The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express caters to travelers seeking a luxurious and nostalgic experience with premium pricing, while Brightline offers a convenient and modern transportation solution at a more accessible price point. Brightline is more accessible and offers more frequent departures.
| Attribute | Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Brightline |
|---|---|---|
| Destinations served | London, Paris, Venice, Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, Rome, Florence, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, and Berlin. | Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Planning to expand to Tampa. |
| Ticket pricing and options | Ticket prices vary depending on the route, cabin type, and journey length. Prices can range from around $1,490 ( 1,150) for a London-to-Paris journey to as high as $23,330 ( 18,000) for a five-night adventure from Paris to Istanbul. The ultimate luxury suite can cost up to $103,690 ( 80,000) per night. A one-night journey from London to Budapest in a historic cabin costs around $5,540 ( 4,275) per person for double occupancy. Suite-Twin Cabins start at approximately $11,390 ( 8,785) per person for a single night with double occupancy. | Fares vary depending on route, time, date, and class of service. SMART Saver: The most budget-friendly option. SMART: Offers flexibility to adjust trips. PREMIUM: First-class service with lounge access, complimentary food and drinks. Train passes for frequent travelers. Prices for the Miami to Orlando route can start as low as $29. Tickets for children are often available at half price. |
| Onboard amenities (dining, bar, entertainment) | Meals are included in the fare, with options for special dietary needs if requested in advance. The train has three restaurant cars with distinct themes, and the menus change frequently. There is a bar car with a pianist and a variety of drinks available. The train offers dedicated steward service, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and onboard boutique. | SMART: Comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and food and beverages available for purchase. PREMIUM: Complimentary snacks and beverages, PREMIUM Lounge access, and a $10 Uber Voucher. Both classes have spacious leather seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports. |
| Seating and cabin types | Historic Twin Cabins: Feature a washbasin, and upper and lower berths that convert to a banquette sofa during the day. Suites: Include a private bathroom with a shower and a small sitting area. They can be configured with a double or twin beds. Grand Suites: Offer a double or twin bedroom, a living area, and a private en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. They also include complimentary champagne and 24-hour butler service. | SMART: Business-class seating in a 2x2 configuration. PREMIUM: Wider seats in a 2x1 configuration. |
| Route duration and frequency | Journeys can last from one to several days. The London to Venice route typically takes two days with one night on board. The train usually runs once a week between March and November. | The Miami to Orlando route is 235 miles (378 km). The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. Brightline operates 30 trains daily between Orlando and Miami, with 15 departures from each city. Trains run hourly. |
| Station accessibility and services | The train can accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties, but it is recommended they are escorted by an able-bodied passenger. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the dimensions and layout of the train. For guests traveling to/from Venice and Paris, a shared/car transfer to and from your accommodation/station is included in your fare. | Stations are ADA accessible with elevators and escalators. Stations offer accessible restrooms. Guest Services can provide assistance. Stations have information kiosks and well-marked pathways. |
| Luggage allowance and handling | Each passenger is allowed one large suitcase to be stored in the baggage car (inaccessible during the journey), one piece of hand luggage, and one suit carrier or overnight bag to be kept in the cabin. | Each guest can bring two complimentary carry-on items and one personal item. Carry-on items must not exceed 50 lbs or 24 x 16 x 10 . Checked baggage is available for a fee. PREMIUM guests receive one complimentary checked bag. Checked bags must be added in advance. Aventura and Boca Raton stations cannot accommodate checked baggage. |
| Class of service options | The train offers different cabin types, including Historic Twin Cabins, Suites, and Grand Suites. | SMART and PREMIUM. |
| Onboard Wi-Fi availability and speed | Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, including guest cabins, but the signal may be intermittent in rural areas. Usage is requested to be restricted to the privacy of your cabin. | Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available. Brightline uses Starlink to provide high-speed satellite internet. Brightline is partnering with McLaren Applied to improve Wi-Fi reliability using a hybrid system with 5G and LEO satellite connections. |
| Pet policy | Pets are not permitted on board. | Dogs and cats are welcome onboard for a fee. Pets must be leashed in the lobby and contained in a carrier past security. Pets are not allowed as checked baggage. Service animals are allowed at no charge with advance notice. |
| Disability access | The train is not suitable for wheelchair users. Staff can assist passengers with limited mobility to their seats, and folding wheelchairs/walkers can be stored. | Brightline is ADA compliant. Trains have level boarding, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and designated seating. Passengers can indicate special needs when booking. |
| Cancellation and refund policies | Not available | SMART Saver: Canceling will give you 10% credit. SMART: Full credit if you cancel up to 48 hours before departure, 50% credit after that. PREMIUM: Full credit if you cancel up to 48 hours before departure, 50% credit after that. Tickets canceled within 30 minutes of departure are not eligible for a refund. Refunds are typically issued as travel credits. |
| Price | From around $1,490 ( 1,150) to $103,690 ( 80,000) per night | Prices for the Miami to Orlando route can start as low as $29. |
| Ratings | Overall: Generally lives up to its five-star reputation. | Not available |