line
If you live in Florida, this is an excellent way to save money on a spring break trip. If you need help finding a destination, check out Brightline's city guide to see what's happening across the state during the eligible travel period. And remember what we said earlier: The best prices are for evening travel, so plan accordingly.
Related reading:
- The best travel credit cards
- The future of 'high-speed' rail in America? Here's what it was like taking Brightline in Florida
- High-speed rail in Florida: Brightline shows off new 130-mph speed test
- 1st look inside Brightline's $100 million train maintenance facility in Orlando
- Brightline unveils new Orlando Airport train station, with service expected to begin this summer
- The best credit cards for train travel
- Brightline high-speed train service expands in South Florida
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.