Florida’s Best Scenic Train Rides and Rail Experiences for Families

When most UK families think about getting around Florida, they picture hire cars, theme park transport or road trips along the coast. But there’s another side to travel in the Sunshine State that many visitors overlook — scenic train journeys and rail experiences.

From modern high-speed trains connecting major cities to nostalgic heritage railways and family-friendly themed rides, Florida offers some surprisingly memorable experiences on the rails. For families looking to slow down, see a different side of the state or simply try something unusual, train travel can become an unexpected highlight of the holiday.

Here’s a guide to the best scenic train rides and rail experiences in Florida — and why they’re worth considering for your next trip.

Is Train Travel in Florida Worth It?

Yes — especially if you want:

• A break from driving
• A more relaxed travel day
• Scenic views along the way
• A unique family experience

While Florida isn’t as rail-focused as some European destinations, its train options have improved significantly in recent years, particularly for visitors travelling between major cities.

👉 Featured snippet tip:
Train travel in Florida is ideal for families wanting a relaxed alternative to driving between major destinations.

Brightline: Florida’s Modern High-Speed Train

One of the biggest changes to Florida travel has been the arrival of Brightline.

This modern rail service connects:

• Orlando
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Miami

For UK visitors, it feels far more modern and comfortable than many people expect from train travel in the United States.

Why Families Like It

• Spacious seating
• Easy luggage handling
• No driving stress
• Wi-Fi and onboard facilities

The Orlando station is conveniently close to the airport, making it particularly useful for multi-centre holidays.

Best For:

• Combining Orlando with Miami
• Families avoiding long drives
• Teenagers who enjoy modern transport experiences

👉 Featured snippet tip:
Brightline is Florida’s modern high-speed rail service connecting Orlando and Miami with comfortable, family-friendly trains.

Scenic Coastal Rail Journeys

One of the biggest advantages of rail travel is the chance to enjoy the scenery rather than focus on the road.

Travelling south from Orlando toward Miami allows families to experience:

• Palm-lined landscapes
• Urban skylines
• Coastal scenery
• A changing atmosphere between regions

For many UK travellers, it’s also a more relaxing way to experience the size and variety of Florida without spending hours behind the wheel.

Heritage Railways and Vintage Experiences

Florida also offers several heritage-style rail experiences that focus more on nostalgia and family fun than transportation.

These rides often feature:

• Vintage-style carriages
• Historic locomotives
• Slow scenic routes through countryside or woodland

They provide a very different atmosphere compared to modern transport systems and are particularly enjoyable for younger children.

👉 Featured snippet tip:
Florida heritage railways offer nostalgic train experiences with vintage carriages and scenic family-friendly routes.

Why Children Love Train Experiences

Train journeys can become attractions in themselves, especially for younger travellers.

What Makes Them Appealing?

• Large windows and changing scenery
• Freedom to move around more easily than in a car
• A sense of adventure and novelty

For many children, especially those used to shorter UK rail journeys, travelling through Florida by train feels exciting and different.

Teenagers often enjoy the more independent feel of rail travel compared to sitting in a car for hours.

When Train Travel Makes Sense on a Florida Holiday

Train travel works particularly well in certain types of itineraries.

Great Options Include:

• Orlando + Miami multi-centre holidays
• City-focused trips
• Families wanting fewer long drives
• Relaxed travel days between destinations

It’s less practical for:

• Rural exploration
• Frequent theme park hopping
• Remote beach locations

👉 The best approach is often combining trains with occasional car hire rather than relying entirely on one method of transport.

Brightline vs Driving: Which Is Better?

This depends on your travel style.

Advantages of Train Travel

• No traffic stress
• No parking concerns
• More relaxing journey
• Easier for one-way travel

Advantages of Driving

• Greater flexibility
• Easier access to smaller attractions
• Better for exploring rural areas

For many UK families, a combination of both works best.

👉 Featured snippet tip:
Brightline is often easier than driving between Orlando and Miami, especially for families wanting a more relaxed journey.

Combining Rail Travel with a Florida Holiday

One of the best ways to use Florida’s rail system is as part of a broader itinerary.

Example Ideas:

• Orlando theme parks + Miami beach stay
• Orlando + Fort Lauderdale cruise departure
• Multi-city Florida exploration without repeated driving

Rail travel can help break up longer journeys while adding a more enjoyable travel experience to the holiday itself.

Things UK Families Should Know Before Booking

Train Travel in Florida Is Different from Europe

Services are improving, but Florida’s rail network is still limited compared to the UK or mainland Europe.

Book Early for Better Prices

Popular routes — especially Brightline — can become more expensive closer to travel dates.

Travel Light if Possible

Although luggage is straightforward, travelling with fewer bags always makes train journeys easier.

You May Still Need a Car

Especially in Orlando or coastal areas where attractions are more spread out.

Why Train Travel Adds Something Different

Train journeys create a different rhythm to a holiday.

Instead of:

• Traffic
• Navigation stress
• Parking

You can simply sit back and enjoy the journey.

For families, this often means:

• More conversation
• Better scenery
• A calmer travel day

And sometimes, those quieter moments become some of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Discover a Different Side of Florida

Florida isn’t only about theme parks and beaches — it’s also a large, varied state with very different regions and atmospheres.

Travelling by rail allows families to experience that variety in a more relaxed and scenic way, while adding something unexpected to the holiday.

Whether it’s a modern high-speed journey or a nostalgic heritage ride, train travel offers a fresh perspective on the Sunshine State.

FAQ: Train Travel in Florida

Is there a high-speed train in Florida?

Yes. Brightline connects Orlando, Miami and several cities in South Florida.

Can you travel from Orlando to Miami by train?

Yes. Brightline offers direct rail connections between Orlando and Miami.

Is Florida train travel good for families?

Yes. Modern trains are spacious, comfortable and often less stressful than long drives.

Do you still need a car in Florida?

Usually yes, especially for theme parks, beaches and smaller destinations. Many families combine rail travel with car hire.

Plan a Florida Holiday That Fits Your Family

At Florida Sorted, we help UK families plan Florida holidays that go beyond the obvious — combining iconic attractions with smarter, more enjoyable ways to travel around the state.

Whether you’re planning:

• A multi-centre Florida itinerary
• A relaxed family holiday
• Or a trip combining cities, beaches and theme parks

We’ll help you create a holiday that works perfectly for your family.

👉 Start planning today with our free enquiry form:
https://floridasorted.com/enquire/