How To Travel Between Miami And Orlando

If you’re traveling to Florida from out of state, it makes sense that you’d want to see as much of it as you can while you’re here. Lucky for visitors, Greater Miami and Miami Beach is just 250 miles (400 kilometers) south of Orlando – the theme park capital of the world – making it easy to see both destinations.

Once you’ve explored Miami’s miles of beaches, tasted its exciting restaurant scene and experienced its unique culture, take a quick trip to Orlando by train, plane, bus or car.

Hop On A Train

Travel time: About six hours by Amtrak and three hours by Brightline

Cost: Prices run from $27 seats to $640 private rooms

Miami has two train lines: Amtrak and Brightline. Brightline is newer, trendier and offers a high-speed train ride from Miami to Orlando with very few stops.

Its state-of-the-art train stations have popular dining spots, cocktail bars and a premium lounge, and the onboard experience is clean and stylish, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a beverage cart offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, charcuterie and snacks.

Buy roundtrip tickets on the Brightline app and use Uber or Lyft to get back to your hotel when you return. If it’s time to catch your flight, the Brightline shuttle can take you from your train to Miami International Airport (MIA).

Around since 1971, Amtrak offers a more traditional train experience and travels to over 500 destinations in the U.S. and Canada.

There’s a dining car with tableside service and seat options that run the gamut, from inexpensive coach seats to private bedrooms for up to two travelers. The length and price of your trip depend on the train and seat you pick.

Book A Flight

Travel time: Around an hour

Cost: One-way plane tickets from Miami to Orlando for less than $100

While the actual flight from Miami to Orlando takes roughly an hour, you’ll still need to factor in enough time to get to MIA and go through airport security.

As with all flights, the price of your flight depends on the airline and seat you choose, whether or not baggage is covered and how early you booked the trip. Book in advance and you’ll typically find one-way airfare for less than $100.

Take The Bus

Travel time: Varies by route; roughly four to seven hours

Cost: Prices start at $24.99 for one-way tickets

Multiple bus companies offer routes between Miami and Orlando at affordable prices. Jet Set Express has luxury motorcoaches with onboard restrooms, reclining chairs, foot and arm rests, entertainment, Wi-Fi and power outlets.

These buses have daily routes from Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Springs, PortMiami and MIA to multiple locations in Orlando and Kissimmee (including Disney World and Universal Orlando theme parks).

Another company, FlixBus, is quick and convenient, with nearly 40 departures to Orlando a day and travel times as short as four hours. Onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi, extra legroom, power outlets, restrooms and carry-on and stowed luggage allowances.

Download the FlixBus app to book tickets and track the location and ETA of your bus.

Finally, RedCoach USA has separate first class, business class and premium economy buses with reclining seats, footrests, Wi-Fi and restrooms. These luxury motorcoaches travel from MIA to three Orlando area stops.

Tip: If you’re traveling with a large group, consider chartering your own bus.

Take A Car

Travel time: Four or five hours

Cost: Varies; price depends on whether you drive your own car, rent one or use a rideshare service

You can drive to Orlando from Miami in four or five hours, depending on how often you stop for gas, food or bathroom breaks. The trip can take longer during rush hour traffic, as well as holidays, spring break and other peak travel seasons. 

Driving up Florida’s Turnpike is typically the quickest way to get to Orlando, but you will have to pay tolls. Florida’s electronic, prepaid tolls program makes paying tolls easy. (Get a SunPass to avoid elevated toll-by-plate prices and use the Turnpike’s SunPass toll calculator to estimate your costs.)

Rent A Car

Rental car companies offer round-trip or one-way contracts. A one-way rental might be ideal if you start your trip in Miami and end it in Orlando.

Returning your car to a different location might cost extra, but the convenience could be worth it. For the best rates and options, do your pick-ups and drop-offs at MIA and Orlando International Airport. Before you book, call the rental car company to confirm that this is allowed (and if there are extra costs).

It’s also important to ask the rental car company how they handle tolls. Most companies work directly with SunPass and will bill you after your trip, but some ask you to prepay a set amount to cover the tolls.

If the rental car company offers neither option, you might be billed according to Florida's toll-by-plate system.

Take An Uber Or Lyft

Calling a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft is always an option, but it will likely be your most expensive one. As with any rideshare, cost varies based on the time of day, distance and the type of vehicle you choose. In general, expect to pay hundreds of dollars each way.