By Nate Shelton on
You have questions about the new Brightline high-speed rail service to Orlando. We have answers.
Florida’s Brightline high-speed rail service is about to revolutionize travel to Orlando from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other points south, promising a seamless journey from departure to arrival with exceptional comfort and convenience. Before your first easy, breezy trip aboard this premier travel experience, get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about taking Brightline to and from Orlando.
Discover: Orlando Transportation Options
All images courtesy of Brightline.
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The pinnacle of rail travel, Brightline features upscale amenities such as meticulously hand-stitched leather seats, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and delicious food and beverages. You can also elevate your ride to PREMIUM Class for exclusive lounge access and other perks. Explore more of what Brightline offers at GoBrightline.com.
Discover: Orlando Train Rides
Brightline Orlando Station is conveniently located next to the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Discover: New & Returning Flights to Orlando
Brightline seamlessly connects Orlando to South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. More routes and stations are on the way.
Routes between Orlando and South Florida are currently scheduled to run 16 times per day. However, keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change due to events, holidays and other variations.
The length of your Brightline trip will mostly depend on your departure and arrival stations. For example, trains departing Miami at 9:45 a.m. are scheduled to arrive in Orlando at 1:15 p.m. for a three-and-a-half-hour trip. That same train would be scheduled to depart Aventura at 10:04 a.m., Fort Lauderdale at 10:20 a.m., Boca Raton at 10:38 a.m., and West Palm Beach at 11:07 a.m., with the latter taking just a little over two hours to reach Orlando. However, all schedules are subject to change and occasional delays. Always consult the up-to-date schedule at GoBrightline.com.
Tickets start at $79 per guest for standard SMART Fare, and $149 per guest for PREMIUM Fare. Pricing may fluctuate based on time of day and day of year.
Head to GoBrightline.com or download their app for Apple and Android devices. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets through select distribution partners or at station kiosks.
Brightline recommends that you arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Boarding begins approximately 10 minutes prior to departure.
The best way to travel is to keep your bags with you. Two standard carry-on items per guest, up to 40 pounds and 28 x 22 x 14 inches exterior dimensions, are always free of charge. For an additional fee, oversized bags or golf clubs may be carried on or checked in. Make sure to book checked bags in advance for the best price and availability.
Brightline adheres to guidelines mirroring standard airport regulations. For a comprehensive list, visit GoBrightline.com.
Certainly. If you’re traveling on Brightline in or with a wheelchair, please indicate your requirements during the booking process.
Brightline does not accommodate fully assembled bikes and e-bikes on the trains. Regular-sized scooters and folding bikes that adhere to Brightline’s carry-on dimensions must be placed in the luggage tower as one of your carry-on items. Equipment designed to fold, such as certain bikes and scooters, should be folded and safely stowed. Please note that fees might be incurred for equipment that is oversized or exceeds weight limits.
Brightline ensures a smooth journey for pet owners. At Brightline stations, pets must either be leashed or in a carrier. Beyond security, pets should remain in carriers sized no larger than 17 x 10 x 10 inches, fitting neatly in front of a seat. Trained service dogs assisting guests with disabilities are exempt from carriers but should remain leashed, avoiding empty seats and aisles. With region-specific pet fees and a streamlined process, Brightline prioritizes convenience and comfort for all passengers. Remember to add pets to reservations when booking. For more details, visit GoBrightline.com.
Journeying between Orlando and South Florida is seamless with Brightline+. Their integrated service offers Luxury Private Rides and Shared Connect Shuttles by Mears, bridging the gap to Orlando’s unforgettable experiences. Travelers can also opt for a Brightline+ Private Ride powered by Uber, easily accessible via the app, or rent discounted vehicles through Brightline’s Avis partnership. A full range of rental cars, taxis, shuttles and ride-share services are also available, including some free options from select hotels and resorts. Depending on the time of your arrival, Orlando’s SunRail commuter train service could be another choice, with the nearest station located about 15 minutes from MCO on Sand Lake Road.
Discover: Fun SunRail Trips
Literally any day now. The Brightline team is working hard to finalize details and will share the official opening date through its website and social media channels as soon as it’s available.
People are always looking for exciting new ways to get to Orlando — and Brightline promises to be one of the best options yet. Put it to the test on your next visit.
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