In case you missed it, Brightline is at the Orlando International Airport… but that doesn’t mean you can just show up and wing it.

If you’re planning to hop on a Brightline train out of Terminal C, you need to know the lay of the land before you get there. We’re talking parking chaos, sneaky shuttle wait times, and the kind of long walks that’ll have you questioning your luggage choices. Here’s everything you need to know about Brightline’s Orlando Station— because yes, there are rules, and yes, ignoring them will absolutely backfire.

Rule #1: Do NOT assume parking will be easy.

This is an airport. Parking here is never chill. Brightline riders have a few options — but if you’re expecting to just pull up and grab a space in two minutes, we’ve got news for you.

You’ve got a couple of choices:

• Garage C is the closest option (next to Brightline Orlando Station), and it’s your best bet for convenience. But it fills up fast, especially during holidays or peak travel windows. You can reserve a spot up to 365 days in advance—and you should.
• If Garage C is full, your next closest option is the South Park Place Economy Lot. There’s a shuttle that’ll get you to Terminal C, but once you’re dropped off, it’s still a 13-minute walk to the Brightline station. That’s fine if you packed light, less fine if you’ve got kids, strollers, and Mickey-shaped everything.
• WallyPark offers a great deal (30% off and under $10/day), but it comes with a catch: shuttle times can be all over the place, especially during holidays. You could be waiting 30–45 minutes, so factor that into your timeline.
• Brightline also has three open-air surface lots specifically for guests, all priced at $20/day. These are good if you’ve got E-Pass or SunPass Plus, but they’re not open to just anyone with a car.

Moral of the story: leave early and reserve your spot if you can. No one wants to miss their train because they were circling the airport like it’s a mall on Christmas Eve.

Rule #2: If you’re ridesharing, you better drop the RIGHT address.

Brightline doesn’t want you to guess your drop-off point. If you’re taking Uber, Lyft, or a private car, use this exact address:

• 10705 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

That’ll put you right at the Brightline entrance. From there, just head up to Level 5 via elevator or escalator to access the train platform. Miss this and get dropped off at the wrong terminal? You’re looking at a solid hike (or another ride).

Rule #3: Watch out for shuttle confusion.

Not all shuttles take you directly to Brightline. In fact, none of them do unless you’re coming from WallyPark.

• Shared connect shuttles drop you at Terminal C, and from there it’s another 13-minute walk to the station.
• Same thing with the South Park Place Lot—you get a shuttle to Terminal C, then you’re on foot.

This isn’t a huge deal, but if you’re in a hurry or wrangling a lot of gear, that extra walk can be a dealbreaker. Build in the time so you’re not sprinting across the terminal with your coffee spilling everywhere.

Rule #4: Know your station hours.

The Brightline station at Orlando International is open every day from 4:00 AM to 12:15 AM. That means if your flight is delayed past midnight, or you’re hoping to catch a super early train, you need to double-check your timing.

Also: parking lots are open 24/7, but the station is not. So don’t plan to kill hours there overnight thinking it’ll be open—it won’t.

Rule #5: Don’t roll in last minute.

Even if you nailed your parking or your rideshare dropped you at the perfect spot, Brightline trains don’t wait. The station is gorgeous and sleek and feels a little like a spaceship terminal, but it’s still an airport-adjacent experience, meaning things can and will take longer than you expect.

You’ll want to be parked, through the doors, and up at the station well before your departure time. Think 45–60 minutes ahead, just to be safe.

So yeah, Brightline at Terminal C is a game-changer for getting to South Florida or the parks without driving. But just like everything else at MCO, you’ve gotta play by the rules if you want a smooth ride.

We’re keeping tabs on everything happening at Terminal C and beyond, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates.

The New Rules You HAVE To Follow In the Orlando Airport

Have you taken Brightline out of Orlando yet? Let us know in the comments below.