Brightline has announced the launch of its passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami. Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between three and three and a half hours depending on South Florida station stops.
Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. Construction on its 170 mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019. The $6 billion project has generated substantial economic benefits in Florida, creating 10,000 jobs and approximately $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the region.
Designed by the Rockwell Group, all Brightline stations and trains offer Starlink Wi-Fi, chargers and outlets at every seat and a selection of food, beverage and cocktails (available for purchase for “Smart” and complimentary for “Premium” travelers). Guests can enjoy a range of light bites, beverages and cocktails throughout the day at one of Brightline’s signature in-station Mary Mary Bars or pick up last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments at one of the MRKT shopping retail locations.
The new Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health, is located at Orlando International Airport's 37,350-square-foot Train Station adjacent to its new Terminal C. This is the only intercity passenger rail station of its kind to be located in a U.S. airport and stands three-stories tall, including a 72,000-square-foot platform area, making it the company’s largest train station. The train station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces marked for Brightline guests. The station provides direct access to airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes.
MiamiCentral is located on an 11-acre complex in downtown Miami and represents Brightline’s southern flagship terminus. Guests looking to connect have a number of options, including Brightline+, the Miami Metromover and Metrorail, which are both connected to the station.
In 2022, Brightline launched a concierge service to connect guests to and from stations with Brightline+. The mobility service offers add-on options within the booking platform. Ground transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station will cater to the needs of the Orlando visitor with new Brightline+ products including Mears shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options through Avis. Upon booking a Brightline ticket, guests will receive confirmation email and instructions on how to add extras, such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their trip date.
The company also unveiled a new digital experience for guests with a redesigned website and native mobile app available for iOS and Android devices.
Good to know: Brightline’s Orlando expansion is the newest transportation milestone for the company that has plans to transform high-speed rail in the U.S. on the West Coast, through Brightline West. This will be the nation’s first high-speed rail network with fully electric trains operating at top speeds of 200mph. Slated to break ground by the end of 2023, the line will connect millions of people traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, annually.
Brightline’s environmental benefits include reduced highway and city congestion and CO2 emissions by an estimated 72,000 metric tons per year. Studies show the system will remove more than three million cars from roadways each year.
For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com.
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