International Travelers

Florida Transportation Guide for International Visitors

Everything you need to know before you land — airports, customs timing, distances, child seats, tipping, and the easiest way to reach Disney, Miami, and cruise ports from abroad.

🌍 International arrivals ✈️ MCO · MIA · FLL ✓ WhatsApp booking available

Florida is one of the most visited destinations in the world for international travelers — attracting families from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond for Disney vacations, cruises, Miami Beach, and multi-city Florida itineraries. For many of these visitors, navigating American airports, ground transportation, and the sheer distances involved in Florida is unfamiliar territory.

This guide explains everything an international visitor needs to know about getting around Florida — from the moment your plane lands through customs to your hotel, resort, or cruise terminal.

Which Florida Airport Should You Fly Into?

Orlando International (MCO)Best for Disney World, Universal Studios, Davenport vacation homes. ~22 miles to Disney, ~45 miles to Port Canaveral.
Miami International (MIA)Best for Miami hotels, PortMiami cruises, and South Florida. Also used by travelers heading to Orlando via long-distance transfer.
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)Often cheaper airfares than MIA. ~26 miles to Miami, adjacent to Port Everglades cruise terminal. Good alternative entry point for South Florida.
Tampa International (TPA)Best for Tampa area, Gulf Coast, and cruise departures from Port Tampa Bay.

What Happens After You Land: Customs & Immigration

International arrivals at US airports must clear customs and immigration before collecting luggage and exiting to ground transportation. At MCO and MIA, this process typically takes 45 to 90 minutes — sometimes longer during peak arrival windows. This time must be factored into your ground transportation plan, especially for cruise connections with boarding deadlines.

When booking private transportation, always communicate your flight number — your driver will track the actual arrival and adjust the pickup time based on your real landing time, not the scheduled one. This means no waiting outside if customs takes longer than expected, and no extra charges for the delay.

Florida Distances: What International Visitors Often Underestimate

Florida is a large state. Distances between popular destinations are much greater than visitors from smaller countries often expect. A few key reference points:

  • MCO to Disney World — 22 miles, approximately 30–40 minutes
  • MCO to Port Canaveral — 45 miles, approximately 50–70 minutes
  • MIA to Disney World / Davenport — approximately 235 miles, 3.5–4 hours
  • MIA to Port Canaveral — approximately 225 miles, 3–3.5 hours
  • FLL to Miami — 26 miles, approximately 35–45 minutes
  • Tampa to Port Canaveral — 135 miles, approximately 2 hours

These distances make pre-booked private transportation especially important — improvising ground transportation at the airport after a long international flight adds stress and time at the moment when travelers are most tired.

How to Book: No US Phone Number Needed

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WhatsApp

The easiest option for international travelers — message us on WhatsApp before you travel to confirm your booking and get all details in writing.

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Book Online

The online booking system accepts international reservations — no US phone number or address required.

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Call or Text

US number: (954) 857-8186 and (407) 520-9506. International callers can also reach us via WhatsApp on these numbers.

Child Seats: Required by Florida Law

Florida law requires child safety seats for children under 5 years old. Visitors traveling with young children must ensure their ground transportation includes the correct seat type — infant seat, toddler seat, or booster seat depending on the child's age and weight.

Eva Transportation provides all child seat types free of charge, pre-installed before pickup. Specify the number of children and their ages when booking — this is one of the most important things to arrange before arriving, as rideshare availability of child-seat-equipped vehicles in Florida is inconsistent and cannot be guaranteed on the day.

Tipping in the United States

Tipping is customary — not legally required, but standard practice in American service culture. For private car service and transportation drivers, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the fare is typical for good service. This can be given in cash at the end of the ride, or added when booking online where the option is available.

"Book your airport transfer before you board your flight — not after you land. Arranging ground transportation from the airport curb after customs is the most stressful version of this process."

Payment: What International Visitors Need to Know

Private transportation in Florida is typically paid by credit card — Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted. Cash in US dollars is also accepted. International credit cards work normally. Currency conversion happens through your card issuer at current rates — no action is needed on your part beyond paying in USD.

What to Have Ready When You Land

  • Your driver's contact information — provided when you book; save it to your phone before departure
  • Your flight number — shared at booking so the driver can track your arrival in real time
  • Your destination address or resort name — including the specific building or entrance if going to Disney or a large resort complex
  • WhatsApp access — the easiest way to communicate with your driver if anything changes after landing
  • USD for tipping — if you prefer to tip in cash rather than by card

Pricing Overview

MCO → Walt Disney WorldFrom $180 per vehicle
MCO → Port CanaveralFrom $210 per vehicle
Tampa → Port CanaveralFrom $500 per vehicle
MIA ↔ Port CanaveralFrom $1,150 per vehicle
Tampa → MCOFrom $350 per vehicle
Hourly charterFrom $110 per hour
Child seatsFree of charge
Flight delay adjustmentFree of charge
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does customs and immigration take at MCO or MIA?
International arrivals at Orlando (MCO) and Miami (MIA) airports typically take 45 to 90 minutes through customs and immigration, depending on flight volume and time of day. Your private car driver tracks your flight and waits for your real exit time — no additional charge for customs delays.
Do I need to tip the driver for private transportation in Florida?
Tipping is customary in the United States. For private car service, a tip of 15 to 20 percent is standard for good service, though it is not mandatory. It can be given in cash at the end of the ride or added when booking online.
Can I book private transportation if I don't have a US phone number?
Yes. Eva Transportation can be booked via WhatsApp, the online booking system, or email — no US phone number is required. WhatsApp is the most convenient option for international travelers and works on any international number.
Are child seats required by law in Florida?
Yes. Florida law requires child safety seats for children under 5 years old. Eva Transportation provides infant, toddler, and booster seats free of charge — specify your child's age at booking so the correct seat is pre-installed before pickup.
What is the best airport to fly into for Disney World?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Walt Disney World — approximately 22 miles, a 30 to 40 minute drive. Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are further away but sometimes offer better international airfares, with long-distance ground transportation available.
Can I pay for private transportation with an international credit card?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted. International credit cards work normally — you pay in USD and your card issuer handles the currency conversion at their current rate.

Planning Your Florida Trip from Abroad?

Book your airport transfer before you fly — via WhatsApp, online, or by phone. Fixed pricing, free child seats, flight tracking included.