Brightline Unveils ‘Freedom Express’ Train to Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary

Published: February 20, 2026

Orlando, FL — Brightline, the privately operated passenger railroad based in Florida, this week unveiled its new Freedom Express train, a specially wrapped 10-coach train celebrating key moments in American history as part of nationwide observances marking the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.

The inaugural service of the Freedom Express took place on Presidents Day, February 16, with a ceremonial run from Orlando to Miami, welcoming community leaders, first responders, transportation advocates, and other invited guests aboard the first historic journey.

The Freedom Express isn’t just another passenger train — each of its ten coaches has been transformed with a bold, patriotic exterior wrap that depicts significant milestones in the nation’s story. Brightline partnered with America250, the congressionally established national commission leading events for the USA’s semiquincentennial, in creating the train’s evocative design.

Highlights of the historic scenes featured along the Freedom Express include:

The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.
Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address during the Civil War.
The Golden Spike ceremony of 1869 that completed the first transcontinental railroad.
The Statue of Liberty and waves of immigration through Ellis Island.
The Wright brothers’ first flight and the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

These scenes are designed to form a rolling timeline — visually narrating the nation’s progress while riding along the tracks between Florida’s major cities.

Commemorating National Pride Through Rail

In remarks shared during the debut, Patrick Goddard, Chief Executive Officer of Brightline Florida, emphasized the symbolic nature of the Freedom Express, noting that the train represents both historical reflection and modern innovation in American transportation. “This is one of the most meaningful and visually powerful train wraps yet, and we’re proud to share it with communities across the state of Florida,” he said.

Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250, echoed that sentiment, calling the Freedom Express a unique “opportunity to reflect on the moments that have shaped our nation and the people who continue to move it forward.”

Brightline intends to keep the Freedom Express in regular rotation on its Florida routes — including stops at West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami — through July 2026, allowing everyday travelers to experience the commemorative service.

In conjunction with the Freedom Express, Brightline is participating in broader anniversary programming. The company has announced partnerships with cultural institutions like the HistoryMiami Museum, where passengers may have the chance to view historic artifacts such as original founding-era documents as part of the year’s events.

While Brightline continues to expand its passenger rail offerings — with service between South Florida and Orlando and future extensions planned — the Freedom Express stands out as a celebratory landmark, blending historical storytelling with the daily rhythm of contemporary rail travel.