A New Era in Florida Travel: Brightline's Orlando Train Station Unveiled
By: Steve Turk
In a significant step forward for the future of travel in the Sunshine State, Brightline, the first privately-funded intercity high-speed passenger train in the United States in over a century, has recently unveiled its new Orlando station. Alongside this milestone, the company announced ticket pricing and schedules for its much-anticipated Miami to Orlando route. In a podcast interview with The Hospitality Mentor, Brightline President Patrick Goddard delved into the company's vision, services, and ambitions to transform the transportation industry.
Scheduled to launch ticket sales in May, with the service beginning in Summer 2023, Brightline aims to offer a luxurious and convenient travel experience between Florida's two largest cities. One-way tickets will start at $79, while premium seats will be available from $149. Family packages accommodating four travelers will begin at under $199. As a key player in the transportation sector, the company expects to accommodate 4.3 million long-distance passengers annually.
The Orlando station, a sprawling 37,350 square feet facility, boasts a bar, lounges, and a marketplace, reflecting the company's dedication to creating a refined travel experience. In the podcast interview, Goddard elaborated on Brightline's commitment to providing a comfortable journey, likening the stations to hotel lobbies and emphasizing the trains' focus on experience. "These are trains that have leather seats, great Wi-Fi, and outlets that you don't have to crawl under your seat to plug into," Goddard explained. With his extensive background in hotels and restaurants, the company seeks to bring a hospitality-driven approach to the world of transportation.
The new route will feature 16 roundtrips per day, providing express and regular train options. Express trains will run non-stop between Miami and Orlando, taking just 2 hours and 59 minutes, while regular trains stopping at all Brightline stations will have a run time of three hours and 30 minutes.
Patrick Goddard - President at Brightline Trains
Goddard highlighted the practical advantages of the new train service, emphasizing that the three-hour travel time between Miami and Orlando is competitive when considering the lack of restaurant or restroom stops along the way. Furthermore, passengers can avoid the inconveniences of weather or traffic conditions, making for a more enjoyable journey.
In addition to the Orlando extension, Brightline has set its sights on further expansion, with a second project in the works connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This ambitious undertaking envisions trains reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, further cementing the company's status as a leader in modern transportation.
As Brightline's Orlando station marks a new chapter in Florida's travel landscape, visitors and residents alike can look forward to a seamless, luxurious, and efficient journey between Miami and Orlando. With its innovative approach to transportation and hospitality, Brightline is poised to redefine the way we travel in the United States and beyond.