You can now take the SunRail directly to the Central Florida Zoo, sort of

This summer, Sanford will feature a new form of transportation for adventurous animal lovers.

SunRail has partnered with the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, the City of Sanford, and the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency to offer a smooth way to travel to the Zoo and Historic Downtown Sanford.

From June 1 through Sept. 1, guests who board SunRail can get off at the Sanford station to meet the Choo Choo to the Zoo shuttle. By showing their SunRail tickets, guests can ride for free to the front gate of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, a less-than-15-minute trip. That SunRail ticket also grants 20 percent off zoo admission when shown at the front gate.

The second shuttle stop is located at the Welcome Center on First Street in Historic Downtown Sanford. The shuttle will run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so you'll have to check for the train times to and from the Sanford station.

So, you can't take the train to the zoo on the weekends, and during the week be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back for that last mid-afternoon train.

Round-trip SunRail tickets start at $3.75 for adults, $2 for children and seniors over 65, and free for children under age 6.