10 Tips for Driving in Orlando

If you're driving to Orlando, or renting a car once you get to Orlando, follow these tips to ensure a smooth, short, and safe ride:


1. Bring your GPS or use a new map.  Orlando is continually growing and there’s a chance that new roads and highway extensions are not included on an outdated map.

2. SR 528 = Beachline = Beeline.  The Beeline has been renamed to the Beachline, which is the quickest route to Cocoa Beach.

3. Avoid I-4 during rush hour.  Leave early in the morning to avoid any rush hour/commuter traffic.

4. Take the toll roads during rush hour.  The Florida Turnpike and 417 Greene Way expressways are clear during rush hour.  Purchase a Sun Pass Voucher or bring extra change to take the toll roads and avoid sitting in rush hour traffic.

5. Be prepared for route names that change.  The best way to know where you’re going is to follow the route number.

6. Be prepared for route directions that change.  Most of Central Florida is former marshland, so natural and man made bodies of water make it nearly impossible to lay out state roads and highways in a grid-like fashion. Outside of the compact downtown area, many of the main thoroughfares start out north-south and end up curving east-west (or vice versa).  Continue on your route and use the route numbers to guide you.

7. I-4: Where East-West is North-South.  If you are heading on the 528 from the airport, just remember that the attractions are west (technically south) on I-4 towards Tampa and downtown Orlando is east (technically north) on I-4 towards Daytona Beach.

8. Sun Pass Lanes.  These lanes are for Florida residents who pay their tolls electronically.  Purchase a Sun Pass voucher while renting your car or prepared to use the exact change.  If you realize you are in a Sun Pass lane without the correct change, just continue forward.  The authorities generally pursue repeat offenders only.

9. Follow the signs.  Even drivers with a poor sense of direction should have a pretty easy time getting around Orlando. The city does a very good job of pointing people in the direction of the two major expressways that run through downtown (I-4 and the 408).  Disney World and Universal also have numerous signs on their properties ensuring that no visitor gets too far off track.

10. Send your greetings to your friends at home from Lake Buena Vista.  If you are vacationing at Walt Disney World, you are staying in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, which is southwest of downtown Orlando. There’s no need to search for Lake Buena Vista signs, however, since all of the highway signs directing you to WDW say “Disney.”

Once you've booked your vacation home, don't forget to check out ROVH's other guest services, including family photography, in-home massage, and a personal chef!