NBC6 was there as the inaugural Brightline ride from Miami to Orlando made its journey.
Brightline's service from South Florida to Orlando officially kicked off Friday.
“Opening Orlando fulfills our ultimate business model. We have seen incredible enthusiasm from the business and tourism industries eager to travel between Central and South Florida," Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline, said in a statement. “As we start service to Orlando for peak holiday seasons, I encourage everyone to check calendars, make plans, visit our website or app and reserve a seat now.”
Watch NBC6 free wherever you are
>
The launch comes nearly three months after Brightline completed construction of its rail line between Miami and Orlando.
Here's everything you need to know about the company's service to Orlando:
Get local news you need to know to start your day with NBC 6's News Headlines newsletter.
>
Where can I purchase tickets?
Customers can purchase tickets at gobrightline.com or by downloading the app.
Local
They can also subscribe to Brightline emails to be informed of promotions and other information about the service.
The Orlando Station
The approximately 37,350-square-foot train station is located at Orlando International Airport and connects directly to Garage C, which will have more than 350 spaces available for Brightline users.
The station also provides direct access to the airport's terminals A and B via the airport terminal link in less than five minutes.
Transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Brightline station will include new Brightline+ products, such as Shuttles, Uber and car rental options, that will be tailored to the specific needs of Orlando visitors.
In South Florida, Brightline offers a wide variety of options to get guests to and from stations using Brightline+ with Uber, fixed-route airport shuttles, neighborhood electric vehicles, and event shuttles.
Upon booking, customers will receive a confirmation email and instructions on how to add extras such as parking, checked luggage and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their travel date.
How much do Brightline tickets cost?
For a limited time, Brightline is offering one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for children.
Groups of four or more people will automatically save an additional 25% on SMART fares.
What SMART fares?
Brightline's SMART service offers a business class option on board with hand-stitched leather seats, complimentary Starlink WiFi, multiple power and USB outlets and a variety of food and beverages available for purchase.
What is the difference between SMART and PREMIUM fares?
PREMIUM one-way fares start at $149. This is a first-class service, depending on the train line, with additional amenities including an exclusive lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the journey.
Are there any ticket options for businesses?
Brightline offers businesses and their employees a wide range of enterprise products that are seamless and transferable.
Brightline for Business is offering an introductory promotion providing an exclusive, limited-time offer for travel between Orlando and South Florida. For more information about Brightline for businesses, click here.
What are the train schedules?
According to Brightline's schedule and reservation center for trips between Miami and Orlando, the first available service from South Florida to Orlando is at 6:45 a.m. and there are eight one-way trips available at the following times.
Regular weekday schedules show the following schedules for the Miami-Orlando route:
- Six departures to Miami from Orlando to Miami starting at 6:38 a.m. with the last train leaving at 6:54 p.m.
- Six departures to Orlando from Miami starting at 6:41 a.m. with the last train leaving at 8:41 p.m.
This schedule is subject to change and is what is shown available during the first few weeks.
The trip between Orlando and West Palm Beach is approximately two hours and three and a half hours between Orlando and Miami.
The rail line expects the regular schedule between Orlando and South Florida to include about 16 daily round trips (8 and 8), with hourly departures to the north and south.
Does Brightline offer transportation to the airport or theme parks in Orlando?
Brightline announced a partnership with Mears in Orlando to offer guests a "seamless and connected experience" by providing transportation to popular destinations in central Florida.
Brightline+ Mears offers two services: shuttles and private rides.
Both services connect passengers to key destinations like the Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts.
The Shared Connect Shuttles run 24/7 and are convenient for solo or group travel, while the Luxury Private Rides offer a more exclusive experience.
The shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts, with one-way adult fares starting at $16, and child fares beginning at $13. Children aged 3 and under ride for free.
For guests looking to arrive in style, the private ride service offers a "carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans." Rates start at $63 per vehicle.
Why take the train if I could drive to Orlando?
Brightline CEO Mike Reininger said most of Brightline’s Miami-Orlando passengers will come from those who drive the route regularly and others who stay home because they hate the drive.
Prime targets are families headed to Orlando’s theme parks and travelers to South Florida’s nightlife, concerts, sports and cruises.
The drive between Miami and Orlando takes about four hours each way on Florida’s Turnpike with round-trip tolls costing between $40 and $60. Gas costs between $50 and $80, plus wear and tear on the vehicle.
Reininger said his company’s challenge is to convince travelers that its trains’ amenities make any extra cost worthwhile.
“It’s the value of your time,” Reininger said. The train “gives you the ability to use your time that you are dedicating to travel in any number of ways that you can’t do when you are behind the wheel.”
What do the Brightline stations look like?
Brightline has been operating from downtown Miami to downtown West Palm Beach with an intermediate stop in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Two new stations in Aventura and Boca Raton opened in December.
High-speed trains can reach speeds of over 70 mph and according to the company this year they set a record by reaching 130 mph on one of their runs through the southeast.
