How to Get to Orlando From NJ [2026 Guide]
Traveling from New Jersey to Orlando takes between 2.5 hours and 24 hours depending on whether you choose air, rail, road, or bus transit. Flying nonstop from Newark (EWR) or Atlantic City (ACY) to Orlando (MCO) is the fastest option, taking around 2 hours and 50 minutes and costing $50 to $250+ one-way.
Amtrak trains take 21 to 23 hours from Newark Penn Station ($130–$300+ coach). Driving down I-95 South covers roughly 1,050 miles in 16 to 18 hours ($130–$180 fuel and tolls). Long-distance buses like Greyhound or FlixBus take 24 to 28 hours ($80–$140).
| Transport Mode & Route Leg | Travel Time & Grounded Rates |
|---|---|
| Nonstop Flight (Newark EWR / Atlantic City ACY to Orlando MCO) | 2 hrs 50 min flight (5 hrs door-to-door) | $50.00–$250.00+ |
| Amtrak Train (Newark Penn NWK to Orlando ORL Station) | 21–23 hrs | $130.00–$280.00 (Coach) / $500.00+ (Sleeper) |
| Personal Vehicle / Road Trip (NJ via I-95 South to Orlando) | 16–18 hrs driving (1,050 miles) | $130.00–$180.00 (Fuel + Tolls) |
| Intercity Bus (Newark / Mount Laurel to Orlando via Greyhound/FlixBus) | 24–28 hrs | $80.00–$140.00 per rider |
By Flying (Fastest)
Flying is by far the fastest and most convenient method to travel from New Jersey to Central Florida. Travelers in North and Central Jersey can depart from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which operates dozens of daily nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on carriers like United, JetBlue, and Spirit.
South Jersey residents can utilize Spirit Airlines out of Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) or fly from nearby Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Nonstop flight durations average 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. Budget airfares during off-peak periods frequently start as low as $50 to $90 one-way, while standard economy fares range from $120 to $250+.
By Train / Amtrak (Scenic & Direct)
For passengers who prefer to skip airport security and enjoy changing East Coast scenery, Amtrak offers direct passenger rail connections from New Jersey to Florida. Both the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star depart daily from Newark Penn Station (NWK) and Trenton (TRE), terminating directly at the Orlando Amtrak Station (ORL) south of downtown.
The journey takes between 21 and 23 hours. Basic coach seats feature wide legroom and electrical outlets, with tickets generally priced between $130 and $280 one-way. Private Viewliner Roomettes and Bedrooms include full meals and lie-flat beds, starting at $500 to $900+ per compartment.
By Driving (Flexible)
Driving to Orlando is a popular alternative for families and large groups looking to save on multiple airline tickets and maintain personal vehicle access without renting a car. The drive covers approximately 1,050 miles primarily along the Interstate 95 South corridor before connecting to Interstate 4 West in Daytona Beach toward Orlando.
Nonstop driving time averages 16 to 18 hours, though most travelers split the road trip into two days with an overnight stop in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia. Expect to spend $110 to $150 on gasoline depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, plus $20 to $35 in highway tolls across New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
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By Bus (Lowest Cost / Longest)
Intercity bus carriers such as Greyhound, Peter Pan, and FlixBus offer long-haul coach connections from New Jersey transit hubs like Newark Penn Station, Jersey City, and Mount Laurel to Orlando. While bus tickets represent one of the cheapest last-minute travel options—usually costing between $80 and $140 one-way—the travel time is substantial.
Most schedules take between 24 and 28 hours and require transfers or meal layovers in cities such as Washington D.C., Richmond, or Atlanta. Amenities typically include onboard Wi-Fi, standard power outlets, and undercarriage baggage allowances.
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How to Get to Orlando By Train
FAQs About How to Get to Orlando From NJ
What is the quickest way to get from New Jersey to Orlando?
A direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the fastest option, taking about 2 hours and 50 minutes in the air and roughly 5 hours total door-to-door.
Can I take a direct Amtrak train from New Jersey to Orlando?
Yes, Amtrak’s Silver Service trains (the Silver Star and Silver Meteor) depart directly from Newark Penn Station and Trenton without requiring a train transfer, arriving at the Orlando Station (ORL) in roughly 21 to 23 hours.
Where should I stop overnight when driving from NJ to Orlando?
When driving down the I-95 corridor, midpoint cities like Florence, South Carolina, or Savannah, Georgia, provide convenient highway exits, well-lit hotel clusters, and easy dining options around the 8-to-11-hour driving mark.
Which New Jersey airports fly direct to Orlando?
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) provides frequent daily nonstops on major airlines, while Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) offers direct low-cost flights via Spirit Airlines. Many South Jersey residents also fly direct from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) right across the state border.