Getting Aound Orlando | Gotta Go Orlando
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Start Planning Your Dream Orlando Vacation

Family in convertible in Florida sunshine

 

No matter how you choose to arrive in Orlando, getting around is a breeze.

 

A wealth of ground and rail transportation services are available to help you explore once you’ve arrived in Orlando. 

 

When it comes to getting around Orlando, the car is king, the road network is excellent, and the theme parks and attractions have easy access and extensive parking facilities.

 

Renting a car can be the most convenient and cost-effective option for getting around, other options include taxis, ride-share services, and public-transportation providers such as SunRail (commuter rail) and Lynx (buses). Plus there is the I-Drive Trolley Bus for getting around International Drive.

 

Another option for getting to the theme parks from your is by hotel shuttle, these are available from many area hotels and resorts, taking you to the area theme parks.

 

With so many transportation options, there’s nothing standing between you and having the time of your life in Orlando.

Using Your Own Car Or Hire Car

 (Highly Recommended By Us!)

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The easiest and most convenient way to get around Orlando is by car as the majority of the area's top attractions are quite spread out and would require multiple transfers on public transportation and in reality would not be very practical, especially when you want to make the most of your time here.

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It's easy to drive around Orlando and most of what a visitor wants to do lies within a 15 minute drive of Interstate 4, or I-4, as it’s known. 1-4 runs diagonally from southwest to northeast, connecting Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Orlando, and onto Downtown Orlando.

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I-4 links Florida’s coasts, so directions are listed as either west toward Tampa or east toward Daytona.

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Be sure to keep cash for tolls and make use of your GPS or Google Maps on your cell.

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Renting a car at Orlando International Airport? Avoid extra fees and pay the lowest toll rate throughout Florida with the Visitor Toll Pass . Just make a free reservation with the Visitor Toll Pass app, pick up your Visitor Toll Pass  at the vending machine in Terminal A, and drop it off when you return to the airport.

Downtown Orlando skyline at night
INTERNATIONAL DRIVE I-RIDE TROLLEY ORLANDO

Theme Park Resort Transportation

Staying at Universal Resort Hotels is easy, you can walk, use Complimentary Buses or the resorts free Boat's to get everywhere.

 

At Walt Disney World complimentary transportation is available throughout the Resort, with a fleet of buses, boats, skyliner and the monorail system moving guests around the entire area.

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Hotel Shuttles

Many of the areas Hotels and Resorts offer Theme Park Shuttles, these go from independent hotels and are often free or paid for via Resort Fees.

 

The upswing is that, yes, you can save money by using them, but there are strong downsides, including wildly inadequate scheduling, and rambling routes.

 

These only go to the theme park  gates, not to restaurants, attractions or entertainment options.

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I-Ride Trolley

If you are staying in the International Drive area,  you should consider purchasing a pass for the I-Ride Trolley which services all of the attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping options on I Drive, including Universal Orlando, Seaworld and more.

Lynx Bus

LYNX, Orlando’s comprehensive bus system can get visitors to most areas in Orlando and beyond but can be a hassle when it comes to bus schedules.

 

LYNX bus stops are marked with a pink bus or paw print sign and run every 15, 30 or 60 minutes depending on the route.

 

If you are in the Downtown area of Orlando it is worth noting that you can use LYMMO, a free bus service from LYNX offering service throughout the immediate downtown Orlando area.

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SunRail

This north- and south-bound train boasts several stops in Orlando, easily connecting the city to the farther-reaching suburbs and towns like Debary, Altamonte Springs, and Kissimmee. The SunRail trains are ADA compliant and bicycle-friendly and include restrooms, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi, promising a comfortable ride.

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Taxi, Uber, Ride Shares

Taxis are typically available at the entrances to major attractions and at the larger hotels, or you could use Uber, or any of the ride shares of course,  however renting a car is less expensive overall!

SUNRAIL TRAIN IN ORLANDO
Blue Skies

Driving In Central Florida

Driving is the best way to get around Central Florida, it’s usually a fairly stress-free experience. Roads are wide and well maintained, and traffic jams aren’t too bad, given the number of cars of the road.

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Just remember roads can get busy in Orlando, especially around the airport and attractions, plus Central Florida has it's fair share of toll roads.

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Car Rental

To rent a car you must have your driving license, passport and a credit card. 

The minimum age for car hire is 21, but some agencies will charge more for drivers under 25.

Rental companies will allow you to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another.

 

Most major companies also have programs allowing customers to utilize the TOLL BY PLATE electronic collection system wherein tolls, plus varying service fees, are automatically charged to the credit card used to rent the vehicle, for details, including pricing visit www.sunpass.com/rentalcar for details.

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Road Rules

Driver’s Licenses: You don’t need an international driving permit to drive in Florida, you just need a valid driver license, issued in your name, from your state or country of residence.

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Speed Limits: Legal speed limits are posted on the right side of the road, and are as follows:

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Interstates: 70 mph

Four Lane Highways: 65 mph

Other State Highways: 60 mph

Business/Residential Districts: 30 mph

School Zones: 10-20 mph.

 

Right On Red: You may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign indicating “no right on red” is posted at the intersection.

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Headlights: Headlights must be on from dusk to dawn, as well as in fog or rain. Turn off wipers when stopping at toll booths.

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Move Over Act: When law enforcement vehicles are in one of the “break-down” lanes, either assisting a motorist

or pulling over a speeding vehicle, you must move to the far lane away from the police, or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the speed limit. If the limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.

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 Child Car Seats: Every driver in Florida must provide for the protection of any child five years of age or younger

by using a  crash-tested, federally approved car seat. For children up to three years old, the restraint must be a

separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child seat.  For children four to five years old, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a booster seat may be used. These are available from your car rental company.

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Seat Belts: You must wear a seat belt in an operating vehicle if you’re the driver of the vehicle, a front seat passenger of any age, or under 18 years old.

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Cell Phones And Texting: It’s illegal to text while driving, regardless of age. There are no talking bans on talking on cell phones while driving.

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Drinking And Driving: Driving while drinking alcohol or while under its influence is illegal. Appoint a “designated driver” in your group who’ll drink only non-alcoholic beverages and drive home safely.

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Real Time Traffic Info: For detailed traffic information, including traffic incidents and construction, traffic cameras, message boards, and estimated travel times for roadways across of Florida, visit FL511.com or dial 511 on your phone.

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Calling For Help: Drivers may dial *FHP on Florida interstates and highways in an emergency

to reach the Florida Highway Patrol (state police).

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