Car rental from TPA to Port Canaveral

[harry0]

I just booked my flights for an upcoming cruise on the Freedom of the Seas leaving from Port Canaveral. Flights to TPA were much less $$ and the times fit much better than MCO.

There will be 4 adults and 2 children,5 and 9 years old.

We will be coming in the day before and staying at a hotel near the port. The return trip will be made day of debarkation for a 4 pm flight at TPA.

I have a few questions about renting a car for this trip.

 

1. Will a mini van hold 6 of us plus the 6 bags?

2. What would be the best route to take.

3. I have heard something about a Sunpass for the toll roads-can I get one-Should I get one?

 

Thanks in advance-any other advice will be appreciated.

Harry0:)

[RickSt]

I don't think it would be worth it to get a Sun Pass transponder for a rental car. There's a minimum amount of money you have to load them so unless you're a resident, it wouldn't be worth it. Just have some cash on you to take care of the tolls . It won't break you.

 

Rick

 

 

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[fyrmnjim]

A minivan with 6 and luggage is going to be a little crammed even using the roof rack.

Getting to the port is relatively easy. Take I-275 east until it connects with I-4. Keep east on 4 until you get to the 528/Beeline Expwy. Exit on to 528 east and it will take you right to the Port.

As for the SunPass, I agree with Rick. It's not worth it for just the round trip.

[RickSt]

The reason I didn't say anything about the routing was because I wasn't sure of it. We just moved to Florida in February and pretty much stay close to home and the turnpike is only about 4 miles from my house.

 

Rick

 

 

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[Clarea]

I don't know about other rental car companies, but the cars I rent with Avis already have the SunPass transponder. I always use cash, but I think they charge the you toll, plus some "convenience" fee. I can see how it would save time if you are in a hurry.

[RickSt]

I don't know about other rental car companies, but the cars I rent with Avis already have the SunPass transponder. I always use cash, but I think they charge the you toll, plus some "convenience" fee. I can see how it would save time if you are in a hurry.

 

Unless it's rush hour in which case nobody's going anyplace fast, you won't lose that much time at toll booths.

 

Rick

 

 

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[harry0]

Thanks for quick replies-I know it will be crammed but I guess we will book a mini van. Cash it will be-should I bring singles-5s -quarters or all above?

[RickSt]

Thanks for quick replies-I know it will be crammed but I guess we will book a mini van. Cash it will be-should I bring singles-5s -quarters or all above?

 

All the above.

 

 

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[maxandmolly]

A minivan with 6 and luggage is going to be a little crammed even using the roof rack.

Getting to the port is relatively easy. Take I-275 east until it connects with I-4. Keep east on 4 until you get to the 528/Beeline Expwy. Exit on to 528 east and it will take you right to the Port.

As for the SunPass, I agree with Rick. It's not worth it for just the round trip.

 

A correction-I-275 does not run east/west, it runs north/south. From the airport, go NORTH on 275, stay in the right or second to right lane, and I-4 east will break off from 275 just past the downtown exits. Follow I-4 to the 528-just past the Disney exits but (usually) before most of the ugly Orlando traffic. You will not pay any tolls until you reach the 528. I can't remember how much it costs end to end, but I would make sure you have about $10 with you. Any toll booth operator will give you a dollar or two in quarters if asked.

[Sharwillus]

Thinking of booking at Staybridge due to cheaper rate. Any dinner suggestions nearby or things to do with teens?

[RickSt]

Thinking of booking at Staybridge due to cheaper rate. Any dinner suggestions nearby or things to do with teens?

 

We're going over that way Saturday with a group to do a 1/2 day Victory Casino Cruise. It'll be our first time there but if I can remember, I'll ask the crew.

 

Rick

 

 

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[Capt_BJ]

a few comments

 

I'd take 417 to miss the I-4/528 interchange. A little more in tolls but 417 almost always has less traffic then you see on 528 'tween I-4 and the airport.

 

You won't see signs for Bee Line anymore .. name changed to Beach Line (still SR-528)

 

Sunpass/or toll by plate CAN save time at the BeachLine tolls at times .. even on the weekends (beach traffic from Orlando). How much? Maybe only 10 minutes but 10 minutes can FEEL like an hour when you watch the electronic lanes not even slowing down.

 

All the Florida rental companies have an electronic toll option. What they charge and when they charge varies. See: https://www.sunpass.com/rentalcar

 

A roll of quarters would allow you to use exact change lanes (when available) and b enuf ..

 

Toll summary in the Orlando area for your purpose:

[Clarea]

Captain, you have the best maps!:)

[Capt_BJ]

in school they taught me:

 

navigation is not a contact sport!

 

ya always need a good chart of the area so as to not run aground

[paradiselivin1]

I agree with Capn BJ. We use 417 as it is often almost empty as compared to following 4 through all of the congestion of Orlando. Well worth the few extra dollars. I know that many of the rentals in this area make the transponders available but I thought their charge for it wasn't worth it. The toll lanes on 417 shouldn't be that busy as traffic is typically light, all things considered. Even trekking over to Daytona when races are taking place ~ much easier ride!

[harry0]

Thanks again to all.

Wow what a map-I filed it and I will print it out and it will be by my side along with a roll of quarters on my way to the port. Looks very doable.

I reserved a van and got a great deal on Budget.

[MaddyMom]

We have flown into TPA a couple of times and have driven to Port Canaveral from there. As far as I know, Budget Rental is the only rental car company that allows you to pick up at TPA and drop off at Port Canaveral. Once you drop your car off at their Port Canaveral location, they have a free shuttle that will take you to the ship. At the end of your cruise, they will pick you up and bring you back to their location to pick up a car for your return trip. I have always just brought along a couple rolls of quarters to use for the toll. On a side note, we fly into TPA the night prior and stay at a hotel near the airport, and drive to Canaveral the following morning.

[Capt_BJ]

few extra dollars

 

????

 

75 cents!

[aria48]

As far as I know, Budget Rental is the only rental car company that allows you to pick up at TPA and drop off at Port Canaveral.

 

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, Thrifty all allow you to pick up in Tampa and drop off at their office close to Port Canaveral. Just choose "TPA" as pickup location & "Port Canaveral" for drop location.