ORLANDO, Fla. — According to area leaders, Orlando International Airport will see an overhaul of changes at terminals, parking and other operations in the next five to 10 years.
But one project still even further off in the distance — the expansion of SunRail, to finally bring service to the airport.
What You Need To Know
Florida Department of Transportation officials say the project to bring SunRail to Orlando International Airport could cost upwards of $4 billion
FDOT is currently working on a study to determine the feasibility, cost and environmental considerations for the project
The Sunshine Corridor would connect the existing rails to the airport and attractions area
Officials said the PD&E study will take a few years to complete
Earlier this week, the city of Orlando approved the transportation master plan, which does include some funding plans for a SunRail expansion to the airport. But a completed conceptual design for the project is still likely years away.
According to information from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, about 57 million people passed through Orlando International Airport in 2024, and those numbers continue to grow.
“We are going to Warped Tour, me and my husband,” said Natalia Wheaton, who visiting Orlando from Texas.
No matter why people are in town, everyone needs transportation to and from the airport, and Wheaton said she would “probably just Uber.”
Instead of sitting in traffic, the Central Florida Commuter Rail System, known as, SunRail might be an option in the future.
“I mean, if they made it user-friendly for people that are not even from here, easy to understand the maps and stuff and how to get around, yeah for sure,” Wheaton said.
The project, known as the Sunshine Corridor, would connect the rail system with Orlando International Airport and the attractions area.
“As we look at the forecasted growth, even with expanded roadways, we will need other ways to get high-occupancy modes of transportation to the airport, and that is one of those options we are looking at,” said GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle.
Airport officials say they know this project is needed, but it takes partnerships across Central Florida.
“That Sunshine Corridor is so critical to continuing to connect our entire region, and we are working on it,” said Amy Lockhart, the chair of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission. “That PD&E study is going on, so we are excited about that too.”
Officials with the Florida Department of Transportation said the project could cost upwards of $4 billion, and could be funded a variety of different ways. Right now, FDOT is currently working on a study to determine the feasibility, cost and environmental considerations for the project.
“The fact that we are even planning, it means that we see that as a need in the community,” Lockhart said.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority announced plans for major updates to allow better access the airport, but officials said the SunRail service is a key to the success.