Miami to Orlando

Orlando is about 230 to 240 miles from Miami by road, which is roughly a 3.5 to 4 hour drive on Florida's Turnpike without heavy traffic. The Brightline train covers the trip from downtown Miami to Orlando International Airport in about 3.5 hours, and it is the easiest option if you do not want to drive.

Below we compare driving, the train, flying and the bus, with what each really costs once you add tolls, parking and the last stretch to the theme parks.

How far is Orlando from Miami?

Orlando is about 230 to 240 miles north of Miami, depending on where you start and finish. Downtown Miami to downtown Orlando is the shorter end of that range, while South Beach to the Walt Disney World area adds a few extra miles and usually more traffic on the way out of town.

Miami to Orlando: options compared

Fares were checked in October 2026 and change with demand, so treat them as a guide and confirm when booking.

How long is the drive from Miami to Orlando?

The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours in normal traffic, mostly on Florida's Turnpike. Leaving Miami on a weekday afternoon or heading north on a Friday can add an hour or more, so we would set off early in the morning or after the evening rush.

The Turnpike is the most direct route. From South Beach, cross to the mainland and join the Turnpike near the Golden Glades area, then stay on it until you reach the Orlando exits. Interstate 95 is an alternative along the coast, but it is usually slower for Orlando because you have to cut inland later.

Tolls on the Turnpike

The Turnpike is a toll road with no cash booths, so you pay by SunPass or another compatible transponder, or by Toll-By-Plate, which costs more per toll. Use the toll calculator on Florida's Turnpike website for your exact entry and exit points. If you rent a car, ask about the rental company's toll program before you leave the lot, because daily service fees can cost more than the tolls themselves.

Service plazas

The Turnpike has service plazas with fuel, restrooms and fast food, so you do not need to leave the highway for a break. Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce and Fort Drum fall roughly halfway.

Taking the Brightline train from Miami to Orlando

Brightline runs from MiamiCentral station in downtown Miami to Brightline Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport (MCO), next to Terminal C. Trains stop at Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach on the way, and the full trip takes about 3.5 hours.

There are two classes. SMART is standard coach, with fares advertised from about $54 one way, and PREMIUM adds lounge access, more room and snacks, from about $109. Brightline regularly runs promotions with lower SMART fares on Orlando trips, so check the site before you book. Higher fare levels include more luggage: SMART Saver allows one carry-on plus a personal item, while Flex fares include a checked bag.

Trains run many times a day in both directions, but timetables change with seasons and events. Look up your date on gobrightline.com.

Getting to the theme parks from the station

The Orlando station is at the airport, not at the parks. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are still a drive away, so budget for a rideshare, a shuttle or a rental car from MCO. If you are going for the parks and staying several days, many families find renting a car at the airport simpler than a series of rides.

Flying from Miami to Orlando

Flights from Miami International Airport to Orlando International Airport take about an hour in the air. Once you add getting to the airport, security and boarding, the total is often similar to the train, so flying mainly makes sense when you are connecting to another flight or have a cheap fare with bags included.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport also has flights to Orlando and is worth checking if you are staying north of Miami.

Taking the bus from Miami to Orlando

Intercity buses are usually the cheapest way to get from Miami to Orlando, but also the slowest at roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours. FlixBus, Greyhound and RedCoach serve the route, with RedCoach offering roomier seats at a higher price. Many departures use the Miami Airport station area, so confirm the exact pick-up point when you book.

Can you do a day trip from Miami to Orlando?

Technically yes, but we would not plan one. With 7 to 8 hours of round-trip travel by car or train, you would have only a few hours on the ground, which is poor value for a theme park ticket. Stay at least one night, ideally two or more, or join a guided tour that handles the driving. See our day trips from Miami for closer options such as the Everglades or Key West.

Which option should you choose?

• Families with luggage or a theme park plan: drive, or take Brightline and rent a car at MCO.
• Couples and solo travelers: Brightline is the most relaxing choice, with no traffic or parking to manage.
• Tight budgets: the bus, booked early.
• Connecting travelers: fly.

For trips inside South Florida, see Fort Lauderdale to Miami and our wider getting around Miami guide.