The driving distance between Orlando and Miami is about 235 miles, and the fastest route takes you along Florida’s famous Sunshine coast.
For most people, the best way to get there is to drive, but there are other ways of traveling between the two cities.
How far is Orlando to Miami? 235 miles |
What’s the best route? I-95 South |
What’s the cheapest way to get there?
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What’s the fastest way to get there? Driving (3 hours 30 minutes) or Flying (1 hour 20 minutes) |
Where to stay in Orlando
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Where to stay in Miami
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Things to do in the Miami area
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Driving from Orlando to Miami
There are a couple of different ways you can drive from Orlando to Miami.
Recommended: Free Fuel Cost Calculator
Route 1: I-95
The drive is pretty straightforward: take the Florida Turnpike until it meets I-95. Then get on I-95 South and drive until you hit Miami.
This route is the shortest distance and covers about 235 miles. It is also the fastest route.
Route 2
A slower, but more scenic route, is to take the Florida Turnpike until it meets 441. Then get on 441 and take it until you run into Okeechobee/Whispering Pines. You can then take 98 around Lake Okeechobee, get on 27, and you’ll end up right in Miami.
This route covers a similar distance (235 miles), but it takes longer because of a lower average speed. This is the route where you’ll pass through the Everglades and several small towns, like Pahokee and Belle Glade.
Other ways to get there
In addition to driving, you can fly, take a Greyhound bus, or take an Amtrak train.
Flying
The total flight time is around 1 hour and 22 minutes. Both Delta Airlines and American Airlines offer direct flights between Orlando and Miami.
| Airline | Flight Information |
|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | Earliest Flight: 6:40AM Last Flight: 5:46PM |
| American Airlines | Earliest Flight: 6:20AM Last Flight: 8:27PM |
If you fly you’ll want a rental car when you get to either Orlando or Miami.
Greyhound
You can also get there by taking a Greyhound bus. The travel time varies, but the fastest time is a little under 4 hours.
They also offer other routes and times that may take longer, so check details before booking.
With a bus trip, you can sit back and relax, without worrying about driving. Greyhound is also the most affordable option, and they offer onboard entertainment.
A key point is to choose your Greyhound Station carefully. Both Orlando and Miami have a number of Greyhound bus stations.
Orlando Greyhound Bus Stations
Miami Greyhound Bus Stations
Amtrak
Amtrak offers service between Orlando and Miami via their Silver Service/Palmetto Line. They offer first class private rooms, business class options, and dining on the train.
Amtrak offers a checked bag service, wifi onboard, and the option of taking a small dog or cat with you.
What’s the cheapest way to get there?
The overall cost of your trip is going to be lowest if you use Greyhound or Amtrak. But they are also less convenient options.
Driving $235 | Flying $120-170 per person | Bus $40 per person | Train $40 per person |
Costs of driving
Estimated Cost: $253
Based on the driving distance, you can probably get between the two cities on a tank or less of gas. So that may make it a cheap option compared to other ways of getting there.
But owning a car isn’t only about the fuel costs. It’s also about the cost of ownership, including purchase, registration, and repairs.
According to the American Automobile Association’s 2022 report on driving costs, the cheapest car to own is a small sedan, coming in at around 54 cents per mile.
Orlando to Miami is 235 miles one way, or 470 miles round trip. That means a round-trip drive between the two destinations would cost at least $253.
Costs of flying
Estimated Cost: $120-170 per person
Since flight tickets are priced per person this may only be cheaper if you are going by yourself.
You’ll also want to add in the cost of a rental car if you don’t have someone picking you up.
Costs of taking a bus
Estimated Cost: $40 per person
Greyhound may be the cheapest option for traveling between the two cities. But you’ll likely need a rental car once you get to your destination, which can add to the costs of either one. You may also need to pay for parking at the station during your trip, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Currently, you can get bus tickets between Orlando and Miami for as low as $39.99. That’s also the price for the shortest trip, which lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Of course, ticket prices vary depending on when you are leaving, but overall Greyhound is definitely cheaper than flying and may be cheaper than driving, depending on your travel plans.
Costs of taking a train
Estimated Cost: $40 per person
The best ticket price for Amtrak between Orlando and Miami is about $39. And you can get your own private room for around $220. The fastest route takes 5 hours and 40 minutes.
That’s overall a great price for what you’re getting, especially since your own room is going to be far more comfortable than flying or driving.
What’s the fastest way to get there?
Driving 3 hours 30 minutes | Flying 1 hour 20 minutes | Bus 4 hours | Train 5 hours 40 minutes |
Between driving and flying from Orlando to Miami, there are a few things to think about.
If you consider only the actual flight time, flying wins out. However, when you add in check-in times, security checks, waiting for baggage, and travel to and from the airport, the total travel time by air may actually be a little slower.
On the other hand, driving the fastest route along I-95 takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. But this is only nonstop drive time. You may want to add in 30 minutes – 1 hour for a stop or two along the way.
Greyhound is about the same as driving, while Amtrak is a little slower.
Where to stay in Orlando
If you’re traveling the other direction, and going from Miami to Orlando, you’ll need a place to stay when you get there. Orlando offers a ton of different accommodations, so do your research before you book.
The Hyatt is located just a 5 minute walk from Universal Orlando Resort and a 20 minute walk from Universal Studios Florida. Amenities include free breakfast, free wi-fi, and a poolside bar.
Pets are not allowed at this hotel.
An 8 minute drive from the airport and right near the Florida Mall and the Crayola experience. Amenities include a pool, free wifi, and free breakfast.
Price averages around $100 per night.
Crystal clear, cool pools of pure joy filtered by hundreds of miles of natural Florida limestone.
Many are state parks and allow camping, including for RVs.
Luxury Option: Hyatt House
The Hyatt House is a luxury hotel located just a 5 minute walk from Universal Orlando Resort and just a 20 minute walk from Universal Studios Florida. It is a highly-rated accommodation in a great location that is great way to splurge on a vacation.
Amenities include free breakfast, free wi-fi, and a poolside bar. They also have a range of standard amenities, and most visitors feel like the beds are comfortable and the hotel is a good experience.
Pet Policy
Pets are not allowed at this hotel.
Budget Option: Quality Inn & Suites Orlando Airport
Quality Inn is a budget friendly option that still puts you right in the center of the Orlando action. It is only an 8 minute drive from the airport and right near the Florida Mall and the Crayola experience.
This is a very basic hotel, but there is a pool, and free wifi and breakfast is included with your stay. The price is hard beat, averaging around $100, depending on the time of year.
There are mixed ratings for this hotel, as you would expect for any accommodation at this price point. But overall the combination of price, location, and mostly good to very good reviews makes it a decent choice if you’re looking for a budget hotel.
Pet Policy
Pets are not allowed, although service animals are exempt from this rule.
Where to stay in Miami
Miami also has far more accommodations than any list could provide. So this list is to just get you started. Check what are you’re going to be first, then you can research your various options to find a hotel that fits your needs.
Known as more of a chic hotel than a luxury hotel, Esmé is a beautiful, charming place to stay. It is ultra stylish, highly rated, and very comfortable.
You'll be right in the heart of Miami Beach and just a short walk from the beach.
Pet friendly, but expensive (pet fee of $250 per stay). Allows dogs up to 55 pounds.
A good combination of affordability and quality. Very good reviews for the price point, coming in at 8.4/10 on Expedia and 4/5 on TripAdvisor. And that is with a lot of reviews.
Free shuttle to and from the airport, a pool, a gym, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
Up to 2 dogs for $75 per stay, per pet. Food and water bowls are available
Luxury option: Esmé Miami Beach
Esmé Miami Beach is known as more of a chic hotel than a luxury hotel, but it is beautiful, charming place to stay that is ultra stylish, highly rated, and very comfortable. It also puts you right in the heart of Miami Beach, just a short walk from the beach.
It comes with standard amenities, including free wifi and a pool. Breakfast is available onsite.
Pet Policy
This hotel is pet friendly, but with a pretty hefty pet fee of $250 per stay. Dogs up to 55 pounds are welcome, and service animals are exempt from fees.
Budget option: Regency Miami Airport by Sonesta
Regency Miami isn’t the most rock-bottom hotel in Miami, but it’s a good combination of affordability and quality. After all, in a city like Miami you could find yourself in a pretty bad situation with accommodations if you weren’t careful.
Overall, it has very good reviews for the price point, coming in at 8.4/10 on Expedia and 4/5 on TripAdvisor. And that is with a lot of reviews.
Amenities include a free shuttle to and from the airport, a pool, a gym, and an onsite restaurant and bar. Unfortunately, they charge for Wifi and also charge $23 per night for parking – but in central Miami, that’s likely to be expected. But you’ll want to look at your total costs, including these add-ons, before booking.
Pet Policy
Regency is pet friendly and welcomes up to 2 dogs for $75 per stay, per pet. Food and water bowls are available, and service animals are exempt from the additional charge.
Things to do in Miami
The city of Miami has tons of things to do. It’s known for its food, its party scene, and its strong cultural roots in Latin America and the Caribbean.
You may want to check out the Visit Miami website to find what you’re looking for. Be sure also to check out the sandy beaches in the Miami area and Biscayne Bay.
Miami is also close to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, both of which have even more great things to do. The Blue Heron Bridge is a famous snorkeling and dive spot that many divers think is one of the best shore dives in the world!
Along the way, you can also stop at the Kennedy Space Center, the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, and Fort Pierce.
If you are looking for a great park in the area, be sure to check out my post on the Best Parks in Miami.
Little Havana
Image by Ivan Zalazar from Pixabay
Little Havana is Miami’s Cuban neighborhood, and it’s filled with great restaurants and things to do. It almost transports you to Cuba, with street signs even written in Spanish.
Check out the famous Versailles, widely regarded as the best Cuban restaurant in the city. Just practice your Spanish before going – you may find that there are sections where not much English is spoken!
The Everglades National Park
The Everglades are one of the most iconic natural landscapes in America. The wetlands are home to alligators, birds, and other animals, and the region is popular with recreational users.
You can explore the wetlands by boat, or by exploring the region along the Florida Trail.
The Florida Keys
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
By the time you get to Miami, you’ll only be a couple hours from Key Largo, the first key in the Florida Keys.
The Keys are known for their beautiful, turquoise water with excellent opportunities for water sports like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and fishing. There are also some amazing beaches there, like at Bahia Honda State Park.
By the time you’ve gotten to Miami, you’re also just a short boat or plane ride away from Bimini. If you’re wanting to visit this tropical paradise, be sure to check out our post on the Most Epic Guide to Florida to Bimini Trips.
The Bottom Line
In most cases, driving from Orlando to Miami will be the most convenient and the cheapest. But if you’re traveling solo, You may save money with Greyhound or Amtrak. There are lots of things to do along the way, and Miami is a great place for a vacation.
It’s also possible to fly between the two cities, and that may save you some time, although it will likely be more expensive.
But a road trip is the perfect way to explore the unique culture, scenery, and activities of America’s Sunshine Coast.
