Car Rental
Melbourne Orlando Airport

The car rental counters at Melbourne Orlando International Airport are conveniently located within the main terminal building. Once you deplane and proceed to the baggage claim area on the ground level, you will find the rental desks situated directly across from the carousels. This centralized setup is designed for traveler convenience, eliminating the need for a shuttle bus or a long walk. You can easily collect your luggage and head straight to the counter to begin the pickup 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 claim area typically takes only a few minutes. Since the rental car desks are located directly opposite the baggage carousels, the entire journey from deplaning to the rental counter is exceptionally quick. This allows you to start your vacation or business trip with minimal delay compared to navigating a larger airport.

The airport's design makes this process quite simple for a solo traveler. After retrieving your bags from the carousel, you can use a luggage cart to easily transport them across the hall to the rental car counters. Once you have completed the necessary paperwork, the rental car lot is just a short, covered walk from the terminal exit. The entire path is on a single level, which helps minimize 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, elevators are available to take you down to the ground-level baggage claim. The path from there to the rental car counters is flat, wide, and directly across from the baggage area. The entire route is indoors and well-marked, providing a direct and comfortable journey for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Upon exiting the rental car lot, you will be directed onto Airport Boulevard, which is the main road circling the terminal. To head toward Melbourne's beaches or downtown area, you will typically make a right turn onto Airport Boulevard. This will position you to easily access major local arteries like NASA Boulevard or U.S. Route 1. Following the overhead signs for these main roads will guide you away from the airport and toward your destination.

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

To ensure you get clear of the airport's traffic loop, it's a smart idea to set your navigation to a nearby landmark or major intersection as your first stop. Entering a destination like a gas station on NASA Boulevard or the intersection of "Airport Blvd & NASA Blvd" will guide you out of the immediate terminal area. Once you've reached that point and are oriented, you can then input your final destination for the rest of your journey.

Just after you exit the main airport grounds onto Airport Boulevard, you will find several business parks and commercial areas within a minute's drive. The parking lots of these establishments offer a safe and convenient place to pull over temporarily. This allows you to get situated, 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. Make a right turn onto NASA Boulevard and continue west for a few miles. The on-ramps for both I-95 North and I-95 South will be clearly marked with large overhead signs. This route keeps you on major, multi-lane roads the entire way, giving you plenty of time to get into the correct lane for the ramp.

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), which takes you directly over the Indian River. Once you are across the causeway, it ends at State Road A1A. From there, you simply make a left turn to head north on A1A toward Cocoa Beach, making the entire 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, you will take Airport Boulevard to U.S. Route 1 and head south for a very short distance. The entrance to the Melbourne Causeway will be a well-marked left turn. This major road takes you directly over the river and into the heart of Indialantic.

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

The most convenient option for parking in historic Downtown Melbourne is the large, free public parking garage located right in the center 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 just a short walk from the garage to most of the area's popular restaurants and shops.

Reaching Wickham Park from the airport is quite simple. You'll start by taking Airport Boulevard to NASA Boulevard, then head west for a short distance. Make a right turn to go north on N. Wickham Road. Continue on Wickham Road for several miles, and the main entrance to the park will be clearly visible on your right-hand side. This route primarily uses major local roads and is easy to follow with GPS.

The easiest and most direct way to get to the Brevard Zoo is by taking I-95 North. From the airport, use NASA Boulevard to access the interstate. 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 will guide you directly to the entrance. The facility has a large, dedicated parking lot, 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 get on 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. Following this route allows you to bypass the local traffic and more complex intersections on Merritt Island.

On a launch day, anticipate significant traffic delays on all major northbound arteries, particularly I-95 and U.S. 1. Roads leading to popular viewing locations in Titusville and along the coast will become heavily congested hours before the scheduled launch. It is essential to depart much earlier than usual, have a specific viewing spot planned, and be prepared for very slow-moving traffic when leaving the area after the launch.

For a hassle-free sunrise experience, 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 parking lots, such as James H. Nance Park. These lots are easy to find in the early morning hours and provide convenient access to the shoreline.

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

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

The most challenging section for nighttime drivers 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 appear quickly, with multiple lanes and complex signage. The bright lights of the city combined with fast-moving traffic can be overwhelming. It's helpful to have your GPS audio on and know which major highway you need to take well in advance.

The critical decision point occurs on State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) as it approaches the Orlando metropolitan area. Travelers frequently miss the correct exit for either State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay), which serves southern destinations like Disney World and the airport, or the continuation 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 will 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 will lead you directly to the main parking garages, helping you avoid the more confusing surface streets.

To ensure accurate navigation, it is 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 will prevent you from being directed to employee-only service roads or distant gates.

A practical strategy is to divide your trip geographically. Spend the first few days based on the Space Coast, exploring local beaches and attractions like 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 vacation. This approach eliminates the need for daily back-and-forth driving on the Beachline Expressway, saving you time and reducing travel fatigue.

A compact or mid-size SUV often provides the best balance for a Space Coast vacation. This vehicle class is comfortable and stable for highway driving to Orlando or Kennedy Space Center. At the same time, it remains maneuverable enough to navigate the sometimes-tight parking lots found at popular beach access points. It offers a good blend of passenger comfort, cargo space, and ease of parking.

For that amount of gear, you should focus on renting 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. You'll want to see a wide, flat floor with enough depth to accommodate your largest items without stacking them high. If the vehicle has a third row, make sure it can be folded completely flat to maximize the available space.

The most efficient method is to designate one person as the driver to go get the rental vehicle. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage at the designated passenger pickup area just outside baggage claim. Have the luggage organized and ready to go on a cart. When the driver pulls up, the group can load the bags and passengers quickly, minimizing time spent in the active traffic lane.

When traveling with long equipment, your best choice is to rent a larger SUV or a minivan. Before you finalize your booking, it's a good idea to check if the vehicle model typically comes with a roof rack. Alternatively, confirm that the rear seats can fold down completely flat to create an uninterrupted space from the trunk to the front seats. This ensures your gear can be transported safely and securely.

It's important to be particularly vigilant about speed limits on U.S. Route 1 and State Road A1A. These major roads pass through various municipalities and residential zones, and the speed limit can decrease abruptly and significantly without much warning. Visitors unfamiliar with the area often get caught by surprise. Paying close attention to posted speed limit signs is key to driving safely and avoiding citations.

The sudden, intense downpours common in Florida afternoons can drastically reduce visibility, especially on the exposed causeways. The heavy rain creates significant road spray from other vehicles, making it difficult to see lane markings and the cars around you. During these storms, it is essential to slow down, turn on your headlights (not your hazard lights), and increase the distance between you and 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 the reduced visibility. The intersections can become particularly backed up. If you are returning your rental car in these conditions, it's wise to allow for 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 easily access U.S. 1 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 drive south on A1A. Both routes are easy to navigate and offer a pleasant driving experience.

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 highways for nearly the entire trip. Another excellent choice is driving south on I-95 to Vero Beach to enjoy its beaches and boutique shopping. This route also avoids the complex road networks of a large metropolitan area, making for a relaxing journey.

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 it is clearly marked with large overhead signs. Staying to the right ensures you won't accidentally continue into the main loop for passenger departures and arrivals, which would require you to circle the entire terminal to get back.

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

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

A smooth routine is to first have one adult unload all the luggage from the trunk onto the curb at the return facility. 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 gets 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 line of other customers returning cars at the same time. Another common time-waster is forgetting to refuel the vehicle according to the rental agreement. This forces a last-minute trip to find a gas station, which can add significant stress and delay when you're on a tight schedule.

For a vacation focused on the Space Coast, choosing MLB offers a major advantage in convenience. MLB is located directly in Melbourne, meaning you are just 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 minimize driving time, reduce travel fatigue, and maximize your actual vacation time.