Brightline high-speed rail service between Orlando and Miami launched Friday, marking the first intercity private rail service in the U.S. in 100 years.
Train travel is often cheaper than flying, in part because you can generally take more with you before paying extra baggage fees. It can also be more convenient and relaxing than driving, especially if you'd be driving in an unfamiliar place or driving for many hours nonstop to get to your destination.
Amtrak tickets tend to be higher than air fares if you book a roomette or bedroom as the price includes meals and private accommodations. However, Amtrak coach seats are often cheaper than coach seats on a plane, especially if you purchase tickets in advance.
The Orlando service also will stop at existing stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, according to the private train company. Brightline says dedicated trains will continue to serve commuters and tourists in South Florida from Miami to West Palm Beach and back again.
Planning to book a bus from Orlando to Miami can be a safe bet when looking for a low-cost deal to your destination. Currently, a flight and a train are priced higher than the cost of a bus.
The Orlando Amtrak Station is near downtown Orlando at 1400 Sligh Blvd. Trains on the Silver Meteor and Silver Star routes stop at this historic 1926 station with service to cities including Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Washington D.C. and New York City. The Florida SunRail also stops at the station.
The Brightline train is a $5 billion bet by owner Fortress Investment Group that eventually 8 million people annually will take the 3.5-hour, 235-mile (378-kilometer) trip between Miami and Orlando — about 30 minutes less than the average drive.
Trains consume less energy and produce less harmful pollutants than either car or air travel. Hopping on an Amtrak train will save you gas and daily wear and tear on your car. It also reduces the ever-increasing traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies.
Amtrak is a little more expensive but the ride is more comfortable, safer, and the customer service on Amtrak is way better. It's worth it to spend the extra money and take Amtrak.
Many of the lines don't make any money or are operated at a loss. To accommodate the money-losing routes, Amtrak uses profits from its popular lines, such as the Northeast Corridor. Since this is one of the most popular routes, Amtrak can charge higher prices and send those profits to other, less profitable lines.
Arrivals and Departures May Be EasierWith Amtrak, you can show up 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled train arrival, and as a bonus, no security lines. Your nearby Amtrak station might also be closer than the airport, so consider drive time when choosing whether to fly or take the train.
BRIGHTLINE ORLANDO TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH SERVICE SEPTEMBER 22. Book your inaugural ride today! MIAMI (Sept. 13, 2023) – Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, today announced that service to Orlando International Airport will begin on September 22, 2023.
Take the BusBus companies offer service between Miami and Orlando at affordable prices. If you have a large group, a charter bus might also make sense. RedCoach USA offers bus service from Miami International Airport to Orlando. The bus makes several stops between the two destinations at various service plazas.