Help please, newbies tampa to port canaveral

[LBYC-19]

Is is easier to go from Tampa airport to MCO, and then take the DCL bus to the port, or take a rental car one way from Tampa to Port Canaveral? Would a car service be outrageous? There are two of us, and we're trying to have an smooth transition. We are new to cruising and any help would be appreciated. How important is a GPS in that area? Thanks so much for any advice.

 

[Capt_BJ]

rent the car

it will be the most cost effective

the drive is easy

from Tampa, east (you're actually going north east ..) on I-4 to Orlando and SR-528, then east on 528 takes you all the way to the port.

it's about 125 miles

notes

528 is a toll road - it will run you about $4 end to end

when I drive this, a take SR-417 and bypass the 528/I-4 interchange .... there's usually less traffic - 417 is also a toll road.

You can use cash at all the tolls on 417 and 528, but electronic might save you some time as the cash lanes often have cars lined up while electronic maintains speed. Cost for the electronic varies by rental company. See:

https://www.sunpass.com/rentalcar

For cash, have a roll of quarters and you'll have some left overs for slot machines.

 

[LBYC-19]

Thank you very much, Captain, for the helpful information. And thank you for your service in the USCG!