Miami is only 230 miles from Walt Disney World. That is just a short 3 and a half hour drive or a 1 hour flight! It is incredibly easy to go from one of Florida’s greatest party areas to the most Magical Place on Earth.
Whether you are planning a one day trip to Disney World to experience a festival at EPCOT or maybe you want to be at Disney for the latest ride opening, there are many different ways to get from Miami to Walt Disney World. Some travel options are definitely better than others, but we are going to guide you through those so you can make the best decision.
We visit Walt Disney World weekly and often travel between different areas in Florida. In fact, traveling from the Miami area to Walt Disney World is popular for guests either before or after enjoying a Disney Cruise.
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Drive/ Rent a Car from Miami to Disney World
The easiest way to get from Miami to Disney is to drive. This method takes the hassle out of booking something ahead of time and trying to get all of the times to align with your plans. The downside to driving is factoring the tolls, gas, the wear and tear on your car, and the traffic you will encounter.
If you don’t want to drive your specific car or maybe you booked a trip to Miami and just want a day trip to Disney, you can always rent a car and then drive. This does involve an extra cost of the rental car and dealing with the bookings, but it is another option if you like having the freedom of your own car versus relying on other modes of transportation.
If choosing to drive, taking the Florida Turnpike and I-95 North is the fastest way to drive from Miami to Orlando. If you take this route, the trip should take you around three and a half hours and the route is 230 miles.
Again, while driving has its major benefits, the biggest downside is the traffic that can turn a 3 and a half hour drive into a four or four and a half hours.
Take a Train from Miami to Orlando
Another option that is great if you don’t want to drive or don’t have access to a car, is to take the train. There are two train options when going from Miami to Orlando.
Amtrak
An Amtrak train from Miami to Orlando is an easy option. The trip will last between five hours and seven and a half hours depending on which train you choose. Pricing is around $75 in total for the trip.
If you plan to take a train, you should expect to stay in Orlando overnight due to the timing of the trains. You will most likely lose the time that you want to do your activities, so it is best to do this option when you want to stay for a few days. Another downside to taking the train is you will have to use other transportation options to get from the station to Disney World.
Brightline
The newest train option to go between Orlando and Miami is the Brightline Train. Brightline high-speed rail service from Miami to the new Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport is available. Choose from the budget-friendly Smart Service ticket level or treat yourself to Premium Service, which includes free drinks, snacks and priority boarding. Pricing is based on when you depart and return, but guests can book in March for $79.00 for SMART or $149 for Premium one way.
The Brightline train is much quicker than Amtrak in that it can get you between the two stations in only three and a half hours. Parking at this station is only $20 per day.
Catch a Flight from Miami to Orlando
Flying from Miami to Orlando may seem like the best option since it is the shortest on the surface, at only an hour, but flying does come with many downsides, one being that you will wait longer in the security line on your return from MCO than your entire flight.
In addition, smaller planes are used to fly between Miami and Orlando so the flights may not be as readily available. Booking early is the best way to ensure you get the dates and times you want. Spirit, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Jet Blue, Frontier, and United all fly between Miami and Orlando.
The last item to consider when flying is how to get from the airport to Walt Disney World. To read more about options from MCO (Orlando airport) to Walt Disney World, read our article Mears Connect Airport Shuttle to Disney World Guide 2024 or How Much is Uber and Lyft From Orlando Airport to Disney World?.
Ride a Bus from Miami to Orlando
A bus is another option for visitors that do not want to drive between Miami and Orlando. There are a few different bus lines that offer routes between Miami and Orlando.
Greyhound
Through Greyhound, you can book a variety of time options for your departure and return. Greyhound has added more bus routes using FlixBus.
The total trip is around six hours by bus for $80 round trip. You can also add upgrades such as select your seat or ride neighbor free. For baggage, you are able to bring one carry on and one stored bag.
Megabus
Megabus is another company that offers bus routes that are about four and a half hours. The Megabus is a luxury double decker that offers at-seat power outlets, panoramic windows and a green alternative way to travel.
The bus departs at the Miami Intermodal Center and arrives at Florida Mall. This is located in the parking lot adjacent to the Lynx Florida Mall Superstop. Keep in mind overnight parking is not allowed, so if you are traveling from Orlando to Miami, you will not be able to park your car at the Orlando station.
Tickets for this bus are $35 one way, but seat upgrades can be bought for an additional fee. Guests are able to bring one piece of luggage and a personal item with them.
RedCoach
RedCoach is another bus option from Miami to Orlando. One way tickets range from $24.99 to $49.99 depending on the time you are looking to depart and which seating class you choose. Pricing will also vary by season and holidays. The RedCoach bus is between four to four and a half hours for a trip. Guest will get to choose their seat on the bus based upon the seating class. Guests are able to check two pieces of luggage and bring a carry on item with them for travel.
As with many of the other options above, you will need to plan in time to get from the bus station to Disney World and what transportation you are going to use to get there. With the time it takes by bus, it is also a smart idea to use this transportation if staying overnight.
Take a Rideshare Service to Miami
Another option to get from Miami to Walt Disney World is to book a rideshare service from your location in Miami.
A one way trip from Miami to Walt Disney World booked during a non-peak time is between $287 – $358 for an UberX and $507-$645 for an UberXL. Booking an Uber is not the cheapest option of the ones listed here in this article, especially when you have to also book the ride back. In addition, it may be difficult to find a driver willing to drive the long journey.
You can also request an estimate from Lyft. When getting estimates for a Lyft, the company explains that it provided you with a price for the Lyft fare, Local tolls or fees, and Tips to your driver, but notes that between the time of the estimate and booking can change the price. To book a Lyft for 4 people is between $250 and $297. To book an extra comfort would be $420 and a Lyft black is $755 one way.
Things to Consider When Booking Travel from Miami
Before fully deciding on what method of travel you are going to take between Miami and Orlando, it is important to take a few factors into account.
1. Budget
Most of the time driving is going to be the cheapest option for any budget, but booking ahead and searching for deals for the bus, train, and flights, you could also fit any of these travel options into the budget you have set for your trip. Our family typically drives to Disney because even though we can sometimes find deals for our family, driving is typically always the cheapest and worth it for our family.
2. Parking
If you choose to drive, it is important to think about parking fees for the hotel you may stay at when visiting Disney. The on-property resorts have free parking for guests, so the parking fees would only apply for non-property hotels.
If choosing not to drive, you will need to factor in parking your car at the airport terminal, bus locations, or train stations.
The daily rate for the parking garage at the Miami Airport is $25.00. Valet Parking at the Miami Airport is $39.00 daily.
If taking the Greyhound bus from Miami and loading at the Golden Glades Multimodal Facility. Parking is available in the garage for no fee.
Parking at the Amtrak station for day and overnight is available through different lots. Amtrak does not have its own parking garage; however, Amtrak recommends using Spot Hero for parking.
3. Time Restraints & Convenience
When booking your travel, it is important to note if there are any specific time restraints to your travel.
A car will offer the most flexibility for leaving and arrival times. You can also stop along the way and pick up groceries or any other necessities if staying for multiple days.
Taking a flight is a large time commitment despite it being only an hour long flight. Most airports suggest getting to the airport at least two hours before your flight time. The MCO (Orlando) Airport suggestion is actually three hours ahead of time due to how busy security lines can be. I have waited a short 30 minutes at MCO and almost two hours at MCO. There is just no easy way to tell. This turns a one hour flight into at least a three hour adventure for your trip. When arriving you will need to either book a Mears driven by Sunshine Flyer bus or a Rideshare to get to your resort.
The train and bus have very set departure and arrival times, and while you don’t have to be at the stations as early as a plane, it is still a specific schedule that cannot be altered. If you miss your departure time, you are stuck trying to find an alternate option to get to your destination.
With the flight, train, and bus option, you also don’t have the convenience of a car to stop on the way to Disney property where you want. You will have to book some type of rideshare like Uber or Lyft and add a stop. Having to book a rideshare can also add time to your travel if you arrive or depart at a busy hour and have to wait.
4. Travel Companions
The final consideration when traveling is who are you traveling with? Depending on if you are traveling by yourself or with a large group, you may choose different modes of transportation to appeal to each individual.
If traveling solo, the bus or train may be a great option because you don’t have to worry about driving by yourself. You can use that time to sleep, read, or even work on the trip.
My family almost always chooses to drive to Disney because being in the car doesn’t bother my kids. However, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law always choose to fly because my nephew gets carsick on long drives.
You may not be able to fly if you have someone you are traveling with that is afraid of heights or health conditions that don’t make it safe to fly.
Another travel companion consideration is how much luggage you will have. The car typically provides the most space for items. Depending on the airline, you could have many bag options for cheap, such as Southwest, or the bags could be an extra expense, such as American Airlines. Most trains and bus options allow you to have a certain number of bags for free before having to pay for extra. It is important to consider what your travel companions will need to pack before choosing a transportation option.
Ready To Plan Your Trip?
Are you ready to book your trip from Miami to Orlando? Make sure you are subscribed to our FREE newsletter so you can stay informed on the latest news, upcoming events, discounts, and exclusive Disney deals. Also stay around and read some of our other planning articles to make the most of your trip.
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- Disney World Weather By Month – Tips For Each Month of the Year
There are many ways to travel from Miami to Disney World including a plane, train, bus, driving, and rideshares. With only 230 miles, or about 3 hours of travel, it is an easy day trip to take or you can stay for a few days.
There are bus options such as Redcoach, Megacoach, and Greyhound that offer bus routes between Miami to Orlando.
Yes, Amtrak runs from Miami to Orlando. There are two trains that run the route. Guests can book seats or a private room.
The fasted transportation option from Orlando to Miami is to take a flight. However, once adding in travel time to and from the airport and waiting at the security lines, driving is almost as quick and slightly more convenient.
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