How to take Brightline & Amtrak to Disney World

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? While most people think of flying, did you know you can take a train instead? Traveling by Brightline or Amtrak to Disney World offers a relaxing, scenic alternative, with perks such as private rooms, onboard dining, and the option to bring your car.

Train travel feels magical to me, so why not take it to the most magical place on Earth?

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your magical train journey to Disney World with Amtrak or Brightline, even if you are using Amtrak in Florida.

Grab your mouse ears and a cup of Beverly, and let’s get started!

Essential factors to consider before taking the train to Disney World

While Amtrak, Brightline, and Florida’s regional trains don’t stop directly on Disney property, they provide convenient access to nearby stations. From there, you can use public buses, rideshares, or taxis to reach Disney Transport.

Getting from the Train Station to Walt Disney World (WDW)

• Auto Train: If you want to have your car in Florida, Amtrak’s Auto Train is a great option, allowing you to bring your vehicle on the train and drive to the resort!
• Public Transit & Car Rentals: Many train stations offer public bus service to nearby airports, with various car rental options. (This guide will discuss car rentals in more depth later.)

Navigating Disney World

• Public transportation typically drops you off at Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) or Disney Springs.
  • You can use Disney’s complimentary transportation system (buses, monorails, and boats) to reach your destination.
• If you need to go directly to your resort, consider using a rideshare service for convenience.

Luggage & Disney Buses

When arriving at your resort, have a plan for handling your luggage. Here are some key Disney bus rules to keep in mind:

• Walt Disney World Resort buses do not allow luggage or alcohol on board.
• Strollers must be folded and stored out of the aisle.
• Dieseny treats Medical strollers for guests with disabilities as wheelchairs.

If traveling with large bags or extra luggage, you may need alternative transportation, such as a rideshare or taxi.

Amtrak Routes to Disney

Amtrak offers three long-distance trains along the East Coast, making it a fantastic choice for travelers heading to Disney World in Florida! Each route originates in a different city, so you can start your journey there or connect as needed. If you are interested, you can check out my post on Amtrak in Florida.

Your starting point will determine how many connections you’ll need and how much time you’ll spend on the rails.

Regardless of your route, these trains offer coach and sleeper accommodations for a comfortable journey.

If you get hungry, you can visit the café or the dining car, or bring your food and drinks. The Silver Meteor and Floridian provide traditional dining for all passengers. Please note that Amtrak may have limited coach seating available. On the Auto Train, coach passengers do not have access to the dining car but can use the café car.

Booking your train adventure is easy, with multiple options available. You can reserve tickets through Amtrak’s website or app. If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit a staffed Amtrak station.

If your selected start and end points do not match within Amtrak’s system, you might experience a booking error when booking your Amtrak trip. Sometimes, this may require an overnight stay before boarding your next train, particularly when connecting to the Lake Shore Limited. When traveling on the Cardinal route, consider adjusting your travel date to ensure a smoother experience. Flexibility is essential when planning your Amtrak journey.

Up next: a closer look at these trains’ accommodations and dining options!

Silver Meteor

The Silver Meteor runs between New York City and Miami, offering a picturesque journey along the East Coast.

• Stops include major cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Charleston, SC.
• You can connect to this train from other long-distance or regional Amtrak trains at multiple locations, including New York and Washington, DC.
• Perfect for travelers from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic regions seeking a direct route to Florida.

Visit my dedicated Silver Meteor page for the complete schedule, route highlights, and tips to maximize your trip!

Floridian (Formerly part of the Silver Star)

The Floridian connects the Midwest to Florida, beginning in Chicago, passing through Washington, D.C., and continuing south to Miami.

• This train combines the Capitol Limited and Silver Star routes, providing a seamless option for travelers between the Midwest and the East Coast.
• You can connect to this train from other long-distance or regional Amtrak trains at various locations, often in Washington, DC. The Northeast Corridor also allows connections to this train.
• It is ideal for those discovering Florida as they journey from the Midwest.

Learn more about the Floridian on my dedicated page, where you’ll find schedules, route details, and travel tips for this exciting new service!

Auto Train

The Auto Train is the ultimate solution for those who want to bring their vehicle. 

• Operating between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL, it offers the convenience of having your car waiting for you upon arrival.
• You must take a car with you on this train.
• This service, which caters to families and road-trippers, combines the convenience of train travel with the flexibility of driving to your destination.

Visit my Auto Train page for schedules, vehicle requirements, and tips to ensure a smooth journey!

Amenities on Amtrak Trains to Disneyland

Amtrak trains serve the Magic Kingdom and beyond, with various accommodations to suit your travel preferences. This section describes what you can expect on board.

It’s important to note:

• The Silver Meteor and Floridian operate as single-level Viewliner trains, while
• The Auto Train features a two-story Superliner design.

Dining Options

• Café Car: When hunger strikes and you’re ready for a quick bite, this car offers snacks, drinks, and light meals.
  • This car is a welcoming space for all passengers!
• Traditional Dining Car: If you book a sleeping accommodation, you can enjoy complimentary, chef-prepared, sit-down meals. This car is available to all sleeping-car passengers.
  • Limited seating is available for coach passengers on the Floridian and Silver Meteor, with meals at set prices.

Accommodations

Amtrak offers a variety of seating and sleeping options to ensure a comfortable journey.

Click the links for more details about each accommodation:

• Coach Class: Spacious seats with generous legroom and reclining options, perfect for daytime or overnight travel.
• Roomettes: Compact private space for one or two passengers featuring seats that convert into beds
  • Viewliner Roomettes: Available on the Silver Meteor and Floridian
  • Superliner Roomettes: Available on the Auto Train
• Bedrooms: Larger private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, ideal for extra comfort on longer trips
• Accessible Bedrooms: Designed for passengers with disabilities, offering additional space and accessibility features
• Family Room: Available on the Auto Train, these rooms are ideal for families traveling with young children.

Connecting from planes to Amtrak trains

Combining air and rail travel can be crucial for domestic and international travelers, mainly when arriving at major U.S. airports with rail connections. Many airports offer convenient access to Amtrak trains, and in certain instances, they even provide direct links:

Heading South:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • BWI offers a convenient train connection via Amtrak’s NEC or the MARC Penn Line to Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, where you can catch Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor or Silver Meteor to Florida.
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • It’s easy to connect from Newark to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor at Newark Penn Station, which runs through major cities in the Northeast and beyond.

Heading North:

• Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • While not an Amtrak train, you can take Brightline from Miami International Airport via a shuttle to Orlando International Airport (MCO), where buses can transport visitors to Disney World.
    • I put a video in the following sections to guide you from Miami to Disney.
  • This option is an excellent choice for international travelers seeking a relatively seamless transition from flights to ground transportation without the hassle of renting a car.

In addition to these direct rail connections, other airports, such as Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, provide access to Amtrak services, and regional trains offer additional connections.

This guide highlights airports with direct Amtrak service or rail connections, such as Brightline, so that you can enjoy an easy, efficient journey after your flight.

Brightline: A Convenient Alternative to Amtrak

Brightline offers a modern, efficient, and stylish way to travel to Orlando, making it an excellent option for travelers from South Florida or flying into Miami. Although it is not part of the Amtrak system, Brightline offers a similar level of convenience with sleek trains and a focus on comfort.

Why choose Brightline?

Brightline is perfect for travelers who:

• If you live in southern Florida and want to avoid the stress of driving.
• Those flying into Miami need a fast connection to Orlando.
• Appreciate a clean, modern train experience with excellent amenities.

Traveling with Brightline helps you save on wear and tear, parking fees, and other driving costs while enjoying a relaxing journey.

Brightline dining options

Brightline offers onboard food and beverage options to enhance your trip experience. Passengers in Premium Class also receive complimentary snacks and drinks, adding an extra touch of luxury to the experience.

Explore the complete Brightline menu to see what’s available during your journey.

Brightline accommodations

Brightline offers two seating options:

• “Smart Class”: The Brightline Smart Class offers comfort and affordability, featuring ample legroom and onboard Wi-Fi.
• “Premium Class”: Includes priority boarding, spacious seating, complimentary food and drinks, and access to exclusive lounges at select stations.

Select the class that best suits your budget and travel preferences.

Learn more about Brightline and buy tickets!

Getting from the Brightline Orlando Station to Walt Disney World

Brightline Orlando Station is conveniently located at Orlando International Airport (MCO), providing several options to get to Disney World:

• Private Bus Services: Shuttles such as Mears Connect provide direct service to the Disney resort.
• Rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, offer quick, flexible options, though they may be more expensive.
• Public Transportation: Budget-friendly Lynx buses connect you to Disney Springs, where Disney Transport takes you to your destination.
• Car Rentals: Multiple car rental companies are available at MCO for those who prefer driving.

Combining Brightline’s “high-speed” service with these transportation options ensures a smooth, hassle-free trip to the most magical place on Earth!

Which Amtrak station is the best to access Disney World?

The two main Amtrak stations to Disney World are Orlando and Kissimmee. The best choice depends on your travel style, whether you prefer public transportation or plan to rent a car. I do have my preference.

Orlando: an option to go from the train to Disney World

You will find the station at 1400 Sligh Boulevard. Orlando, FL 32806-3905

Many travelers choose Orlando instinctively because it is the airport they fly into. However, there is no direct public transportation to Disney World, making it hectic to navigate the available options.

• Car Rentals
  • A short bus ride to the airport provides access to several car rental agencies at MCO.
  • Or consider renting a car that can be delivered to you.
• Public Transport:
  • SunRail to Lynx Bus 300:
    • A short train ride followed by a bus connection.
    • Orlando to Lynx Central: Take a short walk to the bus and hop on.
  • Bus 40 to 300: A longer bus route, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Taxi and Rideshare:
  • Taxis and rideshares are available; however, the station’s high traffic can cause delays or confusion during busy periods.
• Universal Studios Connection:
  • If you’re considering visiting the “other park,” Orlando is an excellent option, especially if you’re heading to Universal Studios instead of Disney!
  • The Lynx Bus 40 provides a convenient and direct route to the park, making your trip more seamless.

Check out the official station page for more information about the Orlando Station (ORL).

Kissimmee: A better option for a Disney World adventure

You will find the Kissimmee Amtrak (Transportation Center) at 111 East Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741-5723

For Disney-bound travelers, this is the lesser-known option, but I highly recommend Kissimmee for its simplicity and convenience. This smaller, less crowded station offers easier connections to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center.

• Local Amenities
  • Several nearby spots for food and drinks are ideal for waiting for a ride or taking a quick break during travel.
• Public Transport – Lynx Bus 56:
  • This bus takes you to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, and the stop is just a short walk from the station. The train operates every 30 minutes, starting at 4 am and continuing until the last service.
  • The 56 Lynx bus can take you between the Kissimmee Transportation Center/Amtrak Station and the Disney campus. The link above should provide you with the costs, route maps, and other available information.
• Taxi and Rideshare:
  • The smaller size of the Kissimmee station makes arranging rideshare pickups and taxi service easier than in Orlando.

Check out the official station page for more information about the Kissimmee Station (KIS).

Choosing Between Orlando and Kissimmee

When deciding which station to use, think about how you will navigate the area after your train arrives:

• Choose Orlando if you’re renting a car or heading to Universal Studios.
• Choose Kissimmee if you want a straightforward public transit option to Disney or prefer a less hectic station experience.

Both stations have their benefits, but Kissimmee is my top recommendation for a smooth journey to Disney World.

My experience with taking Amtrak to Disney World

Having traveled to Disney World by Amtrak, I can confidently say it is an enjoyable and convenient way to reach the magic.

Trains are my magical place, especially a room in a sleeping car. So, why not take it to another magical place? The last time I took Amtrak to Disney World, I upgraded to a roomette. This upgrade allowed me to sleep horizontally, enjoy privacy, access complimentary meals, and use the onboard shower, making the trip even more comfortable. The bedrooms are excellent, too!

Arriving at the Kissimmee station and catching the bus to Disney World is straightforward.

The city bus is clean, user-friendly, and easy to navigate—especially if you’re familiar with public transportation. If you’re new to city buses, the Lynx website offers helpful tips to ensure a smooth ride before you hop on the bus to Living with the Land in Epcot.

If you pack light, the bus is a great option. However, rideshares may be more convenient if you have heavier luggage and prefer a more direct route, or if you need to travel to or from your resort.

Please note that Walt Disney World buses do not accommodate luggage. Instead, consider taking a rideshare to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) or the station; it may be more cost-effective. Compare your choices to see what works best for you.

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Amtrak to Disney World wrap-up

I hope this guide helps you plan your Amtrak trip to Disney World!

While both stations work well, one may be a better fit for your needs. I prefer Kissimmee because I get a little more train time on the way south, and it’s less hectic. Catching the bus is an affordable and easy option.

Whether you relax in a coach seat or upgrade to a roomette for extra comfort, embrace the journey and enjoy the adventure of train travel. Don’t forget to pack light to make your connections go more smoothly.

Have a wonderful trip, and enjoy the magic waiting for you at Disney World! Please ride the Jungle Cruise for me so you can see the “backside of water!“

Happy Planning & Safe Travels!

Kev