In a historic moment for transportation in America and a major transportation upgrade for the state of Florida, Brightline has unveiled its much-awaited Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The new intercity high-speed passenger rail station will make Orlando International the only airport in the nation with such a facility. The passenger rail station will connect Central and South Florida, two of the fastest-growing regions in the state. The move has been welcomed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which sees it as a transformative moment in transportation.
During the unveiling, more than 300 guests including elected officials, community leaders, and representatives of the tourism and hospitality sectors got the first glimpse of the station. Brightline CEO Mike Reininger, President Patrick Goddard, and their teammates were joined by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Kevin Thibault to celebrate the occasion.
The CEO of GOAA, Kevin Thibault, expressed excitement about the transformative moment for transportation that the partnership with Brightline represents. He spoke to the benefits to mobility between two of the state’s bustling regions, as well as the fulfillment of a multi-modal vision from the airport’s original design criteria decades ago. Passengers who arrive or depart from Orlando International will now have another option to connect to and from South Florida making travel more convenient and reducing the number of cars on the road.
This development also marks a significant investment in passenger rail, as noted by FRA Administrator Amit Bose. As such, it illustrates the growing importance of sustainability and efficient transportation methods in today’s world. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Brightline and GOAA, as well as a step forward in providing more options for travelers and reducing the overall carbon footprint of transportation.
As a provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail transportation in America, Brightline has established itself as a game-changer in the industry. With the opening of the Orlando Station, it’s spacious lounges and signature yellow interiors, the station promises a modern and eco-friendly travel experience.
Brightline has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Travel, offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. As the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, higher-speed rail service in America. It currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. With immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California, the company aims to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive.
Orlando ticket sales will start in May for future dates, with one-way fares starting at $79 for SMART and $149 for PREMIUM. Brightline is also offering SMART fare bundles for families of four, which will be available for less than $199 one way.
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 televisionsand 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
First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 10:15 a.m.
First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 9:15 a.m.
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.
Brightline Orlando Station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami that also designed the newly-opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority-owned business, that employed more than 100 workers on this project.