Can You Bring Water on the Brightline Train? A Traveler's Guide

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Unlike the restrictive liquid policies for air travel, Brightline has a very relaxed policy on liquids. This means the answer to "can you bring water on the Brightline?" is a resounding yes, and travelers are even encouraged to use refillable bottles.

Quick Summary

This guide explains Brightline's food and drink policy, detailing how travelers can bring their own water and other beverages onboard without hassle. It covers the difference between standard and premium tickets, security screenings, and the availability of drinks for purchase on the train and at stations.

Key Points

No Liquid Restrictions: Unlike air travel, you can bring full-size liquids, including bottled water, on the Brightline train.
Security is Different: Brightline security scans bags and uses metal detectors, but it does not have the same strict liquid rules as TSA at airports.
Refillable Bottles Encouraged: Brightline encourages passengers to bring and use refillable water bottles, with hydration stations available at all stations.
Onboard Service Available: Passengers can purchase water and other drinks onboard, with complimentary options available for PREMIUM fare guests.
BYO Food: You are permitted to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but you must purchase any alcohol from Brightline.
Eco-Friendly Option: Using a reusable bottle and Brightline's water fountains is a sustainable and cost-effective choice.

Your Personal Hydration Strategy on the Brightline

One of the most pleasant surprises for those accustomed to the tight restrictions of airport security is Brightline's liberal beverage policy. While air travelers must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule, Brightline passengers are permitted to bring full-size liquids, including bottled water and other non-alcoholic drinks, through security. In fact, the high-speed rail service even encourages the use of refillable water bottles and has installed water fountains at its stations for traveler convenience. This eliminates the need to purchase overpriced bottled water and helps reduce single-use plastic waste. Travelers can stay hydrated comfortably throughout their journey from South Florida to Orlando, or any of the stops in between.

Navigating the Brightline Security Process

Before boarding, all passengers and their luggage go through a security screening process. However, this experience is much more streamlined and less invasive than at an airport.

Bag Scanning: Your bags will be scanned by security teammates, similar to theme park security.
Metal Detectors: Passengers walk through a metal detector.
No Liquid Restrictions: You do not need to separate or limit your liquids, including water.
Keep Your Shoes On: Unlike air travel, you are not required to remove your shoes.

This simple and quick security check makes bringing your own refreshments, including plenty of water, completely hassle-free.

Comparing SMART and PREMIUM Services for Drink Options

Brightline offers two classes of service: SMART and PREMIUM. The class of ticket you purchase will influence your access to complimentary food and drink, but it does not affect your ability to bring your own water onboard.


Feature	SMART Class	PREMIUM Class
Bring Your Own Water	Yes, unlimited	Yes, unlimited
Onboard Beverages	Available for purchase	Complimentary, including one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic drink per segment
Lounge Access	No	Yes, includes complimentary food and drinks in-station
At-Seat Service	Order through QR code for delivery	Complimentary food and drinks delivered to your seat

For budget-conscious travelers, bringing your own water is the most cost-effective option, regardless of the ticket class. Passengers with a SMART fare can still purchase additional beverages from the onboard service.

Where to Get Water at Brightline Stations

For those who prefer to travel light or need a refill, Brightline stations are well-equipped with amenities to keep you hydrated.

Refillable Water Bottle Fountains: Every Brightline station features refillable water bottle fountains, which is part of the company's commitment to sustainability. This is the best option for cost-effective hydration and is available to all passengers.
MRKT: The >>MRKT grab-and-go kiosk offers a variety of snacks and bottled beverages for purchase.
Mary Mary Bar: Located in the stations, the Mary Mary Bar sells both non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages.
PREMIUM Lounge: Exclusively for PREMIUM ticket holders, these lounges provide complimentary snacks and beverages, including water, before boarding.

Rules for Bringing Other Liquids and Food

While water is freely permitted, there are a few important rules to remember for other items.

Alcoholic Beverages: You may not bring your own alcoholic beverages onboard to consume. You must purchase these from Brightline's food and beverage service.
Food: Bringing your own food, including snacks and meals, is permitted. However, it is courteous to be mindful of other passengers and avoid items with a strong odor.
Excessive Items: Bringing large quantities of food or drinks, such as a case of soft drinks, is discouraged to avoid being disruptive to others.

Staying Hydrated and Comfortable on Your Journey

Staying hydrated is key to a comfortable travel experience. The Brightline's open policy on bringing water allows passengers to maintain their personal hydration preferences without any restrictions. Utilizing the refillable water fountains at stations not only saves money but also aligns with the train service's eco-friendly initiatives. Whether you're traveling for a quick trip or a longer journey between Miami and Orlando, having your own water bottle is a smart and convenient choice. This level of passenger freedom, combined with comfortable seating and onboard amenities, makes Brightline a superior option for many Florida travelers compared to the strict policies of air travel.

For more details on Brightline's passenger rules, including their Code of Conduct and policies on prohibited items, consult their official terms of service.

Conclusion

In short, you can absolutely bring water on the Brightline train. The high-speed rail service, unlike air travel, has no liquid volume restrictions for security, and it actively promotes the use of personal, refillable water bottles. You can fill up at water fountains in every station, or purchase beverages from the onboard or in-station vendors. This policy provides a refreshing and convenient travel experience for all passengers, allowing you to stay hydrated easily throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not need to remove liquids from your bag. Brightline's security process is much less restrictive than an airport's, allowing you to pass through with your full-size liquids in your carry-on.

Yes, Brightline sells bottled water and a variety of other beverages on board. SMART passengers can purchase them, while PREMIUM passengers receive complimentary non-alcoholic drinks.

Yes, Brightline encourages the use of reusable water bottles. All stations are equipped with water bottle refill stations, making it easy and eco-friendly to stay hydrated.

Yes, every Brightline station has water bottle filling stations available for passengers to use, promoting sustainability and convenience.

Yes, you can bring other non-alcoholic drinks like juice or soda on the Brightline. There are no size restrictions on these liquids, unlike at airports.

No, you are not permitted to consume your own alcoholic beverages on the Brightline train. Any alcohol consumed must be purchased from the onboard or in-station vendors.

The main difference is the volume restriction. On an airplane, liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) per container in a single quart-sized bag. On Brightline, there are no such restrictions, allowing you to bring full-size bottles of water or other drinks.