Last Updated on February 3, 2023
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Are you planning a trip to central Florida and hoping to take a trip from Orlando to Cocoa Beach?
Both cities are well-known in Florida, Orlando for its amusement parks, and Cocoa Beach for its beaches and surfing.
And taking a day trip to Cocoa Beach from Orlando is one of the best ways to experience all that both cities have to offer!
It’s just a short drive away, and there are many fantastic stops along the way.
Here are the best ways to get to Cocoa Beach from the city of Orlando and where to stop during the drive.
Photo Credit- Google Maps
Orlando To Cocoa Beach: Distance
The direct distance from Orlando International Airport to Cocoa Beach is only about 60 miles and it takes just under 1 hour to drive via Florida SR 528. Roundtrip the drive will be about 2 hours long. This route has tolls.
You can also avoid tolls by taking SR 50 and I-95. This route is about 65 miles and it takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to drive. The roundtrip drive will take about 3 hours.
Cocoa Beach makes for a great day trip if your home base is in Orlando during a visit to Florida.
Best Way To Get From Orlando To Cocoa Beach
There are multiple different ways to get to Cocoa Beach. Depending on how much time you have and how much you’re looking to spend will determine which way you take.
Car
The fastest and most convenient way to arrive in Cocoa Beach is to drive yourself, via a rental car or your own vehicle.
Having your own car gives you a lot more freedom than if you were to take a bus or the shuttle.
You’ll be able to make stops whenever you want, and there won’t be any time constraint on when you leave.
Overall, this is the best way to arrive in Cocoa Beach from the Orlando area.
If you’re driving yourself, there are two different routes to consider.
Route #1: SR 528 (Tolls)
The first option is by taking Florida SR 528. This drive will only take about 1 hour and will get you to Cocoa Beach in the fastest amount of time.
There are tolls along this road that will likely cost you around $5-10 one-way, depending on how many axles your car is.
Route #2: SR 50 (No Tolls)
If you’re hoping to avoid tolls, take SR 50 to the north, which connects to I-95. This route takes about 25 minutes longer, but you won’t need to pay any tolls.
Uber Or Lyft
Taking an Uber or a Lyft is another option for getting to Cocoa Beach. Rideshare apps are a great way to request a ride somewhere at any time of day, right from your phone.
An Uber for a one-way trip usually starts at around $50 and can cost up to nearly $200, depending on how many people you have.
To request a Lyft, the cost is typically around $60-200, again depending on what you need.
While these options can be spendy, they’re good choices for those who don’t want to rent a car.
Shuttle
Another transportation to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Cocoa Beach is to take the shuttle. This option offers a reliable way to get from one place to another.
The Cocoa Beach Shuttle is the best option, and costs around $65 for two people, per way.
The more people that you have, the more it will cost to take the shuttle. For example, if you are a family of four people, the shuttle will cost about $85.
Bus Or Taxi
There are no direct bus routes from Orlando to Cocoa Beach, but you are able to bus from the Orlando Bus Station to the Titusville area. This route is only available one time per day on certain days of the week.
From there, you can hire a taxi to take you the rest of the way, which is about 40 miles.
When you combine the price of the bus and taxi prices, it could cost you around $100-130 for one way.
The only trouble with this transportation option is that there may not be any taxis available when you need them.
Photo Credit- Sea World Orlando
Stops To Make Along The Way
If you have a rental car and are hoping to make the most of your trip from Orlando to Cocoa Beach, then make a stop at a few of these great destinations!
Sea World
Before leaving Orlando, make a stop at Sea World and get to know some of the neatest creatures that live underwater.
Visit dolphins, ride the famous (and floorless!) Kraken, and watch shows and presentations with marine life and their trainers.
Disney World
Also located in Orlando in the Lake Buena Vista area, Disney World is the most popular amusement park in the world!
Experience the magic of Disney by visiting one of the four parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios.
No matter which park you visit, you can ride the beloved rides, visit Disney characters, and snack on a Mickey Mouse-shaped soft pretzel.
Universal Studios
Another of Orlando’s popular amusement parks is Universal Studios, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Islands of Adventure.
You can meet characters from some of your favorite movies, ride the Hogwarts Express, and enjoy all of the classic theme park foods that you know and love.
Photo Credit- Exotic Animal Experience
Exotic Animal Experience
As you make your way out of Orlando, you’ll head past the Exotic Animal Experience, right on the outskirts of town.
This unique experience is different from visiting a zoo because you’re able to get up close and personal with the 40 exotic animals that call the place home.
All of the animals interact well with humans and you can see them up close, rather than through the bars of a cage.
Photo Credit- Airboat Rides Midway
Airboat Rides At Midway
Taking an airboat ride is a classic experience when you’re visiting Florida, and you can easily add it to your trip from Orlando to Cocoa Beach!
Found in Christmas, Florida, about halfway between Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Airboat Rides at Midway allows you to take a ride through the St.Johns River.
During your ride, you may see wild alligators or other exotic birds as you cruise down the river on the airboat.
If you’re looking for more airboat ride options near Orlando, check out this tour near Kissimmee.
If you’re looking for more airboat ride options near Orlando, check out This Tour Near Kissimmee
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
A quick stop at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge gives you the opportunity to experience some of Florida’s natural beauty.
With a variety of hiking and walking trails, it makes for a nice spot to stop and stretch your legs while on your travels.
There are also opportunities to see wildlife, such as manatees, from the Manatee Observation Deck within the refuge.
Kennedy Space Center
Located near Cape Canaveral on Merritt Island, the Kennedy Space Center is only 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach.
It’s the main launch center for human space flight and is one of NASA’s 10 field centers.
Visit the Visitor Complex and wander through the exhibits and attractions, which are divided into 5 mission zones.
Each teaches visitors about the complexities of flying humans to space, how it works, and the history of space flight.
Grills Seafood Deck
When you’re ready to grab a bite to eat, stop at Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar. One of my favorite places to eat on the Atlantic Coast, this waterfront restaurant serves some of Cape Canaveral’s best food with a unique atmosphere.
Enjoy a plate of their delicious seafood as you watch the ships and boats cruise past the shore, or enjoy the live entertainment on select nights.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Once you’ve arrived in Cocoa Beach from Orlando, one of the must-stop locations is the historic Cocoa Beach Pier.
The pier stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean 800 feet and is home to some great restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.
Also available are beach volleyball nets, and some great surfing. After spending some time at the pier, walk along the beach and enjoy the warm Florida sun.
Photo Credit- Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo
While a bit out of the way, a stop at Brevard Zoo is always a nice addition to your travels from Orlando.
Their open-air habitats house over 900 animals from all around the world including giraffes, rhinos, sea turtles, and more.
Along with just seeing the animals, there are a variety of adventures that you can purchase, like feeding giraffes or kayaking through an animal exhibit.
FAQs
Are There Tolls from Orlando to Cocoa Beach?
Yes, if you take Florida SR 528, there are two tolls that you will need to pay. These vary in price, depending on the axles in your car, but they typically cost around $5-10 one way.
How Do I Get From Orlando to Cocoa Beach Without a Car?
If you don’t have a rental car, the best way to get to Cocoa Beach from Orlando is by taking an Uber/Lyft or taking the Cocoa Beach Shuttle.
How Much is the Shuttle From Orlando to Cocoa Beach?
The Cocoa Beach Shuttle varies in cost, but for one person, the cost is about $45 per way. You will get a discount for having more people.
Final Thoughts: Orlando To Cocoa Beach
Planning a visit to the closest beach to Orlando is one of the best ways to spend a day during your vacation to central Florida.
Getting from Orlando to Cocoa Beach is pretty simple, but there are multiple ways to get there!
Choosing one of these transportation options will make your travels simple. And choosing the best choice, taking a rental car, will allow you to make stops along the way!
You may be interested in these related posts:
20+ Best Cocoa Beaches And Activities
Icon Park Orlando- Complete Visitor’s Guide
9 Best Places To Jet Ski In Orlando
Travel Resources
Book Your Next Trip! For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.
To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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