Enterprise Car Rental
Melbourne Orlando

Upon your arrival at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, you will find the Enterprise rental car counter conveniently located within the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars." The counters for all on-site rental agencies, including Enterprise, are grouped together in this dedicated area, making it easy to find without needing to exit the terminal.

The process at MLB is designed for traveler convenience, combining a short walk with direct access to your vehicle. After completing the rental agreement at the Enterprise counter inside the terminal, you will be directed to the rental car lot. This lot is situated just a brief walk from the terminal building, so you will not need to wait for or board a separate shuttle bus to reach your vehicle.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport is known for its compact and efficient layout, which is especially beneficial when arriving on a regional flight. The walk from any gate to the main terminal area and baggage claim is typically very short, often taking just a few minutes. Since the Enterprise counter is located directly in the terminal near baggage claim, you can expect a quick and straightforward journey from your gate to begin the rental process.

On a typical weekday afternoon, the entire process from deplaning to driving away can be quite efficient at MLB. Factoring in the time to walk from the gate, collect any checked luggage, and complete the rental paperwork at the counter, many travelers are on their way in under an hour. This can vary depending on how many flights have landed at once, but the airport's manageable size generally helps to streamline the experience from arrival to departure.

Arriving late at MLB is generally a low-stress experience due to the airport's simple design. The terminal is well-lit, and signage for baggage claim and rental cars remains clear and easy to follow. The Enterprise counter is located in this main, well-trafficked area. Once you have your keys, the walk to the adjacent rental lot is also straightforward, and exit signs for major roadways are illuminated, helping you navigate out of the airport complex with ease.

A great meeting point for your group is the baggage claim area. It's a spacious, central location that everyone must pass through to collect their luggage. You can easily find a spot near your designated carousel to gather everyone. Once your entire party and all bags are accounted for, you can proceed together to the nearby Enterprise rental car counter as a single group.

The most practical waiting spot is in the seating areas located just outside the main rental car counter section, near baggage claim. This allows the rest of your party to relax with the luggage while staying comfortably indoors. It keeps them close by, so once the driver has completed the rental process and has the keys, they can quickly reconnect before heading out to the car together.

When you complete your rental agreement, the Enterprise agent will provide you with a designated row or space number for your vehicle. The rental car lot at MLB is well-organized with clear, logical signage for each row and section. Simply follow these signs to your assigned area. This system is designed to prevent confusion and help you locate your specific car quickly so you can get on your way.

For a safe and convenient place to get organized, consider using one of the airport's cell phone waiting lots. While designed for those picking up passengers, they offer a perfect spot to pull over for a few minutes immediately after exiting the rental lot. Alternatively, you can find a large, nearby shopping center parking lot just a minute or two from the airport on NASA Boulevard, providing a low-traffic area to set up your GPS and adjust your belongings.

The main point of potential confusion for first-time visitors is navigating the intersection of NASA Boulevard and Airport Boulevard right outside the terminal. It's important to decide ahead of time whether you need to go east toward the beaches or west toward I-95. Paying close attention to the overhead signs as you approach this junction will ensure you get into the correct lane for your intended direction without any last-minute maneuvers.

Getting to I-95 is very straightforward. As you exit the airport, follow the primary signs for NASA Boulevard West. You will stay on this road for just over a mile. The on-ramps for both I-95 North (towards Kennedy Space Center and Orlando) and I-95 South (towards Miami) are very clearly marked with large overhead signs, giving you plenty of time to position your vehicle for a smooth and safe merge onto the interstate.

For the most direct and simple route to Melbourne Beach, use the Melbourne Causeway (US-192). From the airport, you'll take NASA Boulevard east, which seamlessly becomes US-192. Simply continue heading east, and the road will take you directly over the Indian River Lagoon onto the barrier island. This route is well-signed and is the primary artery connecting the mainland to Melbourne Beach, making it very easy for visitors to navigate.

The most straightforward drive to Indialantic also utilizes the Melbourne Causeway (US-192). From the airport, head east on NASA Boulevard, which turns into US-192. Continue following this main road east, and it will lead you directly over the causeway bridge. Indialantic is the community you enter immediately upon reaching the barrier island, making this a direct and uncomplicated trip for anyone new to the area.

The simplest route to Cocoa Beach involves getting on I-95 North from the airport. Take NASA Boulevard west to I-95 and head north for about 15-20 minutes. Look for Exit 205, which is clearly marked for SR 528 East/Beachline Expressway toward Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. This route uses major highways and avoids local traffic and complex turns, providing a direct path to your destination.

Downtown Melbourne is very visitor-friendly when it comes to parking. You will find ample free street parking along the main roads, such as New Haven Avenue. Additionally, there are several free public parking lots conveniently located just a block or two off the main street. These lots are well-marked and provide easy access to the area's shops and restaurants, making it simple to park your rental and explore on foot.

When driving across the causeways on a windy day, it's wise to be prepared for strong crosswinds, especially in a higher-profile vehicle like an SUV or van. You may feel the vehicle being pushed sideways, so it's important to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a steady, moderate speed. Be extra mindful of the space around you, particularly when near motorcycles or large trucks, and focus on staying centered in your lane.

For a rocket launch, plan to arrive at your viewing spot very early, as popular locations along the coast fill up quickly. Parking is often informal, along roadsides like US-1, so be sure to park legally and safely off the pavement. The biggest challenge is post-launch traffic, as thousands of cars try to leave at once. Expect significant delays and be patient; it's often best to relax for 30-60 minutes after the launch before attempting to drive back.

The most direct and simple route is to use major highways. From the airport, take NASA Boulevard west to I-95 North. Continue on I-95 North for approximately 25 miles. Take Exit 212 for SR 407 and follow the signs eastward. This road is specifically designed to lead traffic toward the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, with clear and frequent signage guiding you the entire way.

Both locations are excellent for parking and exploring. In historic Cocoa Village, there is a large, free public parking garage and several surface lots that provide central access to the entire shopping and dining district. For visiting Merritt Island, particularly the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find designated parking areas at all major trailheads and points of interest. These spots are designed to be easily accessible directly from the main roads within the refuge.

The least stressful drive involves taking I-95 North from the airport to Exit 205 for SR 528 East, also known as the Beachline Expressway. This expressway leads directly to Port Canaveral, with clear signs for each cruise terminal. Plan for the drive to take about 45-60 minutes under normal conditions. It's wise to build in an extra 30-45 minutes as a buffer for potential traffic, especially if traveling on a weekend or during peak season.

To ensure a relaxed return trip, plan a stop between the port and the airport. After leaving Port Canaveral via SR 528 West to I-95 South, consider exiting in the Cocoa or Viera areas. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. This breaks up the drive and helps you time your arrival at MLB perfectly, avoiding the stress of arriving too early or too late for your flight.

The most critical transition is from I-95 North to SR 528 West (Beachline Expressway) near Cocoa. After that, the next key point is the interchange where SR 528 meets SR 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay), which is a common route to the southern parts of the Disney property. The final important transition is from SR 528 onto I-4 West, which provides direct access to the main Disney World exits. Using a GPS is highly recommended to navigate these multi-lane interchanges smoothly.

The simplest approach is to take I-95 North to SR 528 West toward Orlando. Continue on SR 528 until you merge onto I-4 West. Once on I-4 West, stay in the middle or right lanes and look for Exit 75A for Universal Boulevard. The signage for the theme parks is very large and prominent, guiding you directly into the main parking garage complex without requiring complex city street navigation.

The primary toll road you'll encounter is the Beachline Expressway (SR 528). Many visitors are surprised by the cashless tolling gantries, which scan your license plate or a transponder without requiring you to stop and pay cash. It's helpful to be aware of this system beforehand and to understand the tolling programs offered by the rental car company. This ensures you can drive through these points smoothly without any confusion or concern.

A great option for a break is the Viera area, accessible directly off I-95 about 20 minutes north of Melbourne. The exit for Viera Boulevard leads to The Avenue Viera, an open-air shopping center with numerous restaurants, clean restrooms, and vast, easy-to-navigate parking lots. It's an ideal place to let kids stretch their legs, grab a meal, and relax before continuing your journey toward Orlando, with simple on/off access to the interstate.

A mid-size SUV often provides the best balance for a Space Coast trip. It offers ample cargo space for beach chairs, coolers, and luggage without being too large to maneuver in tight beachside parking spots. The higher ground clearance can be helpful on sandy access roads, and the comfortable ride is ideal for day trips to Kennedy Space Center or Orlando. This versatility makes it a practical choice for handling the varied activities of a Florida vacation.

Before leaving the rental lot, open the rear hatch or trunk to assess the cargo space. Check that the area is large enough for your bulky items and that the rear seats can be folded down if you need extra room. It's also a good idea to look for a cargo cover, which can help keep your belongings out of sight for added security. Confirming these features ensures your gear will fit properly for the entire trip.

For managing long items like surfboards or fishing rods, renting an SUV or a minivan is typically the best strategy. Before leaving the lot, check to see how the vehicle's seats fold down to create a long, flat surface. Many SUVs have roof rails, but you would need to bring your own compatible rack system and straps. The simplest solution is often to choose a vehicle with enough interior length to safely secure your gear inside.

The best place to install a car seat is in your assigned parking space within the Enterprise rental lot. This designated spot provides a safe area away from moving traffic where you can take your time. You'll have ample room to open the doors fully and ensure the seat is installed correctly and securely without the pressure of holding up other travelers. It's much safer than trying to do it at the terminal curbside.

Before pulling out of the parking space, take a moment to connect your phone to the car's infotainment system. Make sure you have your charging cable handy, as a wired connection is often required. Confirm that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches successfully and that you can see your navigation app on the car's screen. Also, check that the audio is working correctly, as this will be crucial for hearing turn-by-turn directions.

Visitors are often surprised by the frequent use of dedicated U-turn lanes at intersections instead of traditional left turns. You may need to drive past your destination and make a U-turn to enter from the opposite direction. Also, be aware of abrupt speed limit changes on major roads like US-1. Finally, pay close attention to right-turn lanes that may have their own signal, which can be different from the main traffic light.

Florida's afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly and bring sudden, torrential downpours that dramatically reduce visibility. When this happens, traffic pace slows considerably, and it's standard practice for drivers to turn on their headlights. On the causeways, the combination of heavy rain and wind can be especially intense. It is always safest to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and pull over if visibility becomes too poor to proceed safely.

During a heavy downpour, major arterial roads like NASA Boulevard and US-1 near the airport can experience significant slowdowns. Water can pool in the outer lanes, causing drivers to merge toward the center and reduce their speed. Intersections can also become congested as drivers navigate them more cautiously. It's wise to allow extra travel time to the airport if you are driving in these conditions.

To ensure a smooth start, set your GPS to a major, easily identifiable landmark or intersection just a few miles away from the airport in the direction you're heading. For example, if going to the beach, you could set it for the Melbourne Causeway. If heading to I-95, you could input a gas station near the interstate entrance. This helps you get oriented with the immediate road network before navigating the longer, more complex part of your journey.

There are several convenient options just a few minutes from the airport. By heading west on NASA Boulevard (away from the beaches), you will quickly find major shopping centers with large grocery stores, pharmacies, and superstores. These are located well outside the airport's traffic patterns and offer large parking lots, making for a quick and stress-free stop to stock up on supplies before heading to your final destination.

You will find several easy-access gas stations along NASA Boulevard, the main road leading to and from the airport. These stations are located on both the east and west sides of the airport entrance. They are designed for high traffic and have large entrances and exits, making it simple to pull in, refuel, and get back on the road toward the rental car return area without complicated turns.

As you approach the airport on either Airport Boulevard or NASA Boulevard, begin looking for large, clear signs that say "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you into the correct lane. As you get closer to the terminal, the signage becomes more specific, guiding you to a dedicated entrance for all rental returns. Staying in the designated lane and following these signs will lead you directly to the Enterprise return area.

The process is very straightforward. First, follow the signs for "Departures" and pull up to the curb to drop off your passengers and their luggage. After they are safely on the curb, simply continue following the airport roadway loop. The signs for "Rental Car Return" will appear again shortly after you pass the departures area, directing you to circle back around to the correct entrance without having to leave the airport complex.

The rental car return area at MLB is conveniently located very close to the main terminal. After an Enterprise employee checks in your vehicle, you will simply walk a short distance back into the terminal building. Once inside, you will immediately see signs directing you to the airline check-in counters and ticketing area. The airport's compact size makes this a quick and easy walk that is difficult to get wrong.

While the process at MLB is generally quick, the step that can take a few extra minutes is the final vehicle inspection and check-in, especially if several cars are being returned at once. It's also wise to budget a few minutes for a personal final check of the car to ensure you haven't left any belongings behind. Although the walk to the terminal is short, building in an extra 10-15 minutes for the entire return process provides a comfortable buffer for your early morning flight.