I27 from WDW to MIA?

[Pluto777]

-thinking maybe less traffic but never done it. It's critical I have no delays due to catching the plane in MIA so I'm not sure if it's less risky due to traffic by driving down the coast. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[JimMIA]

There is no I-27.

That's US 27, which is a divided 4 lane highway (NOT controlled access) part of the way and 2 lane the rest of the way. I would check the drive times with Google Maps or similar, but I'm sure it will take longer via US 27.

The best route is the Florida Turnpike. I-95 down the east coast would be somewhat out of your way.

 

[JimMIA]

Also, if you are returning a rental car, know that the Rental Car Center is located across a major thoroughfare from the airport terminals. So you will return your car over there and then take a free people-mover train to the terminal building.

The people-mover will bring you to the 3rd level of the terminal building. From there, you will go down the escalator/elevator one level to the ticketing and security checkpoints.

Many of the airlines have curbside luggage checkin, so you may want to swing through the terminal first (departures level) check your luggage, and then go over to the rental car center to return the car. After dropoff, just follow the signs to the rental car center. I usually drop the family off with the luggage and then park/return by myself.

Here's a map. Rental car center outlined on the right, terminals on the left:

 

[Pluto777]

There is no I-27.

That's US 27, which is a divided 4 lane highway (NOT controlled access) part of the way and 2 lane the rest of the way. I would check the drive times with Google Maps or similar, but I'm sure it will take longer via US 27.

The best route is the Florida Turnpike. I-95 down the east coast would be somewhat out of your way.

I only considered it for the day we have to catch a flight at MIA because even if it may be a bit longer than i95/coast road, I was wondering if it was less likely a risk due to a potential traffic jam which could be a disaster.

I also heard there will be (eventually) a train from MIA to WDW that they are constructing (which of course would be the best option), but I'm not sure when it ill be finished

 

[JimMIA]

I only considered it for the day we have to catch a flight at MIA because even if it may be a bit longer than i95/coast road, I was wondering if it was less likely a risk due to a potential traffic jam which could be a disaster.

The quickest way would be the Florida Turnpike. I-95 would be the second quickest and has no tolls (there would be some tolls getting to I-95). I think US 27 would be an hour or so slower.

Obviously there could always be a crash somewhere, but you're not likely to have any major traffic jams on either route most of the way. Traffic will pick up when you get to West Palm Beach, and will get heavy in the Ft. Lauderdale area on either the Turnpike or I-95 (worse on I-95). But we're talking driving 60 instead of 75 mph. Traffic will be a little heavier in Miami, but following your directions will be more challenging than the traffic.

Also, just so you know, I-95 doesn't go anywhere near the "coast." I don't think you can see the ocean from anywhere on I-95, it's well inland.

I also heard there will be (eventually) a train from MIA to WDW that they are constructing (which of course would be the best option), but I'm not sure when it ill be finished

Right, Virgin Trains. That is going to really be a nice addition, and will realign many families air travel plans for WDW. It will initially go from MCO to the Port of Miami, with stops at PBI, FLL, and downtown Miami (with Metrorail connection to MIA). But I don't think it's opening until 2022.

 

[gatour]

I would NOT recommend US-27. For several years I would take it to Sebring from I-4. It is slow going. There are many small towns and a lot semi truck traffic.

I recommend taking the Turnpike. If you want to save some toll money, at Ft Pierce you can switch over to I-95. We have done this many times, although some times we stay on the Turnpike the whole way, when we have a pre or post stay in Orlando in conjuction with a cruise.

 

[joelkfla]

I also heard there will be (eventually) a train from MIA to WDW that they are constructing (which of course would be the best option), but I'm not sure when it ill be finished

Virgin Trains is currently targeting service between MCO & Miami for the end of 2022, which in reality means it probably won't be running until at least 2023. The extension to WDW is still in the planning stage, so if it does get built, it will be even later.

 

[JimMIA]

I also heard there will be (eventually) a train from MIA to WDW ...

If you're talking about MIA airport, the rail to connect to Virgin Trains is already in place.

There is already an existing rail line for Tri-Rail which runs from West Palm Beach to the MIA airport. So the easy connection would just be Tri-Rail to FLL and switch to Virgin...or Virgin could add occasional trains.

This connection to South Florida airports is going to be a good thing for WDW visitors because it will greatly increase competition by adding 3 major airports to the mix. MIA runs neck-and-neck with MCO for daily flights and is one of American's largest hubs and FLL has Southwest, so both of those would probably offer some good flights and pricing.

 

[JimMIA]

The rail from the Virgin Trains station in downtown Miami to Port Miami is also in place.

The opening of actual service to the Port is unclear, but Virgin Cruises is also planning on a base at Port Miami. My guess is Virgin will start running trains to the port once cruises open back up, even if their own ships are not yet docking there.

But once the whole system gets opened as far as MCO, travelers will have easy access to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale and direct service to Port Miami.

 

[gatour]

The rail from the Virgin Trains station in downtown Miami to Port Miami is also in place.

The opening of actual service to the Port is unclear, but Virgin Cruises is also planning on a base at Port Miami. My guess is Virgin will start running trains to the port once cruises open back up, even if their own ships are not yet docking there.

But once the whole system gets opened as far as MCO, travelers will have easy access to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale and direct service to Port Miami.

One ship is complete, so I imagine once cruising starts back up. Virgin Cruises will start when the other cruise lines start back up.

 

[sam_gordon]

I only considered it for the day we have to catch a flight at MIA because even if it may be a bit longer than i95/coast road, I was wondering if it was less likely a risk due to a potential traffic jam which could be a disaster.

Not knowing what time your flight is, I just want to throw out the option of driving down the night before and staying in a hotel (maybe one with airport shuttle service) in MIA. Google says 3:15 from WDW to MIA via the Turnpike. I would plan on at least 4 hours AND arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. Of course, I'm paranoid about missing a flight. YMMV.

 

[JimMIA]

Not knowing what time your flight is, I just want to throw out the option of driving down the night before and staying in a hotel (maybe one with airport shuttle service) in MIA. Google says 3:15 from WDW to MIA via the Turnpike. I would plan on at least 4 hours AND arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. Of course, I'm paranoid about missing a flight. YMMV.

The drive time will also depend somewhat on when OP is making the trip and what time of day they'll be in the WPB-Miami area.

Right now traffic is still pretty light, but six months from now who knows? Also, if you leave Orlando at 10 AM and get to Miami at 1 PM, that's one scenario. Leave at 3 PM and get to West Palm at 5 PM and you've got a totally different traffic situation.

 

[Pluto777]

Not knowing what time your flight is, I just want to throw out the option of driving down the night before and staying in a hotel (maybe one with airport shuttle service) in MIA. Google says 3:15 from WDW to MIA via the Turnpike. I would plan on at least 4 hours AND arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. Of course, I'm paranoid about missing a flight. YMMV.

Yeah, did that last time.. Its what I'm trying to avoid because its really a waste of 24 hours of vacation time (as well as money). Trying to find alternatives.. I REALLY can't wait for that MIA to WDW train line they were talking about; its amazing they havent built one by now

 

[sam_gordon]

Yeah, did that last time.. Its what I'm trying to avoid because its really a waste of 24 hours of vacation time (as well as money). Trying to find alternatives.. I REALLY can't wait for that MIA to WDW train line they were talking about; its amazing they havent built one by now

Sorry, I'm confused. The drive time is a wash. Presumably the money is a wash (what you'd spend for a hotel & meals in Miami is what you'd spend in Kissimmee (or close to it). If I had an early flight out of MIA (say before 11a), I'd leave Orlando around 4-5p the night before, have Dinner in MIami, then get up and get on the plane. Of course, if the flight is in the afternoon, then yes, I'd leave in the morning. But I don't see how it wastes 24 hours.

 

[JimMIA]

If I had an early flight out of MIA (say before 11a), I'd leave Orlando around 4-5p the night before, have Dinner in MIami, then get up and get on the plane.

If you decide to do this, and are staying at a hotel with an airport shuttle, you can shuttle both ways.

Check into the hotel and drop your luggage and family off, drive to the rental car center and return the car. Then take the people mover to the terminal, go down to Arrivals (lower level) and catch the shuttle to your hotel. Then, in the morning, shuttle to the airport.

 

[joelkfla]

I REALLY can't wait for that MIA to WDW train line they were talking about; its amazing they havent built one by now

The Republican establishment in FL is extremely anti-transit. This line is only being built because a private company thinks they found a way to make a profit by building the line in conjunction with developing real estate around the stations.

 

[JimMIA]

The Republican establishment in FL is extremely anti-transit. This line is only being built because a private company thinks they found a way to make a profit by building the line in conjunction with developing real estate around the stations.

Right, and the California train to nowhere is a perfect example of why.

Our South Florida Tri-Rail system is another good example. The 2019-2020 budget shows expenses of $122 Million, and train revenues of $15 Million. The other $107 Million is paid by taxpayers -- that's 88% of the cost of operation.

 

[gatour]

Right, and the California train to nowhere is a perfect example of why.

Our South Florida Tri-Rail system is another good example. The 2019-2020 budget shows expenses of $122 Million, and train revenues of $15 Million. The other $107 Million is paid by taxpayers -- that's 88% of the cost of operation.

And how much of your taxes are paid to build/maintain roads? Just think of the additional cars that would be on the roads if not for the Tri-Rail the next time you are stuck in a traffic jam.

Do you use city parks? In most cases 100% tax payer funded. Do you use State or Federal Parks. While many do charge entry fees, the fees do not cover all of the operating/maintenance costs.

Here in Jacksonville we have this people mover system. It never got the ridership predicted, because it also a system to nowhere. It is basically two lines. The problem was that they ended each end of each line about 1/4 mile from where they should. So it is truly a train to nowhere. But it didn't have to be that.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

American Airline has a flight from MCO to MIA for $25 dollars
1 hr and 10 minute flight

 

[JimMIA]

American Airline has a flight from MCO to MIA for $25 dollars
1 hr and 10 minute flight

WOW -- @Pluto777 should certainly look at that!