MCO-BC which way really is faster?

[siouxi31]

I'm confused as to which route really is faster (not shorter but faster) from MCO to BC. In the past few years, we've had the people at National tell us to take the Beeline to I4 since it's faster, and then we've had them say take 417 to 536 because it's faster.

Does it depend on the day that we arrive as to which would be a quicker transit because of less traffic?

We're arriving on a Saturday and should get our rental car by 11AM. Does this mean I shouldn't take the I4 route because there could be several people arriving by car from an overnight drive on Friday? Or would I4 be better because it's not a week-day so there will not be alot of business traffic?

I've always wondered what the answer to this question was so hopefully one of you knowledgable people can help out.

Thank you.

 

[ducklite]

The extra five minutes the greenway (417) will take is so worth it for having no traffic congestion. I-4 gets just as crazy on the weekend as it does mid-week.

Anne

 

[NJDad18]

The first time we went to WDW as DVC members we took a limo from the airport and the driver took 417. He said that is the best way to go b/c it's never congested. He said that all of the limo drivers take 417 whereas most tourists take I4. After that trip we've always taken 417 and have never had a problem. Just remember to bring $$ b/c there are 2 tolls on the road.

 

[siouxi31]

Thank you so much. I'll stick with 417!

 

[NancyIL]

I always take 417...no 8-lane traffic jams! Take the SOUTH exit out of the airport.

 

[Lewisc]

Will the experts have a different answer if the passenger is picking up a rental car offsite? Both Hertz and Thrifty are N of the airport.

I'd probably still go S but I'm not sure if that would be the right way to go.

 

[ducklite]

Will the experts have a different answer if the passenger is picking up a rental car offsite? Both Hertz and Thrifty are N of the airport.

I'd probably still go S but I'm not sure if that would be the right way to go.

I'd pick up the car and cut back through the airport and out teh south entrance.

And watch your speed--OCSD has been ALL OVER the airport roads with radar the past couple of months. Although those roads might be flat and straight, the speed limit is 35-40 mph, not the 60 they feel like they should be!

Anne

 

[erikthewise]

If there's no traffic on 528/I4 , that way would be faster because it's shorter. But 417/536 is a very relaxing drive and well worth the toll. Just don't miss the exit off 536 onto Buena Vista Drive or you'll end up in Epcot!

 

[seashoreCM]

I have always used the Bee Line (Beach Line) 528 to I-4 route and not had any trouble outside the PM weekday rush.

From Hertz/Thrifty go right at the last light (Frontage) instead of actually getting on 528 right away. From the airport north entrance go left at the first light. Either way, just over a mile later you get on 528 at its next interchange (#9 Tradeport) This way you skip one of the two tolls.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[PortieOwner]

The Central Florida parkway is the way to go but last year I took the Beeline (and did some driving around I-Drive and Kirkman), eventually on I-4 and didn't run into this famous late afternoon Orlando heavy traffic I always read about.

Portie

 

[safetymom]

417 even when renting from Hertz is the best way to go. BTW, it is the Beach line renamed so that tourists would know it is the way to the beach.