Both Deutsche Bahn ICE 4 and Brightline offer modern amenities and aim to provide comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experiences. Deutsche Bahn ICE 4 serves a broader network with higher speeds but suffers from punctuality issues. Brightline focuses on a specific regional route with frequent service and tiered pricing, emphasizing accessibility and comfort, but lacks specified punctuality records.
| Attribute | Deutsche Bahn ICE 4 | Brightline |
|---|---|---|
| Train type | High-speed Intercity-Express (ICE) train | Higher-speed intercity rail |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (some trains up to 265 km/h) | 125 mph (200 km/h), tested up to 130 mph, average speed between Miami and Orlando is 69 mph |
| Seating capacity | 7-car: 456 seats, 12-car: 830 seats, 13-car: 918 seats | Approximately 60 passengers per car |
| Route network coverage | Many domestic routes in Germany, including Hamburg-Cologne-Frankfurt-Munich; Hamburg-Switzerland and Berlin-Switzerland services; Berlin-Munich, Berlin-Hamburg and Cologne-Frankfurt-Stuttgart high-speed lines | Connects Orlando to South Florida, with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. 30 train routes connect 6 cities, serving 6 stations. |
| Onboard amenities | Free Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth in 2nd class), power outlets (each seat in 1st class, every double seat in 2nd class), restaurant car with waiter service, bicycle spaces (8 in the end car) | Free, high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets and USB outlets at each seat, food and beverages available for purchase in SMART class, complimentary in PREMIUM. MRKT PLACE available for in-station shopping. |
| Ticket pricing structure | Saver fares available for advance booking, BahnCard holders may have priority for certain seats | SMART fares from Miami to Orlando start at $79, PREMIUM at $149. Prices range from $9 to $174 depending on the route. |
| Frequency of service | Five trains operating on routes between Hamburg and Munich and Hamburg and Stuttgart as of December 2017; fleet expected to grow | Up to 32 trains daily, with 16 departures from Miami and Orlando. Trains run once or twice an hour from 7 a.m. to midnight. |
| Punctuality record | Trains are generally running late | Not specified, but Brightline aims for seamless boarding and punctual journeys. |
| Comfort level | Adjustable headrests; some find seats comfortable, others too hard; first class offers more space | Spacious leather seats with options for SMART and PREMIUM classes. Comfortable seats with extra legroom available, especially in Premium class with wider seats and adjustable footrests. |
| Accessibility features | Four wheelchair spaces, two lifts, tactile guidance system, wheelchair lifts at all stations | ADA-accessible stations and trains with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Level boarding for wheelchairs and wide aisles. |
| Environmental impact | Aerodynamic design and efficient drive technology for lower energy consumption; made of environmentally friendly, recyclable materials; helps reduce CO2 emissions | Diesel-electric locomotives run on clean biodiesel. Aims to reduce carbon emissions by removing cars from the road. |
| Luggage allowance | Wide luggage racks in each carriage, ample space for luggage including floor-level storage | Two carry-on bags and one personal item allowed per passenger. Carry-on size must be medium-sized or smaller, maximum size is 24 x 16 x 10 and 50 lbs. Checked baggage available for a fee, with one complimentary checked bag for PREMIUM guests. |
| Price | Not available | Fares vary depending on the route. For Miami to Orlando, SMART fares start at $79 and PREMIUM at $149. Prices can range from $9 to $174 depending on the route. |
| Overall Rating | Not available | Not available |
| Performance Rating | Punctuality - Generally running late | Not available |