Your Complete Guide to Brightline’s High-Speed Train Service in Florida

Since its inception in 2018, Brightline has transformed travel in Florida, introducing an eco-conscious high-speed train service starting from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach, and soon expanding to downtown Miami. In December 2022, it added stops in Aventura and Boca Raton, two upscale resort and shopping hubs desperately needing better public transit options.

On September 22, 2023, Brightline launched its service connecting five South Florida stations—Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach—with Orlando, known as the theme park capital of America.

This privately-funded, multi-billion-dollar rail line offers journeys at speeds of up to 130 mph between its key cities on advanced trains powered by clean biodiesel fuel. It promises exceptional service, making it a standout option in today’s travel landscape. Say goodbye to frustrating traffic, expensive fuel, road rage, and high carbon emissions as Florida embraces the era of high-speed rail travel.

Here’s everything you need to know about the current and upcoming features of Florida’s high-speed rail service—and why you should consider leaving your car behind on your next visit.

Destinations of Brightline in South Florida

Brightline originally connected three key South Florida cities—Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach—along with the smaller locales of Aventura and Boca Raton. Trains run nearly hourly between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach from early morning until late at night, with quick stops at Boca Raton (between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale) and Aventura (between Fort Lauderdale and Miami).

Travel times are impressive: just 17 minutes from Miami to Aventura, about 33 minutes from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, 16 minutes from Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton, and 40 minutes total from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach. These durations are less than half the average car travel times, and about one-third during peak traffic hours.

Brightline Service to Orlando

Currently, Brightline operates 30 trains each day between Orlando and Miami, with 15 departures from each location. The journey from Miami to Orlando takes roughly 3 hours and 25 minutes—slightly less than driving without traffic. Speeds between South Florida stations reach up to 79 mph, while sections of the route from West Palm Beach to Orlando can hit 130 mph.

The brand-new Brightline Orlando Station spans 37,350 square feet and is situated within a stunning two-story glass atrium at Orlando International Airport, adjacent to Terminal C. Passengers can access the train station and its amenities without needing to fly in or out of the airport.

What are the ticket prices for Brightline?

Before you buy a ticket through the Brightline app or website, you'll need to select one of two service classes: “Smart” or “Premium.” Both offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a delightful travel experience. However, choosing Premium means you'll sit in Coach 1 (instead of Coaches 2, 3, 4, or 5), where complimentary snacks and drinks (including alcoholic options) are provided, along with more spacious seating. Premium passengers also enjoy access to the pre-departure lounges at train stations, which offer additional food and beverages. (All six stations feature Premium lounges.)

Currently, Smart class tickets start at $6.50 for the trip from Miami to Aventura ($27 for Premium). For the Miami to Fort Lauderdale route, Smart fares begin at $10, while Premium starts at $27. If you're traveling from Miami to West Palm Beach, Smart tickets commence at $15, and Premium tickets start at $37. To put this in perspective, a rideshare usually costs between $25 and $60 from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Aventura, $45 to $75 from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, and over $75 to $100 from Miami to West Palm Beach.

For the new Orlando service, Smart class tickets currently start at $79 for adults and $39 for children for the complete trip between Miami and Orlando. Groups of four or more can enjoy an additional 25% discount. Premium fares begin at $149, which includes checked luggage and complimentary food and beverages during the journey.

Generally, to secure the lowest standard fares with Brightline, it's best to purchase tickets several days in advance. Additionally, Brightline frequently offers promotions, most of which can be found on their website. The best deals are often available for larger groups or frequent travelers.

Onboard Experience

The interior of the trains features neutral tones and spacious designs. Aisles are a generous 32 inches wide, allowing easy navigation for rolling luggage, strollers, and wheelchairs. The seats resemble premium economy airline seats, providing ample legroom and elbow space, along with a unique in-seat recline that moves forward rather than encroaching on the passenger behind. Each seat is equipped with two USB ports and two power outlets for charging all your devices simultaneously.

In Smart class, food and drinks can be purchased. For Premium passengers on South Florida routes, one snack and two drinks of choice are provided from the roving cart. On the Orlando route, Premium travelers enjoy one snack, a meal, dessert, and unlimited beverages.

Brightline offers complimentary Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, ensuring fast and reliable internet access on all trains.

The Future of Brightline

With the Orlando route now operational, Brightline is setting its sights on Tampa, Florida, and is also planning a West Coast counterpart: a high-speed train connecting Southern California and Las Vegas in just over two hours. Construction is anticipated to begin later in 2023.

This article was initially published in 2022 and was updated on November 15, 2023, to include the latest information.