Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster, but driving allows you to bring more luggage and save on car rentals.

How long is the drive?

It takes about 11 hours of pure driving time.

Yes, there are many toll roads in Florida; consider getting a SunPass.

What is the best time to visit?

October and November offer great weather and fewer crowds.

Is there a train to Orlando?

Amtrak serves Orlando, but it is a very long trip from Roanoke with multiple transfers.

Roanoke

Orlando

Flight Driving

Roanoke to Orlando

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Roanoke to Orlando is approximately 700 miles. Driving via I-77 South to I-95 South takes about 10-12 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can fly from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is significantly faster. Flying is the most practical choice for a vacation, while driving is better if you plan to visit multiple stops along the way. Both options are well-supported by infrastructure.

Total Distance: 1,150 km driving distance; 950 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest, taking about 4 hours including connection time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper for families or groups of three or more.

Compare Roanoke to Orlando Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours	11 hours
Avg Price	$250-$500	$120-$180 in fuel
Operator	American Airlines/Delta	Personal Vehicle
Route	ROA to MCO.	I-77 S to I-95 S.
Tip	Book flights mid-week to find the lowest fares.	Plan for an overnight stop in South Carolina if you prefer not to drive 11 hours straight.

Travel Tips

Theme Park Tickets
Buy tickets online in advance to save money and skip ticket booth lines.
Driving
I-95 can be very congested; use a navigation app to find alternate routes if necessary.
Weather
Pack rain gear, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in Florida.
Sun Protection
The Florida sun is intense; wear sunscreen and hats even on cloudy days.
Airport Transit
Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get from MCO to your hotel.

Safety Tips

Driving Safety
Stay alert on I-95, as it is a high-traffic corridor with many trucks.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water while at theme parks to prevent heat exhaustion.
Emergency
Keep your phone charged and have a backup battery for long days at the parks.
Vehicle
Check your tires and fluids before embarking on the long drive to Florida.