This Orlando driving guide is for the first time and those that have done it before but still break into a light sweat every time you merge onto I-4?
If you’re visiting from outside the United States., there’s a lot to consider. But don’t worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about driving in Orlando, from the essentials for first-timers to tips for seasoned visitors. Plus,
Whether you’re a Disney dreaming newbie or a Universal-hopping veteran, visiting from outside the United States, this guide is your trusty co-pilot, packed with the must know essentials for driving around Orlando. From navigating unfamiliar roads to understanding traffic laws. With a few pit stops along the way for what to do if (heaven forbid) in the event of a road traffic accident, from minor bumps to more serious situations, giving you the confidence to drive around like a pro.
- Clear, upfront pricing, no hidden nasties
- Low deposit to book
- Full insurance included (proper coverage, not the “read the fine print” kind)
- Young driver packages available
- Loads of pickup locations — super easy
- Popular car types can book up fast — don’t hang about
- Young driver packages cost extra (but still cheaper than many others)
- Some smaller locations have fewer car options
What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road
Whether you’re renting a car for a day or exploring Orlando for an extended period, knowing the ins and outs of U.S. road rules is essential. In Orlando, driving is pretty straightforward, but here are some things to keep in mind.
Licence and Documents
Good news! If you’ve got a valid driving licence from your home country (and it’s in English), you’re pretty much good to go.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) might be suggested by your rental company, but for most UK, EU, and Australian visitors, it’s not compulsory. Always double check when you book though, because rules love to change like Florida weather.
Car Hire and Insurance
Most of the big rental companies are at Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, like Alamo, Hertz, Dollar and Enterprise. These offer various levels of cover and can often be upgraded at the counter when collecting your car.
We recommend US CAR HIRE. Check our review here. They search the market to find the best prices, they offer a wide range of vehicles, insurance cover levels and everything is presented clearly, they also offer Enhanced Roadside Assistance for added peace of mind at a very reasonable price when compared to buying it direct at the dealerships.
Always check that your insurance cover includes collision damage waiver, even if you usually risk it at home. Orlando roads are busy, fast, and full of drivers who seem to have a lifelong feud with their indicators.
Essential Orlando Road Rules for Tourists
- Drive on the right-hand side. (Yes, it feels wrong at first. Yes, you’ll automatically go to the left. No, you won’t be the first or the last.)
- You can usually turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign says otherwise.
- Speed limits change faster than a launch on the Hulk rollercoaster, 30 mph in towns, 55–70 mph on highways. Keep your eyes peeled.
- School buses flashing red? STOP. No excuses. Huge fines (and a serious telling-off) await those who don’t.
How to Pay Tolls in Orlando
Orlando’s toll roads are a bit like sudden dance breaks in a Disney musical, you never see them coming, and they usually cost you. Whether you’re zipping over to Magic Kingdom or just trying to find a Target without 17 turns, you’ll likely hit a toll (or three). But don’t panic there are two easy ways to cruise through without breaking into a coin scavenging panic (although most toll roads are now cashless) or getting fleeced by your rental company.
Visitor Toll Pass: The Tourist’s Secret Hack
Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO)? Then you’ve hit the toll jackpot. The Visitor Toll Pass is a magical little gadget you pick up right inside the terminal. Hang it in your rental car, breeze through tolls like a local, and get the cheapest possible rates, no surprise charges or evil rental car markups.
Think of it as your FastPass… but for the highway.
Check out our full review and step-by-step setup guide here to see just how easy it is to use (with photo walkthroughs and zero villain monologues)
SunPass: The Go To For Road Trippers
Not flying into MCO? Maybe you’re driving in from Miami, Tampa, or somewhere that doesn’t come with its own castle and monorail. In that case, SunPass is your go to. It’s Florida’s statewide toll system and works like a charm whether you’re in your own car or a rental.
Sticker or portable transponder, set it up once and cruise the roads like you’ve lived there forever (bonus: no awkward lane swerves into the “Cash Only” line).
Check out our full SunPass review and setup guide here so you can hit the road, save cash, and avoid turning your rental car dashboard into a spare change war zone.
Theme Park Parking Costs & Tips
Theme parks are charging $30 for the pleasure of parking your car in a busy and crowed car park, this is the price for standard parking but some parks do offer an upgrade to preferred or valet parking at extra costs
If you’re staying off-site, factor this into your budget, and remember where you parked. (A “Simba 35” sign means nothing when you’re exhausted, sunburnt, and full of churros.).
If you are staying onsite in a Walt Disney Hotel Resort parking is now included in the price which also includes parking at your resort, theme park and Disney Springs. If staying at a Universal resort parking charges still apply but maybe reduced depending on the time of year and resort you are staying in.
What to Do in a Car Accident in Florida
Accidents aren’t common, but they can happen even to the best drivers. And trust me, panicking helps no one, a lesson I had to learn the hard way after getting rear ended one December in a car park. Here’s s step by step guide of what to do, based on how serious things get:
Minor Bump (Scraped a bumper, bent a wing mirror, dented your ego)
- Pull Over Safely: Florida law says you must stop, even for minor accidents. Do not leave the scene of an accident.
- Check for Injuries: If everyone’s OK, breathe. (If not, call 911 immediately.)
- Swap Details: Get names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s licences, insurance info, and registration plates.
- Take Photos: Your phone’s camera is your best friend here — snap everything.
- Contact Your Rental Company: They’ll walk you through what happens next.
Top Tip: If the other driver is aggressive, stay in your car and wait for police.
Moderate to Major Accident (Airbags? Ambulances? Yikes.)
- Call 911 Immediately: Police, fire, or medical crews will be sent to help.
- Stay Where You Are (If Safe): Turn your hazard lights on. Don’t play hero.
- Help If You Can: Only administer first aid if it’s safe and you’re trained.
- Talk to Police: Give honest, clear info. Don’t admit fault at the scene, just the facts, ma’am.
- Seek Medical Help: Even if you think you’re fine — adrenaline is sneaky.
- Inform Your Rental Company and Insurance Provider: ASAP give any reference number from emergency services they provide.
Remember: Medical bills can add up quickly in the U.S., so make sure you have travel insurance that covers accidents!
Getting Emergency Medical Help in Orlando
If you’re hurt and can’t move, stay put and wait for emergency responders.
If you’re able to call 911, the operator will guide you through the next steps until help arrives.
Orlando hospitals are excellent, but expect to be asked for your insurance details almost before you even get your blood pressure taken.
Recap: Drive Smart, Stay Calm, and Enjoy the Journey
Driving in Orlando really isn’t as terrifying as people make it sound. With a little prep (and maybe a Visitor Toll Pass or SunPass stuck to your windscreen), you’ll be breezing down the I-4, singing along to those Disney tunes, and navigating your way to Dole Whips and Butterbeers in no time.
If the worst happens and you have a bump or an accident, remember stay calm, stay polite, and follow the steps above. You’ve got this.
(And if nothing else, you’ll come home with a cracking story about “that time I ended up explaining about the minor car accident to a Florida State Trooper…”)
With these handy tools and knowledge in your back pocket, you’re ready to hit the road in Orlando. Safe travels, and don’t forget to follow the rules of the road!
Download our free “Ultimate Orlando Driving Guide” PDF, perfect for printing, saving on your phone, or sharing with your fellow co-pilots.
- All the key tips from this post
- Easy-to-read format
- No Wi-Fi needed once it’s downloaded
4 responses
So many great tips! Thanks for sharing, this page is a must-bookmark 🙂
Hi Biba, thanks for your comment, I am glad you like the post and found it helpful.
This is a must have guide. Love the different scenarios and how to handle each one.
Thank you very much, after years of driving in the US I had never had an accident so when I ended up in fender bender I was totally lost knowing what to do. I hope this guide is of use to all.