Orlando International Airport Car Rental

Parking in Orlando

• You’ll find several public and private garages in central Orlando. The Capital Plaza Garage (FL 32801) has 1,200 spaces, close to Downtown and Lake Eola Park. There are a further 2,149 spaces at City Commons Parking Garage (FL 32801).
• Universal Studios Orlando (FL 32819) has an enclosed parking garage for the main park, while Walt Disney World Resort (FL 32830) also has day parking available for visitors.

Traffic in Orlando

Morning rush hour begins at 6am, quieting around 9.30am. Traffic usually starts becoming busier in downtown when the afternoon commute starts at around 3pm, ending at about 7pm. Traffic can also get busy around the theme parks during peak summer months.

How to get from Orlando International Airport to Downtown

It takes fewer than 20 minutes to make the 12.5-mile drive from Orlando Airport to downtown:

1. Leave the Hertz rental lot and turn left onto Jeff Fuqua Boulevard.
2. Keep left, staying on S Semoran Boulevard (SR436) for around six miles.
3. Merge onto FL-408 W, using the right lane to take the Downtown/Orlando slip road.
4. Stay left at the fork, remaining on FL-408 W for less than three miles.
5. Take the right two lanes at exit 11A for FL-15/Rosalind Avenue.
6. Turn left on E South Street, then the 2^nd from left lane onto S Orange Avenue.
7. Turn right onto W Anderson Street, then right on Boone Avenue.

Roads and freeways

Main routes in Orlando

Several routes and interstate highways serve the Orlando area:

• Interstate 4 (I-4) travels through downtown Orlando, passing the Griffin Park Historic District. It’s also the main route when driving southwest to Tampa and northeast to Daytona Beach.
• State road 408 (SR408), also known as the Central Florida Expressway, runs through central Orlando, connecting the east and west sides of the city.
• Interstate 95 (I-95) is the longest north-south interstate in the US and runs along the East Coast, from Miami to Maine. Reach it from Orlando by taking Route 408 and 50 east.

Orlando to Miami 

Miami is 236 miles south of Orlando, around a three-hour, 45-minute drive away. Follow Florida’s Turnpike south to arrive in the center or take the scenic I-95 drive into Miami.

The best things to do in Orlando

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and Walt Disney World Resort is its largest, with four parks and two water parks. Enjoy fairytale fun at Magic Kingdom, marvel at the Spaceship Earth sphere at Epcot, go behind-the-scenes action at Hollywood Studios and try nature conservation at Animal Kingdom. On-site parking is available at a cost.

Kennedy Space Center

A 45-minute drive east of Orlando, on Merritt Island, Kennedy Space Center is the home of space shuttle launches in the US. There are several Mission Zones to explore while you’re here. Take a behind-the-scenes tour around the launch sites, getting access to restricted areas where you can find out how launches happen. Check out the Visitor Complex, to experience a shuttle launch for yourself. Paid onsite parking is available.

Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando’s second-biggest theme park offers triple the fun, with three different parks. First, there’s Universal Studios Florida, packed with movie-themed attractions to make you feel like you’re on set. Island Adventure features seven ride-filled movie islands, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Marvel Super Hero Island. Finally, there’s Volcano Bay water park, with its collection of white-knuckle rides and slides. Paid parking is available on site.

Amway Center

Amway Center (FL 32801) is Orlando’s live entertainment hub, hosting musicians, comedians and sporting superstars, performing in front of crowds up to 20,000. It’s also the home of the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team. Catch a game from October to April if you’re in town or check out their calendar of events throughout the year. Reserve your parking beforehand at GEICO Garage when you book your event tickets online.

The best Orlando restaurants

Melting Pot

When you dine at Melting Pot near Spring Lake, you’re getting exactly that – a mixture of delicious flavors with fondue sharer dishes. Savor bacon and brie, Wisconsin Trio or a Classic Alpine fondue for mains and finish with a chocolate fondue for dessert.

Victoria & Albert’s

Looking for an elegant dining experience to celebrate a special occasion? Victoria & Albert’s – part of Disney World Resort - offers delectable dishes in a grandiose setting. Choose from over 700 wines and enjoy succulent dishes, including caviar, truffles and Maine lobster.

Where to stay in Orlando

Rosen Shingle Creek

Rosen Shingle Creek (FL 32819) is away from the tourist hustle and bustle, but close to Walt Disney Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and Orlando Airport – all around 10 minutes’ drive away. Enjoy a round of golf on its world-class course and relax in the spa during your stay.

Florida Hotel & Conference Center

One of Orlando’s most unique hotels, the Florida Hotel & Conference Center (FL 32809) is connected to the Florida Mall. Alongside King-size and Double Queen rooms, you’re also close to major retailers. Plus, there’s a 24-hour fitness center and open-air swimming pool to enjoy.

Best drives in Orlando

International Drive

Like the Las Vegas strip, Orlando is blessed with a main tourist throughway lined with sights and attractions. International Drive is 11.1 miles of theme parks, Fun Spot America and the ICON Orlando Ferris Wheel, alongside attractions like Madame Tussauds and the Pointe Orlando complex. There are also several shops, restaurants and a mini golf course.

Florida’s Atlantic Coast

For unforgettable scenery, Florida’s Atlantic Coast drive is a must when visiting Orlando. Starting north in Jacksonville, your journey will take you along both the A1-A highway and Route 1 – taking in some of America’s best beaches, including Daytona and Palm Beach. You’ll travel through Miami and finish at beautiful Key West, Florida’s southernmost point.