Orlando to Daytona Beach Distance: Driving, By Plane, Train or Bus Itinerary

Amtrak offers two daily services from Orlando to Daytona Beach on the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star trains. Both require a connection in Deland, FL and a transfer to the Thruway Bus. Both trips take just about 2.5 hours. Both trains feature reserved coach seats (starting at $57) and a Viewliner Roomette (starting at $152). The roomette accommodates 2 adults with seats that convert to a bed and a pull down top bunk, and features an en suite toilet and sink. With the sleeper compartments, meals are included on the Silver Meteor and not included on the Silver Star. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, checked baggage, able to check bicycles, and a café car serving up light meals.

The Silver Meteor also has a dining car which is a full-service restaurant. Seating is available in both the dining car and the café car. Amtrak also offers travel packages that include hotels and activities.

There are several bus options from which to choose. Greyhound offers two daily routes. Each route takes approximately 1 hour. Prices start as low as $13 one way. For business travelers, you could catch the early bus and be to Daytona Beach in time to conduct business and then catch the evening bus back to Orlando.

Amenities on board include checked baggage, reclining seats and ample leg room, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and bathroom.

Greyhound is an economical way to travel. It also takes away the hassle of driving and allows you to enjoy the scenery.

Another option is the Do Shuttle which operates between the Orlando International Airport and Daytona Beach. The shuttles provide air conditioning, Wi-Fi, high ceilings and general comfort. The shuttle has 10 daily departures. Rates are $34 per adult and $17 per child 0-12 years of age.

By Private Transfer Services

Private shuttle service is offered by Elite Transportation. Prices are determined based on the type of vehicle used and the final point of destination. Convenience comes at a price, but depending on your time and situation, a private service may fit your requirements quite nicely.

Orlando is about 58 miles south of Daytona Beach. The fastest route by car is to take I-4 out of Orlando which will take you north to Daytona Beach. This drive should take approximately 1.5 hours. Another option is to take Florida State Route 417 and 415 from Orlando to Daytona Beach. This may not be the best route for the business traveler, but the vacationer would enjoy more scenery.

• What makes Orlando a must-visit destination?
  • Orlando is known as the theme park capital of Florida and possibly the world.
  • It is home to some of the most famous attractions globally.
• Which major theme parks can be found in Orlando?
  • Orlando features some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including:
  • Disney World
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Universal Orlando
• Are there any unique attractions in Orlando?
  • Yes, Orlando offers a number of off-the-beaten-track attractions for visitors seeking something different.
  • These hidden gems provide alternative experiences beyond the major theme parks.

For a day trip from Orlando it would be thrilling to visit the Kennedy Space Center. Take Hwy. 528 straight east out of Orlando to the coast. Hwy. 528 will connect with Hwy. A1A; follow the signs to Kennedy Space Center. Activities at the Center include visiting all the exhibits from Apollo to Space Shuttle; meeting up with an actual astronaut; and experience a Space Shuttle launch. To get to Daytona Beach from this little side trip either take Hwy. A1A up the coast to Daytona Beach or go back to I-95 for a more express route.

Back on I-4 going north toward I-95 you will find the Central Florida Zoo near Lake Monroe. With over 500 animals to see, this would make a great stop for a family outing.

If you take Florida State Route 417 and 415, you will drive along the bridge that crosses Lake Jesup. The lake is home to a large number of wildlife species and is thought to contain a dense alligator population. As you drive, look for bald eagles and osprey perching on the various light posts. They are waiting to fish.

Further along Hwy 415, your next stop should be the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse between Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach. Connect to I-95 from Hwy 417 and take a guided tour of this historic lighthouse. Experience the dazzling views from the top of the lighthouse after climbing the 203 steps required to get there. Imagine a tall ship of days gone by sailing toward the shore. Learn about the lenses and the history of this fabulous lighthouse.

Just past the intersection of I-4 and I-95, situated between I-95 and the Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is Daytona International Speedway. If the timing is right, you can take in a race or just tour the enormous speedway. To experience the thrill of speed go on a ride along with a professional driver or get behind the wheel and take a car for a spin yourself. Excitement thrives at the Speedway.

If you are driving I-4, another stop along the way should be the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve Park. Some of central Florida’s most pristine nature is on display at the park. A network of blackwater streams and wetlands are home for alligators, storks, black bears and otters. Nature trails and hikes abound.

• How can you reach the Ocala National Forest from I-4?
  • Take the exit for Hwy 17 and follow it through Deland, FL.
  • Continue on Hwy 17 until the junction with Hwy 40.
  • This route will take you directly into the heart of the National Forest.
• How large is the Ocala National Forest?
  • The Ocala National Forest is the second largest nationally protected forest.
  • It covers an area of 607 square miles.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in the Ocala National Forest?
  • The forest offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Activities include:
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
• What water activities are available in the Ocala National Forest?
  • With more than 600 lakes, springs, and rivers, the forest offers a variety of water activities.
  • Visitors can dive, snorkel, and swim in the clear, crystalline waters.
  • These activities are available year-round, regardless of the season.

Daytona Beach is a beautiful city situated on the St. John’s River. Daytona Beach is only 16 miles from the coast and the coast offers 22 miles of white sand beaches. The city’s website details everything wonderful about the city: places to stay; cuisine to try; adventures to take; explorations to make and beaches to enjoy.

Google Maps highlights three different bike routes between Orlando and Daytona Beach. All the routes are inland. One route follows the Seminole Wekiva Trail for a portion. The Seminole Wekiva Trail is a paved recreational trail known for its beauty. Google does a very nice job of providing turn by turn directions.

The website Florida Hikes also shows a map of hiking and biking trails all around Florida. None of the trails though go from Orlando to Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach has so much to offer in one concentrated corner of the world. Learn about some of the earliest historical facts of America. Participate in a number of outdoor sports – swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking and camping. Taste some of the best food and wine there is to have. Enjoy a variety of cultural influences. Or, just relax at the beach and soak up the sun.