Flying out of Tampa, instead of Orlando..realistic drive time?

[cruisin5]

I'm finding no change in rates for MCO-TPA in March, I was surprised to see MCO-PIE (Clearwater) was the same too. I briefly has a slip in judgement and considered Allegiant out of PIE.

 

[sam_gordon]

OP, have you looked at flying INTO Tampa and just renting from there to start with?

 

[jerseygal]

OP, have you looked at flying INTO Tampa and just renting from there to start with?

No, one way flight is already booked into MCO, not cancellable. Should be fine, hoping!

 

[kydisneyfans]

Another Tampa flight family here-we've done it 3 times, and honestly probably won't do it again without major savings.

Took just over 2 hours from OKW to the airport-that included a potty break for my wife and a Chik Fil A breakfast stop, along with a fill up across the street(Dale Mabry Dr). That was during an early morning rush.

I HATE the Tampa airport now. Signage is poor, both inside and outside of the airport. The rental car garage is nice, but seems like it's miles away.I normally grab the rental car while my wife/kids get the luggage, I then pick them up at the terminal and roll on. It took over an hour to get to the rental facility by tram, get the car, and drive to the terminal.

For one way car rentals, we normally pay in the 60's to/from Tampa for a one day/one way SUV rental. We have flown into Tampa, hit Walmart for a grocery run, grab a Giordano's Pizza, check in to the resort, then return the car. We have done the same at the Melbourne Airport, although it was a bit longer of a drive.

 

[jerseygal]

Just poked around on car rental rates this morning. For example on Budget, only $86.00 more returning to Tampa versus Orlando...With my airline savings, its certainly still worth it..
Will be able to enjoy most of day in Orlando on a Sunday, then head over to Tampa..Funny, all these years flying in and out of MCO, never thought to check Tampa International flights...Really looking forward to our mid December trip, chance to relax a little before the Holidays and the long, cold winter.