The first 3-hour train rides between Orlando and Miami started today, ushering in a new era of connectivity between Central and South Florida.
On Friday, Brightline officially kicked off its direct, high-speed rail service between Orlando International Airport and various points along the east coast of Florida.
The new, daily service features 16 round trips that take place hourly, beginning as early as 5 a.m. from Orlando to Miami.
“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,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline, in a press statement issued by the company last week.
Tickets for the new service start at $79 per passenger, each way, while tickets for children start at $39 per passenger, each way. Groups of four or more passengers will save an additional 25 percent on fares.
The business offers two different types of tickets for adults, including its SMART tickets, which it describes as “comfortable business-class,” and its “first-class experience” PREMIUM tickets. Premium tickets start at $149 per guest, each way, and feature a collection of amenities.
Earlier this week, Brightline made various announcements regarding some of its corporate partnerships, including a new relationship with Mears Transportation, who will provide door-to-door service from Brightline stations to end destinations. The company also announced that is has partnered with Orlando Health, who will take over naming rights of the station in Orlando.
Originally scheduled to kick off on Labor Day weekend, Brightline delayed its September 1 launch date while it worked through “final stages of certification and crew testing.”
In April, the company celebrated the opening of its terminal at Orlando International Airport, and in May, it announced that all of its customers would have access to free, high-speed WiFi through Starlink.
In June, the company completed construction of the 170-mile railway, which stops at all other Brightline stations in addition to Miami, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.
To make a reservation through the new system, visit Brightline online.