Best route to Sanford airport
 

Any roads to avoid while going to the airport? Mapquest is taking me north to 42 north and east of Lake a Griffin avoiding Leesburg & Mount Dora. Any suggestions?

My opinion, I usually take 42 during the day but the Leesburg route at night.

We are south of 466A so that might make a difference, but... The computer shows all 3 or 4 routes to take the same time but I have found the longest route is actually quickest and with least chance of traffic issues. That is Florida's Turnpike down to 408 which is the East-West Something-or-other, then north on 417. We did it two days ago in 1 hour and 12 minutes.

When the Morse Ave turnpike on ramps open, then it will be 5-10 minutes quicker.

My route is thru Leesburg, 441 to 46.

I always use Google Maps. They show 3 choices:

1) the northern route - 42 to 44, 63.7 miles, 1 hr 26 min.

2) the southern route - the Turnpike to 408 to 417, 84.3 miles, 1 hr 23 min plus tolls

3) the straightest route - 441 to 46, 58.8 miles, 1 hr 30 min

As you can see, there is not much difference and one route will cost money because of tolls. I haven't been to the airport but I have gone to the Autotrain station twice in Sanford, and I always take the straight route. You do get traffic on 441, but I like stuff to look at while driving rather than just pine trees.

I just came back today using the 'southern route' of 408 and 417. It took me 1:22, so I take back my earlier claim of 1:12.

The trouble is with the other routes that the minute there is any congestion at all, the google maps estimates go bad on you. There is nothing worse than slogging thru stoplight after stoplight and worrying that you are missing your flight.

The "southern route" does have tolls, so that may be a consideration. But, there are only about 2 stoplights on the whole route!

Your post made me think of one other reason I would consider the Turnpike over the other two routes. Driving at night, after living so many years in Florida and Georgia there nothing worse than going at a high rate of speed down a deserted two lane road and see deer standing on or next to the roadway. Anytime it's dark or getting dark, use the interstate or Florida Turnpike, the fences alongside are not completely foolproof but are the closest thing we have.

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