Jazmin Li
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to the interstate I-4 (SR-400) and is skirted on its northern side by the US-528 highway (Beeline/Martin Anderson Expressway). The airport sees over 100 million passengers per year, so it can be crowded. However, with a rental car, you can get around the city with ease and take day trips to the small towns near Orlando. If you're driving in your own car, be aware that Orlando has several toll roads, such as Florida's Turnpike, 408, and 417, and you'll need to plan for the cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | East of downtown Orlando and near Lake Nona |
| Nearby Interstate | I-4 (SR-400) |
| Nearby Highway | US-528 (Beeline/Martin Anderson Expressway) |
| Road to Avoid Tolls | International Drive |
| Rental Car Options | Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget |
| Rideshare Options | Uber, Lyft |
| Shuttle Options | Mears Connect, Sunshine Flyer |
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What You'll Learn
Driving directions to Orlando Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to Interstate I-4 (SR-400) to its east and the US-528 highway (Beeline/Martin Anderson Expressway) to its north. Here are some directions to and from the airport.
Driving to the Airport
If you are driving to the airport from the west, you can join State Road US-528 (the Beeline Expressway) and travel east, exiting at Junction 11B, following the airport signposts.
Alternatively, you can join the interstate I-4 and travel east, then join State Road 417 (the Central Florida Greenway) and travel north, exiting at the airport junction.
Driving from the Airport
If you are heading towards Cape Canaveral, you can join State Road US-528 (the Beeline Expressway) and travel east.
If you are renting a car from the airport, be aware that there are several toll roads in Orlando, such as Florida's Turnpike, 408, and 417. Most rental cars come with SunPass transponders, which automatically pay the fee, but it is best to check the company's toll policies before renting.
Other Transport Options
If you are not planning to drive, there are other transport options to and from the airport. These include taking a shuttle, taxi, rideshare, or the bus (Line 11 is the most affordable option). The new Brightline high-speed train also connects MCO to destinations like Miami and West Palm Beach.
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Routes to avoid tolls
If you want to avoid tolls when driving out of Orlando Airport, you may have to navigate through a lot of back roads with stoplights, which will increase your commute time.
To avoid tolls, you can use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze to steer you away from highways and toll roads. On Apple Maps, enter your destination, open the "Driving Options" link, and toggle highways and tolls off. On Google Maps, enter your destination, tap the three dots in the top right, and toggle highways, toll roads, and ferries off. Waze also has the same capability to find alternative routes.
If you're driving a rental car, you can ask the rental company for a free map of the airport area and ask them to highlight the route to your destination that avoids tolls.
If you're flying into Orlando, they have a free SunPass loaner program. SunPass is a prepaid Florida tolls program where you buy a SunPass device called a "transponder" that attaches to the inside of your windshield. When you drive through a SunPass toll plaza, the toll is deducted from your prepaid account. SunPass can be used on all Florida toll roads and nearly all bridges.
Some routes to avoid tolls include:
- From the Disney area, take I-4 West to Busch Gardens (no tolls), then from the Tampa area, take I-75 South to Ft. Myers (no tolls). From Ft. Myers to Key West, take I-75 South to Naples and US 41 to US 1 (no tolls).
- Coming out of Miami, take I-95 north to I-595 West to I-75 West. Take I-75 to Andytown and take US 27 North to Davenport. From there, take I-4 toward Orlando.
- SR 551 is a tolled spur road coming off SR 528 near the Orlando International Airport. However, Goldenrod Road, which SR 551 extends from, is not tolled.
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Travel to nearby airports
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to several other airports, making it easy to access various parts of Florida and beyond. Here are some of the nearby airports and the approximate driving distances and times:
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
This airport is located about 28 miles from Orlando Airport and can be reached in approximately 33 minutes by car.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Daytona Beach International Airport is about 53 to 54 miles from Orlando Airport. The drive typically takes around 56 minutes.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
To get to Tampa International Airport, you'll be driving for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes over a distance of 91 to 92 miles.
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
Located in Gainesville, this airport is 119 miles from Orlando Airport. The driving time is approximately 2 hours.
Jacksonville Airport
Jacksonville Airport is 131 miles away and the drive typically takes around 2 hours. It provides access to Florida's east coast and is situated 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville.
Sarasota Bradenton Airport
Sarasota Bradenton Airport is conveniently located near the beautiful beaches of Sarasota and Bradenton, providing easy access to Florida's Gulf Coast.
Palm Beach Airport
Palm Beach Airport is situated close to West Palm Beach and is a major hub for travellers visiting Florida's east coast.
When travelling to and from Orlando Airport and these nearby airports, you have various transportation options. In addition to driving your own vehicle or a rental car, you can use ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, taxis, shuttles, or public transit. These airports provide flexibility in navigating Florida and beyond, allowing you to choose the most convenient option for your journey.
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Travel to tourist attractions
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to Interstate I-4 (SR-400) and the US-528 highway (Beeline/Martin Anderson Expressway). The airport is located east of downtown Orlando, and there are several tourist attractions within driving distance.
If you're looking for a quick trip, it's recommended to stay near the airport, as Orlando is a large city and travelling outside the airport area can take time. The airport itself features shops and restaurants, and there are nearby chain restaurants and stores. However, if you're willing to venture a little further, there are several notable attractions within driving distance.
International Drive
International Drive, dubbed 'I-Drive', is Orlando's entertainment hub and is just a 10- to 15-minute drive from the Wingate by Wyndham Orlando Airport Hotel. Here, you'll find a variety of attractions, including:
- Sea World
- Discovery Cove
- Aquatica
- Wet 'n' Wild
- Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure theme parks
- Over 500 shops
- More than 150 restaurants
- The Orange County Convention Center
- Three entertainment complexes
- Stadium-style movie cinemas
You can also get a bird's-eye view of Orlando from the Orlando Eye on I-Drive.
Lake Nona
Lake Nona is located near the airport and features the Lake Nona Medical City, a 650-acre health and life sciences centre with 44 miles of planned trails and several parks to explore.
Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral
If you're looking for a beach getaway, Cocoa Beach is within driving distance of the airport. You can also explore Cape Canaveral, which is accessible via the interstate I-95.
Small Towns
With a rental car, you can explore the charming small towns near Orlando, such as Winter Garden, Mount Dora, and Sanford, each offering its unique charm and attractions.
When driving in Orlando, keep in mind that there are several toll roads, such as Florida's Turnpike, 408, and 417. Most rental cars come with SunPass transponders for automatic toll payment, but it's always good to check the rental company's toll policies beforehand.
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Transport options
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to the interstate I-4 (SR-400) and is skirted on its northern side by the US-528 highway (Beeline/Martin Anderson Expressway), which leads to the Airport Boulevard. The US-528 highway is also known as the Beeline Expressway and is located close to the International Drive.
Driving
If you're driving, you can rent a car at the airport, with providers like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. However, be aware that Orlando has several toll roads, such as Florida's Turnpike, 408, and 417, which can add up in cost. Most rental cars come with SunPass transponders that automatically pay toll fees, but it's essential to check the rental company's toll policies beforehand.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available at MCO. Lyft can carry up to four passengers and their bags to Disney, Universal, or surrounding areas in Orlando. Uber offers similar flexible ridesharing options, including private and shared rides.
Shuttle
Several shuttle services are available at MCO, including complimentary shuttles offered by hotels to major theme parks. Additionally, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer provide shared or private shuttle services to Disney, Universal, and other attractions.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at MCO and offer a fast and efficient way to get to your destination.
Public Transportation
For a more affordable option, you can take the bus, with Line 11 providing service to and from the airport.
Train
Currently, there is no direct train from MCO to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. However, the Brightline high-speed train connects MCO to destinations like Miami and West Palm Beach.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to the US-528 highway (Beeline/Martin Anderson Expressway) to the north, which leads to the Airport Boulevard. You can also join State Road US-528 (the Beeline Expressway) near International Drive. From the east, you can travel along the I-95 towards Cape Canaveral.
Orlando Airport is accessible by car, shuttle, taxi, rideshare, or public transport.
Major car rental providers at Orlando Airport include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Most rental cars come with SunPass transponders, which automatically pay toll fees.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can transport you from the airport to destinations like Disney and Universal.
The Mears Connect shuttle service operates 24/7 between Orlando Airport and Disney World area hotels.
