Riding the Brightline Train from Orlando: A Complete Guide for Florida Travelers
Discover what itâs like to ride Brightline from Orlando to Aventura. From Premium Lounges to high-speed comfort, this is Florida travel reimagined. Watch my full journey on YouTube!
A New Way to Travel in Florida
If youâre planning a Florida vacation, youâve probably already thought about flights, rental cars, and even driving yourself around the state. But what if I told you thereâs a high-speed train that makes travel between Orlando and South Florida not only easierâbut way more enjoyable?
A northbound Brightline train arrives at Aventura for an afternoon run to Orlando.
Thatâs exactly what Brightline offers. This sleek, modern train service connects Orlando with cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura, reaching speeds up to 125 mph. For family vacationers, Orlando travelers, and anyone who loves theme parks and cruises, Brightline is quickly becoming one of the best ways to get around Florida.
I recently took the Brightline from Orlando to Aventura, and I filmed the entire experience so you can see exactly what itâs like. Spoiler alert: it feels less like a train ride and more like flying business class on the ground. You can watch my full journey here đ
đ Watch the full Brightline Orlando to Aventura experience on YouTube
đī¸ Starting at the Brightline Orlando Station
My trip began at the brand-new Brightline Orlando Station, located at Orlando International Airport. If youâre flying into Orlando for a Disney World or Universal Orlando vacation, this is incredibly convenientâyou can land, grab your luggage, and head straight for the train without ever stepping outside.
The station itself feels more like an airport terminal than a train station. Itâs spacious, modern, and built with travelers in mind. Thereâs plenty of seating, a check-in process thatâs smooth and easy, and if youâve booked Premium Class, youâll have access to the Premium Lounge, which is a game-changer.
đˇ Inside the Brightline Premium Lounge
Brightline has two ticket options: Smart Class (their standard option) and Premium Class, which offers a more elevated travel experience. Since I wanted to see what all the hype was about, I opted for Premium.
Breakfast offerings at the Premium Lounge at the Brightline Orlando Train Station
The Premium Lounge in Orlando was impressive. Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks (yes, even wine and beer), and a quiet place to relax before boarding. If youâre traveling with kids, itâs also a lifesaver because it gives everyone space to decompress before hopping on the train.
This lounge alone already had me feeling like I was about to fly, not take a train.
đ All Aboard: The Brightline Train Experience
When it was time to board, the process was simple. Premium passengers board first, and the staff made everything easy. Walking into the Premium car, the first thing I noticed was how spacious and comfortable the seating was compared to what you might expect from a traditional train.
Seats: Wide, cushioned, and designed for comfort
Legroom: Plenty of space, even if youâre tall
Service: Complimentary drinks and snacks brought right to your seat
Wi-Fi and Outlets: Perfect for staying connected or charging devices
Brightline markets itself as a âdifferent kind of train experience,â and theyâre not kidding. Traveling at 125 mph while sipping a complimentary drink and stretching out in a comfy seat felt worlds away from the cramped flights and long car rides Iâve taken in Florida before.
đ Arriving at Aventura Station
After a smooth ride, I arrived at Aventura Station, which is another beautifully designed stop along Brightlineâs route. The station sits conveniently near Aventura Mall, one of the largest malls in Florida, and itâs a great jumping-off point if youâre planning to continue into Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Aventura Station | Brightline
For my trip, I explored some of the local attractions around Aventura, including food spots and shopping. This is one of the perks of Brightlineâit doesnât just drop you off in a random spot; stations are strategically placed near major hubs.
đ¨âđŠâđ§ Why Brightline is Perfect for Orlando Family Vacations
If youâre visiting Orlando for Disney World, Universal Orlando, or even a cruise out of Port Canaveral, Brightline adds a new option for extending your trip. Hereâs why I think itâs perfect for families and vacationers:
No Rental Cars Needed â Skip the hassle of driving on I-95.
Stress-Free Travel â No long TSA lines like the airport.
Comfort for Kids â Spacious seating, Wi-Fi, and the ability to move around.
Easy Connections â Arrive in Orlando, hop on Brightline, and head straight to South Florida.
Itâs also worth mentioning that for grandparents or extended family joining you in Florida, this is a safe and easy way for them to travel, too.
đĨ See the Full Journey on YouTube
I can tell you all about Brightline, but the truth isâyou really need to see it to believe it. From the station in Orlando to the Premium Lounge, to the 125-mph ride itself, I captured it all in my video.
đ Watch the full Brightline Orlando to Aventura experience on YouTube
If youâre planning a Florida trip, whether for theme parks, a cruise, or just to explore, Brightline might be the most enjoyable way to get around. I know Iâll be taking it again.
đ Final Thoughts
Brightline is more than just a train. Itâs a new way to experience Florida travel thatâs faster, more comfortable, and, honestly, a lot more fun than I expected. For Orlando travelers, family vacationers, or anyone curious about theme park getaways, Brightline is a fantastic addition to your trip.
And if you want the full behind-the-scenes look, donât miss my videoâitâs packed with footage from every step of the journey.
đ Click here to watch on YouTube
#BrightlineTrain #OrlandoTravel #FloridaVacation #FamilyTravel #TrainLife #LuxuryTravel #VisitFlorida #BrightlinePremium
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
đĨ Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
Search for more information on my blog.
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Brightline High Speed Train Will Add Stop Near Port Canaveral
High-speed train service between Orlando and Port Canaveral, Florida
Brightline, a high-speed passenger rail service has confirmed that a stop will be added to Cocoa, Florida, just 8 miles away from the Port Canaveral cruise terminal.
Brightline at Orlando International Airport
This new station will allow cruise passengers to travel swiftly between Orlando International Airport, the Orlando theme parks, and Port Canaveral, Floridaâs second-largest cruise terminal.
Cocoa, Florida is just south of Port Canaveral. And while a Cocoa station will be very convenient for cruise passengers, Brightline has shared that there are plans for a dedicated Port Canaveral station as well.
Brightline has a new terminal inside Terminal C at Orlando International Airport, so cruisers flying into MCO will have easy access to the trains.
Brightline trains currently run between Orlando and Miami, so this new station will also make Port Canaveral more accessible for South Florida passengers.
Orlando is home to the newest, largest, and most family-friendly cruise ships like Royal Caribbeanâs Utopia of the Seas and the Disney Treasure. See the Orlando-based cruise ship fleet >
Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian also have cruise ships homeported at Port Canaveral.
Funding is still being discussed and will rely heavily on state and federal grants. There is no date set for the opening but it will likely take several years to complete the project.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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