Travel to Orlando
Flying to Orlando
Airlines offering international flights to Orlando include American Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. As it is a year-round destination, it can be tricky to bag cheap flights, but if you travel during the off-peak months (January, May, September, November through early December), and especially outside school holidays, you may be able to find a bargain. All the major US airlines offer flights to Orlando from other cities within the country.
Flight times
From London - 9 hours 10 minutes; New York - 2 hours 30 minutes; Los Angeles - 4 hours 40 minutes; Toronto - 2 hours 45 minutes; Singapore – 23 hours 45 minutes (including stopovers); Sydney - 19 hours 30 minutes (including stopover).
Travel by road
In Florida, the minimum age for driving is 16 years and cars drive on the right. Local speed limits vary from 55-70mph (88-112kph) on the motorways to as low as 20mph (32kph) in built-up areas (notably near schools).
Florida has strict laws against drinking and driving, and open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in vehicles. Drivers may turn right at a red light, after a complete stop, if the way is clear. A flashing red traffic light is the same as a stop sign, which means that it is necessary to come to a full stop and proceed when safe.
All valid national licences are acceptable; however, car hire companies may prefer an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English. US insurance is mandatory and is available from car hire companies.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: +1 800 222 4357; www.aaa.com) can provide information and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.
Emergency breakdown services
AAA (tel: +1 800 222 4357).
Routes
I-4 connects Orlando with Daytona Beach to the northeast and Tampa to the southwest of the city. US 441 connects Orlando with Miami to the south.
Coaches
Greyhound (tel: +1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) offers daily services from Jacksonville, Miami and other destinations.
Megabus (tel: +1 877 462 6342; www.megabus.com) runs coaches from Orlando to several other Florida cities, as well as to Atlanta, Mobile and New Orleans.
Time to city
From Jacksonville - 2 hours; Miami - 3 hours 30 minutes; New York - 16 hours 20 minutes; Los Angeles - 36 hours.
Travel by Rail
Services
Trains in Orlando arrive and depart from the Orlando Health/Amtrak station, located at 1400 Sligh Boulevard. Amtrak is the US's national rail operator and provides a comfortable, if reliably unpunctual, service.
Operators
Amtrak (tel: +1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) provides the main rail link to Orlando with a direct service to Downtown Orlando, Winter Park and Kissimmee Station.
The Silver Service connects Orlando with New York and Washington, DC. After stopping in Orlando, it continues to Tampa or Miami.
Journey times
From Miami - 6 hours 10 minutes; New York - 21 hours 30 minutes; Tampa – 1 hour and 50 minutes; Washington DC – 18 hours and 10 minutes.
