Car Hire
Melbourne Orlando Airport

The car hire counters at Melbourne Orlando International Airport are conveniently located within the main terminal building. Once you disembark and head to the baggage reclaim area on the ground floor, you will find the rental desks directly opposite the carousels. This centralised set-up is designed for traveller convenience, removing the need for a shuttle bus or a long walk. You can collect your luggage and go straight to the counter to begin the pick-up process.

One of the key benefits of flying into MLB is its compact and efficient layout. Even if you arrive at the furthest gate, the walk to the central baggage reclaim area typically takes only a few minutes. Since the car hire desks are located directly opposite the baggage carousels, the entire journey from disembarking to the rental counter is exceptionally quick. This lets you start your holiday or business trip with minimal delay compared with navigating a larger airport.

The airport’s design makes this process quite straightforward for a solo traveller. After collecting your bags from the carousel, you can use a luggage trolley to transport them easily across the hall to the car hire counters. Once you’ve completed the necessary paperwork, the rental car park is only a short, covered walk from the terminal exit. The entire route is on a single level, which helps minimise the hassle of managing luggage on your own.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring a smooth experience. From the arrivals gate, lifts are available to take you down to the ground-floor baggage reclaim. The route from there to the car hire counters is flat, wide, and directly opposite the baggage area. The entire path is indoors and well signposted, providing a direct and comfortable journey for travellers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

As you exit the rental car park, you will be directed onto Airport Boulevard, the main road circling the terminal. To head towards Melbourne’s beaches or the downtown area, you will typically turn right onto Airport Boulevard. This positions you to access major local routes such as NASA Boulevard or U.S. Route 1. Following the overhead signs for these main roads will guide you away from the airport and towards your destination.

The most frequent point of confusion for new visitors is the junction of Airport Boulevard and NASA Boulevard, located just outside the main terminal loop. Drivers are sometimes unsure which direction to take on NASA Boulevard to reach I-95 or the beach causeways. It helps to review your route on a map before you set off. Using GPS and paying close attention to road signs as you leave the airport grounds can prevent a wrong turn.

To make sure you clear the airport traffic loop, it’s a good idea to set your navigation to a nearby landmark or major junction as your first stop. Entering a destination such as a petrol station on NASA Boulevard or the junction of "Airport Blvd & NASA Blvd" will guide you out of the immediate terminal area. Once you’ve reached that point and are orientated, you can then enter your final destination for the rest of your journey.

Just after you leave the main airport grounds onto Airport Boulevard, you’ll find several business parks and commercial areas within about a minute’s drive. Their car parks offer a safe and convenient place to stop briefly. This allows you to get settled, connect your phone to the car’s infotainment system, and adjust your navigation without the pressure of airport traffic behind you.

The most straightforward route to Interstate 95 is to take Airport Boulevard east to NASA Boulevard. Turn right onto NASA Boulevard and continue west for a few miles. The slip roads for both I-95 North and I-95 South are clearly marked with large overhead signs. This route keeps you on major multi-lane roads throughout, giving you plenty of time to get into the correct lane for the entrance.

For an easy drive to Cocoa Beach, take Airport Boulevard to NASA Boulevard and head east. NASA Boulevard seamlessly becomes the Pineda Causeway (State Road 404), taking you directly over the Indian River. Once you’re across the causeway, it ends at State Road A1A. From there, simply turn left to head north on A1A towards Cocoa Beach, making the trip very direct.

The Melbourne Causeway, which is part of U.S. Route 192, is the most direct and easiest causeway for reaching Indialantic from the airport. From MLB, take Airport Boulevard to U.S. Route 1 and head south for a very short distance. The entrance to the Melbourne Causeway is a well signposted left turn. This major road takes you directly over the river and into the heart of Indialantic.

The main route to Melbourne Beach uses the Melbourne Causeway (U.S. 192). While generally a smooth drive, this causeway can see some congestion during peak commuting times or busy weekends. Once you cross onto the barrier island, the main road is A1A. Be aware that A1A passes through residential and commercial areas where speed limits are lower and pedestrian crossings are frequent.

The most convenient parking option in historic Downtown Melbourne is the large, free public multi-storey car park located right in the centre of the district. You can access it from E. Strawbridge Avenue or E. New Haven Avenue. This multi-level structure provides ample space and saves you the frustration of searching for limited on-street parking. It’s only a short walk from the car park to most of the area’s popular restaurants and shops.

Getting to Wickham Park from the airport is quite simple. Start by taking Airport Boulevard to NASA Boulevard, then head west for a short distance. Turn right to go north on N. Wickham Road. Continue on Wickham Road for several miles, and the park’s main entrance will be clearly visible on your right. This route mainly uses major local roads and is easy to follow with GPS.

The easiest and most direct way to reach Brevard Zoo is by taking I-95 North. From the airport, use NASA Boulevard to access the motorway. Travel north on I-95 for just a few miles to Exit 191 for Wickham Road. The zoo is located immediately off this exit, and large signs guide you straight to the entrance. The site has a large, dedicated car park, making it a very low-stress destination to drive to.

The most straightforward route is to use I-95 North. From the airport, take NASA Boulevard west to join I-95 North and drive for about 20 miles. Take Exit 212 for State Road 407, also known as the NASA Causeway. This road is a direct link to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This route helps you bypass local traffic and the more complex junctions on Merritt Island.

On a launch day, expect significant delays on all major northbound routes, particularly I-95 and U.S. 1. Roads leading to popular viewing spots in Titusville and along the coast become heavily congested hours before the scheduled launch. It’s essential to set off much earlier than usual, have a specific viewing location planned, and be prepared for very slow traffic when leaving the area after the launch.

For a hassle-free sunrise, the beaches in Indialantic are an excellent choice. Take the Melbourne Causeway (U.S. 192) directly east from the mainland. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find numerous public beach access points along A1A with dedicated car parks, such as James H. Nance Park. These are easy to find in the early morning and provide convenient access to the shoreline.

The most direct and least stressful route is to use major motorways. From the airport area, join I-95 North. Continue on I-95 for about 25 miles until Exit 205 for State Road 528 East, also known as the Beachline Expressway. This is a direct limited-access road that leads straight to Port Canaveral, with clear signs for the cruise terminals and other port destinations.

A very convenient area to stop for groceries is around the Viera and Rockledge exits on I-95 North. After leaving the airport and joining I-95, you can use Exit 191 (Wickham Road) or Exit 195 (Fiske Blvd). Both exits have major supermarkets, such as Publix, located very close to the motorway. This allows a quick stop to pick up supplies without straying far from your main route to the port.

The most challenging section for night driving is typically the final approach into Orlando on State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway). As you get closer to the city, the interchanges for SR 417 and I-4 come up quickly, with multiple lanes and complex signage. The city lights combined with fast-moving traffic can feel overwhelming. It helps to have your GPS audio on and to know which major motorway you need well in advance.

The critical decision point is on State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) as it approaches the Orlando metropolitan area. Travellers often miss the correct exit either for State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay), which serves southern destinations such as Disney World and the airport, or for continuing onto I-4 for Universal and downtown Orlando. Paying close attention to the large overhead signs one to two miles before these major interchanges is essential.

The simplest approach is to take State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) west until it merges with Interstate 4. You’ll want to be in the lanes for I-4 West. Travel on I-4 West for a very short distance to Exit 75A for Universal Boulevard. This exit is specifically for the resort, and following the signs from there leads directly to the main parking garages, helping you avoid more confusing surface roads.

To ensure accurate navigation, it’s crucial to enter the full, specific name of your destination into your GPS. For example, instead of just "Walt Disney World", enter "Disney's Contemporary Resort" or "Magic Kingdom Parking Toll Plaza". This level of detail helps the navigation system route you to the correct guest entrances. Using the official resort addresses prevents you being directed to staff-only service roads or distant gates.

A practical strategy is to split your trip geographically. Spend the first few days based on the Space Coast, exploring local beaches and attractions such as Kennedy Space Center. Then check out of your coastal hotel and drive to Orlando to check into a new hotel for the theme park portion of your holiday. This removes the need for daily back-and-forth driving on the Beachline Expressway, saving time and reducing travel fatigue.

A compact or mid-size SUV often offers the best balance for a Space Coast holiday. It’s comfortable and stable for motorway driving to Orlando or Kennedy Space Center, while still being manoeuvrable enough for the sometimes tight car parks at popular beach access points. It provides a good mix of passenger comfort, luggage space, and ease of parking.

For that amount of gear, focus on hiring a minivan or a mid-size to full-size SUV. When you get to the vehicle, open the rear hatch to assess the cargo capacity. Look for a wide, flat floor with enough depth to fit your largest items without stacking them high. If the vehicle has a third row, make sure it folds completely flat to maximise the available space.

The most efficient method is to designate one person as the driver to go and collect the hire vehicle. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage at the designated passenger pick-up area just outside baggage reclaim. Keep the luggage organised and ready on a trolley. When the driver pulls up, the group can load bags and passengers quickly, minimising time spent in the active traffic lane.

When travelling with long equipment, your best choice is to hire a larger SUV or a minivan. Before you finalise your booking, it’s worth checking whether the model typically comes with roof rails or a roof rack. Alternatively, confirm that the rear seats fold completely flat to create an uninterrupted space from the boot to the front seats. This helps ensure your gear can be transported safely and securely.

It’s important to be especially vigilant about speed limits on U.S. Route 1 and State Road A1A. These major roads pass through different municipalities and residential areas, and the limit can drop abruptly and significantly with little warning. Visitors unfamiliar with the area are often caught out. Paying close attention to posted speed limit signs is key to driving safely and avoiding fines.

The sudden, intense downpours common in Florida afternoons can drastically reduce visibility, especially on exposed causeways. Heavy rain creates significant spray from other vehicles, making it difficult to see lane markings and the cars around you. During these storms, it’s essential to slow down, turn on your headlights (not your hazard lights), and increase the distance to the vehicle in front.

During a heavy downpour, the main roads leading into the airport, such as NASA Boulevard and Airport Boulevard, are most prone to congestion. Traffic naturally slows as drivers become more cautious in reduced visibility, and junctions can become particularly backed up. If you’re returning your hire car in these conditions, it’s wise to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes of travel time.

The most straightforward route for a day trip south is to take U.S. Route 1. From the airport area, you can access U.S. 1 easily and follow it directly south through Palm Bay to Sebastian and Vero Beach. For a more scenic coastal drive, you can take a causeway over to the barrier island and head south on A1A. Both routes are easy to navigate and make for a pleasant drive.

A great day-trip option is a visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The drive involves taking I-95 North and then a dedicated parkway, keeping you on major roads for nearly the entire journey. Another excellent choice is driving south on I-95 to Vero Beach to enjoy its beaches and boutique shopping. This also avoids the complex road networks of a large metropolitan area, making for a relaxing trip.

As you approach the airport on Airport Boulevard, make sure you are in the right-hand lane. The entrance for Rental Car Return is the very first turn-off from the main road and is clearly marked with large overhead signs. Keeping right ensures you don’t accidentally continue into the main loop for departures and arrivals, which would mean circling the entire terminal to get back.

During peak morning hours, typically from about 6:00am to 9:00am, the main airport road can experience some congestion due to the high volume of travellers being dropped off for departing flights. This can cause a minor queue at the entrance to the rental car return area. It’s good practice to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to your travel time to account for this possible slowdown.

The process is extremely simple and convenient. The rental car return area is directly adjacent to the main terminal building. After you’ve returned your vehicle and collected your belongings, you simply walk across a single roadway to enter the terminal. The airline check-in counters are on the same ground floor just inside the entrance, making the transition quick and intuitive.

A smooth routine is to have one adult unload all the luggage from the boot onto the kerb at the return facility first. While they manage the bags, the other adult can unbuckle the children from their car seats. Before locking the car, do a thorough visual sweep of the back seats, seat pockets, and floor for any forgotten toys or snacks. This division of tasks helps ensure nothing is left behind in the rush.

One of the most frequent delays is underestimating the time needed for the vehicle check-in process, especially if there’s a queue of other customers returning cars at the same time. Another common time-waster is forgetting to refuel the vehicle as required by the rental agreement. That forces a last-minute stop to find a petrol station, adding stress and potential delay when you’re on a tight schedule.

For a holiday focused on the Space Coast, choosing MLB offers a major convenience advantage. MLB is located right in Melbourne, meaning you’re only minutes from local beaches and attractions after picking up your car. Flying into MCO requires an additional 45 to 60 minute drive on a busy toll road to reach the coast. By starting at MLB, you minimise driving time, reduce travel fatigue, and maximise your actual holiday time.