Florida, a tourism hotspot attracting over 135 million visitors each year, has long faced a travel inconvenience: the 200-mile distance between Orlando and Miami. Enter Brightline, an inter-city rail company with a new high-speed train route connecting these two major cities, offering a convenient and efficient solution for travelers and cruise passengers alike.
Recently, the Brightline Orlando station was unveiled at the Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is now the only airport in the nation with an intercity high-speed passenger rail station. The Miami-Orlando route is set to debut this summer, covering the distance in just under 3 hours, significantly faster than the minimum 3.5-hour drive that does not include the guaranteed traffic.
This high-speed rail connection offers several benefits to cruise passengers. Florida’s east coast is home to three of the world’s busiest cruise ports: PortMiami, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral. With Brightline, travelers can now combine Orlando and Miami attractions in a single trip without needing rental cars and parking.
Cruise passengers can enjoy the theme parks and attractions in Central Florida before heading to South Florida for their cruise or vice versa. For drive-to-port passengers, Brightline eliminates the need to drive through densely populated areas on their way to the cruise port. Furthermore, parking at a Brightline station is more affordable than at Port Miami, with pre-paid rates of $7 per day compared to $28 per day.
While the Brightline stations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale are not within walking distance to their respective cruise ports, they are only a short car ride away. A partnership with Uber allows passengers to book a combined fare from Orlando International Airport to Port Miami or Port Everglades, including the Uber ride from Brightline’s stations, making the process seamless.
Brightline is currently operational between Miami and West Palm Beach, and the Orlando International Extension is set to debut this summer. One-way fares from Miami to Orlando start at $79 per person for Smart class and $149 per person for Premium Class, with a special family of four fare available for under $199.
Passengers in Smart Class enjoy free Wi-Fi and comfortable 19-inch seats, with the option to buy snacks and beverages onboard. In Premium Class, travelers are treated to spacious 21-inch seats and complimentary snacks and drinks. Additionally, Premium Class passengers have access to the exclusive Premium lounge at Brightline’s stations.
The Brightline train not only offers a solution to the long-standing travel issue between Orlando and Miami, but it also enhances the vacation experience for cruise passengers and tourists, opening up more possibilities for combining attractions and simplifying travel logistics.
