Orlando car hires from £4/day

You must have a valid driver’s license from your home state to rent a car in Orlando. While the state of Florida only requires a driver’s license from your native country to drive in Florida, international drivers might want to check their car rental company’s policy regarding international drivers just in case. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, while many have a minimum age requirement of 25 years old. A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for security purposes and many do not accept cash or debit card deposits. You will also need proof of insurance or to buy insurance through the rental company to ensure you have financial responsibility for any potential damages that may happen during the rental period. Lastly, it is common for rental companies to run a brief driving history check to ensure the renter has a clean driving record.

Orlando is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of car rental options to suit the needs of every traveler. Major rental companies – like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis – offer everything from compact and economical models, ideal for city travel, to full-size sedans and SUVs that provide extra space for families or groups. More adventurous travelers might consider a 4×4 or a convertible to enjoy Florida’s sun. For environmentally conscious travelers, some rental companies even provide hybrid or electric vehicles. Remember, booking ahead – especially during peak tourist season – ensures you get the vehicle that best suits your needs and budget.

The primary spot to rent a car is at the Orlando International Airport where you’ll find numerous rental companies, like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget, in the Ground Transportation area. This is a convenient option if you’re flying into the city. Alternatively, major car rental agencies have locations throughout the city in popular tourist areas, like Downtown Orlando, International Dive, Kissimmee, and near Walt Disney World. Certain area hotels even offer car rental services on-site for guests.

Orlando has an extensive network of ten toll roads that connect various destinations throughout the city and beyond. Unless you want to add significant time to your travels, you will likely use at least one of the toll roads during your trip. For example, the typical drive from the airport to Disney World’s Epcot is 25 minutes using tolls and 50 minutes without using them, while the typical drive from Disney Springs to Cocoa Beach is 70 minutes using toll roads and 110 minutes without them.

Companies frequently charge up to $4.95 per day for transponder rentals, which means that during a ten-day vacation you could spend $50 for just the ability to pay the tolls. In addition to this, toll roads typically charge people paying with a transponder the cash rate – the highest possible toll rate – for each toll.

If you know you will be doing a lot of driving, consider getting a Visitor Toll Pass. The Visitor Toll Pass is a simple solution for anyone renting a vehicle at Orlando International Airport, enabling you to pay road tolls electronically. The free transponder tag that you can hang from your rental car’s front mirror allows you to bypass the rental car toll devices and pay tolls on your own. You can get the Visitor Toll Pass by downloading the app or visiting the toll pass vending kiosk at the airport. Once you have the pass, be sure to decline the rental car toll transponder option on your rental contract.

Parking in Downtown Orlando is straightforward. Some street parking is free, while metered spots generally cost $2 per hour. Parking garages usually impose a flat rate of approximately $10-$15 per day.

Parking fees at most theme parks can range from $25 to $50 per day; however, many of them provide complimentary shuttle buses to transport visitors to and from their hotels. Self-parking is free at some resorts and hotels, while others charge for the service. It’s worth noting that parking in residential neighborhoods may require a permit, so be sure to check local signage. Using a parking app can be a convenient way to find and pay for parking in Orlando.

During Central Florida’s wet season (June through October), it is not uncommon to experience afternoon rain showers almost every day. When driving in Orlando during rainfall, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front as roads can get slippery, so be sure to reduce your vehicle’s grip and increase stopping distances. Avoid sudden braking and use your headlights to increase visibility. If the rain is extremely heavy, it may be safer to pull over and wait until the downpour eases.