Brightline will finally start service out of Orlando on Friday. The first train will pull into Orlando just after 10 a.m. from Miami.
The 37,350 square foot station in Orlando is next to Terminal C at Orlando International Airport and connects directly to the airport’s parking garage C.
Tickets are on sale for those who want to book for future dates. Tickets start at $79 one way.
Brightline completed the long-anticipated rail line back in June before months of testing. The company says this work generated more than 10,000 jobs and had an economic impact of more than $6 billion for the State of Florida.
Service was supposed to start Labor Day weekend, but Brightline had to finish final testing. Brightline representatives say they are excited to finally start service in Central Florida.
“This is about making our backyard bigger. So here in Central Florida, we know that we can get down to South Florida. It’s a car ride, or we hop on a plane, but now there’s going to be another option, and this is going to revolutionize transportation not just in the country and the state of Florida but right here in Central Florida and really just make our backyard bigger,” said Katie Mitzner, director of public affairs for Brightline.
When they’re up to full service, there will be 16 daily round trips with hourly departures between Orlando and South Florida. In addition to Miami, trips are also available to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.
Brightline’s Orlando station is directly across from Terminal C at Orlando’s International Airport.
Brightline Orlando train schedule
The schedule for their weekday trains out of Orlando will include:
- Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5 a.m. until 8:50 p.m.
- First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
- Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando starting at 6:50 a.m. until 9:45 p.m.
- First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 10:15 a.m.
The schedule for their weekend trains out of Orlando will include:
- Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5 a.m. until 8:50 p.m.
- First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
- Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando starting at 5:45 a.m. until 9:45 p.m.
- First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 9:15 a.m.
Brightline Orlando station parking
Passengers will be able to park there or at the South Park Place Economy Lot, which drops passengers off at Terminal C.
Parking Garage C costs $19 per 24-hour period, while South Park Place Economy Lot costs $10 per 24-hour period.
Park Garage C will have 350 parking spots available for passengers.
Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks if they didn’t buy tickets in advance. You are also able to check luggage before walking through touchless turnstiles into the security screening tunnel.
Passengers will not be allowed to bring alcohol or weapons through the security checkpoint. However, alcohol for consumption may be purchased inside the station as well as on the train.
Brightline Orlando station amenities
The station at Orlando’s International Airport has several amenities, including:
- Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and light bites. The sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a panoramic view overlooking the train platforms where guests can watch as trains arrive and depart.
- Above the Mary Mary bar is a message board that will give updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements
- MRKT PLACE is a retail pop-up shop for last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments
- Everyone will have access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations both inside the station and on the trains
- There are 87 televisions inside the station in Orlando
- There is also a children’s play area
Brightline offers two classes of service: SMART, which is considered their first-class option, and PREMIUM, which is considered economy.
Passengers who book a PREMIUM ticket will get to enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, a dedicated first-class lounge, free checked luggage, priority boarding, and a dedicated coach.
SMART passengers can purchase drinks and food for an additional cost.
How fast can Brightline trains go?
Brightline claims to be the fastest train in Florida and the Southeastern United States after reaching speeds of 130 mph.
The impressive speed was recorded in March as Brightline conducted testing along the new 35-mile rail corridor between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa.
The new tracks are fenced in and have no crossings.
By reaching 130 mph, Brightline broke its previous record of 110 mph, which was set last year during testing through Martin and St. Lucie counties.
Once carrying passengers, Brightline trains will travel at a maximum speed of 125 mph.