Florida's New High-Speed Train Route—Here’s What to Expect

On September 22, the high-speed train operator Brightline inaugurated its eagerly awaited service connecting Miami and Orlando, completing the journey in just over three hours. This new 235-mile route builds on the success of Brightline’s established service that connects Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.

“Brightline’s Orlando Station sets a new standard for transportation between two of Florida’s busiest areas, offering a seamless and convenient experience tailored for today’s traveler,” stated Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline, during a press conference after the inaugural trip from Miami to Orlando. “We’ve crafted an experience—both in our stunning stations and onboard our trains—that goes beyond just saving time. It’s comfortable and distinctive, and we can’t wait to welcome guests aboard.”

Five weeks after the new route opened, I rode the train from Miami to Orlando. Overall, the journey was smooth, enjoyable, and exciting. I was able to work throughout the trip while indulging in ample food and drinks. Here’s everything you should know about Brightline’s service between Miami and Orlando.

Train Schedule

As of November 1, 2023, Brightline operates 30 trains daily between Orlando and Miami, with 15 departures from each city. The first train from Orlando departs at 4:38 a.m., and the last at 8:54 p.m. The first train from Miami leaves at 6:41 a.m., with the final departure at 9:41 p.m.

The total travel time between Miami and Orlando is approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes, which is slightly shorter than driving the same distance without traffic. The high-speed train runs at 79 mph between Brightline’s five South Florida stations, reaching a maximum speed of 130 mph on sections of the route between West Palm Beach and Orlando.

The Trains

Brightline’s stylish yellow trains operate on clean biodiesel, minimizing emissions. Each train consists of four or five cars: the first car is designated for Premium class, while the remaining cars are for Smart class, which offers a more basic experience. The soft gray leather seats in both classes are nearly identical and reminiscent of premium economy airline seating. While all cars feel spacious, the Premium cabin has fewer seats, creating a less crowded atmosphere, along with complimentary food and beverages.

In both cabins, the seat recline mechanism slides forward rather than backward (allowing ample legroom), so you won’t disturb the passenger behind you. Every seat is equipped with at least two USB ports and two outlets. The seating layout generally features one-two in Premium and two-two in Smart, with options for both forward- and backward-facing seating. Each car has specific rows that can accommodate groups of four, with two seats facing forward and two backward, plus a table in between. The aisles measure a generous 32 inches in Smart—and even wider in Premium—facilitating easy movement for suitcases, strollers, and wheelchairs.

Onboard, Brightline provides complimentary Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink. Premium class offers free food and drinks, while Smart class features paid options.

Ticket Prices

Currently, one-way tickets in Smart class for the Miami to Orlando route start at $79 for adults and $39 for children aged 2–12. Generally, child fares are half the adult price. Groups of four or more receive an additional 25 percent discount. Premium class fares begin at $149, which includes checked luggage and complimentary food and beverages throughout the journey.

In general, booking several days in advance with Brightline is the best strategy for securing the lowest standard fares. For instance, when I checked Brightline’s website recently, the $79 fare was only available for departures scheduled at least a week in advance.

Experiencing Brightline: A Journey from Miami to Orlando

On October 31, 2023, I boarded the 12:41 p.m. train from Miami to Orlando, scheduled to arrive at 4:19 p.m. When I booked a few days earlier, Smart class tickets were priced at $99, while Premium tickets were $149. I opted for Premium, which includes free checked luggage (in Smart, bags incur a $10 fee each way), complimentary snacks and beverages—including alcohol—throughout the trip, and access to predeparture lounges at the stations, where more food and drinks are available at no extra cost.

I arrived at the sleek Miami station 20 minutes before departure to explore the Premium lounge. There, I savored my first glass of sauvignon blanc while snacking on cheese and crackers. (The lounge also offered a buffet with charcuterie, salads, and fruit.) At 12:30 p.m., an announcement signaled the start of boarding. (Passengers can board up to five minutes before departure, allowing for late arrivals. However, it typically takes a minute or two to self-scan your ticket from the app and screen smaller carry-on bags, so arriving 15 minutes early is advisable, especially if checking bags at the counter.)

We departed on schedule, and a delightful attendant named Anna C. greeted me with a cold towel (a Premium perk) and asked to scan my ticket. Shortly after departure, I was presented with a choice of two snack boxes (vegetarian or nonvegetarian); the nonvegetarian option included chips, a dried fruit bar, and prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella. I then enjoyed my first (of many) Tito’s and sodas, along with a selection of snacks from a tray featuring M&Ms, Pringles, Planters peanuts, and more. After passing West Palm Beach, Anna offered two meal options, one of which was a tasty salami sandwich with mozzarella, tomatoes, fruit, and chocolate. Soft and hard drinks were unlimited during the stretch between West Palm Beach and Orlando (alcoholic beverages are limited to two for travelers between Miami and West Palm Beach). Later, Anna returned with a “dessert service” featuring bite-sized cheesecake, chocolate cake, and macaroons. While I fully enjoyed my Premium upgrade, Smart Class passengers can still purchase food and drinks à la carte, as attendants frequently stroll through the aisles offering items for sale.

One aspect that remains consistent between Premium and Smart class is the friendly, service-oriented attendants onboard. As a regular Brightline rider on both short and long trips in both classes, I can confidently say the onboard service is consistently outstanding—and this journey from Miami to Orlando was no exception.

In addition to indulging in great food and drink—and experiencing excellent hospitality—I found the train ride itself to be smooth and seamless. I managed to complete a solid three hours of work. The Starlink internet connection was mostly reliable between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, with only a few brief interruptions. However, the connection frequently dropped between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which was frustrating. Thankfully, I maintained a cell signal throughout the ride, allowing me to switch to a hotspot when necessary.

While there isn't a designated quiet car, two small quiet sections are available on the train for those seeking complete silence for calls or focus. Brightline requests that passengers maintain reasonable voice levels, a policy announced over the loudspeaker at every station. Early in my journey, someone was using a phone without headphones (a personal pet peeve), but the attendant promptly reminded him to use them, all without my intervention.

At 4:10 p.m., we arrived at the Orlando station, nine minutes early. Located within Orlando International Airport (MCO) adjacent to the sleek new Terminal C, the train station is accessible to travelers not flying in or out of the airport. From Brightline’s Orlando Station, catching an Uber to your final destination is straightforward. Just be sure to specify the pick-up point as 10705 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827, which is the main entrance to the Brightline station. Simply searching for Brightline Orlando might direct ride shares to an airport pick-up point instead. Renting a car requires a bit more effort, as MCO has two distinct rental car facilities (one in Terminal C and another for Terminals A and B), necessitating a 15- to 20-minute walk and shuttle ride from the Brightline Station.

Is traveling on Brightline between Miami and Orlando worthwhile?

For me, taking Brightline instead of driving is absolutely worth it to avoid the dreadful traffic between Miami and Orlando, not to mention the rising costs of gas and tolls (I usually use about 11 gallons of gas, costing around $35, plus about $20 in tolls for this route). Moreover, the spacious seating and reliable connectivity make it easy to work during the journey. Another advantage is the genuine excitement people have for experiencing rail travel in the U.S., leading to engaging conversations with many enthusiastic fellow travelers on the Brightline.

It’s true that transportation options upon arriving in Orlando can be a concern, but in many cases, a car isn’t necessary. For those staying at Walt Disney World, complimentary Disney transportation efficiently connects hotels, theme parks, shops, and restaurants. Disney parking can be quite expensive, a hassle easily avoided by simply taking an Uber from Brightline to your Disney hotel or resort. The same applies for Universal Theme Parks as well.

Additionally, the area surrounding the Brightline station and MCO is experiencing a surge of charming neighborhoods featuring affordable accommodations and fantastic dining options, highlighting that Orlando is more than just the magical realm of Disney and a slowly developing downtown. For those traveling on Brightline, the most convenient area to stay for a quick getaway is Lake Nona, a 17-square-mile community just a 15-minute drive from MCO. I chose to stay at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, a cutting-edge, all-glass establishment with 234 rooms that boast stylish design and modern amenities. With its striking sculpture garden, vibrant lobby, and proximity to the Lake Nona Performance Club (featuring a rock-climbing gym and Chopra Mind-Body Zone classes), the Wave has swiftly become one of Orlando’s premier hotels. Be sure to dine at the Michelin-recommended Bacán restaurant, where my recent meal featured a delightful lobster and burrata tostada, exquisite tuna crudo with aji panca soy and chili crunch, and perfectly cooked filet mignon.

Overall, Brightline has transformed the often-stressful journey between Miami and Orlando into a productive, enjoyable, and modern experience. It represents a significant transportation advancement between these two cities and is a smart option for both business and leisure travelers who don’t require constant access to a car.