How to get to Orlando

Located in the sunny state of Florida, Orlando is rightfully considered the world capital of theme parks and entertainment. This dynamic American city attracts millions of tourists annually, all eager to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of endless celebration and adventure. Getting to Orlando is straightforward: you can fly in via major airlines, drive along scenic highways, or utilise intercity buses.

The main gateway for travellers is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which receives a vast number of flights from around the world and is excellently connected to the city. Alternatively, charter and budget carriers often use Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), located slightly to the north.

If direct tickets to these airports are unavailable, you might consider flying into neighbouring cities. For instance, airports in Daytona Beach or Lakeland are situated approximately 80 kilometres away, allowing for a relatively quick transfer to your final destination.

According to current data, there is no railway station directly within the city of Orlando itself, so reaching the destination exclusively by train without transferring to another mode of transport is not possible. Travellers will need to plan a multi-leg route, utilising rail connections to neighbouring cities.

The nearest convenient stations are located in the city of Lakeland and the resort town of Daytona Beach. After covering the main part of the journey by rail to these points, the remaining 80 kilometres to the theme parks can be comfortably travelled via a rented car or taxi.

Bus services are an affordable option for travelling to Orlando from neighbouring Florida settlements. For example, the trip from the city of Lakeland takes about 3 hours, covering a distance of 113 kilometres. This is a good choice for those who are not in a rush and wish to save money.

Faster routes connect the city with the coast: the road from Daytona Beach (about 96 km) will take approximately 2 hours. There are also regular services from Cocoa Beach, allowing you to easily swap a beach holiday for urban entertainment.

Travelling by car is one of the most convenient ways to get to Orlando, thanks to the extensive network of American highways. The journey from the city of Lakeland, a distance of about 90 kilometres, takes just 1 hour barring any serious traffic jams. A similar amount of time (about 1 hour) is required for the drive from Daytona Beach.

If you are setting off from the direction of Cocoa Beach, expect to spend approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes on the road, covering about 95 kilometres. A taxi for such distances will not be cheap, but it ensures maximum comfort and eliminates the need to search for parking upon arrival.

To ensure your trip to the world capital of entertainment goes perfectly, it is worth considering the local climate and lifestyle in advance. Here are several useful recommendations to help you plan the ideal journey.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The climate here is hot and humid, so choose light, breathable clothing. However, in all indoor spaces (shops, hotels, transport), air conditioning works at full power, so be sure to carry a light jacket or cardigan. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a great deal.
2. Transport. Public transport is not perfectly developed, and distances between attractions are vast. The most optimal option is car rental. This will save you a significant amount of time and energy.
3. Tipping. In the USA, tipping culture is essential. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 15–20% of the bill amount; it is also standard to give 1-2 dollars to porters and housekeeping staff.
4. Sun Protection. The sun in Florida is very strong, even in cloudy weather. Always use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
5. Planning Visits. It is best to buy tickets for popular parks online in advance to avoid queues at ticket counters. Use special park apps to track wait times for attractions.
6. Safety. Tourist areas are safe, but one should not leave valuable items visible in the car. In the evening, it is better to stick to well-lit and populated places.
7. Power Sockets. The mains voltage is 110V, using Type A and B sockets (with flat pins). You will definitely need an adapter for your plugs.

By following these simple tips, you can focus on the main thing — experiencing unforgettable emotions from meeting one of America's most joyful cities.