Car Hire Orlando

Car hire is a great way to get around Orlando, with an excellent network of roads to guide you around the city. Routes to all the theme parks are really well signposted – just look for the big green signs overhead.

Interstate 4 (I-4) is Orlando's only main highway, running from the north-east to the south-west of the city. The likes of Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal are all located off the I-4 but with up to eight lanes it copes pretty well with the traffic. The speed limit on the I-4 is restricted to 65mph.

International Drive (often known as I-Drive) is the city's major tourist road, stretching 10 miles across Orlando. It's where you'll find many of the city's restaurants, shopping centres and other attractions, so you're likely to be using this road a lot.

Elsewhere across the city, you'll find a range of expressways to get you where you need to go in your hire car. The main one within Orlando is the SR-528 (The Beach Line Expressway), running from the heart of the city to the eastern hotspots of the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. From here, you can join the 1-95 and head north to Jacksonville, or south to Miami.

When it comes to road signs, it's important to remember that overhead signs show the road you're crossing, not the road you're actually driving on. 

Depending on where you go, you'll find some of Orlando’s roads have toll booths, with costs ranging from 50 cents to a couple of dollars.

It’s worth having some quarters and dollar bills handy in case the booth is unmanned as this means you won’t be able to get change. Don’t be tempted to drive through one of these toll booths without paying as you’re likely to land a fine.

Unlike in the UK, you’re allowed to turn right on a red light in the US. Just make sure you come to a complete stop first and check for traffic. If you’re not sure, it’s better to wait until the lights turn green.

You can also legally overtake on both sides. When you see a ‘STOP’ sign you must always stop, even if the coast is clear, before setting off again.

If you’re driving on one of the freeways you may be happiest staying in the right-hand lane – just keep an eye out for your junction so you can move across in time for the slip road, known in the US as an ‘off-ramp’.

Speed limits on Interstate highways are set at 70mph, dropping to 65mph on four-lane divided highways (essentially four-lane motorways) outside urban areas and 60mph on other state highways – but this can vary so keep an eye out for signs.

In built-up areas the limit drops to 30mph, and 20mph around schools. The police are very strict when it comes to speeding so be sure to stick to the relevant limit at all times to avoid risking a fine. However, you can also get a ticket for driving too slowly. When the posted speed limit is 70mph, the minimum speed limit is 50mph.

From the magical kingdom of the Walt Disney World Resort to the natural surroundings of the Everglades, Orlando is a city with something for everyone. With car hire in Orlando you'll have no problem taking in everything this unique and diverse corner of Florida has to offer.

Orlando theme parks

There's only one place to start when it comes to Orlando – the theme parks. Visitors have been flocking here ever since the first amusement park – Gatorland – opened way back in 1949. Today there's a great choice of parks offering a dazzling mix of rides, attractions and events. There's something for all ages, making Orlando the perfect destination for a fun-filled holiday.

A visit to the Universal Orlando Resort will allow you to check out some of the famous film-based rides. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Diagon Alley™ and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are two of the more popular attractions here, while superhero fans will love Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

But the most famous of the Orlando theme parks is Walt Disney World Resort, where you can immerse yourself in all things Disney and even get a picture with the likes of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in the Magic Kingdom, or hang 10 on the waterslides at Typhoon Lagoon.

Cultural Orlando

Alongside the thriving theme parks, you'll find Orlando is also home to a range of cultural locations – including a fantastic array of art galleries. Two of the city's best artistic hubs are located on South Orange Avenue: the Grand Bohemian Gallery and CityArts Factory.

Offering a unique blend of seven different galleries, the CityArts Factory hosts an unpretentious spread of renowned and underground works, from both local and globally-known artists.

In downtown Orlando, you'll find The Mennello Museum of American Art, home to an ever-changing collection of art works inspired by the city itself – and the sculpture garden here is a must-see.

The Everglades and Kennedy Space Center

If you're into wildlife, you won't be disappointed with what the city has to offer. Hop aboard one of the city's many airboat tours and take to the iconic Everglades Wetland. Your tour guide will take you on a high-speed adventure across the marshes and swamps, hoping to spot an alligator or two amongst the scrubs and bushes.

For space enthusiasts, a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must. Head here in your hire car and immerse yourself in the history of the US space program, meeting real-life astronauts and getting involved with the interactive exhibits to get a taste of the solar system from the comfort of planet Earth.

Whatever part of Orlando attracts you, it’s got something for everybody. Car hire gives you the freedom and convenience to take in the best theme parks and much, much more.