Traveling from Orlando to Miami can range in cost depending on the method of transportation you choose. The most popular options for getting from Orlando to Miami are driving, flying, taking a bus, or riding a train. In this article, we’ll break down the approximate costs for each method of transportation so you can determine the right option for your budget and needs.
Driving from Orlando to Miami
Driving your own car is often the most flexible and potentially affordable way to get from Orlando to Miami. Here are some factors to consider when calculating the cost of driving:
- Gas – With the distance between Orlando and Miami being 235 miles, you can expect to use around 15-20 gallons of gas for the trip in a standard passenger sedan. At current gas prices, that puts the cost of gas alone in the range of $60-$80 for a one-way trip.
- Tolls – The main toll road from Orlando to Miami is the Florida Turnpike, which costs around $20 in tolls to drive the full stretch. There are also additional tolls on other expressways you may take near the Miami area.
- Parking – Parking costs can vary widely in Miami. For a full day in a standard lot, expect to pay around $20-$40. Garage parking may run $40-$70 per day.
- Total cost – Factoring in gas, tolls, and parking, the total cost to drive your own car round trip from Orlando to Miami would likely come out to $250-$350.
The main advantages of driving yourself are the flexibility to make stops and plans at your own pace. The disadvantage is that it can be tiring to drive long stretches at once.
Flying from Orlando to Miami
For those short on time, flying is the quickest way to get between the two cities. Fares vary quite a bit for flights from Orlando (MCO airport) to Miami (MIA airport). Here’s an overview of flight costs:
- Airfare – If booking in advance, you can find one-way flights for around $60-$100 per person. For last-minute trips, fares may rise to $200 or more per person round trip.
- Baggage fees – Most airlines charge extra baggage fees for checked luggage ($30-$40 for the first bag) and carry-on bags ($40-$60) if you don’t qualify for free allowances.
- Ground transportation – You’ll need a way to get to/from each airport, which often costs $30-$60 each way by shuttle, rideshare, or taxi.
- Total cost – Expect to spend around $250-$600+ per person for the full end-to-end trip when including airfare, baggage, and ground transport.
The convenience of a short 2.5 hour flight makes flying a good option for quicker trips. The variable costs mean it may not fit every budget, however.
Taking the bus from Orlando to Miami
For an affordable ground transportation option, intercity buses provide regular routes between Orlando and Miami. Here are estimates on bus travel costs:
- Bus fare – Major bus companies like Greyhound have one-way fares starting as low as $25-$50 for the Orlando to Miami trip.
- Amenities – Pricier options like RedCoach or Megabus offer more amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and better seating for fares around $30-$75 each way.
- Ground transportation – You’ll need to arrange transport to/from the bus depot on each end, which could run you $15-$40 each way with a rideshare or taxi.
- Total cost – Expect a full round trip bus fare to run you $150-$300, accounting for both bus tickets and transport to/from the station.
Going by bus offers big savings compared to flying or driving yourself. The trade-off is spending 7-8+ hours traveling each way with multiple stops.
Taking the train from Orlando to Miami
Amtrak offers daily train service connecting Orlando and Miami. Here is an overview of what train travel costs:
- Train fare – Amtrak coach seats from Orlando to Miami start around $40-$60 one-way. More comfortable sleeper accommodations are available for $150-$300+ each way.
- Food – Food and beverages for purchase onboard range from $7-$15 per meal or snack.
- Ground transportation – You may spend an additional $15-$40 at each end getting between the train station and your origin/destination via taxi or rideshare.
- Total cost – For just a basic coach seat, expect around $150-$250 round trip. With sleeper accommodations or meals, it could reach $500+ round trip.
Train travel provides more room to move around compared to buses. However, the train trip takes nearly 9 hours making for a very long journey.
Comparing travel options from Orlando to Miami
When selecting how to make the 235-mile trip from Orlando to Miami, cost will likely be a major factor along with convenience, flexibility, and travel time. Here is a breakdown of the total round trip costs by type of transportation:
| Transport Method | Estimated Time Each Way | Round Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drive your own car | 3.5 – 4 hours | $250 – $350 |
| Fly | 2.5 hours | $250 – $600+ |
| Bus | 7 – 8 hours | $150 – $300 |
| Train | 9 hours | $150 – $500+ |
As you can see, driving your own car or taking the bus are the cheapest options for getting between Orlando and Miami. Flying or taking the train will provide the fastest travel times, but at a higher price. When planning your trip, weigh the costs against your own budget, schedule, and preferences.
Tips for saving money on Orlando to Miami travel
If you want to save money on your trip between Orlando and Miami, here are some tips:
- Book flights and buses as early as possible for the best fares.
- Avoid peak travel dates around major holidays when rates will be higher.
- Consider flying into Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami for potentially lower fares.
- Split up the drive with someone else to share gas and toll costs.
- Use public transportation like the MetroRail or Metromover to get around Miami instead of taxis or rideshares.
- Pack snacks and meals rather than dining out at restaurants.
With some flexible planning and research, you can find relatively affordable options for getting between Orlando and Miami no matter your preferred mode of transportation. Just be sure to factor in all the potential costs like gas, baggage fees, parking, tolls, and ground transportation when budgeting for your trip.
Conclusion
Getting from Orlando to Miami can cost as little as $150 round trip by bus or up to $600+ when flying or taking the train. Driving your own car allows maximum flexibility in the $250-$350 range for total round trip costs. No matter which method you choose, give yourself plenty of time to compare all the options and book discounts in advance. This will help ensure you find the best deal to keep your Orlando to Miami travel costs within your budget.
