The Brightline higher-speed rail service travels between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando at varying speeds depending on the section of the track. For the majority of the journey between Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa (just east of Orlando), the train operates at speeds up to 110 mph as it travels along the existing Florida East Coast Railway corridor. Once the train turns west onto the brand-new, dedicated tracks heading toward Orlando International Airport (MCO), it accelerates to its maximum speed of 125 mph. The total travel time for the approximately 200-mile trip from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando is roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes, which is significantly faster and more consistent than the typical 3.5 to 4-hour drive on the Florida Turnpike or I-95, especially during peak traffic periods. In 2026, Brightline continues to market this route as the "Freedom Express," celebrating America's 250th anniversary by offering a stress-free alternative to road congestion. The trains use clean-burning diesel-electric locomotives and offer high-end amenities like "Starlink" Wi-Fi and leather seats, maintaining a high-speed "premium" feel throughout the journey.