National Car Rental
Melbourne Orlando

After you deplane and collect your luggage, proceed to the baggage claim area located on the first level of the main terminal. The National Car Rental service counter is conveniently situated directly within this area, alongside other rental agencies. This central location makes it easy to find without needing to exit the building or take a shuttle. Simply look for the prominent National signage to complete your paperwork and get directions to your vehicle.

National Car Rental vehicles at Melbourne Orlando International Airport are located in a dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the terminal building. After completing the rental process at the counter inside, you will take a short walk outside to this lot to select your car. There is no need for a shuttle bus or a long walk to a separate facility, making the transition from the terminal to your vehicle quick and convenient for travelers.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport is known for its compact and efficient layout, which is a significant advantage for travelers. Arriving on any flight, including a regional one, means a very short walk from the gate to the main terminal area. You can typically expect to be at the baggage claim and the National Car Rental counter within just a few minutes of deplaning. This streamlined process helps you get on your way with minimal delay.

During a typical weekday afternoon, the process at MLB is generally smooth and efficient. Assuming you have no significant flight delays and your luggage arrives promptly, a realistic timeline from deplaning to driving away in your National rental car is often between 20 to 40 minutes. This accounts for walking to baggage claim, completing the rental agreement at the counter, and walking to the adjacent lot to pick up your vehicle. The airport's smaller size plays a key role in this quick turnaround.

Arriving late at MLB is typically a straightforward experience. The airport terminal is well-lit and easy to navigate at any hour. The National Car Rental counter is located in the main baggage claim hall, which you will pass through regardless. Staff will be available to assist you, and the process remains the same as during the day. The adjacent rental car lot is also well-illuminated, ensuring you can find and inspect your vehicle safely before departing.

The most practical meeting point for your group is the baggage claim area on the first level of the terminal. This location is ideal because it's where the person renting the car needs to go to find the National counter. There is seating available, and it serves as a central hub for all arriving passengers. Once everyone has gathered and collected their luggage, your group can proceed together to the rental counter and then to the car.

The easiest and most convenient place for your party to wait is in the seating areas within the baggage claim hall. This keeps everyone and the luggage together in one central spot. The person handling the rental can simply walk over to the National counter, which is located in the same area. This avoids any confusion or the need to move luggage multiple times before you're ready to head to the car.

Once you complete your rental agreement at the National counter, the agent will provide you with clear instructions on where to find your vehicle category or assigned spot. The rental car lot at MLB is well-organized and clearly marked with signs for different car classes and rows. Because the lot is compact and located right next to the terminal, finding your specific vehicle is a quick and simple process without the risk of getting lost.

For the most accurate navigation when returning your vehicle, it's best to use the airport's main address: 1 Air Terminal Pkwy, Melbourne, FL 32901. This will guide you to the main airport entrance. As you approach the terminal, pay close attention to the road signs, which will clearly direct you to the dedicated “Rental Car Return” entrance. Following these signs is crucial for the final approach to avoid ending up in the departures or arrivals loops.

Instead of stopping on the immediate airport exit roads, a safer and more relaxed option is to drive just a minute or two away. Head east on Airport Boulevard toward US-1, where you will find several shopping centers with large, open parking lots. Pulling into one of these lots provides a safe, out-of-the-way space to program your GPS, connect your phone to the car's system, and adjust your luggage without feeling rushed by traffic.

The primary exit road from MLB is Airport Boulevard. A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is navigating the intersections with major roads like US-1 and Babcock Street shortly after leaving the airport. It's important to know which direction you need to go (north or south) on these main arteries beforehand. Missing a turn here might lead you into local residential areas, so having your GPS ready before you start driving is highly recommended.

Reaching I-95 from the airport is very straightforward. As you exit the airport, follow the main road, Airport Boulevard, heading west. The signs for I-95 are large and frequent. You will continue on Airport Boulevard for about two miles, and it will lead you directly to the on-ramps for both I-95 North (towards Jacksonville/Orlando) and I-95 South (towards Miami). This route is direct and avoids complex city street navigation.

The most direct and easiest causeway to use when driving to Indialantic from MLB is the Melbourne Causeway, which is part of US-192. To get there, you'll exit the airport and head east on Airport Boulevard. Follow the signs for US-192 East, which will take you over the Indian River Lagoon directly into Indialantic. The route is well-marked and is a primary thoroughfare in the area, making it simple for visitors to navigate.

The most straightforward drive to Melbourne Beach is via the Melbourne Causeway (US-192 East). From the airport, you will take Airport Boulevard east and follow signs for US-192. The main intersection that can be busy is where Airport Boulevard meets US-1, but it is well-signed. Once you are on the causeway, it's a direct drive over the river to the beach. Just continue east on US-192 until you reach Highway A1A.

For a simple drive to Cocoa Beach, the best plan is to take US-1 North from the airport area. You will stay on US-1 for several miles until you see signs for the Pineda Causeway (FL-404 East). This route is very direct and avoids the more local traffic of the other causeways. The Pineda Causeway will take you across the river and connect you directly to Highway A1A, which you can then take north into the heart of Cocoa Beach.

The most intuitive drive to Satellite Beach is via the Eau Gallie Causeway (FL-518 East). From the airport, you can take US-1 North for a few miles and then follow the clear signs for FL-518 East. A common point of confusion is the approach to the causeway from US-1; ensure you are in the correct lane to make the eastbound turn. Once you are on the causeway, it's a straight shot across the river into Satellite Beach.

Downtown Melbourne offers several convenient parking options. The best plan is to head directly for the large, multi-level public parking garage located on Strawbridge Avenue, which is central to most restaurants and shops. There is also ample free street parking available on the main streets and side streets. To avoid searching, arriving a little before the peak 7 PM dinner rush can make finding a spot on the street much easier.

When driving on the causeways near Melbourne, be prepared for potential crosswinds, especially on gusty days, which can affect higher-profile vehicles like SUVs. Visibility is generally excellent, offering beautiful views, but can be reduced dramatically during a sudden rainstorm. Traffic often moves at a steady pace, so be prepared to merge smoothly and maintain the speed of the flow. Also, be mindful of drivers who may be distracted by the scenic views.

For a rocket launch, expect significant traffic delays on all major routes, especially US-1, A1A, and the causeways, both before and after the event. To avoid getting stuck, consider finding a viewing spot in a less-congested area, perhaps further south in Melbourne or Satellite Beach. Arrive several hours early to secure parking. After the launch, the best strategy is to be patient; plan to relax, have a meal, or walk on the beach for an hour or two until the worst of the traffic subsides.

The most straightforward route for visitors is to take I-95 North from the Melbourne area. You will drive north for approximately 25 miles. Look for the exit for FL-407 East, which is specifically marked for the Kennedy Space Center. This road will lead you directly to the entrance of the visitor complex. This route primarily uses the interstate, making it simple to follow with minimal turns or complex navigation.

To minimize parking stress at Kennedy Space Center, plan to arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before the visitor complex officially opens for the day. This allows you to get ahead of the main wave of visitors arriving from Orlando. An early arrival almost always guarantees a parking spot closer to the main entrance, reducing your walk and helping you start your day smoothly. Check their official website for opening times as they can vary by season.

The least stressful driving route from MLB to Port Canaveral is to take I-95 North to FL-528 East (the Beachline Expressway). This route is direct and well-signed for the cruise terminals. It's wise to build in a time buffer of at least 45 to 60 minutes beyond the expected travel time. This accounts for potential traffic delays on I-95 or near the port, especially on busy cruise departure days, ensuring a relaxed arrival.

For a smooth return trip, plan for a leisurely morning after disembarking at Port Canaveral. Pick up your car and consider stopping for a relaxed breakfast in the Cocoa Beach area to let initial port traffic clear out. Then, take the straightforward route of FL-528 West to I-95 South back toward Melbourne. This approach avoids the stress of rushing and allows you to arrive at MLB with plenty of time before your flight.

The primary route involves taking I-95 North to FL-528 West. The most critical transition that travelers sometimes miss is the exit from FL-528 onto FL-417 South (Central Florida GreeneWay). This is a major toll road that leads directly to the Walt Disney World exits. Missing this turn can lead you further into Orlando, so it's important to watch the signs carefully as you approach the interchange for FL-417.

The simplest route is I-95 North to FL-528 West. Continue on FL-528 past the airport and follow signs for I-4 East. The key to a simple final approach is to take the exit for Universal Boulevard directly from I-4. This exit is specifically for the resort and leads you straight to the parking garages. Using a GPS for these last few miles is highly recommended to navigate the multi-lane exits around the resort area.

The main toll roads on the route from Melbourne to Orlando are FL-528 (the Beachline Expressway) and FL-417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay). After taking I-95 North, you will transition onto FL-528 West, which is a toll road. If your destination is Walt Disney World, you will then connect to FL-417 South, which is also a toll road. These roads primarily use electronic tolling, so be sure to discuss the toll payment options for your rental car.

The most convenient stops are located at the major interchanges. The intersection of I-95 and FL-528 has several gas stations and fast-food restaurants with large parking lots and easy on-and-off access to the highway. Additionally, FL-528 has service plazas directly on the expressway, which are designed for exactly this purpose. These plazas offer fuel, food, and restrooms in one location without requiring you to exit the main highway.

A compact or mid-size SUV often provides the best balance for a Space Coast trip. It's small enough to maneuver easily into tight parking spots at popular beaches and in downtown areas. At the same time, it offers enough space and comfort for luggage and passengers on longer day trips to destinations like Kennedy Space Center or Orlando. This versatility makes it a practical and popular choice for the region.

For extensive family gear, an SUV or a minivan is your best option. Before leaving the rental lot, open the rear hatch to assess the cargo space. Check if the third-row seats (if applicable) can be folded down completely flat to create a large, level surface. This is ideal for sliding in a bulky pack-and-play and arranging suitcases around it. A vehicle with a wide, tall cargo opening will also make loading and unloading much easier.

A mid-size or full-size SUV is typically the best choice for accommodating long equipment. When you select your vehicle, look for one where the rear seats, and ideally the front passenger seat, can fold down flat. This creates the maximum possible length inside the vehicle. Before leaving the lot, test the seat-folding mechanisms to ensure you can create an unobstructed path from the trunk to the dashboard for your gear.

The best place to install a car seat is right in the rental car parking lot after you've selected your vehicle. Find an empty adjacent parking space and pull into it temporarily. This gives you plenty of room to open the doors wide and work comfortably without blocking the flow of traffic in the driving lanes. Taking a few extra minutes here ensures the seat is installed safely and securely before you head out.

Before you drive away, take a moment to check the car's infotainment system and connectivity options. Look for a USB port to ensure you can keep your phone charged while navigating. Check the system for Bluetooth pairing capabilities so you can make hands-free calls and stream audio directions. If the car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, connecting your phone via USB will provide the easiest and most integrated navigation experience on the car's main screen.

Visitors are often surprised by the prevalence of dedicated U-turn lanes at many major intersections, which are used instead of left turns. It's important to get into the correct lane early. Additionally, speed limits can change abruptly, dropping significantly as you move from a main road like US-1 onto a smaller beachside street. Finally, be aware of center turn lanes that are shared by traffic going in both directions.

Florida's afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly and bring sudden, intense downpours. This dramatically reduces visibility and can make roads slick with oil and water, especially at the beginning of the rain. It is crucial to slow down, increase your following distance, and turn on your headlights. In heavy rain, pulling over to a safe location until the worst of the storm passes is often the wisest course of action.

During a heavy downpour, major roads like US-1 and Babcock Street can experience temporary water pooling, or 'ponding,' in the outer lanes. Visibility can be most challenging on the causeways, as there is little to block wind-driven rain. When returning to the airport in these conditions, allow extra time, stay in the center lanes if possible, and drive with increased caution, especially on the final approach roads to the terminal.

For easy access to supplies, exit the airport and head east on Airport Boulevard. Within a five-minute drive, you will find several large shopping centers with major grocery stores, pharmacies, and department stores. These are located along Airport Boulevard and at its intersection with US-1. Accessing these stores is straightforward and keeps you on main roads, avoiding any risk of accidentally re-entering the airport loop.

There are several conveniently located gas stations perfect for a quick pre-return fill-up. You will find multiple options directly on Airport Boulevard, the main road leading to and from the airport. There are also many stations on US-1 near the intersection with Airport Boulevard. These stations have easy entrance and exit points, allowing you to refuel and get back on the road to the rental car return entrance in just a few minutes.

As you drive toward the airport on Air Terminal Parkway, the key is to stay in the designated lane for rental cars. The overhead and roadside signs are large and clearly marked with icons for “Rental Car Return.” This will guide you to a dedicated entrance that is separate from the passenger drop-off and pick-up loops. Following these specific signs from the moment you enter airport property is the surest way to avoid a wrong turn.

The process is designed to be simple. First, follow the signs for “Departures” and pull up to the curb for your airline to drop off passengers and luggage. After they are safely on their way, simply get back into the main traffic loop around the terminal. As you circle around, immediately follow the signs for “Rental Car Return.” This will guide you directly to the return entrance without having to leave the airport property.

The path from rental car return to airline check-in at MLB is very direct and convenient. After you drop off your vehicle and complete the return process, you will enter the terminal building directly from the rental car area. The airline check-in counters are located in the main ticketing hall, which is just a short, indoor walk away. The terminal is well-signed, guiding you straight to the ticketing and security screening areas.