The arrival in northern Brevard County will provide access to another major tourist hub near Port Canaveral, the world’s second-largest cruise port.
Brightline, the high-speed train company, announced plans to build a stop in Cocoa in Brevard County as it continues expanding its Orlando-to-Miami rail line.
This is an announcement the Brevard County community has been awaiting, though much planning and decision-making remains before the train station becomes a reality. The company did not specify when construction will begin.
“This is a massive, transformative project for our community. It will be an economic boost for the city of Cocoa—not just for Cocoa but for the region. Tourism, jobs, everything,” said Samantha Senger of the City of Cocoa.
Brightline issued a statement from Katie Mitzner, the company’s director of public affairs, saying, “Brightline is ready to begin the formal process with Space Coast stakeholders to fulfill our vision of a station in Brevard County.
The Space Coast TPO, Brevard County, the City of Cocoa, and other community leaders have started bringing the region together to identify potential federal, state, and local funding for a station in Cocoa. We agree that now is the time to finalize a plan.”
The construction timeline and total project cost have yet to be determined.
The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization has said it will set aside a total of $15.5 million in federal grants it will receive in fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28 to help cover design and construction work for the station.
New stops
The Cocoa stop would be the second station between West Palm Beach and Orlando, as the line recently announced it will also build one in Treasure Coast at Stuart. Future extensions could take it to Tampa as well.
Expanding north into Brevard County provides access to another major tourist hub near Port Canaveral, the world’s second-largest cruise port. Brightline already partners with local transportation to bring passengers to PortMiami and Port Everglades from its stations.
It also opens access to attractions like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Cocoa Beach. The train route follows the Florida East Coast Railway corridor before turning west toward Orlando International Airport, adjacent to State Road 528.
The line said it recently surpassed 5 million passengers since beginning operations. It covers the 235-mile trip from Miami to Orlando in 3½ hours and reaches speeds of up to 125 mph.
Image: 15Minutos
