Brightline’s Orlando Extension: An Overview
As Brightline’s self-proclaimed No. 1 fan, I’ve been waiting impatiently for its Orlando extension. Being a travel writer and central Florida native living in West Palm Beach, I feel like this modern high-speed train was made for me. Moreover, it allows me to easily travel between home and Miami (or Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or Aventura) while providing convenient access to Orlando to visit friends and family. I can even include Orlando International Airport among my options for booking flights abroad, thereby eliminating the need for a three-hour drive.
- Florida’s Brightline train now offers service from Orlando to Miami, as well as transportation between West Palm Beach and other cities.
- Premium tickets, starting at $149, include lounge access and a complimentary checked bag.
- The Orlando route terminates at Orlando International Airport.
- Brightline features a signature jasmine-musk scent onboard.
Getting to the Orlando Station
For all these reasons and more, I was ecstatic to be one of the first riders on Brightline’s recently debuted Orlando route, which currently terminates inside the Orlando International Airport. There’s talk of extending to Disney and even Tampa. While the train has run between West Palm Beach and Miami since 2018, its connection to Orlando has been an eagerly awaited development for Floridians and tourists alike.
My initial ride confirmed that Brightline’s link north to Orlando was everything I had dreamed it would be. Our flight landed in Terminal A of the Orlando International Airport, so we took a short ride on the people mover to Terminal C, where Brightline’s Orlando station is located.
In-Station Experience
Follow the signs to the Brightline station—it’s well-marked—and let the sensational grapefruit-jasmine musk scent guide you to the escalators leading up to the station entrance. Don’t worry about tight connections: We had an hour between plane landing and train departure, but we only needed about 20 minutes to reach the platform.
Upon entering, you’ll undergo a quick security scan, making it similar to the much-lauded TSA PreCheck experience. Simply place your bags on the conveyor, walk through the scanner, and reclaim them on the other side without having to remove shoes or unpack. This process is efficient and effortless.
Once through security, you have several choices. If you have time to spare, you can shop for locally made souvenirs or enjoy a craft cocktail at Mary Mary Bar. Alternatively, if you prefer grab-and-go options, the MRKT Place offers a selection of food and drinks for those on a time crunch.
Prefer a more exclusive experience? Invest in a Premium ticket (from $149), granting you access to a luxurious lounge in the station and a designated train car. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tracks and surrounding landscapes, the lounge provides a first-class environment to await your train while enjoying complimentary food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
Onboard Experience
A few minutes before departure, boarding begins. A quick escalator ride leads you to a clean, sleek train car equipped with fast Wi-Fi, spacious leather seats, and ample power outlets. The journey from Orlando to West Palm Beach takes about two hours, and another hour if you’re heading to Miami. During this time, you can work, socialize, grab snacks from the cart, and take rest breaks without worrying about highway traffic delays.
While there’s enough onboard entertainment, be sure to look out the window as you travel. Witness the scenic beauty of swampland and towns along the way, reminding you of the golden age of train travel in Florida.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
With this convenient and scenic rail line reintroduced, I’ve never felt prouder to call Florida my home. During your next trip to Florida, don’t miss the opportunity to include Miami in your Disney vacation or make an Orlando stop on your South Florida getaway. It’s easier than ever to explore everything this beautiful state has to offer. Brightline runs 30 trains per day, providing ample opportunity for adventure!
One-way Smart fares start at $79 for adults and $39 for kids; groups of four or more will automatically save 25 percent on Smart fares. Premium one-way fares begin at $149.
