Driving Directions to Walt Disney World

OK, we've got our rental car. How do we get there?
All the rental car desks will give you very good maps. They're a breeze to follow. Florida has gorgeous freeways; wide and beautifully maintained. You know why? A lot of them are toll roads. Both from Sanford and McCoy airports, you are going to be driving on toll roads. I would heartily recommend that you simply assume this into the cost of your vacation and go with the toll-road option. They are direct and you don't get mired in traffic. You can expect about $7-8 (5 pounds) in tolls from Sanford and about $3-4 (2 pounds) from McCoy.

From Sanford: Follow the Greeneway (I-417) all the way round Orlando to your specific exit for Walt Disney World. They will be separately marked for each specific area of the World.

From McCoy: If your rental car company is in the airport itself, take the South exit from the airport and follow the I-417 Greeneway West to your WDW exit. If your rental car company is "off-airport" such as Hertz or Thrifty, you have two options. Option 1 is to go into the airport and exit South much as you would if you rented "on-airport". Option 2 is to go West on I-528 (Beeline Expressway) which empties out onto I-4 which takes you to the WDW exits. The Beeline Expressway is also a toll road for the first couple of miles West of the airport exit.

Word of Warning: when you get to the end of I-528 you will see a sign for Tampa and a sign for Orlando. Despite the obvious feeling that you should head like a homing pigeon for Orlando, you do in fact want to head for Tampa. WDW is actually South West of Orlando. Also, please don't speed. The Florida State Highway Patrol is very happy to ticket you and, since you don't live here, they'll take your fine, in cash, NOW.

Back to U.K. Planning Index

Last Updated: May 9, 2009