Getting Around Orlando

Airport Transportation
Orlando International is 25 miles east of Walt Disney World and 20 miles south of downtown. At rush hour (7-9am and 4-6pm), the drive can be a torturous hour or more; at other times, it's about 30 to 40 minutes.

Driving to Walt Disney World
To get from the airport to the attractions, take the North exit out of the airport to Highway 528 West. Follow signs to I-4; it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get to Walt Disney World if the traffic isn't too heavy (double or worse in rush hour or when there's an accident). When you get to I-4, follow the signs west toward the attractions.

By Car:
Heavy traffic and numerous crisscrossing highways make driving in the Orlando area challenging. Be sure to arm yourself with a good map and avoid traveling during rush hours--7-9 am and 4-6 pm--particularly on I-4 north from downtown. The area's most traveled highway, I-4 runs southwest to Tampa and northeast to Daytona Beach. (Official signs say "West" or "East.") I-4 provides access to almost any part of the city and its suburbs.

Most of the area's east-west highways are toll roads: The Bee Line Expressway skirts the airport on the north, and the East-West Expressway (or Highway 408) passes south of downtown. The Bee Line is the best bet for traveling to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center or Cocoa Beach.

Between the airport and attractions, use I-4 and its connection with the Bee Line Expressway to save time and money. The Greenway (Highway 417) also connects the airport with Disney World--though it may be less congested during busy times, it's a bit longer and far more expensive.

Cars play a big role in most Florida vacations: Those who don't drive to the state usually rent a vehicle on arrival. If you confine your stay to Walt Disney World, you can get by without a car, but if you plan to hop between parks or to see other area attractions, you'll want wheels.
Familiarize yourself with the area highways so you can figure out the best way to get where you're going. International Drive in Orlando continues to be difficult and time-consuming to navigate because hotels and attractions are so close together.