UPDATE: Plane, train, or bus

[gtalum]

I'd do the train for the experience.

The experience of waiting for hours in an AMTRAK station for a late train to arrive is way overrated.

[Yarrah]

I don't know how efficient the train system is in the US, but if it's efficient, I'd take the train. Comfortable, you get to see a lot and more enviroment-friendly then then the rest (if it isn't a diesel powered train).

[rainstorm]

trains are very noisy. go with the brt-60 metro liner

[Scorpion]

Take a plane.

[nystate]

I'd do the train for the experience.

I've taken Amtrack a few times. First time we got to NYC from Syracuse about 2 hours late. That was no sweat, actually it was rather typical of Amtrack.

Second time we went from Syracuse to Boston. The train was 2 hours late getting into Syracuse, and about an hour outside of Boston we stopped. And sat. And waited. For 7 hours. Got to boston 10 hours late. After that, I vowed never to take the train again.

Down here in Fayetteville a family member was taking the train from Washington, DC to Fayetteville. He was supposed to get in at around 11 PM. His train didn't pick him up in DC until midnight and he got to Fayetteville at around 8:00 am, too exhausted to go to work until 10:00 am.

Until they can figure out how to run the trains at least reasonably on time, I will stick to flying, even short distances.

[rainstorm]

a brt-60 metro liner is more than a bus ride, its heaven on earth

[george_r_1961]

Train is cool too.

[MGC]

I'd take the cheapest form of transportation and put the cheese you save on a nice hotel in Miami Beach......MGC

[rainstorm]

have you taken a brt-60 metro liner before, mgc?

[Josephine96]

Time for me to chime in here..

The bus.. in the few times I have taken it.. has left almost on time each time.

Travelocity had the cheapest flights to MIA around $150 round trip.

Whats this about a rail to Miami from Ft. Lauderdale..? and I actually have been considering a hotel near Miami Beach since I would like to go to Miami Beach while I'm there..

I also plan on leaving here on 11/17 and coming home sometime on 11/20..

Also.. I don't know how much patience I'd have having to get to OIA 2-3 hrs early even if I'm taking a flight that'll take me less than an hour.

Do any of you guys also know what Miami's public transit system is like.. in case I'm too far from Dolphins Stadium to walk.. {IE flight to FTL or MIA}

Ok guys.. continue discussion..

[rainstorm]

http://www.gmcvb.com/visitors/gettingar ... tation.asp

lots of info here. take the brt-60 metro liner

[gtalum]

Whats this about a rail to Miami from Ft. Lauderdale..?

Part of the Miami/Fort Lauderdale public transit system is a train called Tri-Rail which runs from Miami to West Palm Beach.

Also.. I don't know how much patience I'd have having to get to OIA 2-3 hrs early even if I'm taking a flight that'll take me less than an hour.

You don't have to get to the airport 2 hours early. 1 hour is plenty. Especially if you don't check a bag. Just pack everything into a carry-on.

Do any of you guys also know what Miami's public transit system is like.. in case I'm too far from Dolphins Stadium to walk.. {IE flight to FTL or MIA}

If you're just going to Dolphin stadium, you ought to be able to take a bus from either airport if necessary. Public transit is pretty good down there.

[gtalum]

And check Southwest.com for airfare. Southwest is the best airline for flights within Florida. They have a roundtrip for $117 including taxes on the dates you mentioned.

[CajunMama]

Ok guys.. continue discussion..

Josephine...i think you've got alot of good advice and there's not that much more to discuss but up to you to make a decision.

[Josephine96]

LOL..

Anyway.. Lets see.. So if I wanted to I could fly from Orlando to Ft Lauderdale, get off it Ft Lauderdale, and take a rail system down to Miami from Ft Lauderdale..?

I'm still trying to figure out where in Miami I wanna get a hotel. Everyone I talk to here {physically} says maybe I should try to get 1 near the stadium..

I personally would not mind spending the few extra $ and getting 1 near Miami Beach..

I know 1 thing.. On 10/19.. I get paid.. That's the day I have set aside to make my reservations for my hotel and get my either train/bus/plane tix..

Decisions.. decisions lol..

[Josephine96]

Oh and by the way..

Bus from Kissimmee {not Orlando} to downtown Miami- $83
Train from Kissimmee to Miami - about 70
Flight from Orlando to FTL..then a rail to Miami $117 {on SW}

Trains cheapest.. but.. hmm.. decisions..

[rainstorm]

take the brt-60 metro-liner

[Extremeweatherguy]

If you would like to get there in 45 minutes but pay more...take the plane.

If you want to be on the road for 3-6 hours but pay less...take the bus.

and if you want to take the train (which is a 6+ hr. ride) for the cheapest price..you could do that too.

IMO, I would take the plane. It is the quickest, safest method. It would also be an interesting experience for you since you have never done it before. However, if time is not an issue at all, then any option would be fine.

[Josephine96]

Timing really is not an issue. I am actually leaning towards flying. I'm not really scared of the crash/terrorist issue lol.. Plus.. again.. everyone tells me.. for my 1st flight to not be 1 that even lasts an hour.. it's perfect lol..

I'd spend the extra $ to fly from Orlando to Miami on a much bigger airline than Southwest which gets me from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale.. {though I've already been told about the light rail thing that goes to Ft Lauderdale}..

Never been on a train.. never flew.. looks like it's down to those 2 options.. I would kinda like to skip the bus this time if I can.. try something different lol..

I'm also reading about the Tri Rail right now which has a stop at the Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood Intl Airport..

Sounds to me like no matter what I choose to get down there.. I'll have no trouble getting around when I get to Ft Lauderdale then Miami {should I choose the SW flight} or just Miami period..

[JonathanBelles]

since bus is out id try the train/ is there a high speed rail down there?