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Car hire in Orlando at the best prices

Orlando is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the USA. Also known as the theme park capital of the world – Orlando boasts lots of world class household names in entertainment. From the Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando to Universal Studios, there is plenty to keep a smile on your face. But the fun doesn’t stop there, a car hire in Orlando will allow you to explore some of the areas great landmarks. The Ocala National Forest, for example, is a great place to enjoy the local wildlife and countryside.

With an impressive 60 years of car hire experience, Auto Europe is well positioned to provide you with exceptional quotations and service. Through our trusted partners we provide multiple pick-up offices and a large fleet of vehicles to choose from. Along with car hire, we also hire out luxury cars and motorhomes, in addition to offering a transfer service. Partnering with local, national and international car hire suppliers, means you’re in safe hands, no matter where in the world you decide to hire a vehicle. Contact one of our specialist reservation agents today to discuss how we can best serve you. Consult our Orlando car hire reviews page to see all the latest comments posted by our customers.

How is the traffic in Orlando?

The state of Florida, where Orlando is located, mostly has well-maintained public road networks. The state motorways connect Orlando in the centre of Florida to Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville, heading into Georgia and Alabama. These interstates, as known locally, are relatively traffic free, except when you start to near major cities. The city of Orlando is laid out in a grid formation. Traffic flow isn’t a major problem; however major interchanges do sometimes experience congestion.

The I-4 crosses right through the centre of Orlando and thus often experiences heavy traffic, as do some of the main roads leading on and off it. Congestion is worse around theme parks, during rush hour and weekends. Summers in particular can be more problematic with the influx of tourists opting all for a car hire in Orlando. It should take you only 22 minutes to drive to central Orlando from the airport - simply head along the S.Semoran Blvd and then the FL-408. Those wishing to drive to Miami can opt for a scenic drive along Florida’s Turnpike and SW 4th Ave.

Where can I park my car rental in Orlando?

Finding parking in Orlando isn’t difficult. With a large array of car parking spaces and garages, you’ll never be too far off your chosen destination. When you rent a car in Orlando you’ll be able to visit as many attractions as you wish, and park nearby relatively easy. Parking throughout the city is affordable and secure, with on-street paid and free options available. Covered parking garages are available at many of the major tourist attractions, making it ideal for drivers to visit theme parks and other key Orlando points of interest.

In downtown Orlando, you can count on up to eleven different car parking garages – all of which are secure, safe and affordable. As in most cities, the closer to the centre you park the more you can expect to pay. Many of these car garages are open 24 hours per day, whilst some are open between 05:30 and 23:00. Rates vary between $2 to $15 for car parking garages and around $1 per hour at on-street meters.

Orlando Airport

Florida’s second busiest airport is that of Orlando International Airport. Located less than 10 km southeast of Orlando, the airport is the thirteenth busiest in the USA. Through its two terminals, the airport handles an estimated 40.2 million annual passengers, in addition to cargo. The airport serves as a major gateway into the state and region, with around 850 flights per day. Silver Airways uses Orlando International Airport as its main hub, with Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Southwest and JetBlue also having a keen interest.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Address: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
Official website:
Phone number: +1 (407) 825 2001

Sanford Orlando International Airport is an additional airport located around 30 minutes from Orlando city centre. Being further away hasn’t deterred its popularity, with many domestic US flights opting to use it. Likewise, other lower cost airlines use this airport as a link to destinations such as Madrid and the UK. Originally a military base, it is now a supporting airport for the main Orlando International Airport.

Sanford Orlando International Airport (SFB)
Address: 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773
Official website:
Phone number: +1 (407) 585 4000

What to do in Orlando

Orlando is the perfect holiday destination for the whole family. Whether young or old, this city and state has something for everyone. From numerous water parks to the Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, you’ll need lots of time to explore it all. The sheer amount of entertainment doesn’t just stop there, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Islands of Adventure are just some additional attractions on offer. Along with these, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the beaches, its trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife. This is what we would recommend during your Orlando visit:

• The Orlando Eye: Enjoy Orlando city with a bird’s eye view – from the top of the 400 foot Ferris wheel known as the Orlando Eye. Providing one of the most mesmerizing views over the city, the Orlando Eye was opened in 2015 and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Purchasing tickets online will gain you a 10% discount on the face value, and allow you to skip the queues. The Orlando Eye is opened from 10:00 until 00:00 Saturday’s and 10:00 until 22:00 all other days.


• Walt Disney World: Long regarded as the most popular tourist attraction in Orlando - especially for families, is the Walt Disney World Theme Park. It contains four individual theme parks - the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Two water parks are also present – the Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Along with all the magical restaurants, stores, interactive rides and animal adventures, you’ll be able to meet all your favourite Disney characters.


• Harry P Leu Botanical Gardens: Containing around 200 roses, numerous insects, a butterfly garden, the forest of camellias and ancient oak trees, is the Harry P Leu Botanical Gardens. This 50-acre magical garden is packed with tropical and semi-tropical fauna, flowers, trees and insects. It is a pleasant retreat from all the theme park entertainment on offer. Consider a picnic with the family, or a leisurely stroll through these lovely gardens.


• Universal Orlando: This magical complex contains two theme parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, together with the Volcano Bay Water Park. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family, with the night-time offering even more entertainment via its Universal City Walk. Enjoy the numerous rides on offer, splashing around in the water park and exploring the movie world of Universal Studios. Tickets can be purchased online with discounts available. Universal Orlando also provides local hotels to make your visit easier.


• Orlando Science Centre: Bringing together education and fun, the Orlando Science Centre has around 500 thousand annual visitors. The centre isn’t the most popular attraction in Orlando, however, this will allow you to enjoy many of its exhibitions without large crowds. From dinosaur models, to the solar system and 3D movie journeys, learn all about the Florida ecosystem and the latest technologies.

Best day trips with my car hire in Orlando

Orlando’s perfect location set in the heart of the state of Florida makes it one of the best places to explore from. With your car rental in Orlando you’ll easily reach world renowned beaches and nature reserves, swim in the clear blue sea or place a bet at one of Florida’s many casinos. From vibrant Miami to Jacksonville and beyond, your car will get you there safely and securely. Here are the road trips we’d recommend.

Miami

A road trip from Orlando to Miami should definitely be in your plans. In three and a half hours, you’ll be surrounded in Cuban culture, flair and wonderful music. Renowned for its grand neighbourhoods, avenues and shopping districts, Miami also boasts some of the best sandy beaches in the state. From water sports to Havana cigar shopping, you’ll have plenty to do as you wander the beautiful art deco streets.

Daytona Beach

In just over an hour by car you can reach Daytona Beach from Orlando. This day trip is a must, especially for those who love beautiful beaches and wonderful seafood. Daytona has much to offer, from a vibrant nightlife to a large array of water sports. Motorsports are also popular amongst visitors. The shopping districts and numerous cultural events on offer throughout this wonderful city will leave you with great memories.

Jacksonville

Much further north from Orlando by car, and taking around two hours and eighteen minutes, is the city of Jacksonville. As the largest city in the State of Florida, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of museums, shopping centres and golf courses. Where Saint John’s River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll be pleasantly delighted to see the numerous beautiful sandy beaches – with an estimated 32 km of uncrowded bliss.

NASA Kennedy Space Centre

If you’re fanatical about space or even if you have a keen interest, then a day trip to the NASA Kennedy Space Centre is mandatory. In just under an hour eastwards from Orlando, you’ll come to Cape Canaveral – which is iconic for everything space related. At the centre you’ll be able to experience some rocket simulations, watch IMAX films, view NASA space artefacts and experience the thrill of a launch site. Generally it is open from 09:00 until 18:00 and for an extra fee, you can even lunch with an astronaut.

Geographic Information & History

The region of Orlando consists mostly of low-lying wetlands, swaps and lakes – the largest of which is called Lake Apopka. Due to this type of terrain, the greater Orlando area, with around 2.4 million inhabitants, is susceptible to sinkholes. Nevertheless, around 68 million tourists visit Orlando on an annual basis. This in part is due to its great weather and numerous tourist attractions. Summer periods can see temperatures reach on average 28ºC with frequent rain, whilst winters are mild with temperatures on average 15ºC.

Few archaeological sites exist in Orlando, however, the native American Seminole tribe inhabited much of Florida pre-European arrival. The Treaty of Moultrie Creek in 1823 created a Seminole reservation but was eventually relocated to Oklahoma by the 1830 Indian Removal Act.

Orlando’s European era history dates back to 1838 when a fort was built by the US military to protect and house new settlers. From this humble military fort, a community grew around it – known as Jernigan. Ultimately, the town of Orlando was established in 1875 with a mere 85 inhabitants. The town grew substantially partly due to the Golden Era of citrus trees and the Florida citrus industry. Currently the city is regarded as one of the main tourist attractions for theme park entertainment. It’s the 24th largest metropolitan area in the USA and one of the global leaders in cutting edge industries.

How to get around Orlando

Orlando has a well-maintained and integrated public transport network consisting of buses, trains and taxis. The system is relatively cost-effective to use, however, trains and buses don’t always get you to where you need to go. Taxis and hire cars are therefore very popular with those looking to enjoy more of what Orlando and the State of Florida has to offer.

Train

The whole Orlando region is served by the Central Florida Rail Corridor. These include local commuter destinations and intercity and state routes. From the Amtrak Orlando Health Train Station south of the city centre, you are able to board a train to Miami, New York and many more. Local commuter trains are run by SunRail, which connections Orlando city to Debary. Ticket prices are around $2 one way. The trains themselves are as you’d expect, spacious and well-maintained, with some Double-Decker carriages in service.

Bus

Central Orlando has a free bus service that covers only the downtown area. The company is known as LYMMO, and allows many tourists to see much of the city for free. Orlando city is serviced by a company called LYNX. They provide buses throughout the city and into its suburbs. LYNX also provides routes to Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia, with tickets costing around $2. From Orlando’s central bus station, intercity routes are operated by Greyhound Lines. This coach service links Orlando with other cities in Florida and beyond.

Taxi

Orlando taxis are either all yellow or yellow with a white stripe – both versions are metered and have a taxi sign upon their roof. In downtown Orlando, you are able to hail a taxi down. Alternatively, taxis can be found at taxi ranks spread out throughout the city. Popular taxi ranks include those outside the Orlando Convention Centre, Amway Centre and all the main theme parks. You’ll also find taxi ranks outside major transport hubs such as at airports and train stations. Taxis can be pre-booked, with an airport shuttle service available into central Orlando. We would recommend discussing the estimated cost of your trip with the driver before commencing your journey.

Useful links

Tourist Guide Orlando