What It's Like To Ride Florida's Beloved Brightline Train From Orlando To Miami
16.12.2023 - 14:53
/ matadornetwork.com
Miami and Orlando are the two most visited cities in Florida. Miami is nicknamed the Magic City and known for its white-sand beaches, pastel-hued tropical Art Deco architecture, dynamic nightlife, and Latin vibes. Orlando is home to the Magic Kingdom and the world’s most famous mouse. Until recently, out-of-towners who wanted to experience both sides of the Sunshine State either had to hop a flight between Orlando and Miami and then take a taxi or ride-share to their destination or rent a car, navigate the oft-congested interstate, and endure the hassle of finding (usually pricey) parking during what’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation.
Now, however, a convenient, high-speed alternative is available. Last month, travelers and Floridians alike celebrated the long-awaited opening of the Brightline Orlando train station, the latest link in the intercity rail system that connects Orlando International Airport to downtown Miami. Here’s what you need to know about Brightline Orlando Station and the rail service at large.
Photo: Courtesy of Brightline
Brightline is the first privately operated intercity passenger train to roll out in the US in more than 100 years. The last one, the Rio Grande Zephyr, which operated between Denver and Salt Lake City, shut down in 1983. Since then, rail travel has been limited to Amtrak, which is publicly funded, and smaller regional commuter and transit lines.
Launched in 2018, Brightline initially ran between Miami and West Palm Beach. Since then, the company has expanded to include six stations connecting the Gold and Treasure coasts with central Florida: Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
The first five stations are located within their respective cities. In Miami, the station is located at the heart of downtown, just blocks from Biscayne Bay, and is connected to the city’s subway and bus system. The brand new Brightline Orlando Station is connected to Terminal C of the city’s international airport. Passengers headed to or coming from Terminal B can access the Brightline train via the automated People Mover.
Decked out in one of five vivid hues — red, orange, green, blue, or pink — that underscore the company’s name, each Brightline train comprises four passenger cars and holds a total of 240 people. Two locomotives, one on each end, ensure that the train never has to turn around.
Travel time for the entire route — 235 miles that run along the Florida East Coast freight line — is about three hours, with speeds upwards of 125 miles per hour. While this is only about 30 minutes to one hour less than it would take by car, passengers can spend their time working, catching up on some much-needed sleep, or simply relaxing and watching the