Nationwide, companies are rolling out specialized programs and offers aimed at celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day in patriotic fashion.
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Florida’s top rail company, Brightline, recently debuted a decked-out train called the Freedom Express. The Freedom Express was designed in partnership with America250, a bipartisan group launched by Congress. America250’s goal is to help lead and support celebrations for the US’s 250th Fourth of July celebrations.
Here’s what you need to know about Brightline’s Freedom Express, including what makes the train’s design so unique and how you can ride the Freedom Express this year.
Inside the Freedom Express
The Freedom Express has ten coaches total. Each is decorated to commemorate a unique and impactful moment in American history, starting back when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
Here’s a glimpse at a few designs based on historical moments: the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the history of Ellis Island as a center for immigration, the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial.
Above, you can see which events inspired each coach’s design. The coaches are organized in chronological order, meaning the closer to the conductor you are, the earlier the historical moment depicted.
Here’s how to ride Brightline’s themed train
Brightline connects Orlando to Miami via Orlando and Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Stops include Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami.
The Freedom Express is part of Brightline’s Siemens Mobility trainset that offers service between Miami and Orlando. You can select your own seats when boarding routes to and from Orlando via the Smart and Premium Classes. Otherwise, seats are assigned—meaning you can’t choose which coach you ride on the Freedom Express.
The Freedom Express runs as part of Brightline’s regular route service, which will continue through July 2026. Additionally, not all routes will be available for Freedom Express. In other words, regular Brightline trains also fulfill service between Orlando and Miami.
If you want to reserve your spot, book in advance and stay flexible so you can find a time slot with the Freedom Express that works for you.
