Planning
The route: Turnpike vs I-95.
There are two main routes from Orlando to Miami, and your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed or savings.
Florida Turnpike (Route 1): The fastest and most direct option. It's a modern, well-maintained toll road with a 70 MPH speed limit most of the way. Expect about 3.5 hours of driving with light traffic. The catch? Tolls run approximately $15-$20 one way with SunPass (about 25% more without it).
I-95 (Route 2): The toll-free alternative. It hugs Florida's Atlantic coast and passes through towns like Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and Palm Beach. It's a more scenic drive but typically takes 4-4.5 hours due to lower speed limits and more traffic. Great if you plan to make stops along the way.
Pro tip: Many travelers take the Turnpike going south (faster) and I-95 coming back (scenic, with stops). Either way, make sure your rental car has SunPass to avoid surprise toll fees — all GS Car Rental vehicles include SunPass at no extra charge.
Worth the Detour
Best Stops Along the Way
Turn a highway drive into an adventure with these recommended stops.
Vero Beach
About 2 hours from Orlando. Quiet, uncrowded beaches with crystal-clear water. Perfect for a lunch break and a swim. Don't miss the Vero Beach Outlets for discount shopping.
Fort Pierce
A charming fishing town with a historic downtown and the Navy SEAL Museum. Great seafood restaurants right on the waterfront. About 2.5 hours from Orlando.
Palm Beach
3 hours from Orlando, 1 hour from Miami. Worth Avenue offers luxury shopping, and the Flagler Museum showcases Gilded Age architecture. Stop for coffee and walk the stunning oceanfront.
Choose Wisely
Which car to choose.
Couples: A sedan like the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Sonata delivers excellent fuel economy (30-35 MPG), a smooth highway ride, and enough trunk space for two suitcases. Budget-friendly and comfortable for a 4-hour drive.
Families: A mid-size SUV like the Outlander or a compact SUV like the Sportage gives everyone room to stretch. The higher seating position makes the drive less tiring, and there's ample space for luggage, snacks, and entertainment gear for the kids.
Eco-conscious travelers: A Tesla Model Y is a game-changer for this route. Supercharger stations are well-placed along both the Turnpike and I-95. One 15-minute charging stop gets you to Miami, and the total energy cost is roughly $8-$10 compared to $30-$40 in gas for a similar-sized SUV.
Large groups: The Chevrolet Suburban seats up to 8 and has room for everyone's bags. It's the ultimate road trip vehicle when you need to keep the whole crew together in one car.
Know the Costs
Toll Costs Breakdown
What you'll spend on tolls depending on your route.
All GS Car Rental vehicles include SunPass at no extra charge — saving you 25% on tolls and eliminating admin fees.
Once You Arrive
Miami highlights: what to do.
South Beach: Iconic Art Deco architecture, turquoise waters, and Ocean Drive's vibrant restaurant scene. Park on a side street and walk the strip — it's the most walkable part of Miami.
Wynwood: Miami's art district is covered in world-class murals and street art. The Wynwood Walls are the main attraction, but the surrounding blocks are just as impressive. Great cafes, breweries, and galleries everywhere.
Key Biscayne: Just 20 minutes from downtown Miami, this barrier island offers pristine beaches, Crandon Park, and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. It feels a world away from the city.
Everglades National Park: About 45 minutes west of Miami. Take an airboat tour through the sawgrass marshes and spot alligators, manatees, and exotic birds. A completely different Florida experience from the beaches and nightlife.
Flexible Travel
One-way rental: drop off in Miami
Flying into Orlando and out of Miami? A one-way rental eliminates the need to backtrack. Pick up your car at MCO, enjoy your Orlando vacation, drive to Miami at your own pace, and drop it off near MIA before your flight home.
How it works at GS Car Rental: Contact us on WhatsApp, tell us your Orlando pickup date and Miami drop-off date, and we'll give you a custom quote. One-way rentals are subject to availability and may include a small repositioning fee, but many travelers find it more cost-effective than booking a separate Miami-Orlando flight.
This option is also available in reverse — pick up in Miami and drop off in Orlando. It's one of the most popular requests from international visitors who want to experience both cities without the hassle of returning to their starting point.
FAQ