Driving from Miami to Kissimmee

[tony64]

Hi
We are going in October and the Virgin M+M flights were so much cheaper to fly to Miami that we couldn't ignore them.

We have to drive up on the day we arrive as it fits in with the timeshare we have booked and a cruise the following week.

So any tips on the best route, best rest stop on the way, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Tony

 

[wildwood]

I would also be intrested in this thread as we to have got to fly to Miami in august as it was the only way we could aford to go , I have printed out directions from mapquest be first hand experience is always good .

 

[UKDEB]

Getting out of the city is a bit of an ordeal with heavy traffic for a considerable distance beyond Metro Miami. The most direct route out (due north) is the I-95, but I'd avoid that. From the airport, take the 836 Dolphin Expressway west until you hit the 826 Palmetto Expressway and join that, heading north until you reach the Florida Turnpike. The Palmetto Expressway is a huge, fast-moving road which skirts the city, heading first north, then east until it meets the Turnpike (where it effectively ends). I recommend taking a look at the route on Google Maps (at street level).

There are several service plazas on the Turnpike between Miami and Orlando, spaced about 45 miles apart. Unlike our service stations, they're in the middle of the highway to allow access from both sides, so you need to move into the outside (left lane) to reach them. Full details here. If your priority is to get to Orlando as quickly as possible, a stop at one of these is probably your best bet.

For the return journey, I'd suggest stopping at the big shopping and restaurant complex at the Hard Rock Casino in West Hollywood. Check out the shopping at dining tabs on this page for a list of what's there. It's literally just off the Turnpike and very close to Miami, so you'll have the worst part of the journey out of the way.

 

[GibboFLA]

Hi, we did this trip about eight years ago, before Sat Nav!

Got lost in Miami, headed towards the sea and then North.

I don't know if it has changed but all the car-hire companies were away from the airport, so we had to get a bus, then que up as there was a bus full of customers. The rental location didn't help with me getting lost either.

The drive up was OK, as mentioned the service stations were a bit of a surprise, sweet mother of accelleration don't fail me now! Trip took about three hours, just set the cruise control and enjoyed the ride. We took the toll-road, it was about $14.00, but I did find a website where you could work out the cost.

All in all, with Sat Nav now, if the price was good I would fly into Miami again.

 

[babystar]

We have done it at least 5 times, the route is easy - we have done the turnpike, the road the follows the coast (I-95?) and our favourite route is the US27 all the way.

If it is your first time doing the drive then the turnpike is probably the best option as like the other posters have said, cruise control set and a nice easy journey all the way.

The only thing that I cant say enough is you will be tired when you get off the flight and if you are anything like me 3+ hours in a car will make you even drowsier, try and get some shut eye on the plane and make full use of the coffee stops at the service stations.

 

[wildwood]

Thanks for the great info ,we are going to spend the night in miami and then drive up the next day taking the more scenic route . Mapquest directions printed so just need to sort out hotel for the night , have a safe drive everyone doing the same trip

 

[tony64]

Thanks everyone.

 

[UKDEB]

How long does it take on the 27, babystar? We'll be making the journey in a few weeks time and I quite fancy the scenic route for a change. We'll have been on a Caribbean cruise, so jetlag won't be an issue and we should be leaving Miami fairly early in the morning, but I'm not sure I'd be keen if it doubles the journey time. Do you pass through lots of towns/intersections?

 

[notaprincess]

another vote for the turnpike!
If you plan a bit of driving in the greater Orlando area (toll roads) see if your car rental agency has something like toll pre-paid. I did this last October from Mia to Palm Beach (visited friends a few days) and on to Orlando, it saves you having enough quarters or buying your own Sunpass/E-pass somewhere.

Most car rental companies are now located together in a special center at MIA, shuttle buses run there all the time..http://www.miami-airport.com/cip_rcc.asp


Enjoy your trip, I cannot wait for mine in 2012!

 

[UKDEB]

As I have to do this route again myself in a few weeks' time, I've been reading up on the latest developments. The I-95 now operates express toll lanes which are available to you if your rental car has a SunPass installed (you can't pay with cash). The toll is variable and, in exceptional circumstances, can be as high as $7, but usually varies between 25c and $2.75 depending on congestion levels. The real-time toll is clearly displayed well in advance to allow you to make a decision. The 112 Airport Expressway/I-95 route to the Turnpike is shorter than the Dolphin Expy/Palmetto Expy I mentioned in an earlier post, so I might be tempted to give this a go. Whatever we decide to do, I'll report back after our trip.

 

[tony64]

As I have to do this route again myself in a few weeks' time, I've been reading up on the latest developments. The I-95 now operates express toll lanes which are available to you if your rental car has a SunPass installed (you can't pay with cash). The toll is variable and, in exceptional circumstances, can be as high as $7, but usually varies between 25c and $2.75 depending on congestion levels. The real-time toll is clearly displayed well in advance to allow you to make a decision. The 112 Airport Expressway/I-95 route to the Turnpike is shorter than the Dolphin Expy/Palmetto Expy I mentioned in an earlier post, so I might be tempted to give this a go. Whatever we decide to do, I'll report back after our trip.

Thanks Debs
I'm interested to hear what you think of it.