Fastest routes from Brevard to Orlando: Here's what you should know before planning a trip

With summer vacation approaching, many Space Coast families will be heading to Orlando to enjoy its theme parks and other attractions. But with that comes battling the inevitable sluggish Central Florida traffic.

Here are the best ways to get to your destination quickly.

Non-toll routes

The fastest way to get to downtown Orlando from South or Central Brevard is to take State Road 520, then head west on State Road 50, according to Michael Williams, deputy communications director at Florida Department of Transportation.

If you're coming from North Brevard, you'll want to head to the downtown Orlando area by taking State Road 50 all the way to Orlando, Williams said.

Toll roads are more time-efficient

No matter where you're coming from, your trip will be faster if you take the routes with tolls, as these roads are the most direct and have the highest average speeds, according to Williams.

"Toll roads provide travelers with a choice that typically has greater reliability, less congestion and quicker travel times," Williams said. "Also, toll roads and other limited access roads in Central Florida are patrolled by Road Rangers who can render several services for free, including changing a flat tire, providing one gallon of gas, making minor mechanical repairs and towing a disabled vehicle to a safe spot."

If you're coming from South or Central Brevard, you'll want to take State Road 528 to State Road 417, then head north to westbound State Road 408, Williams said.

Those coming from North Brevard generally take State Road 50 west to State Road 408.

For theme parks via toll roads out of Central Brevard: For Walt Disney World, take State Road 528 west and then proceed south on State Road 417. For Universal Studios: Take State Road 528 west to I-4 East; then look for the Universal Orlando exit (Exit 75A).

Does weather, time of day impact best route?

Toll roads are considered the fastest routes for everyone, including motorcyclists, regardless of weather or time of day, according to Williams. However, some times are busier than others.

These roads will experience heaviest traffic from around 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, according to Williams. Traffic is lightest between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Preparing for your trip: Know what Orlando traffic looks like now

Before heading out, you can map your trip on apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. Not only will these apps show you how long you can expect your drive to take, but they'll also show you if there are crashes or other delays along your route.

You can also check live traffic feeds from Florida Highway Patrol and FL511, which will show you crashes, fires and other incidents along your route. FL511's feed allows you to map your trip with directions that can be printed ahead of your drive.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends checking your vehicle's fluids and tire pressure before making a trip away from home, and also making sure you have your proof of insurance and registration with you. It's also a good idea to make sure you have a spare tire and to check its pressure prior to your trip, according to FLHSMV.

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Avoiding Florida traffic: Fastest routes to Orlando, Disney, Universal