Driving from Miami to Disney World

[richmo]

At the time we did it (2017), Alamo had a free shuttle from the cruise port to the airport. We were going to take a taxi ($30) but the driver was really nice and let us know about the free shuttle. We had to wait about 15 minutes for it, but saved $30+

Thank you! I will verify when we get there that there is still a free shuttle from the Port. I appreciate the advice!

That's correct. Alamo has a free shuttle from the port to MIA. It would be best if you bring a printed copy of your rental agreement so the shuttle driver can see it. You can do the usual online checkin for Alamo, etc., before you leave for your trip.

As far as the drive, I'm pretty much in agreement with the 4 hour or so estimates I've seen above. I had thought the Florida Turnpike, which will be the majority of your ride once you get off I-95, had gone cashless. Honestly, I'd be inclined to just use Alamo's pay by plate for tolls, or whatever method they're using. They do have a $4.95(?) a day surcharge, but with Alamo, it is just the days you incur the tolls, not each day of the rental. Many of the other agencies ding you every day for the surcharge, whether you use the tolls or not.

I-95 will be pretty hairy, and keep in mind the lane advice that @JimMIA gave you above. The right lane seems to die at just about every exit, so you're constantly shifting over one. Once you're off I-95, the ride is pretty easy and can be very boring...

 

[JimMIA]

Here's a bit more detail.

This first map shows the overall view from the Rental Car Center to I-95 northbound. Depending on where you exit the RCC garage, you will probably circle around the whole building, or part of the building, so the map is not crazy. I also zoomed out to show the relative locations of downtown (bottom of map) and Miami Beach (right edge of map). Also for reference, Port Miami is on Dodge Island.



Here's some closeup of the 112/95 interchange. The #1 arrow is the point where the I-95 exit ramp bears to the right from 112. Note that I-195 actually starts there, so you'll see signs for I-195 to Miami Beach, and I-95 exiting to the right.

The #2 arrow shows where the I-95 exit ramp separates into Northbound (to the left) and Southbound -- you bear left.

 

[JimMIA]

One other comment on driving in South Florida. Yes, I-95 has its moments, but it's not as bad as we make it sound -- probably comparable to Chicago traffic (yes, I've driven there).

Just keep plenty of following distance and let people in if they want, and you'll be fine. Use Google Maps, but turn the sound OFF. (In a strange city, GM's verbal directions can be VERY confusing.)

Returning from a cruise, you will be traveling in the morning when traffic is lighter. If you're on a weekend, even better. And even if it's during the week, you will be going against traffic in the Miami area anyway. Once you get to the turnpike, you will be west of the most congested areas around Ft. Lauderdale, and you'll be fine. Easy from there to Orlando.

 

[carol48b]

E-ZPass does not work on the Turnpike.

The E-Pass sticker is free, but the suction cup portable unit is also cheaper than SunPass.

For a few dollars more, you can get E-Pass Xtra, which is supposed to also work in E-ZPass states, if you expect to have use for that (regular E-Pass does not.)

THANK YOU!!! This really helps.

 

[Donaldswife]

One other comment on driving in South Florida. Yes, I-95 has its moments, but it's not as bad as we make it sound -- probably comparable to Chicago traffic (yes, I've driven there).

Just keep plenty of following distance and let people in if they want, and you'll be fine. Use Google Maps, but turn the sound OFF. (In a strange city, GM's verbal directions can be VERY confusing.)

Returning from a cruise, you will be traveling in the morning when traffic is lighter. If you're on a weekend, even better. And even if it's during the week, you will be going against traffic in the Miami area anyway. Once you get to the turnpike, you will be west of the most congested areas around Ft. Lauderdale, and you'll be fine. Easy from there to Orlando.

Thank you so much for all the information! I live in Indy and drive to Chicago a few times a year so I am not scared of that type of driving. I appreciate all the advice, and the maps really help!!