Brightline’s high-speed train service connecting southern and central Florida will finally make its passenger debut Friday, September 22, after a series of long delays and more recently short ones. Final approval has come from the Federal Railroad Administration after completion of testing.
The trip from Miami to Orlando will take about 3.5 hours, with the Orlando station located near the Orlando Airport. Adult fares for the route start at $79 for regular service, described as being like business class in the air, and $149 for a first-class service with more amenities.
For the moment, the service is expected to draw Miami-area passengers to the theme-park-rich Orlando area, and potentially put international flights at Miami’s airport within better reach of central Florida residents. Brightline plans to extend the line across the state to Tampa, and may add an Orlando station closer to the parks, although not the one originally planned for Disney World.
