The Brightline train to Orlando leaves the West Palm Beach station
The long-awaited train route to the entertainment capital of Orlando begins Friday on Brightline trains carrying passengers
Greg Lovett, Palm Beach Post
You’ve just taken the two-hour Brightline train ride from West Palm Beach to Orlando and are about to enjoy all the fun in Disney Town, but there’s just one problem: you don’t have a car and you’re not in Disney World.
That’s because plans to expand from South Florida to the Orlando area no longer include a stop at Disney Springs, officials announced in 2022.
But instead of a station on Disney-owned property, Brightline has its station at Orlando International Airport and is then expected to build stations at the Orange County Convention Center and an alternative location near Disney Springs.
So what are your options?
The easiest thing: If you are traveling alone, Uber is the best option
Brightline drivers can now pre-book an Uber ride without leaving the Brightline app.
After selecting a train ride but before paying, Brightline app users are asked whether they need to book a ride before or after their train ride. Drivers can also add parking, luggage or pets here.
App users can choose whether they need to be dropped off at the origin station, picked up from the destination station, or both.
THE UBER PARTNERSHIP: Brightline and Uber are teaming up to offer another first and last mile option
This Brightline+ service also includes free private rides for premium ticket holders within 5 miles of all Brightline locations in South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach).
However, if you’re traveling with a family, it’s probably cheaper to take an Uber car through the Uber app once it’s dropped off at the Brightline station. This is because the Uber app does not charge per person and only offers a flat rate for the ride.
For more information and details about Brightline+, including connectivity options for Orlando, visit gobrightline.com/mobility.
To Resorts and Hotels: Take the Shared Connect Shuttle
The 24-hour, Florida-style shuttle service takes passengers to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts.
HISTORICAL PATH: The historic route of Brightline trains from South Florida to Orlando. Here’s what you should know
One-way fares for adults start at just $16 and for children they start at $13. Children up to and including 3 years travel free of charge.
For added comfort: A luxurious private ride
Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between Brightline Orlando Station and the surrounding area.
Arrive at your Orlando destination in style with a selection of luxury sedans, SUVs and vans. Prices start at $63 per vehicle.
BRIGHTLINE TO ORLANDO: What riders can expect on their first rides this weekend and beyond
Reservations can be made or added during the booking process by adjusting a trip closer to travel dates starting October 4th. After booking, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions, including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers.
For longer stays: Brightline’s partnership with Avis Car Rental
Avis rental cars are now available in Orlando at Miami Central, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura Mall locations. In Orlando, guests can reserve a rental car in Terminal C, just a short walk from the train station.
BEST WAY TO ORLANDO: Drive, fly or Brightline: What’s the best way to get from South Florida to Orlando?
In addition to BrightLine preferential rates, guests can manage their rental by downloading the Avis app.
Brightline guests can receive special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.
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Avis Car Rental operates one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with around 5,500 locations in approximately 170 countries.
James Coleman is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Support our journalism. Subscribe today.