Looking at flying into Miami for a few days and then travelling to Orlando. I can see AA for $188 but would like to know if there are cheaper options available ?

A one-way car rental is a good, less expensive option. But, be sure to check drop-off fees (if any) and charges for a Sunpass (Turnpike toll transponder). Estimated travel time is 4 hours + rest stops. If you want to consider Thrifty, use Corporate # 004M001010 (the Orlando Magicard rate which is available to all).

Rental car companies do not charge one-way rental fees for rentals within the state of Florida, at least not the last time I looked into it. You can probably get a one-way car rental for around $35.

Southwest flies FLL-MCO, usually less than $100 for advance purchase. Only bookable on their own website.

Depending on where in the Miami area you are staying FLL may or may not be a viable option.

I used to live in Orlando but went to grad school in Fort Lauderdale so I made the drive often. I'm the kind of guy that hates paying for something that should be free. Avoiding the Turnpike and saving money is easy. For my route, it only added 20 minutes travel time to take 192 to I-95. I'd say it's worth using an online map and checking the "Avoid Toll Roads" option to compare travel times.

But, for someone using a rental, I'd strongly suggest avoiding the Turnpike completely. I've read horror stories from tourists who end up with outrageous fees related to tolls.

rental car and I-95 will be your best bet. Turnpike might be slightly faster but make sure you get a transponder ><

How about public transportation options? Unfortunately Amtrak is quite slow and only one train a day. There are some bus companies when googling that offer MIA-MCO - any experience? It probably depends on where we are staying - miami411 probably best for hotel pick up from south beach. Is the greyhound station near the new MIA transport hub accessable by walking? Searching for Miami Airport to Orlando greyhound is offering some connecting service while from 27th street (2 blocks from MIA station on 25th st. it is direct and there are many more options)

We are only staying one night in Miami, so I could stay in an airport hotel or - if priceline is willing to accept a reasonable price for a sunday night in South beach - with the airport-Southbeach bus #150.

I see that driving on non-toll roads only adds half an hour but it seems to be quite tricky - i95 seems to be toll road on the express lanes but not on the exit lane??? As a non-US-tourist it seems quite dangerous to run into those high fees (would probably rent with alamo - good package deals for Europeans).

Btw, how is the Amtrak option? I do love train travel and do not mind slight delays as long as it's civilized. Any ideas and experiences on train travel from the Orlando area to Tampa?

For bus, Red Coach offers picks up on the MIA departures level and drops off in Orlando (downtown or near the airport). Their website shows upscale looking coaches with free wi-fi and movies:

http://www.redcoachusa.com

One other consideration is to consider your plans once you reach Orlando - if you drive up in a rental car, you will have use of that car to get around the greater Orlando area. Without a car in the spread-out sprawl of Orlando, getting around will be very expensive (taxis) orvery inconvenient and time-consuming (transit).

We are visiting people living north of MCO, so no need for a car. They could pick us up in downtown Orlando or MCO. We have never been to Miami, so spending a night there and having a look around South Beach or Downtown (depending on hotel location) is the plan.

Not sure what you consider a reasonable offer on Priceline but the last time I stayed in SB I couldn't land 3 stars for under $70. And IIRC I got stuck with resort fees even at the 3 star places. On top of that, the 3 star hotels on SB would be considered 2-2.5 stars anywhere else (the buildings are OLD)

You can definitely get 4 stars in the Coral Gables/ Coconut Grove area for under $100 and will likely land in either the Hyatt Regency or the Mayfair Hotel, which are both very nice hotels and I believe both offer free airport transportation. The Mayfair is adjacent to CocoWalk which is a nice shopping and restaurant area.

I would just rent the car one way and avoid flying MIA to MCO. I'm personally biased as MIA is my least favorite airpot in the entire country. The car will be cheaper and you don't run the risk of the ridiculous delays that MIA is known for.