Fly into Tampa?????

[timswoman]

I'm having a hard time getting airline tickets that we can afford. Has anyone flew into Tampa? If so.....how was the trip from Tampa to Port Canaveral? How about rentals? How far is the drive? We live in KY and drove the trip last year but really have a hankering to fly this time if it is feasible?

What do ya guys think?

Thanks.

 

[Doctor P]

We have not gone Tampa to Port Canaveral, but we have done Tampa to WDW and we have done WDW to Port Canaveral. Tampa to Port Canaveral will be a drive of about 2-3 hours depending on traffic. I would plan on about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It is all four lane highways, mostly interstate quality. Do you have access to any of the budget airlines that fly into the Sanford airport? That is even closer to the port than the usual Orlando airport.

 

[winnyis]

it took about 2-1/2 hours from TPA to the Radisson. We did the drive during non-rush hours and didnt have any problems. We got a great fare into TPA and it definately made the longer drive worth it.

Wouldnt hesitate to fly into TPA again for the right price.

Ginny

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Have you considered Melbourne International Airport? Actually DCL puts its over flow passengers through there. You would have to connect in Atlanta, however. Just another option you might have. It's about a 35 to 40 minute drive to the Port and there are shuttle and taxi services (as well as rental cars) if needed.

 

[savsawmom]

it's just over a 2-hour drive to the Port.

 

[outahere]

I have seen (and been stuck in) some absolutely horrendous traffic jams on I-4, west of Orlando. I would definitely recommend flying in the day before your cruise.

 

[timswoman]

What city is Sanford airport in?

 

[plutospup]

Sanford is a community I believe northeast of Orlando.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

http://www.orlandosanfordairport.com/

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

We are flying into Tampa for our upcoming November 6th 3 day Wonder cruise. We also could not get good prices for Orlando. I was able to get one way car rentals from Budget to the Port for a full size car for $45 each way. This was the same price as a one way from Orlando to port. It appears to add about an hour and a half to the drive. Will let you know how it works out.

 

[DisneyMagicTravis]

I live in Clearwater, across the bay from Tampa. I would say it's about a 2.5 hour drive from here. We drive to the port each time. Someone did state that it's four lane interstate quality..... I-4 is obviously an interstate, but, a good portion is only two lanes in each direction, three lanes in some. They are doing (or have been the last 8.5 years I've lived here) construction to make it three lanes each way. Someone above posted about traffic jams, and YES, that happens. You can crawl along in traffic on I-4. I've seen I-4 closed each way several times due to accidents that's even more fun trying to find a way around! We leave early to go to Port Canaveral, just in case of these types of situations. We've probably sat in traffic a dozen times or more on trips to Disney.... That's my info, I-4 could make me nuts!

But, Tampa Airport, is a GREAT airport to fly in and out of....

Travis

 

[mmouse37]

I have flown into Tampa a few times and driven to the port. I am doing it again for the 9/25 Wonder cruise.

I am flying into Tampa on the 24th and driving to Clearwater to spend the night with my aunt and then we are driving to the port on the morning of the 25th. Since it is a business day I plan on leaving plenty of time because I know the traffic on I 4-East can get very heavy in the mornings.

I was able to rent a mid-size car for the duration of my stay for only $105.00 including tax. I will pay the $30 bucks parking at the port...at least I will have my car right there when we disembark.

The ride to the Port from Tampa is very easy!

MJ

 

[DisneyMagicTravis]

While your on your way from Clearwater to Port Canaveral, I will be on my way to work. That's just not right, lol.

Travis

 

[nickglover]

I would allow 3 hours.


Another possibility to explore is to fly into Jacksonville and come down I-95. It is probably a bit easier of a drive and under three hours.

 

[Mmketeer]

Hi,

I live here in Tampa and I always sail out of Port Canveral. The ships here in the Tampa port are to small for my taste, so I get in my car and drive to the next closest port...Port Canveral. I have been making that drive from here since DCL first started many years ago. I have sailed on both Carnival, DCL and in November I'll be sailing on RCCL's new Mariner of the Seas from that port. In all the times I have been driving over there I only ran into an accident once on state rd 528 and that wasn't fun, cause that's a one lane road. But, here's a tip I learned from that experince...when you see traffic coming to a stand still on 528 follow the next Mears or DCL bus you see cause they will have an alternate route (they drive that thing several times a day from Disneyworld.)
As far as traffic on I-4 ....that's pretty much hit or miss. Their will always be traffic or construction on that road and the amount of traffic depends on the time of day and if their are any accidents. You will need to closely monitor the radio stations for traffic reports in your rental, cause even our local stations here will tell you if their is an accident on I-4 at least for this side of the Interstate systems through Lakeland.
I would schedule an early flight into Tampa incase of any airline delays. I usually leave my home for the port around 9:30am, and taking my time I will get to the port by lunch time. I have even popped in a few times at Disney on my way too, cause Disney is only an hour away from here. I have also made it back from the port when I was in a real hurry to get back in 2 1/2 hours.

You could schedule your flight a day earlier and fly in to Tampa, but stop at WDW for the night and then leave from there for DCL the next day. Just book a resort room only reservation (which you can do yourself).

Just keep in mind for your travel plans that you should be at the port by I would say no later than 3pm.

Personally, in November I won't be able to leave here til 12noon this time (due to a family situtation) and I know I'll still be fine on getting to the port. But, who really wants to miss a free lunch and more time on the ship if you can help it right!<BG>

Happy Sailings....
Mmketeer

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I have a list of airports and their distances from the port at my web site...

www.dcltribute.com/airports

 

[zalansky]

Have been on about 5 cruises out of Pt. Canaveral...have never had a problem driving over. Put it this was, it is an hour from Tampa to Orlando airport. You do the math...Plus, as others have said, you'll love Tampa airport.