Tickets open for Brightline to new Orlando station. What to know about price, schedule
Brightline has opened ticket sales for its newest train route connecting Florida’s hottest cities — Miami and Orlando. But you’ll have to wait until fall before you can jump on a train to get to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.
But it’s not too soon to plan your trip: On Wednesday, the high-speed rail announced the start of ticket sales. Most round-trip fares will be more than $100, the company said.
Travel time from Miami to Orlando is about 3 1/2 hours. A car trip can take more than four hours up Florida’s Turnpike with a stop or two. Orlando-bound trains will stop at all South Florida stations: downtown Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. At the Orlando airport station, travelers can take ride-shares or shuttles to hotels and theme parks.
Here’s what to know about getting a ticket to the recently completed Orlando station:
Where do you buy Brightline tickets to Orlando?
Tickets can be purchased through Brightline’s website (gobrightline.com) and the company’s app. Tickets will be available for train rides to Orlando between September and January.
“Brightline guests and the travel market have spoken loudly, and we want to respond by opening ticket sales from late summer through the beginning of next year,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “While we are finalizing an official launch date, guests can now book travel for Labor Day, Halloween and holidays through the new year.”
However, the official opening date for the Miami-to-Orlando route has not yet been announced as Brightline completes required testing.
How much are Brightline tickets?
One-way standard tickets, or SMART fares, to Orlando will start at $79 for adults and $39 for kids ages 2 to 12. Round-trip tickets will also be sold.
Groups of four or more people traveling together will see savings of up to 25% on their fares, Brightline said.
One-way first-class tickets, or PREMIUM fares, will start at $149. These tickets come with an exclusive lounge, priority boarding, and complimentary snacks and beverages.
What is the Miami-Orlando train schedule?
Brightline plans 16 daily round trips, with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando. Regular service between the two cities will stop at all Brightline stations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura. Additional dedicated trains will continue to serve commuters between Miami and West Palm Beach.
On April 20, Brightline said the Miami-Orlando schedule is shaping up to be:
Weekdays:
▪ Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami start at 5 a.m. and run until 8:50 p.m. First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
▪ Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando start at 6:50 a.m. and run until 9:45 p.m. First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 10:15 a.m.
Weekends
▪ Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami start at 5 a.m. and run until 8:50 p.m. First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
▪ Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando start at 5:45 a.m. and run until 9:45 p.m. First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 9:15 a.m.
What’s at the Orlando Brightline station?
The 37,350-square-foot station is inside Orlando International Airport’s new train station complex. Riders will enter and exit the trains near Terminal C. The station connects to the airport’s Parking Garage C and also has direct access to Terminal A and Terminal B at the airport.
Brightline+, the train company’s last-mile transportation options, will also be offered at the Orlando station. Riders can catch shuttles, Uber rideshares, and car-rental options.
