Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, today unveiled its highly anticipated Brightline Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport (MCO). With Brightline’s signature yellow and spacious lounges, the station is the perfect backdrop for a new era of passenger rail that will connect two of the fastest growing regions in the state: Central and South Florida. Brightline also announced that Orlando ticket sales will launch in May for future dates, with one-way fares starting at $79 for SMART and $149 for PREMIUM. SMART fare bundles for families of four will be available for less than $199 one way.
Brightline Orlando Station Experience
The new 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. Transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station include Brightline’s first and last-mile service, Brightline+, which will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor.
The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening tunnel.
Once through the security tunnel, guests are greeted by an expansive two-story station space, featuring world-class amenities Brightline is known for, including:
Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and light bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platforms where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart.
Above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, split-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the split-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with sounds reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America.
MRKT PLACE is a retail experience with convenient in-station shopping for last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments.
Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service includes complimentary meals, snacks and beverages, a dedicated first class lounge, free checked luggage, priority boarding and a dedicated coach.
Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a BrightKids children’s play area located in the SMART lounge.
Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevator to first level platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and can accommodate a train with up to 10 coaches and two locomotives.
Orlando to South Florida Train Schedule Details
Brightline’s Orlando expansion is an essential piece of the boldest, private infrastructure project in the nation, connecting millions of riders between Central and South Florida. Service will begin in Summer 2023 and will include 16 daily round trips with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando. Brightline’s non-stop trains have a run time between Miami and Orlando of two hours and 59 minutes. Regular service from Orlando to Miami will stop at all Brightline stations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura with a run time of three hours and 30 minutes. Additional details of Brightline’s opening schedule include:
Weekdays
Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5:00 a.m. 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 starting at 6:50 a.m. 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 starting at 5:00 a.m. until 8:50 p.m.
First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8
In conclusion, the unveiling of Brightline’s Orlando Station marks a significant milestone in modern, eco-friendly intercity rail travel in America. With direct access to Orlando International Airport and a host of world-class amenities, the station is the perfect backdrop for a new era of passenger rail connecting two of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. With tickets sales launching in May, passengers can look forward to experiencing the comfort and convenience of Brightline’s SMART and PREMIUM services, with one-way fares starting at $79. The opening of this new station is a testament to Brightline’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the travel experience for passengers across the country. Click here for more details.