The City of Cocoa and the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) have been awarded approximately $57.5 million to bring a Brightline train station to the Space Coast. This will bring a station near Port Canaveral, one of the home ports of Disney Cruise Line.
Brightline Coming to Cocoa
The grant comes from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which selected the Cocoa Multimodal Station and Rail Project for the National Railroad Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.
“Brightline already connects Orlando to South Florida, and now we are one major step closer to bringing that connection directly to the Space Coast,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos. “This $57.5 million investment will make the Cocoa Multimodal Station a reality, giving residents and visitors another way to travel across our state while supporting the continued growth of Brevard County. I am proud that I secured this funding to bring this critical transportation investment home to Florida’s 8th District.”
Brightline currently runs through Brevard County, connecting Orlando International Airport to Miami, but there is no station in the area.
The SCTPO conducted an initial Station Location Analysis in 2016, identifying a preferred location in Cocoa near US 1/SR 528 and SR 501 (Clearlake Road). They completed a formal Intermodal Feasibility Station Study in October 2024.
The station will improve access to destinations like Kennedy Space Center (17 miles away) and Port Canaveral (10 miles away), one of the home ports of Disney Cruise Line.
“This is a transformational moment for the City of Cocoa and the entire Space Coast,” said Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake. “This station in Cocoa will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The Space Coast will no longer be a pass-through for passenger rail. This is an investment in our community’s future and a milestone that will benefit generations to come.
“Brightline is thrilled to partner with the City of Cocoa and the SCTPO on this monumental step forward for Florida’s transportation infrastructure,” said Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline Trains Florida. “From the moment we launched our Orlando expansion, the Space Coast has been an important part of our vision. This grant is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, and we look forward to building, operating, and welcoming passengers to a world-class station that connects Brevard County to the rest of the state.”
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