Getting Around Orlando
Orlando Travel Information
When it comes to getting around Orlando, you have a number of options which offer varying degrees of comfort and privacy. Due to the city’s many tourist attractions, there is plenty of public transportation designed for convenience and affordability, with some modes of transport whisking you from your hotel to the top attractions for free. Many of these run year-round.
In spite of all of these choices, the car is king in Orlando, just as it is across most of the US. The road network is excellent, and most attractions boast easy access and extensive parking facilities. Therefore, car rental is widely regarded as the most convenient and cost-effective option for travelling the city.
What are the best ways to get around Orlando?
1. Car rental
Hire a motor to see the sites
Without a doubt, the most popular option for getting around Orlando is renting a car, making this city the single largest rental market in the world! Within the airport alone, you’ll find companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, E-Z Rent-A-Car, L&M Car Rental, National, and Thrifty. You can also get a free shuttle bus to take you to other offices further away, which generally offer better prices.
There are a couple of points to bear in mind if you do plan to rent a car in Orlando. The obvious factor is that you’ll require a US or International driving license. You’ll also need to be prepared for toll roads, which include the two main routes from the airport to the city’s major attractions: SR-528 West, leading to International Drive and SR-417 South, leading to SR-536. In addition, you’ll need to pay for your own gas. Be aware that some of the pumps close to the airport and Walt Disney World artificially inflate their prices by as much as $2 per gallon above the norm.
2. Taxi
Hail or book a cab
Dozens of official taxi companies operate in and around Orlando, as do a number of unlicensed cabs. Most taxis operate a meter, with a $2 to $4 starting cost and then approximately $2.50 per kilometer rate. A ride from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World® Resort, for example, would cost approximately $60 to $80.
Hailing a cab off the street increases the risk of getting an unlicensed, and sometimes, uninsured vehicle. It’s generally better to call one of the popular and permitted companies which include: Mears Transportation (+1 407-422-4561), Ace Luxury Transportation (+1 407-292-4444), and AJ Transportation (+1 407-987-9330). Uber is also widely available, very popular, and generally cheaper than normal cabs in Orlando.
3. Shuttle van
An affordable way to zip about
There are a number of shared shuttle van services around Orlando, some of which are free while others charge rates depending on their location. Several shuttles operate from the airport, providing a cheaper option for reaching Downtown Orlando and the major tourist attractions, with prices starting from $13 per person.
Many hotels offer a free shuttle service from the airport and the hotels directly associated with Walt Disney World® Resort provide a free shuttle to the theme park. Reputable companies include Orlando Transportation, MCO Shuttles, and Manton Transportation.
4. Bus
Ride with the locals
The main Central Florida bus system is known as the LYNX bus and is one of the cheapest methods of getting around Orlando. There are about 60 routes, each costing $2 per ride or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Buses run at 15, 30, and 60-minute intervals. Look for stops marked with pink bus symbols or paw prints.
The LYMMO service, provided by LYNX, is a free circular route around Downtown Orlando, with 21 stops from the Kia Center arena to City Hall. Buses run every 5 minutes between 9 am and 5 pm, and every 10 minutes in the evenings.
5. I-Ride Trolley
Climb aboard this street car with wheels
Serving popular attractions in the International Drive resort area of Orlando, the I-Ride Trolley is basically another bus service, with its bright green vehicles dressed up like tram cars. There are two routes: the Red Line, which services International Drive itself and the Green Line, which ventures along Universal Boulevard.
There are over 100 stops, with the year-round service running at 20-minute intervals between 8 am to 10.30 pm. A single fare is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children (ages 3 to 9 with a paying adult), and a bargain $0.25 for seniors. Don’t miss the Unlimited Day Ride Passes which cost $8.00 per person.
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