From Orlando to Miami: 5 Best Ways to Get There
If you want to do it all in South Florida you are going to need to transit between Orlando and Miami. These dynamic and fun cities are unique in their own ways; Orlando is about theme parks and family activities, and Miami is where you go for endless sandy beaches and a trendy vibe.
Fortunately getting between them is easy and it just got easier with the addition of a new high-speed train that whisks you there in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive, fly, take a bus, or arrange a transfer. To decide which method is best for you, use our list of the best ways to get from Orlando to Miami.
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From Orlando to Miami by Car
Driving is the easiest and second cheapest way to get from Orlando to Miami. With over 235 miles to cover, you'll likely only have to fill up once along your journey, or not at all if you're driving an electric vehicle. If you're lucky enough to avoid traffic, expect a three-hour-and-40-minute journey. If not, you could be sitting on the interstate for over five hours. We suggest avoiding rush hour and holidays to speed up your trip.
The most common route involves following the Florida Turnpike. Be warned, this is a toll road, so you'll be looking at fees that climb even higher without a SunPass. If you're renting a car, check with the rental company to see their policy on toll roads. You could be slapped with an extra charge in addition to the toll fee. It may be cheaper to buy your own pass but this is a hassle with a rental car and has to be done prior to getting on the toll road.
Popular rental car companies in Orlando include Avis, Alamo, Dollar, National, and Hertz.
Another driving option is the I-95 South. It, too, can rack up your fees, so be forewarned. The I-95 has dedicated toll lanes in certain sections. These SunPass lanes look exactly like every other lane except for the double dashes that separate them. They are similar to the carpool lane as well, so be extra vigilant when reading the signs. It is possible to travel on the I-95 without using the toll lanes, just stick to the right side.
If you aren't concerned about how long it takes you to get to Miami, try using a more scenic route. Take the I95 to West Palm, then drive through downtown until you cross the bridge to reach the A1A at Palm Beach.
Dubbed one of the prettiest roads in Florida, the A1A passes by gargantuan beachfront homes that will have you drooling with envy.
You can take this all the way to Fort Lauderdale, where the traffic will increase dramatically, and you'll have to jut away from the water to take Route 1 (a.k.a. Federal Highway) until you can rejoin the A1A at Dania Beach, or transfer to the I95 at Fort Lauderdale.
US441 (a.k.a. S State Road 7 and NW 7th Avenue) is a much slower route involving multiple traffic lights, and if you've ever been to Florida, you'll know that they have super long traffic lights. You can take this part of the way to Miami to avoid tolls.
From Orlando to Miami by High-Speed Train
New to the transport scene in southern Florida is Brightline. This brand-new high-speed train hits speeds of 125 miles per hour, or just over 200 kilometers per hour, and is over two hours faster than AMTRAK. Compared to driving, you'll save yourself about 30 minutes and avoid any possible traffic jams and tolls. Total time on the high-speed train is 3.5 hours.
These luxurious new trains have comfy leather seats, fast Wi-Fi, and for those wishing to purchase business class seats, premium lounge facilities. Stations are modern, bright, and airy and are a pleasure to transit, you may even notice a fresh citrusy scent in the air - each train and station has an exclusive scent. Parking is available at each station.
Trains leave roughly every two hours (subject to change) from near Orlando airport and arrive in the heart of Miami mere steps from the Kaseya Center. Stops along the way include West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura Mall (North Miami).
From Orlando to Miami by Bus
The cheapest way to get to Miami is by bus. Thankfully, it's not the slowest.
Greyhound runs from the Greyhound station at N John Young Parkway to the main Miami Bus Station at Miami International Airport. The average time is four hours and 40 minutes, and tickets are reasonably priced, especially during the off season. If you don't opt for a direct route, you could be looking at anywhere from 6 to over 10 and a half hours with a transfer and stops in Fort Pierce and Fort Lauderdale.
Megabus runs from The Florida Mall on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando to downtown Miami. Book early and reserve one of the 20 most popular seats, which feature either panoramic views, more space, or a table. All seats have an individual power outlet.
Economy, business, and first class are offered on Red Coach buses. Travelers can sit back, relax, and let someone else guide them to their destination. Choose the first class option if you're looking for more legroom, your own charging port, free Wi-Fi, and a seat that reclines 140 degrees.
The trip will take about four hours, depending on traffic. Orlando boasts two Red Coach stations, the headquarters at 1777 McCoy Road, and another on the University of Central Florida campus. The final destination is Miami Airport.
From Orlando to Miami by Train - AMTRAK
Amtrak offers service from Orlando to Miami in five hours and 35 minutes. Tickets are quite reasonable, especially if you travel off-season. However, owing to the location of the stations, your overall cost could rise significantly when you account for taxis or ride-shares to get to your starting point.
The cost goes up if you decide to splurge on a room. Each room comes complete with beds, towels, a private restroom and shower and free meals. Speaking of food, there's a café car offering snacks, drinks, and light meals.
Take a taxi to the historic Orlando Amtrak Station at 1400 Sligh Blvd to catch your train. Built in 1926, this station services Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star runs, which travel from New York to Miami in nearly 28 hours including multiple stops along the way.
You'll arrive at the Miami Amtrak Station at 8303 NW 37th Avenue, which lies just north of Miami in Hialeah, a bit far from the main drag. You'll need to hail a cab or walk to the nearby Tri-Rail and Metrorail Stations to board a local train farther into the city. Check with your hotel before you go, as some offer free shuttle rides to and from the train station.
Another option is to disembark at Hollywood Station and purchase a ticket for the Tri-Rail train to Miami Airport. If your hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the airport, which many do, you could then board the shuttle for a free transfer to the hotel.
From Orlando to Miami by Plane
Just can't wait to get to South Beach? Head to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and hop on a flight to Miami International Airport (MIA). A variety of airlines fly between the two cities, including Frontier Airlines (the cheapest), American Airlines, and United.
This is the most expensive travel option between Orlando and Miami, but at an hour and 12 minutes direct, it's also the fastest way to travel to Miami. Unless you travel off-season, that is. Depending when you're going and which airline you choose, you may have to transfer somewhere like Atlanta, which really doesn't make sense.
Just for a frame of reference, the Orlando International Airport is 14 miles from downtown Orlando (about a 22-minute drive) while the Miami International Airport lies a mere 12 miles (about 20 minutes by car) from South Beach.
Looking to fly in style? Book a trip with Linear Air. This private air charter company offers guests an option to fly privately in everything from a small, four-seater aircraft to a large, 15-seater jet. The price can set you back anywhere between four and five figures, depending on whether you opt for a small air taxi or a large private jet. Pack the plane with your friends and family to lower your personal cost.
