Car Rental Deals in Orlando

Welcome to Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World! Whether you’re headed to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or exploring beyond the parks, having a rental car in Orlando is the key to unlocking the full Central Florida experience. Skip the shuttle schedules and expensive rideshares, with your own car, you can hop between attractions, discover hidden gems, and even hit the coasts at your leisure. This page is your ultimate guide to renting a car in Orlando. We’ve packed it with everything you need: unbeatable rental deals, info on driving around the city, tips for parking at the parks, road trip ideas, and more. Our goal is to get you on the road quickly, cheaply, and confidently so you can focus on the fun. Let’s gear up for your Orlando adventure!

Orlando and the surrounding Central Florida region are spread out, a car isn’t just a convenience, it’s often a necessity for a smooth trip. Here’s why having your own car in Orlando is a smart idea:

• Connect All the Parks & Attractions: Orlando’s theme parks and attractions are not walking distance from each other. Having a car lets you easily drive from Disney World to Universal Orlando (about 20 minutes apart), hop over to SeaWorld, or visit International Drive’s attractions on your own schedule. No waiting on hotel shuttles that run once an hour or paying separate rideshare for each outing. With a rental, you can hit multiple parks in one day if you’re ambitious, or just come and go as you please (midday break at your hotel? No problem!).
• Explore Beyond the Resorts: There’s more to Central Florida than the theme parks. With a car, you can drive to the Kennedy Space Center on the Atlantic Coast to see NASA’s rockets (about an hour’s drive), or head west to the Gulf Coast beaches (Clearwater and St. Pete are ~2 hours away). Want to do an airboat ride and spot alligators in the wild? The Everglades headwaters and various eco parks are within a 45-minute drive south of Orlando. A car unlocks these adventures.
• Flexibility for Dining and Shopping: Orlando is filled with great restaurants (from Winter Park’s chic eateries to Disney Springs dining) and huge shopping spots like the Mall at Millenia or Orlando International Premium Outlets. When you drive, you can easily do an evening out at a local restaurant off property, or a shopping spree across town, without worrying about transport logistics. It’s cheaper too, those Uber fares can add up quickly, especially if you’re staying in one of the theme park resort areas far from city center.
• Comfort (especially for families): If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll appreciate having a car for the comfort factor. Load up the stroller, snacks, extra clothes in the trunk, you’re set for the day. No need to haul all that gear on public transport or pay for locker rentals. And after a long day at the park when the kids (and you!) are wiped out, there’s nothing better than jumping into your own car, blasting the A/C, and heading straight to your hotel. No crowded shuttles or waiting in line, just relaxation.

Our Orlando Car Rental Advantages

• Huge Fleet Selection: Orlando is one of the world’s largest rental car markets, and we leverage that to your benefit. From tiny economy cars that are easy on the budget to minivans and 12-passenger vans for big family groups, even specialty cars like convertibles or luxury SUVs, whatever you need, you’ll find it here. Need a child seat or GPS? You can request add-ons easily during booking. We have vehicles stationed at all major points, airports, Disney area, downtown, ready for your adventure.
• Best Price Guarantee: We know price matters, especially on a family vacation. By comparing multiple companies, we ensure you get the cheapest rates available. Our system highlights special deals like “Free Additional Driver” or a discounted weekly rate when applicable. And unlike some sites, we include all mandatory fees in the quote (airport fees, state surcharges, etc.), so the low price you see is the true price. Found a better rate elsewhere that seems to include the same terms? Let us know, we want to beat it.
• Transparency & Trust:No hidden fees, we can’t stress this enough. Orlando has some toll roads and insurances that can confuse travelers; we make sure you’re aware of how things work (read on below for toll tips). Our booking confirmation will clearly outline what is included and what’s not. And you won’t get to the counter and find surprise mandatory add-ons, we partner with reputable companies that honor the deal as booked.
• Pay Later + Free Cancellation: Most of our Orlando rentals let you book without any charge now, you pay when you pick up the car. Plans changed? Most reservations can be canceled without penalty up to 48 hours in advance (some even up to pick-up time). We understand itineraries shift, especially with evolving travel rules. You’re not locked in if something comes up.
• Unlimited Mileage: All standard rentals in Orlando come with unlimited miles, so feel free to drive to Tampa, Daytona, or do that Florida road trip, we encourage it! There’s no per-mile charge to worry about. Put as many Mickey miles on the car as you want.
• Free Shuttle from Airport (for off-site rentals): If you’re arriving at MCO Orlando International, some of our best deals are with rental providers located just off-airport (a 5-10 minute shuttle ride). They offer free shuttles from the terminal to their depot, often you save money for a short ride. We’ll provide clear shuttle instructions in your confirmation if you book one of these. Of course, all the major on-site agencies are also available if you prefer to walk straight to the car. Options are plentiful.
• Local Customer Support: Renting through us connects you to 24/7 customer support. And because we focus on Airport Van Rental’s network and partners, you’re dealing with a team that knows the Orlando area and common questions (we can advise on which toll pass to get or how long the drive to Legoland really takes). We’re here to help make your rental experience smooth from start to finish.

Top Orlando Car Rental Deals

• Compact Car, from $17/day. Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Easy to drive, super fuel-efficient (great for all those trips up and down I-4 between parks). Often the best value for couples or small families on a tight budget.
• Midsize Sedan, from $22/day. Example: Toyota Corolla or similar. A bit more room for luggage and legs, popular choice for small families. Plenty of trunk space for those outlet mall shopping hauls!
• Minivan, from $39/day. Example: Chrysler Voyager or Dodge Grand Caravan. The quintessential Disney family vehicle, seats 7 comfortably and fits strollers, coolers, suitcases with ease. “From” rate often available in off-peak or with a week-long rental special.
• Convertible, from $45/day. Example: Ford Mustang Convertible. Add some top-down fun to your Orlando trip, perfect for couples or anyone who wants to cruise International Drive or head to Cocoa Beach in style. (Tip: winter and spring are ideal convertible weather in Florida.)

(Note: These are sample starting prices. Actual rates depend on your travel dates, vehicle availability, and how early you book. Orlando frequently has seasonal swings, summer and holiday periods can be higher, while late August or January (after New Year’s) often sees low rates. Book early for peak times, cars do sell out during big events and holidays!)

Driving in Orlando: What to Know

Driving in Orlando is generally easy and convenient, but there are a few things to be aware of to make your experience smoother:

Traffic & Roads: Orlando’s major highways include I-4, which cuts through the city (from Disney/Kissimmee area through downtown Orlando and up to Daytona Beach), and toll roads like FL-528 (Beachline Expressway) to the airport/Space Coast, FL-408 (East-West Expressway) through downtown, and FL-417 (Central FL Greeneway) which loops around the city. Traffic in Orlando can get busy, especially on I-4 which is notorious for congestion near downtown and around the Disney exits during rush hours (weekday rush hour roughly 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM). Also, when the parks close (9-10 PM), expect heavy traffic exiting Disney property and Universal area, but it usually clears up after a bit. A navigation app (Google Maps, Waze) will be your friend; it can route you around accidents or heavy jams using alternate toll roads or routes. Speaking of which, don’t fear the toll roads, sometimes paying a dollar or two can save you a lot of time vs. sitting in traffic. The 417 is a great bypass around the city, and 528 is handy for crossing east-west. Just make sure you know about toll payment (more on that below).

Toll Roads & SunPass: Central Florida has an extensive network of toll roads. SunPass is the local electronic toll system. As a visitor in a rental car, you have a few options: Most rental companies automatically enroll you in their toll program, this means you can drive through toll lanes and the charges will be billed to your credit card on file, with a small daily fee (often around $3-5 for each day you actually incur a toll charge). This is very convenient if you plan to use toll roads (and likely you will, to avoid traffic). Alternatively, you can pay tolls in cash on roads that still have cash plazas (many do, like parts of 417 and 528, but some exits are electronic-only). Some visitors purchase a SunPass Mini sticker (~$5) and preload it, but in a rental car that’s usually not necessary or practical unless you’re staying a month or more. Our advice: use the rental car’s toll program, it lets you use the SunPass express lanes and not worry about cash or missed tolls. Orlando’s not like some cities where you can avoid tolls entirely without big delays. If you do decide to avoid toll roads, that’s fine, just expect I-4 to be your main route and it can be slow at peak times. Also note, some toll areas (like the express lanes on I-4, once fully opened) will be electronic only. The rental’s toll program ensures you won’t get hit with a hefty fine for an unpaid toll. Don’t try to dodge tolls by tailing, the system will catch the license plate and you’d pay more later via penalties. When you pick up the car, the counter will usually explain their toll setup. Feel free to ask them any questions, you’re probably not the first tourist confused by SunPass! Once you’re set, enjoy the convenience, zip through those toll plazas and on to the fun.

Parking at Theme Parks: If you’re driving to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, etc., know that parking is plentiful but not free at major parks. For example, Walt Disney World charges around $25 per day for standard parking at its theme parks (good for all day, and you can leave and come back or hop to another park with the same receipt). Disney’s lots are huge, but trams or shuttles take you to the entrance if you end up in a far section. Tip: Note the section name/number where you parked (take a phone photo of the row marker), after a long day, you don’t want to play “find the car” among thousands. Universal Orlando’s parking garages are about $27 per day for general parking (with moving sidewalks that bring you to CityWalk/park entrances). Many hotels and resorts in Orlando have free parking if you’re a guest, but a few (especially around Disney Springs or Universal area) might charge a nightly fee, check your hotel’s policy so you’re not surprised. If you’re going to International Drive attractions, there are plenty of parking lots and garages (some free, some pay). For instance, ICON Park (with The Wheel) has free parking in a garage. Downtown Orlando has garages and meters, generally easy to use if you venture into the city for a dinner or the Amway Center for a game. All in all, Orlando is car-centric and parking has been planned accordingly, just budget a bit for theme park parking in your trip expenses.

Driving Etiquette & Safety: Orlando’s driving culture is fairly standard American style. People generally follow the rules, though you’ll always find some speedy drivers especially on highways trying to rush to catch a flight or beat traffic. Stay right except to pass on multi-lane roads, slower traffic should keep right. Watch your speed in the theme park zones; excitement can lead some to speed or drive erratically when close to the parks. Also, be cautious on I-4 around Disney exits, lots of last-second lane changers there. Florida law allows right turn on red after a complete stop (unless signed No Turn on Red), so don’t be shocked if the car in front of you turns at a red light when clear. Pedestrians, in tourist areas like I-Drive or around hotels, people sometimes jaywalk, so keep an eye out. Likewise, after park closing, you’ll see many pedestrians in parking lots, drive slowly and expect excited kids darting around. Florida has a Move Over Law: if there’s an emergency vehicle on the shoulder, move over a lane or slow significantly. Also, you must have headlights on when it's raining (and Florida rain can be intense). Speaking of rain: summer thunderstorms are common, usually in the afternoon. They can be torrential but short-lived. If you’re driving and a heavy downpour hits, put on hazard lights only if you’re pulled over off the road (Florida technically doesn’t want hazard lights on while moving). Better to take the speed down and keep going or pull off at the next exit if needed. Roads can temporarily flood in low spots, don’t plow into deep water. The good news: rain often clears quickly, leaving beautiful sunsets. Lastly, be patient and keep calm, with so many tourists driving unfamiliar roads, mistakes happen (missing an exit, sudden lane changes). Try to anticipate and give space. Orlando wants you to have a magical time on and off the road.

Road Trip Ideas from Orlando

Orlando is a perfect launching point to explore Florida. Whether you want a beach day or a longer adventure, here are a few exciting road trip ideas from O-Town:

Space Coast Excursion (Orlando to Kennedy Space Center & Cocoa Beach), Rocket Ships and Surf
Distance: ~60 miles to Kennedy Space Center (about 1 hour). Cocoa Beach is just south of Cape Canaveral, roughly the same distance.
Route: Take FL-528 Beachline Expressway east from Orlando (toll road) straight toward Cape Canaveral. This highway will bring you within a few miles of Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Follow signs for KSC Visitor Complex. For Cocoa Beach, you can continue on FL-528 then south on A1A along the coast.
Highlights: This trip is great for a change of pace from theme parks. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must for science and space enthusiasts, see real rockets, like the massive Saturn V moon rocket, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis on display. They offer bus tours that take you to launch pad observation gantries and the Apollo mission control center. If you time it right, you might even witness a rocket launch (check the SpaceX/ULA launch schedules, they happen quite often!). After getting your fill of space history, drive a bit further to Cocoa Beach, the quintessential Florida beach town. You can visit the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, a historic pier with restaurants, bars, and shops extending into the ocean. It’s a great spot to grab a drink and watch surfers catch waves. Speaking of surfing, Cocoa Beach is home to the Ron Jon Surf Shop (open 24/7), which is an attraction in itself for beach gear and souvenirs. Relax on the beach’s soft sand, take a dip in the Atlantic, and soak up the sun. Also in the area is Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports. Even if you’re not boarding a cruise, the port area has some fun waterfront restaurants (like Fishlips or Grills) where you can watch cruise ships sail out if you’re there in late afternoon.
Tips: Start early, KSC can easily take 4-6 hours to fully enjoy. Parking at KSC is $10 per car (easy lots near the entrance). The Beachline (528) is an electronic toll road, so have your rental’s toll pass ready or some change for toll booths (if they still accept cash, some plazas do). You’ll cross the Indian River on the way, that’s a lagoon where you might glimpse dolphins or manatees near the causeways. Bring sunscreen and bug spray; the space center has some outdoor areas and the coast can have mosquitoes at dusk due to marshes nearby. Also, note that if a rocket launch is scheduled, certain KSC areas might close early or require special tickets. But even if you don’t go to KSC that day, you can often see launches from anywhere in Cocoa Beach by just looking north up the coast, a very cool experience! On the way back to Orlando, if it’s late, watch your speed, the Beachline is patrolled, and at night it’s easy to accidentally speed on the open highway.

Gulf Coast Getaway (Orlando to Tampa & Clearwater Beach), Theme Parks to Tranquil Gulf Shores
Distance: ~85 miles to downtown Tampa (1.5 hours). Clearwater Beach is about 25 miles further west of Tampa (another 30-40 minutes).
Route: Take I-4 West from Orlando straight into Tampa. For Clearwater, you’ll continue through Tampa, cross Tampa Bay on one of the causeway bridges (like FL-60 Courtney Campbell Causeway or I-275 Howard Frankland Bridge), and follow signs to Clearwater Beach.
Highlights: This road trip lets you sample the Gulf Coast vibes. In Tampa, you might stop to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park known for its roller coasters and African safari animals, a nice complement or alternative to Orlando’s parks. If theme parks aren’t on your radar, Tampa has the lovely Riverwalk area downtown, you can stroll by the Hillsborough River, perhaps visit the Florida Aquarium or historic Ybor City (famous for its Cuban roots and cigar factories). Foodies can try a Cuban sandwich from the source (Columbia Restaurant in Ybor is iconic). After Tampa, head towards Clearwater Beach, consistently rated one of America’s best beaches. Clearwater’s powdery white sand and gentle Gulf waters are a delight. The Pier 60 area has a nightly sunset festival with street performers and craft vendors, and you can often spot dolphins in the wild from the pier. Take a dip in the calm, warm Gulf of Mexico, usually no big waves, great for kids. If you have time, consider a short drive south to St. Pete Beach or Pass-a-Grille for a slightly quieter beach scene, or north to Honeymoon Island State Park for a more natural beach setting and a ferry to Caladesi Island. On the way back, if you didn’t get enough thrills, Adventure Island (a water park) and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are additional options in Tampa.
Tips: I-4 westbound from Orlando can get congested, particularly heading into the Lakeland area and approaching Tampa during weekday rush hours (also on Sunday afternoons with weekenders returning to Orlando). Try leaving early morning or after 10 AM to avoid delays, or consider taking the toll road 417 south to FL-408 west, which connects to I-4 past some congestion (ask your GPS). Another alternative is FL-429 to US-50 to I-75, if there’s an incident on I-4, but usually I-4 is fine outside peak times. In Clearwater, parking can be tight by the beach on weekends, there are public lots and garages (around $20 for the day). Get there earlier in the day for easier parking and less heat. Bring quarters or use the ParkMobile app for some street meters. Don’t forget sun protection, Gulf Coast sun can be intense, and there’s often less shade at the beach. One more: keep some cash for the causeway tolls (like on the Pinellas Bayway if you detour to St. Pete Beach, there’s a small toll), though most accept SunPass too. Wrap up your day with the drive back to Orlando in the evening, you might catch a pretty sunset in your rearview as you leave the coast. It’s very doable as a day trip, but if you can squeeze an overnight, even better to fully enjoy that relaxing Gulf atmosphere.

Southern Charm Road Trip (Orlando to Savannah, GA), History and Hospitality
Distance: ~285 miles (about 4.5 hours drive).
Route: Take I-4 East from Orlando to I-95 North (near Daytona Beach), then it’s a straight shot up I-95 through northeast Florida and into Georgia. Savannah is just over the GA border, about 2 hours north of Jacksonville.
Highlights: If you’re looking for a longer excursion beyond Florida, Savannah is a fantastic choice. It offers a completely different vibe, cobblestone streets, oak trees draped with Spanish moss, historic squares and mansions… a taste of the Old South. Once you get to Savannah, park the car (downtown is very walkable) and explore the Historic District. Stroll through Forsyth Park with its famous fountain, explore the many picturesque squares (like Chippewa Square, seen in “Forrest Gump”), and perhaps take a guided trolley tour to learn about Savannah’s rich history and ghostly legends. Along River Street, you’ll find shops and restaurants in old cotton warehouses facing the Savannah River, grab some famous pralines from a candy store and watch the cargo ships glide by. Food is a highlight here: enjoy some Southern cuisine, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, a Lowcountry boil, or a famous Leopold’s ice cream. Savannah also has open-container laws in the Historic District, meaning you can sip a to-go cocktail as you wander (fun fact!). If you stay overnight, consider a ghost tour in one of America’s most haunted cities. On the way up or back, you could also stop at St. Augustine, FL (just off I-95, another historic gem, the nation’s oldest city) or Jacksonville if you want to break up the drive. For nature, a short detour off I-95 in Georgia to Jekyll Island or St. Simons Island can add a nice coastal nature break.
Tips: This is a longer drive, so it’s ideal to make it an overnight or weekend trip. If leaving in the morning, try to avoid Jacksonville’s rush hour (hit Jax before 4-5 PM or after 6 PM to miss traffic on I-95 through downtown). I-95 has frequent rest areas and plenty of gas/food stops. Georgia has a welcome center just over the border that’s a good quick stop for brochures and a free peach drink (yes!). In Savannah, street parking downtown is mostly metered (except nights and Sundays), there are also city garages. Many B&Bs and hotels are in the historic area if you stay. Summers in Savannah are hot and humid (similar to Orlando), spring and fall are lovely for walking tours. One more thing, Savannah is about 30-40 minutes from the beach (Tybee Island), if you wanted to combine history with a beach outing. Lastly, enjoy the change of scenery, in just a few hours you go from the modern attractions of Orlando to the cobblestoned charm of Savannah. It’s a road trip through time and culture, showing off the diverse experiences the Southeast has to offer.

Orlando Car Rental Quick Facts

• Number of Rental Companies at MCO: 10+ on-site (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, etc.) plus many off-site with shuttle. This means lots of inventory and competitive rates, Orlando often has some of the lowest rental prices in the US.
• Peak Rental Demand: Orlando’s busy seasons are March-April (spring break/Easter), June-July (summer vacation), and late December (holidays). During these times, it’s wise to book your car well in advance. Cars can sell out or be much pricier last-minute during holidays and big events.
• Toll Roads: Central Florida’s main toll roads include FL-528, FL-417, FL-408, and FL-429. If using a rental car’s toll plan, you’ll pay the tolls plus about $3.95 per day of use (varies by company). If you want to avoid tolls entirely, it’s possible, but you might hit more traffic (e.g. using US-192 or US-441 instead of 417).
• Fuel Tip: Gas around Orlando Airport can be pricier, there’s a well-known station on Semoran Blvd that has high rates. Drive an extra mile north or south for more normal pricing (or fill up near where you were staying). Current gas price range is roughly $3-4/gal for regular, but watch for outliers that charge more.
• Driving Times: Approximate drive times, Disney to Universal: 20 minutes; Disney to Orlando International Airport: 25 minutes; Airport to Universal: 20 minutes; Orlando to Miami: 3.5 hours; Orlando to Kennedy Space Center: 1 hour. Always add padding for traffic, especially during rush hour or if driving I-4 (which locals joke stands for “Interstate 4-ever” due to construction and traffic). Use real-time GPS apps for best routes.
• Child Seats: Florida law requires children 5 and under to be in an appropriate child restraint (car seat or booster). Rental companies offer them for ~$15/day, but you can bring your own to save money. Plan accordingly for your little ones’ safety.
• Weather and Cars: Orlando is hot much of the year, choose a car with good A/C (most modern rentals are fine). A white or light-colored car can be a tad cooler than a black one when parked in the sun. Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons, but they pass quickly. Just slow down in heavy rain and turn on headlights. Winter nights can occasionally be chilly (40s°F), so you might need the heater once in a blue moon!