St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously occupied European-founded city in the United States. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish coquina fort at 1 S Castillo Dr, anchors a walkable historic district of narrow lanes, museums and waterfront restaurants. It is a long drive for one day, so start early. The trip is about 105 miles (169 km) northeast from Orlando, roughly 1 hour 50 minutes by car. Take I-4 east to I-95 north, then exit at SR-16 or King St to the old city; about 1 hour 50 minutes. Costs: Castillo de San Marcos admission $15 for adults, children under 16 free (confirm at nps.gov/casa); Lightner Museum about $20; parking about $15 per day. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 904-829-6506 or www.nps.gov/casa.
| Distance | About 105 miles (169 km) northeast |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 50 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Drive: Take I-4 east to I-95 north, then exit at SR-16 or King St to the old city; about 1 hour 50 minutes. No LYNX or SunRail service reaches this destination, so rent a car, book a tour or use rideshare. |
| Cost | Castillo de San Marcos admission $15 for adults, children under 16 free (confirm at nps.gov/casa); Lightner Museum about $20; parking about $15 per day |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas; downtown garage parking about $15 per day (Historic Downtown Parking Facility)
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Full-day coach tours from Orlando cost about $90-$150 per person
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $170-$250 each way
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
29.8970, -81.3115 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the Castillo de San Marcos and its cannon firing demonstrations
- Stroll pedestrian St. George Street
- Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island
- See the Flagler College campus, once the Ponce de Leon Hotel
Tips for visiting
- Leave Orlando by 7:30 AM to get a full day
- Park in the Visitor Information Center garage at 10 W Castillo Dr and walk
- Take the Old Town Trolley for a hop-on, hop-off loop
- Consider staying overnight; the town is atmospheric in the evening
When to visit
October to April for mild weather. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
The fort has accessible ground-level areas; the historic district has uneven brick and coquina paving. Phone the National Park Service at 904-829-6506.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is St. Augustine from Orlando?
About 105 miles, roughly 1 hour 50 minutes via I-4 and I-95.
Is there a train?
No passenger train; use a car, coach tour or rideshare.
How long should I plan?
A full day of 7 to 9 hours, or an overnight stay.