A trip to sunny Orlando would not be complete without visiting one of its famous theme parks, like Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, or SeaWorld Orlando, all of which are easily reached by car. You will want to keep an eye out for Interstate 4, as it connects most of the popular theme parks, downtown, and the central business district. Bear in mind that some of the interstate highways may have tolls, such as Florida State Road 417 and Florida State Road 528. Parking in Orlando can be challenging, as it is a popular destination for visitors. While you may get lucky and find free street parking, most available spaces will either be metered, in a paid parking garage, or in a paid parking lot. Renting a car is smooth and straightforward, and there are upwards of 50 car rental locations in Orlando.
Is it worthwhile renting a car while visiting Orlando?
You won't have to worry about parking, as there are many garages and parking lots in the city. Orlando is a bustling town with several traffic hotspots, including Interstate 4, which is one of the primary roads used. Rush hour is generally in the morning and early evening, so avoid these times if you wish to dodge traffic congestion. When it comes to Orlando, it is in your best interest to rent a car. Driving makes it much easier to visit must-see attractions in the surrounding area, including the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Clearwater Beach, both of which are less than a two-hour drive away. The city is not known for being particularly walkable, making car rentals particularly convenient for transportation. Since many of the neighborhoods and sights are spread out, such as the Lake Nona region and the Harry P Leu Gardens, a cheap car rental in Orlando is a good choice for saving time and money, not mentioning the freedom you have to plan your own route.
What kind of driver’s license do you need to rent a car in Orlando?
For car rentals in Orlando, including a passenger van rental or an economy car rental, you are required to have an official driver’s license. Temporary licenses are accepted, as long as they do not have restrictions, are valid for the duration of your rental, and come from either the US or Canada. For those from outside the US or Canada, an international driving license is not required as long as you have a valid permanent license from your home country, as well as an official passport that is valid for the duration of your rental period. Most companies require you to be 21 years old to rent a vehicle, no matter which country your license is issued from. If you have a foreign driver’s license that is not in a Latin-based alphabet, you may need to provide an official translation. Always have your passport with you when you are renting a car abroad, as the rental company will most likely want to keep a photocopy of this document in their files.
Can I cross the border with a rental car from Orlando Florida?
When travelers book car rentals in Orlando, they are usually allowed to drive the vehicle to neighboring countries, such as Canada and Mexico. However, it’s important to keep in mind that when you cross the border with a rental car, you will be required to provide a few pieces of documentation, such as a government-issued driver’s license and either a passport or a passport card. If you plan on visiting Canada with a rental car from Orlando, you must obtain a non-resident insurance card, while those going to Mexico are required to have Mexican automobile liability insurance. Most rental car companies can provide you with these types of insurance. When crossing country border, make sure to notify your rental car company ahead of time.
Can you rent a rental car in Orlando without a credit card?
To reserve car rentals in Orlando, whether it’s a cheap car rental, an electric car rental, or a passenger van rental, companies typically prefer that you do so with a major credit card. However, some alternative methods may be accepted. For example, quite a few car rental companies accept debit cards, but you may be required to provide additional documentation if you choose this payment method, such as a utility bill or proof of insurance. Some companies may accept cash, but be prepared to provide additional documentation with this form of payment as well. While many companies in Florida often do not allow customers to pay with a standard check, traveler’s checks may be accepted, depending on the specific rental car branch. If you plan on using an alternative form of payment rather than a credit card, make sure to contact your selected rental car company several days before you plan to pick up your vehicle in order to verify what the specific payment process will be. Those who will not be paying with a credit card may also be asked to pay a cash deposit when picking up their rental.
What driving laws should I keep an eye out for in Orlando and the state of Florida?
To stay as safe as possible when driving an Orlando car rental, it’s best to keep a few local traffic regulations in mind. All children under the age of four must be in a proper car seat; you may be able to obtain one through your rental car company. If it happens to be raining and you are using your windshield wipers, legally, you must have your headlights on. Make sure to be extra careful while drinking, as the state of Florida has a strict limit on alcohol consumption for drivers, with a maximum blood alcohol content of 0.08%. Unless you are passing a vehicle, try to drive in the right-hand lane as much as possible. If you see a law enforcement vehicle helping a car or pulling over another motorist in a lane next to you, you are legally required to merge to the lane furthest away, if possible, or reduce your speed. It's always best to check with Orlando's department of motor vehicles for any recent law changes.