TPA to Port Canaveral

[simo]

We are looking at taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral possibly leaving Oct. 4. Flights from our area are significantly cheaper into TPA than MCO. Wondering a few things:

 

1) actual time driving from TPA to Port Canaveral

 

2) if we rent a car, is there any problem renting it at TPA and dropping it off at the port and then doing the same thing on the way back (we'd have to do this from MCO as well if we flew into there)

 

3) what other additional costs are we not considering flying into TPA vs. MCO? (we'd have a hotel stay either place so other than that - tolls, or anything else we might not be considering)

 

4) what is the earliest flight we could take out of TPA on the way back home assuming our ship gets in at like 6 or 7 a.m.?

 

thanks in advance for your help.

[psblin99]

We are looking at taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral possibly leaving Oct. 4. Flights from our area are significantly cheaper into TPA than MCO. Wondering a few things:

 

1) actual time driving from TPA to Port Canaveral

 

2) if we rent a car, is there any problem renting it at TPA and dropping it off at the port and then doing the same thing on the way back (we'd have to do this from MCO as well if we flew into there)

 

3) what other additional costs are we not considering flying into TPA vs. MCO? (we'd have a hotel stay either place so other than that - tolls, or anything else we might not be considering)

 

4) what is the earliest flight we could take out of TPA on the way back home assuming our ship gets in at like 6 or 7 a.m.?

 

thanks in advance for your help.

 

Renting a car is the best choice. Use Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise or Thrifty/Dollar as they are here and will take you to/from the ship. Make sure you enquire about drop charges but most have none.

 

Make sure as you plan your route to take Highway 417 from I-4 to #528 called the Beachline. This cuts off the worst section of Orlando traffic. As I recall tolls are $8-$10 each way. Try to get a car with a transponder so you dont have to stop and the tolls will be billed to your credit card.

 

Beware of the early departure home. You will never get off the ship at 6-7 as it has to clear customs and you dont want to end your trip by stressing out. I would not book before mid afternoon.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Preston

[SeaPA1]

Unless you have traffic problems, the drive will take around 2 hours. You'll be on the Interstate until around the Disney area, then jump off onto some toll roads. I don't recall how much you're looking at in tolls, but somewhere between $5 & $10 each way.