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US$98.84/day

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Most popular car rental suppliers | Thrifty |
|---|---|
Most popular type | Intermediate SUV |
Average daily price | US$231.96 |
Typical rental periods | 4 days |
Planning a trip to Orlando? No matter if you're heading to Disney World, Universal Studios, or exploring Florida's natural beauty, here's your complete guide to renting a car in Orlando cheaply and easily.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) makes car rental incredibly convenient, with rental counters located on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) in both Terminal A and B. After checking in, head to the R1 level of either Parking Garage A or B to pick up your vehicle. The airport is located 9 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, about a 20-minute drive. Major companies on Trip.com include Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis with on-site rentals. Pro tip: Book in advance during peak seasons (summer and major holidays) for better rates and vehicle availability.
Everyone must drive on the right side of the road and wear seatbelts. Speed limits are clearly marked: 70 mph on interstates, 65 mph on four-lane divided highways, 60 mph on other state highways, and 30 mph in residential areas. During Florida's frequent rain showers, it's mandatory to use headlights and wipers together. Children under 5 must be in approved car seats, and texting while driving is illegal. Double fines apply in construction zones, which are common around Orlando.
Orlando's traffic patterns are predictable but can be challenging during peak times. Rush hours run from 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM. Interstate 4 (I-4), which runs through downtown Orlando, is the main highway and can get congested, though its eight lanes help manage flow. To avoid traffic, use toll roads 408 and 528 - most rental cars come with SunPass transponders for automatic toll payments. Tourist areas around theme parks see increased traffic on weekends and holidays.
Gas stations are plentiful in Orlando, but prices vary significantly. Avoid filling up near the airport or tourist areas where prices are highest. Instead, use apps like GasBuddy to find better rates at stations like Wawa or RaceTrac, which are common throughout the city. Most rentals use a full-to-full fuel policy - fill up within 5-10 miles of the airport before returning. Good options include the stations along Semoran Boulevard (SR-436) near the airport.
For theme park visits and family trips, mid-size SUVs or minivans are popular choices, with space for luggage and comfortable seating for the whole family. If you're mainly doing city driving, a compact or mid-size car works well and saves on fuel. Convertibles are fun for coastal drives but consider Florida's frequent afternoon showers.
Most theme parks charge for parking (~$25-30 per day), but hotel parking is often free outside the main tourist areas. Downtown Orlando has numerous parking garages and street parking options. Navigation is relatively simple as roads are laid out in a grid pattern, and most attractions are well-signed. Use a GPS or smartphone for real-time traffic updates and alternate routes, especially around theme parks and during rush hours.
Jump in your rental car and explore the best of Florida from Orlando. Head to Kennedy Space Center (1 hour east) to check out real rockets, or hit the white sands of Clearwater Beach (2 hours west) for a perfect beach day. Want something cool? Drive to Crystal River (1.5 hours) to swim with manatees, or cool off at the springs in Ocala National Forest.
The drive to Miami takes about 4 hours - go through Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral on the east coast, or take the Gulf Coast route past Sanibel Island and through the Everglades. Tampa's just 90 minutes away, with Busch Gardens and great Cuban food in Ybor City. Beach lovers should check out the Fort Lauderdale drive (3.5 hours), stopping at Vero Beach for a swim. Or head to St. Augustine (2 hours north) to see America's oldest city. Most rental cars have toll passes, so you can use Florida's fast toll roads - just watch out for those fees adding up.
Authentic Orlando supplier ratings
Orlando suppliers have an average rating of 3.9. All suppliers' ratings are based on authentic user reviews.