Ongoing project · Transportation

Miami to Orlando in about 3½ hours by train

Operating since 2018; Orlando since 2023

Brightline connects downtown Miami to Orlando with trains reaching 125 mph, and its stations are reshaping the neighborhoods around them.

Concept illustration of a yellow and silver passenger train at an elevated downtown Miami station at dusk — AI concept illustration — not an official Brightline image.

The project

Florida’s privately run intercity train

Brightline started service between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in 2018, reached downtown Miami later that year and extended to Orlando in September 2023. The line runs 235 miles, with trains reaching 125 mph on the stretch near Orlando.

Route: Miami to Orlando, 235 miles
Stops: Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Orlando
Travel time: About 3½ hours Miami to Orlando
Top speed: 125 mph, between Orlando and Cocoa
Miami station: MiamiCentral downtown, connected to Metrorail, Metromover and Tri-Rail
Coming next: Stations announced for Stuart (planned by 2029) and Cocoa (planned by 2030)

Why it matters · Our view

Train stations tend to pull development toward them: homes, offices and shops within walking distance of a station become more attractive. Watch the blocks around MiamiCentral, Aventura and the future stations.

Sources

Brightline — official website (opens in a new tab) (route and stations)
Brightline overview (opens in a new tab) (opening dates, route length, speed, travel time, planned stations)