The highly awaited high-speed train service between Miami and Orlando is slated to begin this summer, marking a significant milestone for transportation in the United States. The Brightline train will offer travelers a thrilling experience, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour. It will complete the journey from Miami to Orlando in just three hours. This groundbreaking initiative is expected to transform the way people travel in Florida. The high-speed train will also potentially pave the way for more high-speed rail projects across the country.
Miami to Orlando drive time varies based on traffic, route, and speed. Generally, it takes 4 hours to cover the approximately 230 miles. Heavy traffic and road construction during peak travel periods can prolong the journey.
Brightline is a private inter-city rail company that started high-speed service in 2018 in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. By 2022, it had Boca Raton and Miami stations connecting most of South Florida.
The service will connect various South Florida stations. They include West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami, providing convenient access to popular destinations. Operating daily, including weekends, trains will depart from Orlando every hour between 5 a.m. and 8:50 p.m. The weekend schedule mirrors that of weekdays. Traveling from Miami to Orlando, hourly service begins at 6:50 a.m. and extends until 9:45 p.m. With these frequent departures, passengers will enjoy increased flexibility and options for planning their journeys.
Compared to the unpredictability of driving, where traffic can extend travel times to four or five hours, the Brightline train offers a reliable and efficient alternative. This service surpasses competitors like Amtrak, whose one-way trips often exceed four hours. It presents a valuable choice for travelers who prefer not to drive or face the hassle of congested highways.
Orlando International Airport
Passengers will benefit from the convenient location of the Orlando station, situated near Terminal C at the Orlando International Airport. The station will feature dedicated check-in and ticket counters, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Additionally, each station will offer amenities. Passengers can enjoy a gift shop and a bar serving drinks and snacks. Additionally, the location will have waiting areas with play zones for children, free Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and restroom facilities.
Ticket prices start at $79 for a one-way journey between Orlando and Miami, with sales beginning in early May. For those seeking a premium experience, first-class tickets are available at $149 per trip. Passengers can book Brightline’s premium service online or at any of its stations, offering various perks such as free Wi-Fi at stations and onboard, parking facilities, complimentary snacks and beverages (including alcoholic drinks), access to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, free ride-sharing within a 5-mile radius of the station, and spacious seating arrangements.
The forthcoming launch of the high-speed Brightline train service heralds a new era of transportation in Florida. Travelers can look forward to swift and comfortable journeys, reduced travel times, and enhanced connectivity. With its extensive amenities and customer-centric approach, the Brightline train aims to revolutionize travel between Miami and Orlando, setting a new standard for high-speed rail in the United States.