Guide to the Brightline Florida Train from Miami to Orlando

The Brightline Florida train is an excellent choice for travelers looking to avoid traffic on the highway between South Florida and Central Florida. Families heading to theme parks, business travelers, and tourists connecting between major hubs will find this service highly convenient. Because the Orlando station is located directly inside Orlando International Airport, it is particularly useful for those flying in or out of the region. Unlike Amtrak, this is a private intercity service with frequent trains a day as of 2026. This allows for flexible scheduling whether you are planning a day trip to Fort Lauderdale or a longer vacation in Miami. The modern stations and comfortable seating make it a strong competitor when comparing train vs plane vs car for regional travel.

Route overview

The Brightline Florida operates entirely within the state, running about 235 miles between Miami and Orlando. The full journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. This is a daytime service with no overnight trains. As of 2026, the service is fully operational with frequent trains a day. Additional stations on the line, such as along the Treasure Coast, have been announced, so you should check gobrightline.com for the latest updates.

Starting in the south, trains depart from MiamiCentral. This is a dedicated facility, separate from the Amtrak station in Miami. The route heads north through the urban centers of South Florida, making stops at Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Keep in mind that the Brightline stations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are also separate from the Amtrak stations in those cities. After leaving West Palm Beach, the train continues up the Atlantic coast before turning inland toward Central Florida. The northern terminus is the Orlando International Airport station, providing direct access to flight terminals and local transit.

What you see, section by section

Miami to West Palm Beach

Departing from MiamiCentral, the train travels north through the densely built Gold Coast cities. You will pass through a continuous urban landscape connecting Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. The scenery consists mostly of cityscapes, commercial districts, and residential neighborhoods. Since this section operates through heavily populated areas, the train moves through numerous road crossings and local transit corridors. Daylight trips offer clear views of the busy South Florida metropolitan area, while evening journeys showcase the glowing city skylines.

West Palm Beach to Cocoa area

After leaving West Palm Beach, the train continues north along the Atlantic coast toward the Cocoa area. The environment gradually becomes less congested than the southern cities. Once the train reaches the Cocoa area, it transitions onto a fast new line heading west directly to Orlando. This inland stretch allows the train to reach higher speeds as it crosses the central Florida landscape. The journey concludes upon arrival at the station located inside Orlando International Airport.

Classes and onboard

• Smart (standard)
• Premium (with lounge access and snacks)

Brightline Florida offers two classes of service for the journey between Miami and Orlando. The Smart class is the standard option, providing comfortable leather seats, power outlets, and complimentary Wi-Fi for staying connected on the train. This class is ideal for most travelers looking for a basic, reliable trip.

For a more upgraded experience, passengers can book the Premium class. This ticket includes access to exclusive station lounges before departure. On board, Premium passengers receive complimentary snacks and beverages at their seats. Choosing between the two classes depends on your budget and whether you value the lounge access and included refreshments. Both classes allow you to purchase additional food and drinks during the ride. Since this is a daytime route with a travel time of about 3 hours 30 minutes, there are no sleeper cars or dining cars like those found on long distance trains.