Vero Beach- directions

[Meliechick]

I think that I've asked every possible question about Vero Beach except the most important...what is the best way to drive there from the Orlando airport. I found directions on the DVC website but they differ from mapquest. I'm just wondering what is the best way to get there and about how long it will take.

Thanks!

 

[mbhoxsie]

There are a few ways...

Most people take the Beeline (528) to I-95 South... Then get off at 512 (Fellsmere) and take that to 510 to the A1A... This seems to be the fastest route, but not the most scenic...

My favorite route, though the longest in time, is to take 528 east all the way to where it turns into A1A at Port Canaveral... Then just follow A1A south until you get the VB... This is the most scenic, but has the most stoplights... It'll add about 30-45 mins to the drive...

Lastly, I've heard of some people taking the Florida Turnpike (SR-91) to Fort Pierce and then going North on to the A1A... I've never done this yet though...

 

[Claire L]

My favorite route, though the longest in time, is to take 528 east all the way to where it turns into A1A at Port Canaveral... Then just follow A1A south until you get the VB... This is the most scenic, but has the most stoplights... It'll add about 30-45 mins to the drive...

So how long would this take mid week in early June leaving Disney about 11am?

Claire

 

[mbhoxsie]

The "normal" drive from WDW to VB is about 2 hours...

The AIA scenic drive would be about 2 hrs 45 mins tops... So I'd guess you'd get there about 1:45pm or so...

 

[Meliechick]

Thanks for the info! I think we will try the most scenic there and the shortest way back to compare.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Thanks for the info! I think we will try the most scenic there and the shortest way back to compare.

mbhoxsie is right on the mark. Take the route over to A1A... It is a much better route.... scenic, relaxing, and many towns to learn about. Not a superhighway, but the extra 30-40 mins is worth it. Actually, I don't think this route has ever taken more than 2 hours for us.

 

[mbhoxsie]

Another major difference is that the A1A provides you with opportunities to stop and see the ocean, grab a bite to eat, find a bathroom, gas up the car, etc...

The I-95 route is pretty isolated other than a few exits at Cocoa Beach and Melbourne...

 

[garnet1240]

Last month was our first trip there , we took 1A1 down and 95 back to the airport. Took us 2h 45m for the drive down, lots of 45 mile zones, but pretty drive. Be aware that much of 95 is under construction and can have some delays depending on the time of day...our drive time was exactly 2 hrs. If you need to stop for gas on the way back, exit 13 on 528 just before the airport. The airport is exit 11

Have a great trip!!

 

[Claire L]

Thanks for the info! I think we will try the most scenic there and the shortest way back to compare.

Sounds like a plan to me as well

Claire

 

[PamOKW]

The Florida Turnpike option is pretty good if you are going to or from WDW -- from the airport you would be going west to go east. Basically, you take the Florida Turnpike to Exit 193 SR-60 Vero Beach. SR-60 is the road where the outlets and mall in Vero are located. I don't have the turn-by -turn directions for within Vero but basically you head to the water and A1A. You'll be south of the Disney Resort. Once again, a very pretty drive up A1A. Florida's Turnpike is also through the wilderness so gas up and eat up before heading out.

I like the directions of heading down A1A from Port Canaveral. I haven't done that but sounds like a plan for next trip if the weather is good.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Took us 2h 45m for the drive down, lots of 45 mile zones, but pretty drive. Have a great trip!!

Somehow, I think I am mistaken about it not taking us more than 2 hours. Probably my time warp issue again. It happens.

 

[garnet1240]

Somehow, I think I am mistaken about it not taking us more than 2 hours. Probably my time warp issue again. It happens.

lol! Not sure if this is true or not..but I have a brother that lives down by West Palm. He says alot of the slower traffic on 1A1 is on purpose. We noticed alot of the large beach homes are now for sale...he says it's common for the owners or real estate brokers to hire seniors to drive the route near these home just under the speed limit..thus slowing traffic so you will notice the properties....we did have quite a few times with one car holding up traffic..

 

[DisDaydreamer]

lol! Not sure if this is true or not..but I have a brother that lives down by West Palm. He says alot of the slower traffic on 1A1 is on purpose. We noticed alot of the large beach homes are now for sale...he says it's common for the owners or real estate brokers to hire seniors to drive the route near these home just under the speed limit..thus slowing traffic so you will notice the properties....we did have quite a few times with one car holding up traffic..

Ok... now that is just weird, but now that I think about it.... Money walks... (walking is better than talking).