With the opening of the DeLand Station, SunRail extends its route length to 61 miles and connects four counties in Central Florida

On Friday, the SunRail commuter rail system expanded its network to 61 miles, connecting four Central Florida counties, Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Volusia, through 17 strategically located stations. This long-awaited goal was realized with the grand opening of the DeLand SunRail Station in Volusia County, which is the system’s northernmost stop. The new station not only fulfills a key goal of SunRail’s expansion, but is now expected to improve connectivity and accessibility for residents and commuters throughout the region.

The grand opening was attended by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, PE, Fifth District Secretary John E. Tyler, PE, and key partners of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, as well as elected officials from Volusia County, the City of DeLand and other Central Florida communities. Railroad industry representatives, civic organizations and community partners also gathered to celebrate this achievement with SunRail’s traditional bell ringing, confetti cannons and banners symbolizing each phase of SunRail’s growth since its founding in 2014.

“Today is an exciting day as we officially welcome DeLand and the surrounding community to the SunRail system,” said FDOT Secretary Perdue. “I am extremely proud of the efforts of all of our partners and FDOT team members who made this final section of the corridor a reality, realizing the original vision for the SunRail system.”

The first train is scheduled to depart the new station, the northernmost stop on the SunRail commuter rail system, at 5:15 a.m. on Monday, August 12. The DeLand station at 2491 Old New York Avenue is expected to become a major hub for commuters, offering them a stress-free and efficient alternative to driving.

SunRail operates 40 trains Monday through Friday, connecting communities from Poinciana to DeLand. With fares starting at $2 and discounts for seniors, youth and people with disabilities, SunRail provides an affordable and accessible transportation option. All stations are fully accessible and offer free parking, onboard restrooms, comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Tickets can be purchased through the SunRail Mobile app or at ticket machines on the platforms.

“We are proud of how SunRail connects our communities,” said Tyler, FDOT’s Fifth District Secretary. “SunRail serves thousands of commuters each week for work, education and leisure travel. It has attracted new development and economic opportunities near the stations and allowed us to reimagine and reinvent what it means to live and work in Central Florida.”

The new DeLand station, located adjacent to the existing Amtrak station, extends the SunRail line 12.2 miles from the DeBary station. The station’s design reflects DeLand’s historic charm and natural beauty and features a distinctive center platform that enhances the commuter experience.

Upon arrival at the DeLand station, passengers can choose from a variety of transportation options to get to their destination, including the VoRide rideshare service. A partnership with Votran, the City of DeLand and MainStreet DeLand will soon launch a free shuttle service to key locations in downtown DeLand. Additionally, cyclists are welcome on SunRail trains and can easily access downtown DeLand and nearby hiking trails.

SunRail’s commitment to the community is evident in its collaboration with local partners for special events, career opportunities and educational initiatives. The system has also supported transit-oriented development (TOD) projects near rail stations, with 41 projects totaling $1.8 billion completed or in progress.

For more information about SunRail, including schedules, fares and stop locations, visit www.SunRail.com. Also download the SunRail Mobile and SunRail Alerts apps. Remember to always use caution around trains, railroad crossings and platforms. Be careful. Be safe.