By Plane
Most major domestic airlines fly to and from many Florida cities. Choose from American, Continental, Delta, Northwest/KLM, United, and US Airways. Of these, Delta and US Airways have the most extensive network of commuter connections within Florida.
Several so-called no-frills airlines -- with low fares but few amenities -- also fly to Florida. The biggest and best is Southwest Airlines, which has flights from many U.S. cities to Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Panama City.
Others airlines flying to Florida include AirTran, JetBlue,Virgin America, Midwest Airlines, and Spirit.
The major airports in Florida are Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Key West International Airport (EYW), Melbourne International Airport (MLB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), St. Augustine Airport (SGJ), St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Tampa International Airport (TPA), the brand-new Northwest Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama Beach, and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
By Bus
Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) has more than 50 stops within the state of Florida and more than 2,400 service locations in North America.
By Car
Florida is reached by I-95 along the East Coast, I-75 from the Central States, and I-10 from the west. The Florida Turnpike, a toll road, links Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami (it's a shortcut from Wildwood on I-75 north of Orlando to Miami). I-4 cuts across the state from Cape Canaveral through Orlando to Tampa.
International visitors should note that insurance and taxes are almost never included in quoted rental-car rates in the U.S. Be sure to ask your rental agency about additional fees for these. They can add a significant cost to your car rental.
Most car-rental companies in Florida require that you be 25, but if not, there's a hefty surcharge applied to renters 21 to 24 years old.
And because Florida isn't exactly known for stress-free driving, The Florida Department of Transportation has come out with the Florida 511 Traveler Information system, a free traffic and travel info system that offers advice on routes, airports, and even traffic to avoid -- for free. Just call 511.
By Train
Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com) offers train service to Florida from both the East and West coasts. It takes some 26 hours from New York to Miami, and 68 hours from Los Angeles to Miami.
Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star both run twice daily between New York and either Miami or Tampa, with intermediate stops along the East Coast and in Florida. Amtrak's Thruway Bus Connections are available from the Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station and Miami International Airport to Key West; from Tampa to St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Fort Myers; and from Deland to Daytona Beach. From the West Coast, the Sunset Limited runs three times weekly between Los Angeles and Orlando. It stops in Pensacola, Crestview (north of Fort Walton Beach and Destin), Chipley (north of Panama City Beach), and Tallahassee. Sleeping accommodations are available for an extra charge.
If you intend to stop along the way, you can save money with Amtrak's Explore America (or All Aboard America) fares, which are based on three regions of the country.
Amtrak's Auto Train runs daily from Lorton, Virginia (12 miles south of Washington, D.C.), to Sanford, Florida (just northeast of Orlando). You ride in a coach while your car is secured in an enclosed vehicle carrier. Make your train reservations as far in advance as possible.
By Boat
While you can't hop on a cruise ship to Florida, you can from Florida with cruise ports located in Miami, Port Everglades, Cape Canaveral, and Tampa.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
