Traveling through Florida is more flexible when you have your own vehicle. A one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando is one of the most convenient options for tourists, families & business travelers who want to explore the Sunshine State without worrying about returning the car to the original location.
Whether you’re landing at Fort Lauderdale Airport or starting your trip from the city, this guide covers everything you need to know about the costs, best rental companies, routes & tips to get the best deal.
What is a one way car rental?
A one way car rental allows you to pick up a vehicle at one location and return it at another. Unlike round-trip rentals, you don’t need to drive back to the pickup city. This option is great for road trips, airport-to-airport travel & multi-city Florida itineraries.
For travelers heading north, a Fort Lauderdale to Orlando car rental offers freedom, comfort, and time savings compared to flights or buses.
Why choose a one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
This is one of the most popular routes among visitors flying into South Florida & departing from Central Florida.
- No return trip is required, which saves time and fuel
- Flexible travel schedule with stops along the way
- Ideal for families, groups & travelers with luggage
- Often more affordable than last-minute flights
- Easy drop-off at Orlando Airport or city locations
How far is Fort Lauderdale to Orlando in a car rental?
- Distance: Approximately 215 to 230 miles
- Driving time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours (depending on traffic)
Best driving routes
- Florida Turnpike: Fastest and most direct route
- I-95 + I-4: Scenic but can be busier
Tip: Traffic can be heavier on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, so planning your departure time helps to have a comfortable drive.
One way car rental from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)
Make your trip easier from the moment you land at Fort Lauderdale Airport by reserving the one way rental. Airport rentals offer:
- Easy access right after landing
- Multiple car rental brands in one location
- Extended operating hours
- A wide fleet of car categories
You can thereby drop off your vehicle at Orlando International Airport (MCO) or at other downtown Orlando locations, depending on your travel plans.
Best car rental companies for one way rentals in Florida
Several international and local companies like Enterprise, Ace Rent a Car, AutoUnion, H-Lead, Hertz, National, Clubs Car Rental, Alamo, Miami Life Cars, Sixt and United Rent A Car offer reliable one way car rental options in Florida.
These suppliers typically allow one way drop-offs between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, with a wide range of vehicle options and flexible policies.
Cost of one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
This is the average price range for a 7-day one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando for different car types:
| Car Category | Average price |
|---|---|
| Economy/Compact | starting from USD 50.5 per day |
| Mid/Standard | starting from USD 72.71 per day |
| SUVs | starting from USD 103.18 per day |
| Vans/Minivans | starting from USD 107.17 per day |
| Luxury/Premium | starting from USD 110.77 per day |
| Convertibles | starting from USD 155 per day |
Note: Prices listed above are subject to change. To get the most accurate & up-to-date rates, be sure to check current availability.
The cost of a one way Fort Lauderdale to Orlando drive depends on several factors like vehicle type, rental duration, seasonal demand & one-way drop-off fees. You might have to pay some additional charges like one-way fees, Airport surcharges, taxes & tolls.
How to find a cheap one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
To find an affordable one way rental car from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando, consider these points:
- Book in advance to avoid higher last-minute rates
- Compare multiple rental providers
- Be flexible with pickup and drop-off times
- Look for promotional car rental deals on different websites
- Choose economy or compact cars for better fuel efficiency
Best car types for the Fort Lauderdale to Orlando drive
The right vehicle depends on your travel style. Economy & midsize cars are a popular choice for most travelers as they are affordable, but if you need more room or want to upgrade your ride, there are plenty of other options too. In the end, it’s all about what works best for you.
| Car Type | Best for | Why it’s great |
|---|---|---|
| Economy e.g, Toyota Yaris Automatic |
Budget travelers | Fuel-efficient and cost-effective |
| Compact e.g, Toyota Corolla Automatic |
Couples or solo travelers | Easy to drive with a bit more space than an economy |
| Mid-Size / Full-Size e.g, Hyundai Elantra |
Families or longer trips | Balanced comfort, space and fuel efficiency |
| SUV e.g, Jeep Compass |
Groups or travelers with extra luggage | More space, versatility and comfort |
| Minivan/van e.g, Dodge Grand Caravan |
Large families or group travel | Maximum seating and cargo capacity |
| Luxury e.g, Ford F-150 |
Premium travel experience | High-end comfort, style and advanced features |
| Convertible e.g, BMW 4 SERIES |
Scenic drives and leisure trips | Open-top driving for a fun Florida road trip experience |
What to expect for toll & fuel costs on a one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
When driving from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando, you’ll pass through several toll roads, most notably the Florida Turnpike, which is often the fastest and most direct route. Yes, toll roads can add to your overall travel cost; however, they also help reduce travel time and avoid congestion on local highways.
Estimated Costs (One Way):
- Tolls: Approximately $20–$30, depending on your route and toll rates
- Fuel: Roughly around $25–$40, based on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and current gas prices
To make toll payments hassle-free, many suppliers offer prepaid or pay-by-plate toll programs. Alternatively, you can also use a SunPass transponder. Be sure to review your booking voucher so you understand how toll charges and service fees are handled.
Worth Knowing!
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What is a SunPass transponder?
A SunPass transponder is an electronic toll payment device used in Florida that lets you pay tolls automatically without stopping. It attaches to your vehicle and deducts toll charges from a prepaid account as you drive through SunPass toll lanes.
Key requirements for a one way car rental from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
Before booking your one way car rental deal from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando, it’s important to understand the basic requirements to have a comfortable pickup and drop-off experience.
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Valid Driver’s License
All drivers must present a valid, government-issued driver’s license at the time of pickup. International travelers may also need a passport & an International Driving Permit, depending on their country of residence.
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Credit Card
Most suppliers require a major credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit.
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Minimum age requirement
The minimum age to hire a one way Fort Lauderdale to Orlando car rental is typically 21 years, though drivers under 25 are subject to a young driver surcharge.
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One-way drop-off approval
One way rentals must be approved at the time of booking, and a drop-off fee may apply depending on your preferred supplier, vehicle type & availability.
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Insurance Coverage
Renters must have valid insurance coverage, either through their personal auto insurance, a credit card benefit or by purchasing coverage from the rental company.
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Reservation Confirmation
A confirmed booking voucher with specified pickup and drop-off locations helps ensure availability and accurate pricing for your one-way trip.
Our final thoughts
A one way drive from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando is a convenient and flexible travel option for anyone exploring Florida without the need to return to their starting point. It offers the freedom to travel on your own schedule, make stops along the way & arrive comfortably at your final destination.
With multiple pickup & drop-off locations, a wide range of vehicles & competitive pricing available through early booking, one-way rentals are a practical choice for both leisure and business travelers!
Some common questions about driving from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
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Is driving one way from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando cheaper than flying?
In many cases, driving one way from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando can be cheaper than flying, especially for families or groups, when you sum up the car rental cost, fuel, tolls, and parking as compared to multiple flight tickets. However, costs vary based on travel dates, car rental rates & airline prices, so it is best to compare both options before booking.
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Is unlimited mileage included in my Fort Lauderdale to Orlando car rental?
Yes, most Fort Lauderdale to Orlando car rentals include unlimited mileage. This allows you to drive the entire route without worrying about extra mileage charges. However, it’s always recommended to check the rental terms before booking, as mileage policies can vary by supplier and vehicle type.
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Is one way Fort Lauderdale to Orlando car rental more expensive than a round trip?
Yes, One way Fort Lauderdale to Orlando car rentals can be slightly more expensive than round-trip rentals due to additional drop-off fees charged by rental companies. However, the convenience and time savings often outweigh the extra cost.
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Can I drop off the car in downtown Orlando?
Yes, you can drop off your rental car in downtown Orlando as long as the rental company offers a downtown return location.
