Fort Lauderdale, FL, a popular tourist destination, is a large metropolitan area with over 15 million residents. Greater Fort Lauderdale includes more than 31 cities and towns. Fort Lauderdale is located directly on the Atlantic coast and has 37 km of coastline with over 6 beaches. Fort Lauderdale is just east of the Everglades Wildlife Management Area. The city is full of history dating back to the Tequesta people and then Spanish explorations. This multicultural city has much to offer: Sightseeing, cuisine, music, art and much more. Photo: SeanPavonePhoto / Fotolia
Fort Lauderdale to Orlando by plane
To the north about 215 miles is Orlando. It's inland and surrounded by the most fantastic theme parks in the states. Orlando is so much more than theme parks. Its history is deeply embedded in the Seminoles, Spanish and French exploration, early farmers and the Civil War. In the mid-1960s, Walt Disney appeared on the scene and announced a fantastic amusement park larger than the world had ever seen. And the theme park rush began. Here's the best way to get from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando. How far is Fort Lauderdale from Orlando? About 210 miles.
Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is served by 30 airlines and can accommodate more than 70 daily.000 passengers. There are four terminals that house all the amenities typical of most airports: restaurants, stores, newsstands, cafes and lounges.
Spirit Airlines offers round-trip fares starting at $80. Spirit Airlines is a simple airline. What they don't offer in amenities like snacks and large carry-ons, they offer in value. The flight is nonstop and takes less than an hour. Other airlines such as United Airlines and Silver Airways also offer nonstop flights from $133.
Parking at FLL was? Smart? Use of technology to assist travelers. There is an app that shows available spaces, you can reserve a spot and even find your car upon return. They also have green light assistance – a flashing green light indicates an open location. Finally, they have a roadside parking service for $25/day. Parking in the economy costs $ 7.50 per day. Hourly parking costs $3 / hour.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is served by 38 airlines from around the world and can carry over 111 thousand passengers daily. Orlando International Airport also has four terminals with a wide selection of restaurants, stores, kiosks and lounges.
Ground transportation at MCO is readily available: Cabs, rental cars, hotel shuttles and limousines are available. Make sure to plan ahead so you have the transportation you need. Photo: rabbit75_fot / Fotolia
Fort Lauderdale to Orlando by train
Amtrak offers two trains daily to Orlando. the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star. One-way fares for reserved bus seats start at $33/person. Both trains also offer Superliner Roomette and a Superliner bedroom. Each compartment sleeps 2 people. The reclining seats convert into a bed and there is an upper bed that pulls down. The Roomette has a toilet in the room. The bedroom compartment offers a private bathroom with shower. The Silver Meteor features a dining car. Meals are included in the roomette and bedroom rate, which starts at $187. The Silver Star does not have a dining car. Room and bedroom rates are not included starting at $135.
Silver Meteor departs at 8:50 a.m. and arrives in Orlando at 1:23 p.m. The Silver Star has a 12:30 p.m. Departure and arrival at 7:16 a.m. in Orlando.
Amenities for both trains include a coffee shop. Car that serves light meals and snacks; air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, checked and carry-on luggage, and room for your bike ($20). Photo: Thomas Barrat / Fotolia
Fort Lauderdale to Orlando by bus
The Florida Express Bus offers seven different routes between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Earliest leaves at 6:30 a.m. and last leaves at 9:00 a.m. Fares start at $25 and go up to $75. Door-to-door service is available for an additional fee, depending on location. You can bring one carry-on bag and one checked bag for free.
Greyhound also provides daily bus service between our two cities. One-way fares start at $19 depending on the day of travel. Walking fares are usually higher than tickets bought in advance. The early bus leaves at 5:55 a.m. and arrives in Orlando at 10:40 a.m. The express bus ride takes about 3? Std. The last bus departs Fort Lauderdale at 11:50 a.m. And arrives in Orlando the next morning at 4:00 a.m. There is a lot of flexibility to choose fares and timing. Amenities on the Greyhound include air conditioning. Seats with plenty of legroom; and onboard bathrooms. Photo: SeanPavonePhoto / Fotolia
Fort Lauderdale to Orlando By car
The distance between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando is about 215 miles. The fastest route is I-95 to the Florida Turnpike. Near Orlando, the Turnpike will intersect with I-4. Take I-4 in Orland. Google Maps shows some other routes if you want to get off the beaten path.
Before you leave Fort Lauderdale, here are some sights to see.
Flamingo Gardens is both a tropical garden and a nature preserve in one. The 60 acres of land are divided into different gardens: exotic trees; flowering plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds; interactive children's garden; crotons; wildflowers, ginger; and tropical forests. Live wildlife shows are also available. Tickets are $19.95 / adult and $12.95 / child.
Another garden to visit is the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.This historic house was built in 1920 by Frederic Clay Bartlett, a Chicago artist. His first wife died young of breast cancer. The house sat idle for several years until Bartlett remarried. His new wife fell in love with the property and began restoring and beautifying it. Mrs. Bartlett eventually donated the property to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. The preserved estate is open to the public to enjoy the beautiful gardens, artwork and other treasures. Admission is $ 20 / adult and $ 16 / children 6-12. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tuesday-Sunday)
The Jungle Queen offers several river cruises daily. The morning cruise sails to Millionaire's Row. With spectacular views and a glimpse of stunning celebrity homes. This tour lasts 90 minutes. Prices start at $25/adult and $14/child. The afternoon cruise includes the same tour as the morning cruise but also adds a tropical island with an alligator show and much more. This tour takes 3 hours. Ticket prices are $30/adult and $15/child. The dinner cruise includes a barbecue and the sightseeing tour.
If you head out of town toward Orlando Butterfly World near Pompano Beach is home to thousands of butterflies and actually a butterfly farm. Admission prices start at $26.95 / adult and $21.95 / child (ages 3-11).
As you travel further north, you will encounter a new type of adventure, Delray Escape. A fun game for family and friends, your group will be blocked? in a room and 60 minutes given to find your way with available clues in the room. It's not scary or any kind of spooky thriller. It's just a game of putting your heads together to solve a puzzle. They are also great for corporate team building and offer games for different types of groups. This is something out of the ordinary and sounds like a fun challenge. Located in Delray Beach, the entrance fee is $ 28 / person.
Other attractions along the way include:
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary
Mounted Botanical Gardens
If you're driving near Kissimmee toward Orlando, you'll find several places to ride the airboat. One such place is Big Toho Airboat Rides, near the intersection of I-95 and Hwy. 192. Prices for a one-hour ride are $76/adult and $65/child. You will see alligators in their natural habitat as well as other wildlife and birds.
Orlando! You have arrived. So much to see and do; where do you start The closest places are the big theme parks. Most of us are familiar with these. In case you need more information, here are links to some of the biggest and best theme parks in the world.
Aquatica by SeaWorld – a water park
Universal Studios Orlando Photo by Larry Hardin / Fotolia
Fort Lauderdale to Orlando by bike
Biking to Orlando can be a unique adventure. What could be better than riding with the wind right next to the waves. To do this, take Hwy. 1 and Hwy. A1A north of the Atlantic coast following. Cross the highway. 192 in Melbourne.
Another great resource is the Adventure Cycling Association – Florida Connector. This website describes different routes throughout Florida. Direct routes between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are not discussed, but there are many other routes available for the bike enthusiast.
The drive from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando can be scenic and adventurous if you travel by car or bike. It can also be traveled by fast means such as plane, train and bus. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you are sure to have the vacation of a lifetime.
Orlando has a lot to offer beyond the theme parks.
For history buffs, a visit to the Titanic artifact exhibit may be in order. With actual artifacts from the sunken ship. For the adventurous, there is Discovery Cove, where you can swim and snorkel with dolphins. For group shoppers, there's the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, with more than 160 chic outlet stores. For nature lovers, there is the Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures, where you can canoe and kayak in the Wekiva River and hike or bike on the more than 13 km of trails.
Whatever you choose, memories are made, fun is experienced and dreams come true.
There are a handful of bed & breakfast establishments in the greater Orlando area. Prices are very reasonable and range from $ 89 / night to $ 210 / night. Many of the theme parks and attractions have hotels and resorts on their campuses.
Orlando has the culinary delights you crave, from full-service luxury restaurants to street food to quaint cafes. You can find delicious steaks, seafood and top-notch sandwiches like the famous Cuban. Photo: Laura Stein / Fotolia