Rocket day, anyone? Driving from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is one of Florida’s easiest road trips—about an hour each way via SR‑528, the Beachline Expressway. Here’s how to plan a smooth DIY itinerary with your Orlando car rental.
Route & timing
From the attractions area or MCO, take SR‑528 E toward the Space Coast, then follow signs for the KSC Visitor Complex. Expect typical drives of about 60–75 minutes depending on traffic and tolls. Add buffer time on launch days and summertime afternoons.
Tolls & passes
SR‑528 is a cashless toll road. Your rental can use SunPass/E‑PASS and Hola Car Rentals provides cashback on tolls to soften costs. Prefer to avoid tolls? US‑50 and SR‑520 work, but budget extra time and lights.
Parking & arrival
Plan to arrive near opening to maximize exhibits and the required bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Standard automobile parking is collected at the entrance plaza; keep a photo of your row for easy exit. On launch days, arrive early and expect temporary closures.
What to see in half a day
- Shuttle Atlantis: Walk beneath the full‑scale stack and ride the Shuttle Launch Experience.
- Rocket Garden & Heroes & Legends: A fast, inspiring start—great with kids.
- Bus tour to Apollo/Saturn V Center: Don’t skip it; schedule this soon after arrival.
Sample day plan
- 08:00 Depart Orlando with snacks, water and ponchos.
- 09:15 Park at KSC; photograph row/section.
- 09:30 Shuttle Atlantis + Launch Experience.
- 11:00 Bus tour to Saturn V Center; early lunch at the café.
- 13:30 Rocket Garden & Heroes and Legends.
- 15:00 Optional Cocoa Beach stop; grab a coffee for the return drive.
Make it a full day
- Cap the afternoon with a beach stop at Cocoa Beach, then head back to Orlando for dinner.
- Driving on to the parks? Filter one‑way options and return near Disney using Disney area.
- Early flight next day? Keep things simple with a late return at Orlando Airport car rental or compare MCO car hire times.
Good to know
- Coverage & flexibility: Select the All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage and enjoy Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.
- Packing list: Ponchos for pop‑up storms, spare phone battery, sunscreen, and comfy shoes for larger exhibits.
- With kids: Start with Atlantis when energy is highest, then take the bus tour before naps.
Ready for liftoff? Book your Disney Orlando car rental with Hola Car Rentals and make your KSC day trip easy, affordable, and unforgettable.
Fuel, food & safety on the drive
There are service plazas and convenience stores just off SR‑528 if you need coffee or a restroom break. Watch your speed: enforcement is common near merges and causeways. If storms roll through, Florida downpours pass quickly—use headlights, increase following distance, and consider a short stop for safety.
Tickets & timing
To maximize time with Atlantis and the bus tour, buy tickets in advance and arrive near opening. If you’re combining KSC with an Orlando park day, go Space Coast in the morning and plan an evening at Disney using Disney area parking after 3–4 p.m. crowds thin. Keep your plans flexible with Hola’s Free Cancellation up to 48 hours on most rentals.
Final tip: Photograph your parking row and keep water in the trunk for the return. With straightforward tolls, easy signage, and insurance included, Hola Car Rentals makes your space‑history road trip as simple as it is inspiring.
