StayAreasInternational Drive or Kissimmee: where should you stay in Orlando?
- Kissimmee is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $150 a night, against $170 in International Drive.
- International Drive is closer to 6 of the 7 big sights we timed; Kissimmee wins on 1.
- International Drive has better transport links.
- From Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee is quicker: 86 min against 89 min.
International DriveRestaurants, attractions & valuePick International Drive if
- Budget travellers and families
- Convention travellers
- Visitors mixing several parks
KissimmeeVacation homes, motels & big resortsPick Kissimmee if
- Big families and groups
- Budget travellers
- Long stays
International Drive vs Kissimmee, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | International Drive | Kissimmee |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $90 | $70 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $170 | $150 (better) |
| Luxury double | $350 | $300 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Downtown Orlando | 45 min (better) | 60 min |
| ICON Park | 14 min walk (better) | 112 min |
| Universal Studios Florida | 26 min (better) | 119 min |
| SeaWorld Orlando | 27 min (better) | 106 min |
| Disney Springs | 31 min (better) | 73 min |
| Epic Universe | 40 min (better) | 127 min |
| Lake Eola Park | 54 min (better) | 81 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 89 min | 86 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Good (better) | Limited |
| Nightlife | Good (better) | Limited |
| Quiet at night | Limited | Good (better) |
| Food | Very good (better) | Good |
| Families | Very good | Very good |
| Transport | Good (better) | Poor |
Hotels in International Drive and Kissimmee
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International Drive or Kissimmee: questions
Is International Drive or Kissimmee better to stay in?
Kissimmee is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $150 a night, against $170 in International Drive. International Drive is closer to 6 of the 7 big sights we timed; Kissimmee wins on 1. International Drive has better transport links. From Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee is quicker: 86 min against 89 min. International Drive suits budget travellers and families and convention travellers; Kissimmee suits big families and groups and budget travellers.
Which is cheaper, International Drive or Kissimmee?
Typical doubles in International Drive: $90 budget, $170 mid-range, $350 luxury. In Kissimmee: $70, $150 and $300. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, International Drive or Kissimmee?
Door to door: ICON Park is 14 min walk from International Drive and 112 min from Kissimmee; Universal Studios Florida is 26 min from International Drive and 119 min from Kissimmee; SeaWorld Orlando is 27 min from International Drive and 106 min from Kissimmee; Disney Springs is 31 min from International Drive and 73 min from Kissimmee.
How far is Orlando International Airport (MCO) from International Drive and Kissimmee?
89 min to International Drive and 86 min to Kissimmee, door to door by public transport.