The Drive from MCO to Port Canaveral

[Crzy4my2]

Sorry, this might sound stupid to some people but I was wondering about the drive from the airport to our hotel which is near the port. I get anxious when I have to drive some place new at night/in the dark but I'm OK if I know what to expect. My DH was supposed to travel with us but he is unable to come now. The kids and I fly out Thursday night and if all goes well(no snow delay), we land around midnight. I am picking up a rental and heading to the hotel. I don't mind driving, just curious about the ride. I was told it's about 45 minutes, all good but is it on a highway with exits close to each other? Or will it be miles between exits? Also, It looks like I will have to drive over bridges. are they the kind over the Cape Cod canal(short) or are they longer? Sorry, I know..trivial but will put me at ease... Thank you for reading :)

[Clarea]

It's all good highway, but there are stretches where there are fewer exits. No really long bridges.

[Marie51]

I know this is not what you're asking about but if I were arriving at midnight I would just stay at a hotel by the airport and drive to Port Canaveral the next day so I would not have to drive in the dark on unfamiliar roads. 😊

[iahawkfan21]

Easy drive east on the Beachline (528) about 45 minutes to the port, and hotels are just a couple minutes past. I drive it on a weekly basis, you will have no issues just keep following signs to Port Canaveral.

 

As mentioned, there are some stretches between exits and not really any services but is a short enough drive.

[Crzy4my2]

Thank you for your replies. They helped :) I did consider staying near the airport the 1st night and driving the next day but I have tickets to take the kids to the space center the next day and thought it would be better if we were already close by.

[cheeseclan]

Isn't the beeline all toll roads east as well. Better to have change if that is the case.... I missed one going the other way and it cost me $35 with the car rental company.

[Clarea]

Isn't the beeline all toll roads east as well. Better to have change if that is the case.... I missed one going the other way and it cost me $35 with the car rental company.

Yes, there are 3 or 4 toll plazas, however each one has at least one attended cash lane where you can get change. Tolls are around $5-$6 total from the airport to Cocoa Beach.

[SteerageJoe]

There are only two toll plazas - $1 + $1 and change are given but may not be manned after midnight. Not sure. Best to take $2 in quarters!

 

It will be dark and lonely 50 minute drive on the two-lane road. Exits are many miles apart. Should you get a flat, etc. help will take a while. If you are nervous just stay near the airport and depart for KSC from there - you will not lose much time versus staying at Canaveral..

 

Here is a map with the route clearly shown:

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1kUqV-SksGfy8RZniAggbw3RAIQ4&ll=28.430142484085515%2C-81.04499200000004&z=10

[Crzy4my2]

There are only two toll plazas - $1 + $1 and change are given but may not be manned after midnight. Not sure. Best to take $2 in quarters!

 

It will be dark and lonely 50 minute drive on the two-lane road. Exits are many miles apart. Should you get a flat, etc. help will take a while. If you are nervous just stay near the airport and depart for KSC from there - you will not lose much time versus staying at Canaveral..

 

Here is a map with the route clearly shown:

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1kUqV-SksGfy8RZniAggbw3RAIQ4&ll=28.430142484085515%2C-81.04499200000004&z=10

 

 

Thank you. That map is better than what I have. I get nervous that I'll get lost but that looks like a straight shot from the airport.