Going From A TO B
Getting Around Orlando
When it comes to getting around Orlando, the car is king, just as it is across most of the US. The road network is excellent, and the theme parks and attractions all have easy access and extensive parking facilities.
Car rental is the most convenient and cost-effective option for getting around, but apart from renting a car or using your own car if your driving into town then there are public transport options, plus the awesome I-Drive Trolley Bus for getting around the International Drive area.
Another option for getting to the theme parks is by hotel shuttle, these are available from many area hotels and resorts, plus taxi cabs are widely available 24/7 as is Uber of course.
Orlando Transportation
Using Your Own Car Or Hire Car
(Highly Recommended By Us!)
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.
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.
I-4 links Florida’s coasts, so directions are listed as either west toward Tampa or east toward Daytona.
Be sure to keep cash for tolls and make use of your GPS or Google Maps on your cell.
Theme Park Resort Shuttles
Staying at Universal Resort Hotels is easy, you can walk, use Complimentary Buses or the free resort 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.
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.
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.
The main location it sadly does not go to is Disney, although you could use a Hotel Shuttle.
City 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speed Limits: Legal speed limits are posted on the right side of the road, and are as follows:
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.
Headlights: Headlights must be on from dusk to dawn, as well as in fog or rain. Turn off wipers when stopping at toll booths.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calling For Help: Drivers may dial *FHP on Florida interstates and highways in an emergency
to reach the Florida Highway Patrol (state police).
