Avoiding Orlando Traffic
Orlando traffic can be a major headache for everyone involved. Locals and tourists alike would do anything to stay out of gridlock.
If you avoid driving all together that would be the best way to not end up in Orlando traffic. If you stay at Lake Buena Vista you will be close to Disney World.
It's pretty easy to get around. You can find a variety of ways to transport yourself from one place to another. Including taxis and by foot amd buses.
If you stay on International Drive you can take advantage of the trolley and avoid the Orlando traffic all together. Plus International Drive is just one long street so most of the attractions are in walking distance (within a mile or two.)
It would be easy to hang out at Magical Midway for the day and then walk up the street to get a bite at Cicis Pizza.
If you find that you have to drive, your best bet is....
Orlando, Florida Expressways and Highways
The best way to get around and avoid the Orlando traffic is to use the toll roads. It’s a little more expensive than the regular streets.
But it offers you a more direct route, less traffic to contend with and you’ll save on gas (because you will not be getting lost or stuck in heavy stop and go Orlando, Florida traffic.)
The quickest way to get to the major toll roads and expressways in Orlando is the 408 (also known as the east west expressway.)
If you must drive in Orlando there are a few things you should know. First I-4 (the most used freeway in Orlando) is crazy. People trying to get to work, tourist getting lost, teenagers using it as drag racing strip.
If there’s an accident or someone pulled over that's the worst. It can back traffic up for miles. So please, whatever you do, don’t be a rubbernecker!
Orlando traffic on I-4 is busiest from the hours of 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm. In the mornings it will be the busiest headed towards the parks.
If you find that you don’t know where you're going or if you're lost make sure you stay in the right lane. That way if you need to make a quick exit it will make it easier. Plus you will not get run down by angry drivers.
If you're in the far left lane trying to find your way you'll probably be slowing down traffic. That makes for some unhappy locals. So just make sure if you are going below the speed limit to be doing so in the slow lane.
*Remember during the busy times there will be police out with their radar guns*
Especially on the 417 or 528 and the other major toll roads. If it’s towards the end of the month or the first few days of the beginning of the month the police will be out and about trying to give out tickets.
The last thing you want is an Orlando traffic ticket. So make sure to be mindful of the speed limit or just do what I do and stay with the flow of traffic.
Getting to Disney 5 minutes earlier is not worth the headache of a ticket.
Not to mention that the Florida Highway Patrol are not really people you want to meet on the roads. Especially is you get caught in a speed trap. There’s really no way to weasel out of that.
Toll Roads in Orlando, Florida
If you do use the toll roads be sure to pay attention to where the tolls booths are.
Sometimes you have to pull to the right to get into a toll lane.
While the rest of the traffic that has Sunpass (prepaid toll) just breezes through.
I’ve made the mistake before and realized I’ve passed up the toll booth. Do this too many times and you’ll find a ticket in the mail.
Orlando, Florida Streets
Orlando, Florida is a popular vacation destination so you’ll see people from all over the world driving on our streets. Some know where they are going and some don’t.
I’ve lived here my entire life and I still have a hard time getting around.
I think if you are visiting and are going to brave the Orlando traffic you should invest in a GPS. It’s the best invention...EVER!
Orlando consists of a lot of lakes so sometimes you can be on a street that will be named one thing and then all of a sudden there’s a new name on the signs.
This can be very confusing and frustrating if you don’t know where you're going.
Plus some of the streets are referred to by several different things. For example Mills avenue is also know as Highway 17-92. Colonial Drive is highway 50 and Orange Blossom Trail is highway 441.
The streets of Orlando are actually pretty small. Orlando itself is kind of a small town. So many of the roadways are only two to three lanes.
Not to mention there is a stop light every quarter of a mile. So a build up of traffic is not unheard of.
Another thing to remember is that you're possibly being watched. There's Orlando traffic cameras on many of the traffic lights in town. So if you think you'll get away with running them, think again.
Orlando Traffic During Bad Weather
If it’s raining you might to avoid driving all together. It backs everything up and people seem to forget how to drive. Plus it can get very dangerous if the Orlando Florida weather gets a little crazy.
If there are heavy rains you have to be careful not to hydroplane. That’s when the rain water gets under your wheels and you're no longer going to be able to control your vehicle.
If it's raining really hard it's okay to slow down. Don't feel the need to keep up with the crazy people that just have to get somehwhere.
Sometimes people put on their hazard lights and keep the speeds lower. If you're going to do this, again, make sure you stay in the far right lane so that people that want to drive faster can do so.
In drivers courses they say you should be behind crazy drivers anyway.
What are the Times to Avoid?
If you want to avoid the Orlando traffic all together try driving as little as possible or going during the less busy times of the day.
In the morning starting at about 8am (people going to work.) In the afternoon 12pm (lunch time) and 5pm (people getting off of work) will be the worst time to drive.
Orlando offers a great bus service. It’s inexpensive and it can get you anywhere you need to go. Or you can grab a cab and avoid the headache of trying to get around yourself.
I don’t want to scare you out of driving but I do want you to enjoy yourself while you are visiting Orlando, Florida. So make sure to be mindful of the tips I’ve given you and driving in Orlando traffic will be a breeze. Happy Trails!
Return from Orlando Traffic to Orlando-Florida-Local Homepage
