Safe to drive Semoran to Highway 50 to Clermont from MCO? (Orlando: renting, hotel)

[Miskolci]

Closing on a home soon in the Clermont area. I need to fly down for the closing, and was thinking of renting a car at the airport then taking Semora to 50 to Clermont. I thought it would be a good way to get a feel for the whole area, and see what is around, as opposed to getting on the large highways and frantically looking for my exits.

I presently live out in the cornfields far, far west of Chicago, where the traffic is easily avoided, so driving on crowded city expressway/toll roads is not something I enjoy and am not comfortable with. I am the person that can get anywhere on back roads, and I love finding the back roads. I just don't yet know which are the safe areas and which aren't for my driving explorations!

I am also considering just grabbing a taxi to my hotel and then renting a vehicle when I get to Clermont.

[WellShoneMoon]

Highway 50 from Semoran west is not exactly a back road. If you're familiar with Chicago streets, think of driving on North Clark Street from Evanston to the Loop. It can be done, but it will take for.ev.er. 50 is a very busy commercial street -- lots of traffic, lots of traffic lights.

If you're worried about finding the appropriate exits on the toll roads, use Google Maps and scope them out in advance.

If it's not rush hour, I find the Orlando area toll roads pretty easy and they move along. Even quicker if you have a SunPass. Much better than Chicagoland toll roads.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by WellShoneMoon

Highway 50 from Semoran west is not exactly a back road. If you're familiar with Chicago streets, think of driving on North Clark Street from Evanston to the Loop. It can be done, but it will take for.ev.er. 50 is a very busy commercial street -- lots of traffic, lots of traffic lights.

If you're worried about finding the appropriate exits on the toll roads, use Google Maps and scope them out in advance.

If it's not rush hour, I find the Orlando area toll roads pretty easy and they move along. Even quicker if you have a SunPass. Much better than Chicagoland toll roads.

This.

50 from Semoran to Clermont is horrible. Think this: You'll have to go through East Orlando, through downtown Orlando, through the Parramore district, through all of Pine Hills, through Ocoee, through Winter Garden... All which have some pretty annoying stop/go traffic and stop lights. And it's not exactly scenic either.

If you want to "see" the city, take Semoran to 408, and then take 408 all the way down to its end at the Turnpike. Turnpike takes you straight to Clermont.

408 shoots right through downtown Orlando, crosses I4, all while avoiding most traffic.

There aren't really any back/side roads going from the airport to Clermont.
Once in Clermont, you'll have plenty of nice, quiet backroads to explore

[MrKnight]

As stated by PP, Semoran and 50 are both major roadways in Central Florida with heavy stop and go traffic. I would recommend instead taking Semoran to 408 which will fly you right over downtown and then merge into the Turnpike which takes you to Clermont.

[Crane's Rooster]

That's a good way to get to see some of the area. It goes through some nice and some shady areas, but nothing that wouldn't be safe since there's all major roads. The only issue is that it can be very congested, Colonial/50 is a very busy thoroughfare. You'll pass through downtown, South Semoran, Pine Hills, Winter Garden, Ocoee and some other small towns. It's actually a pretty nice drive once you get to Ocoee.

[boy3365]

I second Crane.

The lights will be a PAIN depending on the time of day, but it's a good way to explore the area.

[tinytrump]

I have fam. in Clermont and live near Semoran -I take 50 if I want to save on tolls. I have learned a lot of what is in that area that way. Timing is important, 5 Pm is bad everywhere, and there is NO direct cut across,,,

[floridamove]

Yeah as a newcomer, do the route you asked. You will miss the whole city feel if u jump on 408 and turnpike. Since u have all the time, would drive in the inner city to have a feel. I live in lake Nona and I shop in w colonial. I do that route when I first moved here. Would not do it again due to traffic not for safety. If u like to explore when u r on 50, take a right on bennett into Baldwin park drive around the lake. Pretty nice. Also on50 u will go thru Viet food grocery area. In Semoran Mexican condensed. It's amazing to see the quick transit from just a few blocks. Would definitely do ur route to explore. Who cares about traffic as u have time to explore once. U probably won't do it again

[Miskolci]

Thanks for the feedback! I do appreciate the options and suggestions of a couple different ways to go, and I am really looking forward to getting a good bit of "looking around" done. I don't mind dealing with traffic and lights this one time, and it's good to know I suddenly be driving through an area like Englewood in Chicago!

[brinkofsunshine]

Colonial Drive has got to be one of the ugliest drives in all of Orlando. Please don't let that be your introductory trip in the area. I'd recommend taking the 528 to I-4 and then get off at Sand Lake Rd. or Lake Buena Vista and take back roads through Dr. Phillips and Windermere up to Colonial, or something.