Miami to Orlando Brightline opening update: What is likely timeframe for inaugural trip?

James Coleman, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·4 min read
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Brightline officials have secured Labor Day weekend for the public to buy tickets for the rail line's initial South Florida-to-Orlando route, but hinted that the inaugural ride likely would be earlier than September.

In preparation, the company is continued to test trains up to 110 mph in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties the week of July 17.

Brightline also will continue to roll out qualifying trains between South Florida sites and Orlando, a key step before a launch.

A qualifying train does not carry passengers and the runs will provide Brightline locomotive engineers and conductors an opportunity to learn and navigate the new 168-mile stretch from West Palm Beach to Orlando.

Qualifying train runs help conductors and engineers familiarize themselves with the road crossings, signals, curves and speed restrictions, according to Brightline.

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Once this additional work is completed, Brightline will go through a certification process by the Federal Railroad Administration, a regulatory agency, before service can begin.

According to Brightline spokesperson Katie Mitzner, Brightline is "making great progress" with the process.

When will Brightline's first train from Miami to Orlando take place?

Officials don't know the actual start date for the first trains but have been able to narrow down some details. Here's what we know:

  • The inaugural ride likely will be sometime in mid to late August, based on the current timetable of testing and qualifying trains.

  • An initial trip for officials and media likely would be the day before the first trains open to the public.

  • Brightline hopes to announce the official start date in a few weeks.

  • Based on those details, the first trains could run the weekends of Friday, Aug. 18, Friday, Aug. 25 or Labor Day weekend (Sept. 1) depending on how quickly finalization of testing, qualifying runs and certification takes place.

  • Guests are being encouraged to sign up for Brightline emails on gobrightline.com to be the first to know when summer inaugural rides will go on sale.

  • One-way and round-trip tickets between South Florida stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport can be bought at gobrightline.com or by downloading the app.

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Where will the latest Brightline train testing take place?

Testing is complete in Palm Beach County but will continue in three counties along the coast.

The testing area will include multiple railroad crossings and the St. Lucie River railroad bridge. One to two passenger trains will be going over the bridge each hour. During the testing period, Brightline will post a bridge monitor at the St. Lucie River bridge to communicate with mariners via VHF-FM Channel 9.

Work is expected to bring additional wait times at railroad crossings.

The public is encouraged to sign up for Brightline text alert updates for the latest on the high-speed testing schedules in their area. Text "RR110" to 888-384-0037.

How much are Brightline train tickets?

Brightline's one-way fares from Miami to Orlando will start at $79 for Smart and $149 for Premium tickets. Kids’ Smart one-way fares will start at $39. Smart fare bundles for families of four are available for less than $199 one way.

A one-way Smart ticket from West Palm Beach to Orlando on Sept. 1 will cost $79 while a Premium ticket will cost $149. Prices from Orlando to West Palm Beach are the same.

Passengers can buy tickets at the stations, but they also can purchase them online. Discounted fares are available with two days advance purchase.

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What is the South Florida to Orlando Brightline train schedule?

Service will include 16 daily roundtrips with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando.

Weekdays

  • Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5 a.m. until 8:50 p.m.

  • The 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.

  • The first northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 10:15 a.m.

Weekends

  • Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5 a.m. until 8:50 p.m.

  • The 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.

The company also said it will continue a daily commuter schedule between Miami and West Palm Beach. The early morning departure will be at 5 a.m. from West Palm Beach with evening night departures until 12:45 a.m. from Miami.

How long will it take to get from South Florida Brightline stations to Orlando station?

Brightline will link riders from Miami to Orlando in about three hours. Here is the estimated time from the South Florida stations:

  • Miami to Orlando: Three hours.

  • Aventura to Orlando: Two hours, 45 minutes.

  • Fort Lauderdale to Orlando: Two hours, 30 minutes.

  • Boca Raton to Orlando: Two hours, 15 minutes.

  • West Palm Beach to Orlando: Two hours.

James Coleman is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jcoleman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Brightline to Orlando: Update on opening date train station schedule