Florida might be the butt of a few jokes on the internet, but even those jokers can’t deny that it’s one of THE go-to states when it comes to vacations on the East Coast. Especially if you’re a fan of beautiful beaches and tropical weather!
Within this bustling tourist hotspot of a state, probably the two most famous cities to visit are Miami and Orlando. So, holiday-goers, looking to experience all that Florida has to offer will probably try and fit these two cities in, if nothing else.
However, to do that without breaking the bank and stressing over it, you’ll need to know how far these two locales are, and the best ways that you can travel to or between them.
Well, as luck would have it, we might have just the solution for you! Here, we’ll show you just how far apart Orlando and Miami are, as well as how to travel between the two, whether it’s by plane, train, coach, or just a good old-fashioned car!
How Far Apart Are Miami & Orlando From Each Other?
Before we get any further into the topic, we should probably first state just how far apart these cities are from one another, both by land and by air.
Well, in short, it’s a pretty long journey, no matter what way you’re traveling!
By land/car, the journey to and from Miami and Orlando is around 235 miles (or 378 kilometers), and the journey by plane between them is 204 miles (or 329 kilometers).
To put that into context, it would take almost a full day of non-stop cycling to travel between the two. And it would take 3 days to travel by foot, without breaks!
Yeah, needless to say, you’re going to need to find a method of transport to get around between them!
So, how exactly should you go about planning a journey between these cities?
That will vary depending on your chosen method of transportation, each coming with its benefits.
Traveling By Plane
They say that air travel is the safest form of transportation. And, for us as travelers, it is also the quickest way to travel between these two cities!
Of course, while that speed is a great plus, there are other things that you’ll need to keep in mind.
When traveling by plane, you’ll also need to be aware of the amount of time you’ll need to properly check through security, both departing and arriving.
You’ll also want to keep a close eye on ticket prices, as you’ll find that the price can fluctuate depending on the time of year.
These are hotspots for tourists all year round, so picking flights that are during on or off-peak times will greatly impact your overall time.
Still, with enough time in advance, you’ll likely be able to find a plane ticket or two that can cover you very nicely. You’ll be in Miami or Orlando in no time!
Traveling By Car
So, aside from by plane, the mode of transport that most people will likely turn to is simply driving to and from each city.
This is certainly doable, but it is also significantly longer than traveling by plane, with an estimated travel time of anywhere between 3 and a half to 4 hours, depending on things like traffic, weather, and whether or not you’ll be stopping for food along the way.
The main route that you’ll want to take between these cities is through Florida’s turnpike, which offers the easiest and simplest means of traveling across the peninsula.
Just keep in mind that there are toll booths across this freeway, some of which will take physical cash, and others will accept electronic payment. In some cases, you may be able to receive the toll through a bill at the end of your journey.
You should also keep in mind that there are a few different car rental/shuttle services that you can employ during your stay in the stay, whether you’re renting it out for a week or two, or simply using a shuttle service to get to and/or from each city.
You may be able to get a service that covers both rental and the tolls for Florida’s turnpike, so keep that in mind in your searches.
Traveling By Coach/Bus
The two options that we’ve covered so far have primarily been about private modes of transport, which are generally considered more expensive ways of traveling.
However, if you’re prepared to use something a little more public, you’ll find quite a few other ways of getting around that are almost always cheaper.
For larger groups, charter buses or coach services might be the most cost-effective way of getting to and from Orlando and Miami. Services like RedCoach USA offer travel services between Orlando International Airport and Miami, for example.
This alleviates the stress of travel, allowing you to rest while traveling, as opposed to being in a car
The main downside to this method is that this is a longer mode of transportation. At over 6 hours on average, these are almost twice as long as traveling by car, and over 6 times as long as using a plane (not factoring in security, of course).
So, you’ll be spending a good chunk of the day traveling, which could eat into your vacation time
Traveling By Train
Trains are an often overlooked form of transportation in many parts of the country, especially in comparison to the speed of air travel, and the convenience of traveling by car.
However, you shouldn’t discount train travel. While they can still be very long when it comes to travel (around 5 to 6 hours), you can also book premium tickets that allow you to rest in more private spaces than on any other mode of transport.
Plus, with the Brightline service expected to carry passengers directly to and from Miami and Orlando in Summer 2023, that longer journey time of 5 to 6 hours can be cut down to just 3, making it one of the fastest potential modes of getting around, surprisingly!
Of course, you’ll still need to check for specific pricing and routes from different providers, so make sure that you plan your rail journeys well in advance.
Final Notes
So, with all of this information now in our hands, we only have one question left:
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
