Florida’s Transportation Options for Travelers

With such a vast variety of landscapes, attractions, shopping, and beaches, you’re going to want to know how to get around and see it all in the Sunshine State.

Depending on what kind of trip you have in mind, Florida provides some key transportation options to help you conveniently move around the state. Check out our list below, and make the most out of your stay in paradise.

Rental Cars

It’s no surprise that many visitors opt for renting cars while visiting Florida. The state’s sprawling interstates and turnpikes make it easy to travel between cities, and see attractions conveniently.

Some reliable car rental companies in Florida include Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, but there are a variety of agencies with competitive prices and packages. One of the most popular options is in-airport rentals. Though convenient, airport car rentals can be pricey depending on the season, so it’s worth looking off-premise.

Most companies provide free shuttle services, making it easy to get to and from the airport. Before you rent, compare prices using a travel search tool, and make sure to look over the basic road rules.

Ride share apps continue to gain popularity worldwide. Convenient, easy, and reliable, apps like Uber and Lyft let users request shared or personal rides directly from their phone, while tracking their driver’s location.

With most wait times between 5-10 minutes, ride sharing provides affordable rides to any destination you want. Some companies even provide XL vehicles for big groups, accessibility assistance, and car seats.

When ride sharing, always check the license plate matches the app before you hop in.

If ride share apps aren’t available in the area where you plan to stay, taxis are always a reliable option. Your hotel can call taxis for you, or you can grab one right on the street. Make sure your taxi is licensed , and that the car looks safe before stepping in.

Contrary to popular belief, trolleys aren’t just a San Fran thing. Florida’s public transportation system offers a variety of modern, practical trolley services across major cities. With very affordable or free fares, and strategic routes along major attractions, Florida trolleys are great for families, groups, or budget-friendly vacations.

Miami offers the free Citywide Trolley, which serves the Miami Beach area. Trolley sightseeing tours also are popular, with services like the Old Town Trolley offering hop on/hop off tours in Key West, and St. Petersburg’s Looper Trolley. If you’re planning a stay within Orlando’s International Drive Resort Area, or I-Drive, check out the I-RIDE Trolley, stopping at many major Orlando attractions  at an affordable price. 

Buses, Shuttles & Trains  

Looking to move around the state without renting a car? Florida bus services could be your best bet.

Bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus offer multiple daily trips to popular routes around Florida including Miami, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. Fares are affordable, with some buses offering free entertainment on board.

Trains are also an option, with companies like Amtrak and Brightline offering interstate routes.

Love the convenience of shuttles? Finding hotels with shuttles to Disney World isn’t just a dream your heart makes. Select Disney Resorts offer free shuttle services from your resort to all four theme parks and more. Disney also offers boat and monorail transportation, giving visitors flexibility. Shared and private buses can also be booked for travel around Florida with companies like Florida Shuttle Transportation.

Many hotels and resorts also offer free shuttle services to and from your airport. Inquire at your hotel ahead of time, or ask the concierge once you're there and ask for a schedule.

Boats  

If you’re feeling particularly “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous”-y, why not go all out and rent a boat for a day?

Platforms like Boatsetter, Sailo, and Get My Boat make it easy to search for Florida boat rentals and experiences like fishing charters, watersports, and catamaran excursions. Based on your search preferences, you can connect with boat owners and agree on the perfect boat rental for you, with or without captain services (kind of like the Airbnb of boats). Although it’s not mandatory to have a boating license, it’s important that you show proof of having taken a basic boating course in order to navigate. See more details here.

Key West Express has three catamarans running between the southernmost city and Fort Myers and Marco Island.

Florida’s transportation options are as varied as its attractions. With everything from shuttles to trains, your options are flexible so you don’t miss any of the sights. Ready to get the show on the road? Go!