Brightline Launches Rail Service Connecting Miami to Orlando

Brightline’s passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami has officially commenced with the first train completing the 235 mile journey on September 22, 2023. The first train, Bright Pink, arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m. and was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. The celebration put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and marks the revitalization of Henry Flagler’s original vision for the Florida East Coast Railway. A decade in the making, Brightline’s launch is poised to reinvent train travel in America and offers a blueprint to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive.

The start of service was celebrated at the Brightline Orlando Station with guests who joined Brightline’s Founder Wes Edens, CEO Mike Reininger and President Patrick Goddard. Upon the train's arrival, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer greeted guests on the platform and presented the Key to the City to Edens who was joined by Reininger, Goddard and other Brightline representatives. Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority and more, were present to greet the first train.

Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. Construction on its 170 mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019. The $6 billion project has generated substantial economic benefits in Florida creating 10,000 jobs and approximately $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the region. Construction teams worked more than seven million hours over the course of four years to complete the project.

Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between 3 and 3.5 hours depending on South Florida station stops.

Brightline has quickly become known for its guest experience, innovative station design, spacious lounges and comfortable train sets. Designed by The Rockwell Group, and set with Brightline’s signature yellow, the stations are meticulously built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. All stations and trains are packed with amenities including Starlink Wifi, chargers and outlets at every seat, and a selection of food, beverage and cocktails available for purchase for SMART and complimentary for PREMIUM. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of light bites, beverages and cocktails throughout the day at one of Brightline’s signature in-station Mary Mary Bars or pick up last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments at one of the MRKT shopping retail locations.

The new Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health, is located at MCO’s 37,350 square foot Train Station adjacent to its new Terminal C. This is the only intercity passenger rail station of its kind to be located in a U.S. airport and stands three-stories tall, including a 72,000 square feet platform area, making it the company’s largest train station. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces marked for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes.

MiamiCentral is strategically located on an 11-acre complex in downtown Miami and represents Brightline’s southern flagship terminus. MiamiCentral is a unique live-work-play destination featuring luxury rental residences, commercial offices and dynamic retail and entertainment space. Guest’s looking to connect have a number of options including Brightline+, the Miami Metromover and Metrorail which are both connected to the station.

Brightline trainsets were made in partnership with Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, Calif. The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture trainset exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.

Brightline’s Orlando extension showcases engineering skill, cutting edge technology and design to create a transportation system that redefines intercity travel.

The Orlando expansion project included 56 bridges, including 18 new bridges, three underpasses, drainage installations, track and signalization installation and 60 track miles of new rail. Over the four years of construction, upgrades and improvements were made to three underpasses and 156 railroad crossings. Engineering of double track under active airport taxiways and tug roads and a new 35-mile rail alignment along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, were also made.

The expansion to Orlando also included the development of Basecamp, a $100 million state-of-the-art train maintenance facility situated on 62-acres south of Orlando International Airport (MCO). The facility operates 24/7, servicing trains with skilled engineers, conductors, technicians and inspectors.

Brightline’s phase I and II construction along with the launch of service have and will have an indelible impact on the state's economy. Independent studies show the combination of construction and operations will generate more than 10,000 jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs and over $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the state. The system is expected to have a major impact on Florida’s travel and workforce industries while bringing a sustainable transportation alternative. Environmental benefits are equally impressive and include reduced highway and city congestion and CO2 emissions by an estimated 72,000 metric tons per year. Studies show the system will remove more than three million cars from roadways each year.

In 2022, Brightline launched a concierge service to connect guests to and from stations with Brightline+. The mobility service, powered by the Brightline app, makes planning a trip with Brightline from start to finish seamless through its add-on options available within the booking platform. Ground transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor with new Brightline+ products including MEARS shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options through Avis. Upon booking a Brightline ticket, guests will receive confirmation email and instructions on how to add extras, such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their trip date.

Brightline recently unveiled a new digital experience for guests featuring a redesigned website and native mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The enhanced guest journey is driven by a cutting-edge backend system, modern and intuitive design, and multiple additional upgraded features. Introduced ahead of expanded service connecting Miami and Orlando, the new digital journey transforms the booking process into a fast, dependable and frictionless system.

Images via Brightline

Brightline Orlando Tickets Now On Sale

Brightline, the South Florida-based high-speed rail service, has launched ticket sales for the highly anticipated Brightline Orlando connection. While final preparations are being made for grand opening, tickets between South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach) and Orlando are on sale now starting September 1st through early 2024. Guests can purchase tickets at gobrightline.com or by downloading the app. An official opening date and inaugural rides will be announced after Brightline has completed required testing.

Brightline will offer limited one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25 percent on SMART fares. SMART service offers a comfortable business-class option onboard in hand-stitched leather seats, complimentary Starlink WiFi, multiple power and USB outlets and an array of food and beverages available for purchase.

One-way PREMIUM fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey.

“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.”

Transportation and mobility options at Brightline Orlando Station will feature new Brightline+ products including shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options, which will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor. When booked, guests receive confirmation email and instructions on how to add on extras such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their trip date.

In South Florida, Brightline offers a wide variety of options to get guests to and from the stations using Brightline+ with Uber, fixed route shuttles to the airports, neighborhood electric vehicles and event shuttles. PREMIUM booked guests also enjoy Brightline’s first and last-mile service to get to and from the station with complimentary Uber rides anywhere within a five mile radius in South Florida.

Service will include 16 daily round trips with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando. Regular service from Orlando to Miami will stop at all Brightline stations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura. Additional dedicated trains will continue to serve commuters and the South Florida region between Miami and West Palm Beach with early morning departures at 5:00 a.m. from West Palm Beach and late night departures until 12:45 a.m. out of Miami.

Unveiled for the first time last month, the new Brightline Orlando  Station is meticulously designed and built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. The 37,350 square foot station is located in Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Train Station facility adjacent to Terminal C. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces branded for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes. 

Brightline Breaks Ground On Boca Raton Station As Eco-Friendly Railway Continues To Connect South Florida

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, has broken ground on its new Boca Raton station with Kaufman Lynn Construction, Inc. as the construction manager for the garage and train station. Once completed, the station will be Brightline’s fifth operational in the state, connecting travelers in Boca Raton to Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and soon Orlando. Located on a 1.8-acre site across from Mizner Park and adjacent to the downtown library, Brightline’s Boca station, designed by Zyscovich Architects, will feature approximately 38,000 square feet of space which will include its signature autonomous MRKT and premium lounge among other station amenities. The station will offer a seamless travel experience through modern technology, including a cashless environment, touchless turnstiles and high-speed WiFi. Brightline's Boca station is expected to be complete in the fall of 2022.

Brightline’s president, Patrick Goddard, was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony today by Congressman Ted Deutch, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Jorge Pesquera of Discover the Palm Beaches, in addition to members of the Boca city council and elected officials. The groundbreaking of Brightline’s Boca station follows the commencement of construction for the station's parking garage, announced in December of 2021.

“As a premier business and leisure destination, Boca Raton is a perfect fit for Brightline and will be an integral part of our network that will further connect the state of Florida,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Brightline stations help enhance the local communities and economies where we operate and provide travelers with quick access to state-wide lifestyle and tourist destinations. We look forward to building a long and productive partnership with the Boca community.”

In 2021, Brightline was awarded a $16.3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant from the FRA to fund a portion of the construction of the Brightline Train Station, parking garage and associated rail infrastructure. In addition to the CRISI grant, the City has provided a commitment of $9.9 million towards funding the parking garage. The balance of the project, approximately $30 million, will be funded by Brightline. Construction of the Boca Raton station is expected to create more than 480 jobs during construction while contributing more than $23 million in wages.

The station is expected to strengthen ties between Boca Raton and South and Central Florida. By connecting to the broader Brightline system, local employers will have access to a bigger employee pool and workers will gain access to an additional 89,000 office jobs within average commute times. This investment will continue to make Boca Raton one of the most desirable and vibrant places to live, work and visit. In addition to benefitting commuters and other local residents, Brightline will serve a broad leisure travel population, and will spur increased tourism to Boca Raton.

“Brightline will be a game-changer for Boca Raton, and especially our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “We look forward to welcoming the many riders who will work at our thriving businesses and visit our cultural, dining, and shopping attractions, and for our residents to connect to a major transportation network from Miami to Orlando. Thanks to our strong partnership with Brightline and support of our Congressional delegation for an FRA grant, we can’t wait to say all aboard in Boca Raton!”

Also under construction is the 455-space parking garage that will service Brightline’s Boca station and visitors to the downtown library, who will have dedicated, covered, and complimentary spaces on the first floor. In October 2021, Brightline completed construction of the new Community Garden for the Junior League of Boca Raton, as well as a temporary parking lot for the downtown library. Brightline managed and funded the construction of both projects as part of the agreement to build the new station.

“Kaufman Lynn Construction is excited to be building this new station and garage with Brightline, the City of Boca Raton and the Federal Railroad Administration,” said Michael Kaufman, CEO of Kaufman Lynn Construction. “The entire team is excited to help connect South Florida and Central Florida with this Brightline rail stop.”

Brightline currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with its expansion station in Aventura opening in 2022. Brightline’s current construction project to Orlando is more than 70 percent complete with over 1,300 daily workers on the job tallying more than four million hours of work. In January of 2022, Brightline began daily crew training and qualifying test runs between West Palm Beach and Cocoa. Over an eight-year period, Brightline’s corridor between Miami and Orlando will result in $6.4 billion in economic impact while creating more than 10,000 jobs. Construction of the highly anticipated expansion to Orlando is on track to be complete by the end of 2022, ​​with service to begin in early 2023.