Commute to Orlando?

[redwitch]

I'm sure some of you commute to Orlando. So, have a couple of questions:

1. How long does it take to get there during commute time?
2. Any good shortcuts when the highway is backed up due to accident?
3. How long does it take to get home during commute time?

Thanks!

[SteveZ]

Depending on which part of Orlando you need to go, its 60 miles (+ 5 miles) from TV.

Route 301, South to Florida Turnpike, then getting off on Rt 408 (toll) if going anywhere near downtown, or RT 528 (toll) if heading to Orlando Intl Airport is THE way to get there. It's an hour-plus no matter what you do.

The alternate routes should only be used in time of war. RT 441 (with various feeds into RT 46 & I-4, Rt 27, or RT 436) inolves a million traffic lights, perpetual construction and unreal congestion. If you plan to use these routes, pack a lunch.

[Patty]

Earlier this year, I commuted to a job in Winter Park, FL (north Orlando) which took me no less than 1 hour 20 minutes each way. I left from the north end of the Villages (CR 42) to 301S to Wildwood where I took the turnpike then onto 408 and then I-4 N for 3 exits. I tried every which way including 441/27 as well as turnpike to other exits....nothing was faster than turnpike, 408, and then exiting. It does depend where you need to go in Orlando, but I was fairly central.
I normally left at 6-6:15 am to arrive by 8 ish. If there was traffic on the turnpike....no great alternatives.

[gowens1]

Your looking at least an hour 1 way, longer if you hit construction or if there is an accident.
If you are looking for a job, try one of the call centers in Heathrow, at least they are off rt46 which will give you much quicker access than anything in the center of town.
gary

[redwitch]

Thanks for the info so far. However, I'm not sure I really got the question answered as yet.

Being a legal secretary, odds are I will be in downtown Orlando since that is where most law firms (at least the AV rated ones) are.

I know the drive is about one hour non-commute times but I'm really trying to figure out true commute times. From where I lived in the Bay Area, I could get to the City in about 40 minutes non-commute times. If I drove during peak hours, the time was 1-1/2 hrs even using commuter lanes. If I took BART, it was 1-1/4 hours. So, any help?

[pili]

How much is the turnpike from TV to Orlando (say Orlando airport). It seems the fastest/easiest way is the turnpike. Thanks.

pili

[SteveZ]

Don't rule out Ocala. Middle District of Florida (Fed) & 5th Judicial (FL) are there. Am not sure how heavy their calendars are, but it is closer than Orlando and much cheaper to commute. When matching salary differential to commuting costs, there may be an advantage to look north.

[redwitch]

Haven't ruled out Ocala but there seem to be many more openings in Orlando. We'll see what happens after the 1st. No self-respecting legal secretary leaves until after Christmas bonuses and the lovely OT that comes with the end of the year stuff. lol

[conn8757]

The big insurance companies have legal staff inhouse - really good benefits and if the company makes money, most give bonuses now. Many, many housed in Maitland Center near Orlando - Nationwide is up Gainesville way - also Ocala houses workers comp judge and mediators which might require your skills.