how far is miami really?

[orangetiggs]

looking at flying VA into MIA as its much better and alot cheaper and renting a car and driving up

How long do you think it would take? we have 16 nights booked at ssr

 

[penlanspice]

I think it took us around 4 hours last year both ways as the weather was pretty bad both ways, on the return I think it took us nearly 4 and half as the traffic was crawling along.

We would definitely do it again if it was cheaper, although I would probably not drive all the way from Miami to Orlando after getting off a 9 hour flight which I know many do. (we have stayed over in Miami)

 

[orangetiggs]

yes i have done orlando to st petes after a flight and it was really bad weather and dark as we were delayed a few hours! good old virgin!
I was looking at either driving after the flight or going a day early and staying over in MIA but having only been to the airport to transfer dont really know where to stay for one night

it will save us around £400 on VA prices as booking a flydrive with VH they are putting £210 each extra as a supplement for the mco route

 

[Laurafoster]

We have done the drive a few times, i think the quickest was still about 3.5 Hours.
Once we did it straight after the flight and personally i wouldnt do that again!

If i remember correctly, the flight landed at around 3:30pm, it took us just over an hour to get out of the airport and collect the car. So we probably set off at around 5pm. We stopped for something to eat on the way up and didnt get to the hotel until around 9pm. Needless to say we were exhausted by that time!

I wouldnt have a problem flying into Miami again, but i think i would definately look at staying overnight. We looked at the Hilton at Miami airport and i think the rooms were around £80 for the 1 night.

 

[Pegasus928]

I'll be honest and say that I didn't realise that Miami was so close. I thought a flight would be the better option but now I know that it is 'driveable' and that there are big savings to be made on flight prices I might just have to look into it

 

[UKDEB]

I've posted in detail on this topic in the past. I'll see if I can dig up one of the old posts, rather than attempt to go five rounds with my failing memory.

 

[UKDEB]

Here's my most recent post. Some of it may possibly be helpful, but bear in mind that our trip was in August, 2007, so some of it may be out of date. I have a feeling I've read that improvements have been made to the car hire situation.

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

Sarah - we are planning to stay in Fort Lauderdale on the way back, so if you didn't want to drive all the way after the flight, or if you didn't want to stay in Miami, this could be an option for you

Deb - I think you're right about the car hire situation having improved, I've read that elswhere too.

 

[scojos]

we are flying into miami in aug, we are overnighting in deerfield - even with the £60 for the hotel night, we are saving upwards of £1000....no contest.
the journey home will be hell, but arent all journey homes

 

[nibbo]

You can also fly to Tampa with BA, I think they do 5 days a week. This can work out cheaper too and a lot closer.

Nick

 

[Eljay]

we are flying into miami in aug, we are overnighting in deerfield - even with the £60 for the hotel night, we are saving upwards of £1000....no contest.
the journey home will be hell, but arent all journey homes

It will take one hour to drive from MIA to Deerfield Beach, if traffic is running smoothly.

 

[scojos]

It will take one hour to drive from MIA to Deerfield Beach, if traffic is running smoothly.

thanks thats what we thought, we land at 3, so the time to get through customs and then collect the car, then find the right road and find the hotel (we do have a satnav) we thought we d be at the hotel 6ish....
...time for pool and munchies and then early night before travelling up to wdw as soon as we wake
tracy

 

[babystar]

We have done the drive several times - really not too bad (esp if you are saving £££)

Last time was September and we used the US27 (much more interesting route) and we were at our villa in record time think it was just over 3 and quater hours

Have done the Florida turnpike lots but really dont like going that way, so so boring with nothing to look at.

We have stayed over in Miami and driven straight to orlando, If you are normally ok and awake after flights then you may aswell drive and wake up in your final destination. If you are a bit zombied after a flight then just leave it and have a night in a hotel. Just remember to factor in that the car hire companys are not on site so you have to add on approx a extra hour of faffing until you are finally in your car.

 

[UKDEB]

Last time was September and we used the US27 (much more interesting route) and we were at our villa in record time think it was just over 3 and quater hours

That's really interesting. It would never have occurred to me to do that, but you've got me thinking I'd like to try it. As you say, the Turnpike is a mind-numbing drive.

 

[babystar]

It is much easier to get to the US27 than the turnpike - think it is signposted from where the alamo car hire depot is (I believe that is where most of the car hire companys are located)

September was the 1st time I used it and I am NEVER going back to the turnpike. Appart from something to look at there is a nice variation of restraunts along the way so if you fancy stopping off then you are not stuck with "service station" food.

Also no tolls. I know I am talking about $20ish but thats more money for me to spend!!!

 

[disneyholic family]

if it were me, i would consider driving on the coast at least in one direction - on the scenic route...

 

[Eljay]

if it were me, i would consider driving on the coast at least in one direction - on the scenic route...

I would only do that, if you have lots of extra time. For the trip from Miami to Orlando, it will take you considerably out of your way if you travel up the east coast. Plus, it's a lot of stop and go, compared to the I-95, the Turnpike or highway 27.

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

It is much easier to get to the US27 than the turnpike - think it is signposted from where the alamo car hire depot is (I believe that is where most of the car hire companys are located)

September was the 1st time I used it and I am NEVER going back to the turnpike. Appart from something to look at there is a nice variation of restraunts along the way so if you fancy stopping off then you are not stuck with "service station" food.

Also no tolls. I know I am talking about $20ish but thats more money for me to spend!!!

This sounds like a great option - we were wondering how much we would need in terms of tolls for the drive as we only have about $20 in cash leftover from the last trip. Using this route, is there any chance of stopping at a largish grocery store? We figured we would pick up breakfast cereal and bagels etc. as we like to eat breakfast in our room We would also like to stop for something to eat as well, I imagine

 

[disneyholic family]

I would only do that, if you have lots of extra time. For the trip from Miami to Orlando, it will take you considerably out of your way if you travel up the east coast. Plus, it's a lot of stop and go, compared to the I-95, the Turnpike or highway 27.

that's why i said to 'consider' it....as it does take time, but it is scenic as well as interesting.....
sort of a bill bryson approach to a road trip...

 

[babystar]

There is the Walmart at Haines City its about 4miles before you get to the I4. If you are staying on Disney property then that is where you would come off.

If you are staying on the 192 or in a villa on the 27 then there is publix just past the I4 turn off.

There was probably alot more shops along the way but the Walmart is probably the easiest and convenient (you dont even have to come off the 27)

HTH