Orlando Airport Shuttle: Universal Orlando's Service Explained

Universal Orlando offers a shuttle service, known as the Universal SuperStar Shuttle, for guests staying at official Universal Orlando Resort Hotels. The shuttle transports guests from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to their hotel and is available for one-way or round trips. While the shuttle service is convenient, it can be costly for larger groups, who may prefer to use ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft, or a rental car.

Universal's SuperStar Shuttle

The SuperStar Shuttle is available for guests with flights arriving between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. These guests will need to go to the Baggage Claim (Level 2) to collect their belongings and then proceed to the Hotel Transportation Desk on Level 1, Ground Transportation, in the terminal specified by their arrival airline. Here, they will be greeted by a Universal Orlando representative.

For guests with flights arriving outside of these hours, Universal will provide advance instructions on how to collect the shuttle. A day or two before the trip, Universal will send a text message with directions to find the shuttle once you land, along with a digital map of the airport. The shuttle service costs \$39 per adult for a round trip, with one-way options also available.

The SuperStar Shuttle has received mixed reviews. Some passengers have praised the service for its convenience, seamless style, and friendly drivers, while others have complained about long travel times of up to 2 hours due to multiple stops, and poor customer service.

Uber or Lyft

Universal Orlando does offer a shuttle service between Orlando International Airport and Universal Orlando Resort Hotels. The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is Universal's official transportation service and offers one-way or round-trip rides. The shuttle service costs $39 per adult and $23 per child aged 2-12 years. Children under 2 travel for free.

If you would prefer to use Uber or Lyft, both services are widely available in Orlando and offer fast, reliable transportation. At Universal Orlando, signs for Uber and Lyft can be found throughout the exit, directing riders to the correct pick-up locations. Uber and Lyft rides between Universal Orlando and Orlando International Airport cost around $20-$30 each way, with Lyft offering better rates than Uber. For example, a ride from Universal to Orlando International Airport is about $32 with Uber and $24 with Lyft.

Uber and Lyft rides can be requested at any time of day, and cars usually arrive within 10 minutes. Uber also offers the option to request an Uber Car Seat for an additional fee of around $10, which may increase your wait time. Lyft does not currently offer car seats in Orlando.

When using Uber or Lyft at Universal Orlando, it is important to note that drivers must use the Uber Zone drop-off center located in the Jurassic Park Garage. During busy times, such as holidays, drivers may be redirected to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC).

For those who prefer to avoid the main transportation hub, Uber, Lyft, and taxis can also be used to travel to Hard Rock or Sapphire Falls, from where a water taxi can be taken.

Taxi

If you're looking to take a taxi to Universal Orlando, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Mears Transportation Group dominates the taxi industry in the Orlando area, so you're likely to come across them when looking for a taxi. They offer transportation services from taxis to large shuttle buses. The cost of a shuttle service from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios through Mears Transportation is around $23-$27 per person.

If you're looking for a traditional taxi experience, you can find metered taxis at the Ground Transportation level of the pickup area at Orlando Airport. The price for a metered taxi to Universal Orlando is between $38 and $50 per ride, one way. It's important to note that taxis will charge extra for additional stops and time spent in traffic, so the fare can quickly add up if you're caught in a traffic jam.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in the Orlando area and can be convenient options for getting to Universal Orlando. These services can be accessed through their respective apps, and you can compare rates and promotions to find the best option for you. However, keep in mind that rideshare services are subject to surge pricing, especially during high-demand periods.

When it comes to transportation within the Universal Orlando Resort, there are water taxis available exclusively at select resort hotels, offering a quick and enjoyable journey to Universal CityWalk. From there, you can choose to head to Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida. Shuttle buses are also available at all resort hotels, providing consistent service throughout the day to either Volcano Bay or CityWalk.

Rental car

If you're looking for a rental car near Universal Orlando, there are several options available. Here are some of the top choices:

Avis Rent a Car

Avis has a location at the DoubleTree Hotel near Universal Studios Orlando, making it a convenient spot to rent a car. They offer a variety of vehicles, including stylish SUVs, perfect for exploring the lakes near Orlando or visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Avis accepts most major credit cards and offers multiple drop-off locations across Orlando, including Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport.

Budget Rent a Car

Budget has a rental counter at the Holiday Inn-Universal Studios, providing easy access to rental cars. They offer various vehicles, including economy cars, midsize cars, and intermediate SUVs, catering to different needs and preferences. You can also choose to drop off your rental car at Orlando International Airport or other Budget locations across Orlando.

Miles Car Rental

Miles Car Rental specializes in providing rental cars specifically for visitors to Universal Studios Orlando. They offer discounts of up to 35% on car rentals and include benefits such as Basic Roadside Assistance and Unlimited Miles. With their convenient location near Universal Studios, you can easily pick up your rental car and explore Orlando at your own pace.

Other Options

In addition to these companies, there are other rental car providers near Universal Orlando, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz. You can also consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, which are popular options for transportation to and from the airport. These services offer convenience and affordability, especially if you are not travelling alone.

Mears shuttle

Universal Orlando Resort offers a shuttle service from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to its resort hotels. This shuttle service is called Universal's SuperStar Shuttle. It is important to note that Universal's SuperStar Shuttle does not service Sanford Orlando Airport.

Mears Transportation Group is a shuttle service that provides transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Mears Connect is a 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service that operates between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Walt Disney World® Resorts, Disney Springs Resorts, and other Disney area Resort Hotels. Mears is the preferred transportation service provider of Orlando International Airport.

Mears Transportation Group provides shuttle services to private jet airports, hotels, resorts, restaurants, sporting events, shopping plazas, theme parks, and other Central Florida attractions. Some of the theme parks that Mears services include Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios® Florida, and SeaWorld® Orlando.

Mears Connect offers both standard and express shuttle services, which are wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant. The standard service is the most affordable transportation option, with kids under three riding for free. The express shuttle service offers minimal wait times and direct transportation to and from your hotel and the airport.

Frequently asked questions