The Orlando Local Show: Travel Planning

The Orlando Local Show: Travel Planning


OL 029: Orlando Toll Roads and How to Avoid Them

February 07, 2017

Orlando Toll Roads Surround the Orlando International Airport
We received a note on Twitter asking if we've done a show on Orlando toll roads and how to avoid them. It seemed like a great idea, so here's our show on the issue.
Orlando International Airport has two major toll roads nearby – Florida State Road 417 and Florida State Road 528 (The BeachLine).
Why Avoid the Toll Roads?
There are two basic reasons to avoid the toll roads.

* To avoid paying the tolls
* Eliminate the hassle of stopping to pay tolls

You can exit the airport only from the North or the South, and it's possible to head out without hitting any toll roads at all. We discussed how to plot your course using Google Maps to avoid toll roads.
I tried creating some routes to different areas, such as from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World or from the airport to Loughman, FL.
To be honest, Google Maps showed the toll-free routes as less distance and faster than the toll roads. It seems like a no-brainer, right?
Why I Recommend Using the Toll Roads
Given a choice between taking the city routes vs. the toll roads, I'll always go for the toll roads. Even if it's longer, more expensive, and takes more time.
Why?
Because Orlando toll roads are far less stressful than the alternatives. You don't have to deal with stop lights, navigating different streets, crazed local drivers who are familiar with the roads and can't stand the fact that you're going too slow.
Most rental cars will allow you to use the toll roads with a license plate option, but that service comes with fees from the rental agency. If the fee is over $10, I'd suggest getting a transponder from ePass or SunPass. You don't have to stop for tolls and you get charged a lower rate when you use a transponder.
I put links to the two major toll agencies below – ePass and SunPass.
Navigating unfamiliar roads, even with a GPS, can still be stressful. There's a road in Tampa that my GPS doesn't really seem to understand. It routes me a mile away between an office building and hotel I use. They're right across the street from each other.
The toll roads are simple to navigate, have less traffic and no delays. You can avoid the toll roads if you want, but I'd encourage you to use them.
Related Links
Central Florida Expressway Authority (ePass)
SunPass
I-4 Ultimate Project
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO – Google Maps
Transcript
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