Are you wondering how best to get from Orlando to Cocoa Beach?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Find out all about the best means of travel, depending on your comfort needs, budget, and how fast you want to make the commute. And get the latest information on the newest fastest routes to the most affordable and scenic.
Table of Contents:
- How Far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
- What’s the Best Way to Get to Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
- Orlando to Cocoa Beach by Car
- Orlando to Cocoa Beach by Bus
- Orlando to Cocoa Beach by Train
- Orlando to Cocoa Beach on an Organized Day Trip
First, it’s wise to know how far Cocoa Beach is from Orlando.
How Far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
Depending on the route you take and the means of travel you use, Cocoa Beach could be 60 miles or 68 miles from Orlando. The three routes we discuss for drivers can be found on this map:
What’s the Best Way to Get to Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
The cheapest and fastest way to get to Cocoa Beach from Orlando is by private means. Since the maximum distance for a person driving from Orlando to Cocoa Beach is 70 miles, the only expense incurred would be $8.28 for one way, or about $17 for a round trip in a personal car, and the toll fees.
Depending on the route you take, you can also minimize these fees, a subject we discuss at length in the article. Concerning fuel, you can make the cost of your trip even less by following government guidelines for how best to conserve fuel on a road trip.
If you do not live in Orlando and are only coming for a visit or passing by, renting a car is the next best option. It might sound counterintuitive to rent a car, but a careful analysis of the rates from agencies such as Tripadvisor tells a different story. You can get a rental car from Orlando to Cocoa at $46 minimum for a day, which can be negotiated and deducted if you need to use it for more than one day.
Although this might seem pricey, the freedom a car gives you is unmatched by any other means of transportation available. This is especially so if you want to spend a few days in Cocoa Beach. Without a car, the cost of moving around ends up being much higher, tiresome, and cumbersome.
Both these options are more affordable than what you would have to do to get to Cocoa without a car. You would need to take the Line 11 bus, a shuttle, and a taxi, which costs a whopping $110-$140 and takes almost thrice the time it takes by car, approximately three hours.
If you are confused about “Line 11,” it is the route you follow walking to South Orange Avenue. Jumping on the Line 11 bus to Oia Transfer Center is a better option. From there, you walk to Orlando International Airport, board the shuttle to Melbourne, then take a taxi to Cocoa Beach.
You can check other options and prices here. If you do not have a car and do not want to rent one, the other options will still serve you well. In this article, we look at how to get to Cocoa Beach by car and bus in detail, as there is no way to make the journey between the two places by train.
Orlando to Cocoa Beach by Car
There are three primary routes you can take if you’re driving from Orlando to Cocoa Beach:
- FL-528 East
- FL-528 East and Florida A1A South
- Nova Road
Via FL-528 East
This route takes 55 minutes to an hour and 20 minutes and is 59.8 miles long. We divided the trip into three parts.
The first part is simple and covers 499 miles. Just get on FL-408 East. Head south on South Orange Avenue toward West South Street. Turn left onto East Anderson Street and drive on for 0.3 miles.
Take the ramp onto FL-408 East by taking the left lane. After turning, you will find a toll road. For cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles, the costs are:
- Sunpass: $4.10
- Cash/AET: $5
- Invoice: $8.20
You can calculate your toll cost again for certainty. You can find the toll rates for all subsequent toll roads by clicking here.
After the toll road, take FL-528 East to Florida A1A South in Brevard County, which will be a total of 45 minutes and 52 miles. This section of the journey starts when you merge onto FL-408 East and drive for 2.9 miles.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on FL-408 East and drive for 3.4 miles.
- Use the two lanes on the right to get off at Exit 18 for Orlando International Airport South, a 1.6-mile drive.
- Merge onto FL-417 Toll South, drive for 5.4 miles.
- Use the two lanes to take Exit 26 toward Cocoa Beach for 1.4 miles.
- Merge onto FL-528 East, then drive for 37.3 miles.
- From there, follow Florida A1A South to N 1st Street in Cocoa Beach, the final section of this route that will take 15 minutes and 7.2 miles to drive.
- On Florida A1A South, you pass by a Dollar General store on the right in three miles, then drive on for seven miles.
- Make the left turn onto Minutemen Causeway and drive on for 364 feet.
- Keep to the right lane and turn left at North Atlantic Avenue and go on for 0.1 miles.
- Turn right at N 1st Street, Cocoa Beach.
- Alternatively, carry on one block further to Cocoa Beach Parking Garage and enter Cocoa Beach at Minuteman Parkway where you’ll find restrooms, showers and walking across the street heading to the beach you’ll find restaurants and bars.
Via FL-528 East and Florida A1A South
The next route is the FL-528 East and Florida A1A South, which takes one hour and five minutes and is a cumulative 68.6 miles. Like the last route, we divided the journey into three parts.
The first section of the trip is on Interstate 4 West and takes about two minutes and 0.6 miles. Head west on West South Street toward Boone Avenue, then turn left to merge onto Interstate 4 West.
The second section of the journey is between FL-528 East and FL A1A South in Brevard County, a 55-minute, 60.8-mile journey.
- Merge onto I-4 W for three miles and keep left to stay on Interstate 4 West for 2.7 miles.
- Take the Miami exit to your right and drive for 1.4 miles before merging onto Florida’s Turnpike, where there is a toll road (find rates here).
- After 4.2 miles, take Exit 254 for FL-528 toward US-17/US-42/US-144 and continue for 0.4 miles.
- Keep left at the fork for 0.3 miles to continue toward FL-528 East. This road and the next three are all toll roads.
- Keep right, follow signs for Airport/FL-528 E/Kennedy Space Center, merge onto FL-528 East, then drive for 1.4 miles.
- Keep left to stay on FL-528 East for 1.9 miles.
From here, we begin the last 15 minutes of the journey: Florida A1A South to North 1st Street in Cocoa Beach. This section will take 7.2 miles.
- For the next seven miles, continue on Florida A1A South and take note of Dollar General on the right after three miles in case you need anything from the discount retailer.
- After that, turn left onto Minutemen Causeway (364 feet).
- Use the right lane to turn left onto North Atlantic Avenue after 0.1 miles, turn right onto North 1st Street, and drive an additional 194 feet to reach Cocoa Beach.
- Alternatively, carry on one block further to Cocoa Beach Parking Garage and enter Cocoa Beach at Minuteman Parkway
Via Nova Road
The last route is via Nova Road, and it takes an hour and 25 minutes to two hours and 10 minutes. At 80.3 miles, this is the longest route. It starts on Interstate 4 West like the previous route.
For two minutes and 0.6 miles, you first head west on West South Street toward Boone Avenue. After 0.3 miles, turn left to merge onto Interstate 4 West and finish off the remaining 0.3 miles.
For the next section, follow Interstate 4 West, Florida’s Turnpike, and US-192 E/US-441 S to Nova Road in Osceola County. This section will be 30.9 miles and take 37 minutes.
- Merge into Interstate 4 West for three miles, then keep left to stay on the interstate for the next 2.7 miles.
- Take the Miami exit on your right, then drive for 1.4 miles, after which you will merge onto Florida’s Turnpike. Continue for 14.4 miles, then take Exit 244 toward US-192/US-441/Kissimmee/St. Cloud for 0.6 miles. This is also a toll road, and you can get a precise calculation of how much the combined rates will be by clicking here.
- After the 0.6 miles, use the left two lanes to turn left onto US-192 E/US-441 S. Go on for 7.7 miles and pass by DQ Grill and Chill on the right after the first 3.1 miles.
- Finally, turn left onto Nova Road and drive for 26.5 miles, which will take you approximately 25 minutes.
The last section of the route will be on FL-520 East. It is 22.2 miles and will take you 36 minutes.
- From Nova Road, turn right onto FL-520 East. Then drive for 19.3 miles. You pass by Starbucks on the right after the first 13.9 miles.
- Turn right onto North Atlantic Avenue, then drive for 2.1 miles. The route turns slightly right and becomes North Orlando Avenue. When it does, drive for another 0.6 miles.
- Turn left onto Minutemen Causeway, then drive for the next 364 miles before using the right lane to turn left onto North Atlantic Avenue. Drive for 0.1 miles.
- Turn right into North 1st Street, then take 39 seconds to drive 194 feet into Cocoa Beach.
- Alternatively, carry on one block further to Cocoa Beach Parking Garage and enter Cocoa Beach at Minuteman Parkway
It would be best to take the shortest route to save on fuel costs and time, but Nova Road is a good option if you want to enjoy the ride and the scenery. It also has fewer toll roads.
Orlando to Cocoa Beach by Bus
To travel by bus from Orlando to Cocoa Beach, you can use the Rally Bus. Its bus stop is at the Greyhound Bus Station, 555 N. John Young Parkway, in Orlando.
What Does it Cost to Travel by Bus from Orlando to Cocoa Beach?
The cost to travel from Orlando to Cocoa Beach via bus depends on your departure and arrival dates. A day trip via bus in mid-August of 2021 costs $64-$65. You can get a more accurate estimate by filling an online form and selecting your preferred means of travel (for travel by bus, click here), or get direct estimates by clicking here, depending on the season.
How Many Stops are On a Bus Trip from Orlando to Cocoa Beach?
There are 30 stops in total from Orlando to Cocoa beach by bus, but they vary depending on the condition of the road and weather. Because of all these stops and other logistics, taking a bus from Orlando to Cocoa Beach will be a six-hour trip.
Orlando to Cocoa Beach by Train
Unfortunately, there is no train from Orlando to Cocoa Beach.
Orlando to Cocoa Beach on an Organized Day Trip
If you want to make the trip feel like a treat, you could organize a guided day trip. One of the most popular destinations along the Orlando-Cocoa Beach route is the Kennedy Space Center.
This is a favorite among children and tourists, and the accommodations and day trip services are well-developed and easy to access.
This is a straightforward process that involves booking a day to have a guide take you to popular destinations. What is part of the package varies, but it should include a round trip. A good day trip adventure is inclusive of transportation to and from Cocoa Beach, unless you want to take a car on your way and maybe a bus coming back. But you can negotiate all arrangements with your service provider.
Another thing to look for carefully is what is included in the day trip package. The more exclusive the experience, the higher the cost will be, of course, but basic amenities such as a guide and access to the Kennedy Space Center should be available.
These packages include private tours, lunch with astronauts, a small group VIP experience, and you can even hire a private car and get driven to the space center. You can also check for deals with Viator by clicking here.
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FAQs
How do I get from Orlando to Cocoa Beach without a car? ›
The best way to get from Orlando to Cocoa Beach without a car is to line 11 bus and shuttle and taxi which takes 3h 2m and costs $120 - $160. How long does it take to get from Orlando to Cocoa Beach? It takes approximately 3h 2m to get from Orlando to Cocoa Beach, including transfers.
How much does it cost to uber from Orlando to Cocoa Beach? ›What is the cost of a ride from Orlando FL to Cocoa Beach FL? The average price for this trip is $71.00 - $202.00.
How much is a shuttle from Orlando to Cocoa Beach? ›| TO/FROM | |
| Orlando Airport Area Hotels | $30 / ONE-WAY $60 / ROUND-TRIP |
| International Drive Hotal | $35 / ONE-WAY $70 / ROUND-TRIP |
| 20 OR MORE PEOPLE? CALL FOR GROUP DISCOUNTS | |
Families will find that Cocoa Beach is a perfect vacation spot for the whole family. Cocoa Beach aims to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere that is inviting and keeps every member happy. Kennedy Space Center is a place that everyone in the family will appreciate.
Are there shuttles from Orlando to Cocoa Beach? ›Cocoa Beach Shuttle is central Florida's premier professional transportation service connecting Orlando International Airport, the cruise ships of Port Canaveral, the Cocoa Beach area, theme parks and the rest of central Florida. For three decades, its priorities have been safety and customer service.
Is Cocoa Beach worth the trip? ›Cocoa Beach is an awesome area to visit. From staying for a weekend or just to take a day trip visiting one of the closest beaches to not just Disney but, Orlando and even Universal Studios! Cocoa Beach is located in Brevard County Florida, also know as the Space Coast.
Is it cheaper to Uber or taxi in Orlando? ›With this price cut, uberX in Orlando will be 40% cheaper than a taxi. From UCF to the resorts and everywhere in between, uberX is the most affordable ride in town.
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Florida? ›Is Uber cheaper than a taxi? Uber is usually a little bit cheaper than taking a traditional taxi. In most cases, Uber fares can be up to 40% cheaper than traditional taxi fares. In some cases, though, Uber fares can be almost double what they are for taxis, when you factor in extra costs.
Is there a shuttle from Disney to Cocoa Beach? ›Whether you're taking a cruise or visiting the Cocoa Beach area from Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, Cocoa Beach Shuttle can get you there with its professional, on-time service.
Do you need a car in Cocoa Beach? ›You will not require a car to get around. Alternatively, if you prefer a car-free vacation and would like to skip walking, you can rent a bike and explore the area. There are many bike rental operations along the Cocoa Beach area.
Are they building a train from Orlando to Cocoa Beach? ›
COCOA, Fla.
The onboard crew conducted the train all the way to Cocoa. According to the company's most recent timeline, Brightline expects to finish the $2.7 billion Orlando extension by the end of this year and start carrying passengers between Orlando and West Palm Beach in early 2023.
Do Uber driver-partners pick up at MCO? Yes. Tap here for a list of airports around the world where you can request a ride with Uber. How much will an Uber trip to MCO cost?
Is Coco beach clothing optional? ›Clothing will be optional, but required outside the resort's doors. The Fawlty Towers Resort is only 200 yards from the ocean and some beachgoers are livid. "Young people surf on that beach.
Can you swim in the ocean at Cocoa Beach? ›There are 4 Lifeguard Stations in Cocoa Beach that operate year-round: Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, Minutemen Causeway, and Cocoa Beach Pier. The ocean can still be enjoyed with the following cautions: Always swim where other people are swimming - never swim alone!
Is swimming safe at Cocoa Beach? ›There's nothing about this beach town that should give you concern when it comes to safety. The real dangers are in the water if you are swimming in waters too rough for your swimming level, or get stung by a jellyfish, or get a lungful of water riding your first wave.
How much does Uber cost from MCO to Port Canaveral? ›The average trip price to get from Orlando International Airport to Cape Canaveral FL is $74.00 - $141.00. Please keep in mind when requesting a ride that trip prices can vary, depending on a number of factors. What's the cheapest way to get from Orlando International Airport to Cape Canaveral FL with Uber?
What airport do you fly into if you're going to Cocoa Beach Florida? ›Orlando International Airport is located in Orlando, in Orange County, approximately 45 minutes driving distance North of Cocoa Beach - Orlando International Airport.
Is the Cocoa Beach trolley free? ›A ride on the trolley costs $1.50 with a special rate of 75¢ for seniors, veterans, disabled and students. There is no charge for children under 5 or for transfers to fixed route bus service. Please have the exact fare ready when riding a bus/trolley.
Why is Cocoa Beach so popular? ›The city of Cocoa Beach is famous for its beaches, surfing, and surf shops like Ron Jons, and the Cocoa Beach Surf Company. If you would like to hit the beach Lori Wilson Park is a popular choice, or check out these other Cocoa Beach Parks.
What's so special about Cocoa Beach? ›Cocoa Beach, FL is probably best known for its beautiful beach, famous surf breaks, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It is the perfect destination for a family vacation to remember.
How far is Disney from Cocoa Beach? ›
Cocoa Beach is located on the eastern coast of Florida's beautiful Space Coast, approximately 70 miles from WDW. Rent a car for the 75-minute drive to this activity-rich hot spot for one of your beaches near Walt Disney World.
How much do you tip Uber in Orlando? ›Tipping With Uber
Once your ride is done, you'll have the opportunity to rate your driver and tip in the app. 10% to 15% for average service, with a $2 minimum, is standard. Uber drivers do not see your tip amount until after they rate you, so they're not supposed to consider it in rating you.
Orlando Taxi Service Tips
No matter what type of vehicle is used, the standard tip for a taxi cab driver in the Orlando area is 15 % to 20% of the total fare.
| Lyft | $50-60 | 31 | Request a ride |
|---|---|---|
| XL | $60-70 | 31 | Request a ride |
| Lux | $70-80 | 31 | Request a ride |
| Lux Black | $90-105 | 31 | Request a ride |
| Lux Black XL | $140-160 | 31 | Request a ride |
To sum up, when it comes to the base fares, Lyft is typically more expensive than Uber. Indeed, Lyft does have a tendency to charge higher per-mile and per-minute rates. So, if your ride is going to be longer or involve more time in traffic, then Uber may end up being the cheaper option.
Which is safer Uber or Lyft? ›Yes, a Lyft ride is just as safe as Uber or other taxi services. As long as you pay attention to your surroundings and your journey, you should be fine. If you feel uncomfortable, you can stop the ride at any time or call emergency services through the app.
Do you tip Uber drivers? ›You can tip your driver once your trip is complete. Tips are neither expected nor required. After a trip has ended, you have 30 days to add a tip in the app, on riders.uber.com, or from your emailed trip receipt.
What is there to see between Orlando and Cocoa Beach? ›The top stops along the way from Cocoa Beach to Orlando (with short detours) are Magic Kingdom Park, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Does Disney have free shuttle from Orlando Airport? ›Guests can take in the sights as they take advantage of complimentary bus service to and from all 4 theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and the Disney Springs Area.
Is the Disney shuttle free? ›Yes, there is free bus transportation between Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and hotels. All guests are welcome to use the complimentary bus transportation.
Is there a lot to do in Cocoa Beach? ›
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to sports, outdoor activities, and more, Cocoa Beach has lots to offer in the name of entertainment and fun. Take a fishing charter, explore the area on a kayak tour, learn to surf, hang out at the beach, or enjoy some great shopping and dining.
Can you walk on Cocoa Beach at night? ›And if you're looking for some quiet and relaxing time near the water, then you should definitely visit at night. You can breathe in some fresh air and walk alongside the beach without having to worry about a large group of people blocking your path!
Is Cocoa Beach a party beach? ›Cocoa Beach
There are multiple live music venues as well as surfing locations. Cocoa beach is exceptional and it is a perfect place that you should go to enjoy your time during your visit to Florida. There are plenty of nightspots if you are looking for a place to visit as a party goer.
The city at the geographic halfway point from Orlando, FL to Cocoa Beach, FL is Wewahotee, Florida.
Is Orlando or Tampa closer to Cocoa Beach? ›Orlando is the most popular city on the route — it's 1 hour from Cocoa Beach and 1 hour from Tampa.
Is Cocoa Beach the closest beach to Orlando? ›Cocoa Beach is the closest beach for Orlando residents, located a little less than an hour from Central Florida. It's well known for family fun, relaxing along the beach, a location for eco-tours or for deep-sea fishing.
Is Lyft or Uber better at Orlando Airport? ›Can Both Uber & Lyft Drop Off / Pick-Up From Orlando Airport (MCO)? Both Uber and Lyft are able to pick you up and drop you off at Orlando Airport (MCO) and neither is preferred by the airport over the other.
Does Uber charge extra for luggage? ›Uber, very similarly to Lyft luggage rules, allows each of their passengers to travel with luggage. The transport of this luggage must be done free of charge by your Uber driver: Traveling with luggage is quite normal, so there is no question that you pay anything extra!
Does Orlando airport offer shuttle service? ›It provides ground transportation to many destinations within Orlando and beyond, including Walt Disney World® Resort, via bus, sedans, limousine and shuttle van.
Can you have alcohol on Coco Beach? ›Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay: Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach. Playalinda Beach, Canaveral: Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach.
Does Cocoa Beach have clear blue water? ›
The water in Cocoa Beach is not usually very clear because sand is disturbed up by the waves. Water visibility is clearest during calm weather and periods without wind or wave action. Beaches are generally most crowded near the pier, and in the areas to either side.
Is Cocoa Beach sand white? ›Cocoa Beach has a light gray-brown colored sand and is one of the most popular family vacation beaches in Florida.
Are there dolphins at Cocoa Beach? ›Whether it's a mealtime encounter in the port, distant vistas from the piers, or an up-close adventure on the river, not only can you see dolphins in Cocoa Beach, but you can see them in a way that suits you best.
Are there jellyfish at Cocoa Beach? ›The Cocoa Beach Fire Department and Brevard County Lifeguards have responded to an increasing number of calls for jellyfish stings in Cocoa Beach this week.
Does Cocoa Beach have turquoise water? ›The coastline of Cocoa beach is covered with golden sand. It's very clean, the surface has a mixed fraction. The water is impeccably turquoise.
Is there a train from Orlando to the beach? ›On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Orlando to Daytona Beach every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $62.
Do you need a car to get around Cocoa Beach? ›You will not require a car to get around. Alternatively, if you prefer a car-free vacation and would like to skip walking, you can rent a bike and explore the area. There are many bike rental operations along the Cocoa Beach area.
How far is Cocoa Beach from Disney? ›Cocoa Beach is located on the eastern coast of Florida's beautiful Space Coast, approximately 70 miles from WDW. Rent a car for the 75-minute drive to this activity-rich hot spot for one of your beaches near Walt Disney World.
What is cheaper in Orlando taxi or Uber? ›Ubers are significantly cheaper than using a taxi and much more practical than renting an entire car. You won't need to pay for packing and you really have no need for a rental car because Disney Transportation is free and readily available throughout the park.
Is Uber allowed at Port Canaveral? ›You can also take an Uber from Walt Disney World to the Disney Port Canaveral Cruise Port. Remember that these Uber prices are all approximate and will vary according to time of day and demand surge pricing.
What is the closest nicest beach to Orlando? ›
- Cocoa Beach.
- Clearwater Beach.
- Canaveral National Seashore.
- New Smyrna Beach.
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach for Orlando residents, located a little less than an hour from Central Florida. It's well known for family fun, relaxing along the beach, a location for eco-tours or for deep-sea fishing.
Is there a bus from Orlando to the beach? ›Greyhound performs about 4 bus trips from Orlando to Daytona Beach every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 31 minutes to complete.