Family Guide Florida

US entry requirements

Nationals of 40 countries, including most European nations, do not need a visa to travel to the US for stays of less than 90 days, but travelers must apply in advance for authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Note the authorization number and keep a print-out for reference. Citizens of all other countries need a valid visa. The Transportation Security Administration provides informa-tion on security regulations for travelers. Visitors arriving by air or sea no longer need to complete the US Customs and Border Protection agency I-94/I-94W form, because all information is now collected by the agency through electronic travel records. The agency will issue an I-94 form at border ports of entry.

Arriving by air

The airports at Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO) serve most international flights and have frequent connections from other US cities. Major airlines, including Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic, arrive at both airports. Aer Lingus flies to Orlando, and Miami is serviced by many South American airlines. British Airways also has flights to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Tampa (TPA). Tampa is the major airport for the Gulf Coast destinations, while Jacksonville (JAX) is the main gateway to northern Florida. Several domestic airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United, offer frequent services to Florida.

Air fares are lowest between April and mid-November, except for holiday periods. For those traveling with children, direct flights are more convenient, although expensive.

Airport transfers

All major airports have counters that arrange onward transport, but do check with your hotel in advance about an airport shuttle service. Car rental companies (see Getting around Florida) have booths at all airports.

The Airport Flyer express bus costs $2.35 from MIA to downtown Miami or Miami Beach. A taxi fare for one to five people averages $22 to downtown and a $32 flat fee to Miami Beach. Shared rides such as the Super Shuttle average $26 for the first person to downtown or the beach, and $11 for each extra person.

MCO is about 16 miles (25 km) from Walt Disney World® Resort, and the 30–45-min taxi ride costs $40–60. Shuttle buses charge $21 per person, $34 for a round trip. The local bus is slow but affordable at $4 per person.

Arriving by rail

Amtrak is the national rail system in the US, with stops in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. These are not high-speed trains, may require a night on board, and are pricier than airplanes. Check the Amtrak website for family rates and frequent specials.

Arriving by bus

Greyhound is the largest intercity US bus line. Its newer buses have ample leg room, and electrical outlets. Book tickets online in advance and check for family discounts and other offers.

A typical dark-blue Greyhound bus

Arriving by car

Florida has a great road system and welcome centers offering information along the main highways. I-95 serves the east coast and I-75 covers central Florida, with connecting roads to the west coast. The main west coast artery, Route 41, is not an expressway and is slow, so it is better to use I-75 and consult a map. The expressways from east to west include I-10 across northern Florida and I-4 connecting Orlando to Tampa. In the south, I-75 goes through the Everglades. The Beach Line Expressway, between Orlando and the Space Coast, and the Florida Turnpike, from Orlando to south of Miami, are toll roads. I-95 becomes congested between Fort Lauderdale and Miami and is best avoided during the morning and evening rush hours.

Arriving by sea

Florida has America’s most popular cruise ports, with excellent facilities, porters to help with baggage, and plentiful taxis. Several cruises from South America, the Caribbean, and Europe sail to Florida ports. Seabourn, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean are well-known cruise lines. Most cruises come into Fort Lauderdale, the largest and busiest port, and also the most convenient for air connections to other cities. The Disney Cruise Line ships arrive at Cape Canaveral. The two other major ports, Miami and Tampa, have connections from the cruise docks by taxi or shuttle to downtown or the airport.