Getting From Orlando to Miami

Hi, Can anyone advise on the best way to get from Orando to Miami.

Don%26#39;t really want to rent a car so would be looking at a cab or private transfer company? Would anyone have an idea of the cost???

Is it possible to take a train or other public transport??? Is this a big hassel??

Thanks,

Lisa

Getting From Orlando to Miami

It%26#39;s right at 200 miles to Miami from Orlando.. a cab would cost you hundreds of dollars. Your choices (if you don%26#39;t want to rent a car) are to fly or take a bus.

There must be some coach/bus tours of Miami from Orlando -- they%26#39;d probably be your best bet.

Getting From Orlando to Miami

As Karmalaw noted, it is quite a distance to Miami from Orlando. Regardless if you drive, take a bus or even a Train [another alternative!] it will take between 6-8 hours one way.

I did a quick check of the two easiest alternative modes using a two person adult roundtrip...

Greyhound Buslines - ~$160 for two -Roundtrip

AMTRAK Rail [Silver Meteor] -~$70US each -Roundtrip [both require advance purchase reservations-tickets at the station are usually a bit more!]

www.greyhound.com

www.AMTRAK.com

Both have more than one station in the Miami Metropolitan Area. You need to be really sure where you are going! You will definitely need a cab or other transport on both ends...not cheap in itself.

Another Alternative, as suggested, might be to find a tour group...but then that%26#39;s not inexpensive either and you are stuck with the tour schedule. If you have no real schedule this might be the best all round [assuming you find one].

Be aware that this is No Day Trip. Unless you have a compelling reason [business, special family visit or you plan to spend more than a day or two] aside from ';We also went to Miami!'; that this trip calls for extra consideration.

No matter which way you cut it, renting a car is the most efficient way. And the driving time will be 3 to 4 hours each way. You will waste a lot of time waiting on the alternative forms of transportation and then how are you going to get around once you get to Miami?

Thanks for all the info, really appreciated...What i%26#39;m planning is 5 nights in miami and am going to fly back to Ireland from Miami so will not need to get back to Orlando.

Was hoping that I could do without a car in Miami as really don%26#39;t fancy driving....Am I being niave thinking I can manage without renting a car????

If you stay in the tourist area of South Beach and confine yourself to walking in the immediate area, you wouldn%26#39;t need a car. But you haven%26#39;t said if you would like to explore Miami, and for that you *do* need a car. Relying on the scant public transport is going to waste a lot of time.

If you%26#39;re concerned about driving on the ';other'; side of the road, all the UK visitors who did it for the first time remarked here how easy it was. Granted driving in Miami might be a little unnerving, but as long as you stay in your lane you will be okay.

There are a number of flights a day from Orlando to Miam. You can take a plane, Amtrak; or Greyhound bus. No matter what you take you%26#39;ll be getting off in the airport area %26amp; will need transport to downtown Miami or South Beach or wherever you are going. If you are at the airport (ie., have taken the plane) you can take the airport shuttle which will be about 1/2 to 1/3 less than a cab. For example, shuttle will be $18.00 to SoBe; Cab, $24.00

Mad- Lisa%26gt;

You can take a shuttle bus to Orlando, do the parks, spend the night and take a bus back. The trip is $35 or $45. A basic motel right near the park is under $50.

Shuttle info -

$35:

http://www.cwstours.com/shut_m_o.htm

$45:

www.transfloridian.com/

You can also book a day trip leaving Miami at 5am (sleep on the bus both ways) arrive back at midnight...

AG

Thanks for the info AG,

We plan on spending the first 3 nights of our trip in orlando and will be flying into orlando, after that we plan on spending 5 night in Miami before heading to the Carribean for a week. Our flight home goes from Miami, so we just need to get from orlando to Miami once.

I will check out the flight and train options but may lean towards hiring a car as this seems to be the easiest option.

Could I ask a question - Could you recommend a hotel that is within walking distance bars restaurants shops etc near south beach. We are going middle of Sept and would be looking for something for about $100 - $150 a night if possible :-)

Thanks, Lisa

Just back from honeymoon -similar to your trip - we flew to Miami for 4 nights (stayed in the National Hotel on South beach) . We loved Miami, the hotel is right on the beach and has an amazing pool. We went on our 7 day Caribbean cruise from Miami and then from Miami we flew (Continental Airlines ) to Orlando -it was only about an hour flight. We then spent 4 nights in Orlando. Just one thing about the flight from Miami to Orlando - it was a 20 seater plane.. and I%26#39;m scared of flying but I have to say that it was fine. Also, just to note, we didn%26#39;t rent a car, I am similar to you, just too nervous about driving on other side of the road!

Hi hokeefe,

Thanks for the info, quick question:

We have 8 days to split between orlando and miami, am thinking 5 orlando and 3 miami, from your experience, having been to both, do you think this is Ok or would you split the days differently.

What did you like about Miami, have read mixed reviews so would be great to get some first hand knowlege!

If you have any other tips please let me know.

Thanks a million,

Lisa