Central Florida

Understand

Climate

Winter temperatures decrease sharply going north as one leaves the semitropical central/southern Florida and enters the temperate regions of North Florida. Temperatures and humidity are generally very pleasant November through May. Though the sea may be too cold for locals to swim December through March, plenty of tourists still take a dip! While summer temperatures can be high and humidity palpable, the beach is still a great bet and many attractions have indoor portions, making a summer visit to Central Florida worthwhile, though afternoon rains can put a quick end to outdoor fun.

Regions

The I-4 corridor overlaps the other two regions and links the major population centers of Central Florida, stretching from Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast, southwest through DeLand, Seminole County, Orlando, Lakeland, and into Tampa.

Get in

By plane

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) - airport closest to Disney World and the surrounding attractions in East Central Florida. Located south of Downtown Orlando, this airport offers car rentals and free shuttles to Disney World for visitors.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) - Located in Sanford, it's Orlando's secondary commercial airport and a base for Allegiant Air.
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) - airport closest to the beaches of the Gulf coast and Busch Gardens in West Central Florida.
• Daytona Beach Int'l Airport (DAB) - airport closest to the beaches of the East coast in East Central Florida.

Be aware that there are more airports throughout Central Florida which may get you closer to your destination; watch for these smaller airports while researching your destination.

By boat

Coastal cities have excellent year-round marina facilities, often serving large, luxury yachts. Port Canaveral on the Atlantic Coast and Tampa Bay on the Gulf Coast serve as cruise ports.

By train

• AMTRAK Silver Star & Silver Meteor (Trains 91-92) and (Trains 97-98) respectively - serve Central Florida, both of which begin in New York and end in Miami. The two routes stop at the following stations in Central Florida: DeLand, Winter Park, Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Tampa, and Winter Haven.
• Amtrak Auto Train offers service with its southern terminus in Sanford, about halfway between Daytona Beach and Orlando. The Amtrak Auto Train carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford and Lorton, Virginia, effectively serving as a car-rail link to Florida from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. You can easily drive your car to your destination in Central Florida after departing from the Auto Train.

By bus

Central Florida is served by Greyhound Bus Lines, which has scheduled stops in Orlando and other cities. The Greyhound routes connect with other major cities in the United States of America.

By car

• I-95 runs north-south along the Atlantic coast throughout the entire Central Florida region. It connects with Jacksonville to the north and Miami to the south.
• I-75 runs north-south through the middle-west of Central Florida, and connects to Ocala to the north, and Fort Myers in Southwest Florida.

Get around

By car

• Interstate 4 spans nearly the entire Central Florida region, stretching from Daytona Beach, through Orlando, and ending in Tampa.

By train

• SunRail - A 61 mi commuter rail system connecting the Greater Orlando via Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties using existing Amtrak and CSX freight rail lines. The commuter rail line is roughly parallel to Interstate 4.

Stay safe

Central Florida is generally a very safe place to visit. The dangerous parts of town are not places the average tourist would be visiting.

Go next

• North Florida has America's oldest city, St. Augustine
• South Florida is home to the Everglades and the Florida Keys