Orlando area traffic?

[gardener14]

We will be finishing our trip with a day at AK and departing from Orlando International Airport on a Tuesday evening. I figured we can leave the park at 4 pm and have enough time to drive to the airport and return our rental car, but I don't know if there is rush hour traffic at that time between WDW and the airport. Does anyone have experience with that drive during a weekday commuting hour? I don't know what I-4 and the Bee Line Expressway are like at that time of day, and I'm not sure if we should allow more than the usual time for driving to the airport.

 

[safetymom]

I would suggest using 417 to the airport instead of I-4 and the Beeline. There never is any traffic. It takes about 1/2 hour. Also they are starting construction on I-4 and 192 so if you are on that part of I-4 or the detour it could take longer.

 

[lovethattink]

I-4 seems to bottleneck alot. We live 45 minutes from WDW and last week we went to WDW twice. It took us 2 hours both days to get there. The 1st day the traffic was held up by a burnt car at the side of the road. Car wasn't on fire at that time, just everyone stopped and looked at it. The 2nd day it was due to construction, only 1 lane was open. Usually during rush hours, it only adds an extra 15 minutes to our drive time. Busy times seem to be 3-7 pm.

 

[gardener14]

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to get out the map and look at the alternatives.

 

[Ted and Holly]

I agree with Safetymom. Follow the Osceola Parkway (AK is on it) to 417 and take 417 to the South Entrance of the airport. It will cost you some toll money but it will take you 30 minutes. You will find that toll roads are far less busy even during rush hour.

Ted