Universal's Airport Transportation: What You Need To Know

Universal Studios offers a shuttle service called the SuperStar Shuttle, which transports guests from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to their Universal Orlando Resort hotel. The shuttle service is priced at $23 for a one-way trip and $39 for a round trip. While the SuperStar Shuttle is the most convenient option, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also popular choices, with prices ranging from $25 to $100 depending on the vehicle size and time of day. Taxis are also available at MCO Airport, with fares ranging from $38 to $50 per ride.

Universal SuperStar Shuttle

The shuttle will pick you up from the airport and take you straight to your hotel, and vice versa. It is available for guests with flights arriving between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. For these guests, they will have to go to Baggage Claim (Level 2) to obtain their belongings and then to the Hotel Transportation Desk located on Level 1, Ground Transportation, of the terminal specified by their arrival airline. Guests with flights arriving before 7:00 am and after 8:00 pm will receive advance instructions to collect the shuttle. The shuttle can accommodate up to 25 passengers and may stop at other Universal Orlando Resort Hotels en route to your hotel.

The shuttle service is available for guests who plan to spend all their time on Universal Orlando property and don’t plan on visiting any Disney World parks. It is also ideal for those who want a stress-free way to get to their hotel from the airport. Booking a round trip on the Super Star Shuttle will provide transportation from MCO to Universal at the start of your vacation and from Universal back to MCO at the end of your trip.

The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is not the cheapest option, with prices starting at $23 per person for a one-way trip and $39 per person for a round trip. However, it is still a popular choice for many guests due to its convenience and direct service.

Uber or Lyft ridesharing

When it comes to ridesharing with Uber or Lyft, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. Firstly, it is recommended to check the airport's website or your chosen ride-hailing app for instructions before booking your ride. This is because pickup locations and procedures can vary across different airports. For example, at some airports, the pickup area for ride-hailing services may be right outside the baggage claim area. Checking in advance will help you navigate the airport and locate your driver efficiently.

Another factor to consider is the timing of your ride request. It is generally advised to avoid requesting a ride until you are close to the designated pickup area. Reserving a ride too early may result in additional waiting charges or inconvenience for the driver. Additionally, be mindful of surge pricing, which occurs when demand for rides exceeds the supply of available drivers. You can try to avoid surge pricing by requesting a ride a few minutes later or by moving to a different pickup location outside the surge area.

When using Uber or Lyft, you have the option to choose from different service levels. For instance, Uber offers UberX, Uber Pool, and Uber Reserve, each with its own unique features and pricing. Lyft, on the other hand, provides options such as Lyft Standard and Wait & Save. It is important to select the appropriate service level that aligns with your preferences and budget.

Both Uber and Lyft offer features that cater to travellers with specific needs. For instance, if you are travelling with children, both platforms have safety measures in place to ensure a secure journey. Additionally, if you are travelling with a large group, you can utilise features like UberXL or Lyft XL, which accommodate larger parties.

Lastly, it is worth noting that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of travellers. They are continuously fine-tuning their offerings, introducing new features, and improving the overall travel experience. This includes enhancements in safety, convenience, and personalisation, making your ridesharing journey more enjoyable and efficient.

Rental car

Universal Orlando Resort™ does not provide transportation from the airport to the resort. However, there are several rental car services available at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Alamo Rent a Car is located on Level 1 in Terminals A and B and on Level 4 in Terminal C. Alamo vehicles are kept on the first floor of the parking garage across from Terminals A, B, and C and are within walking distance. To rent a car from Alamo, proceed to the counter to obtain your rental agreement. You can also use their kiosk service to skip the counter and go straight to your car.

Budget and Avis are the Official Car Rental Partners of Universal Orlando Resort™. If you rent a car from Avis or Budget at the airport, you are eligible for a free upgrade to Prime Parking at the resort.

Other rental car options at Orlando International Airport include National Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Hertz.

When renting a car, it is important to note that most companies require a valid driver's license and a ticketed return travel itinerary. Some companies may also require additional documentation or have specific policies regarding payment and additional drivers. Be sure to review the rental requirements and policies before finalising your reservation.

Taxi

While Universal does not provide transportation from the airport, there are several ways to get from Orlando International Airport to Universal Studios, with taxi being one of the most popular options.

Taking a taxi is a quick and convenient way to get from Orlando International Airport to Universal Studios, especially if you are travelling with children and luggage. The trip is approximately 22.5 km and takes around 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

There are many different taxi companies serving the airport, and all official taxis can be found at the two official taxi ranks. The average cost of a taxi from the airport to Universal Studios is $40 USD, but this may vary depending on traffic and the time of day, with some travellers reporting fares of $31, $50, and $54.47 to $81.30.

To ensure you are getting an official taxi, look for the two official taxi ranks at the airport. It is also important to make sure that your driver resets the taximeter and that it is running before you leave the airport. It is customary to tip your driver 10%-15% of the fare.

If you prefer to book your taxi in advance, you can use the Mears Taxi app, which allows you to get an estimate of the cost of your trip and reserve a cab. Mears is the largest taxi service in Central Florida and can be reached by phone or on their website.

Shuttle

Universal Studios offers a shuttle service, known as the Universal SuperStar Shuttle, for guests staying at one of the official Universal Orlando Resort hotels. The shuttle transports guests between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and their hotel. The service is provided by Mears, similar to the service they provide for Disney.

The shuttle can be booked as a one-way or round trip, with prices starting at $23 per person for a one-way trip and $39 per person for a round trip. It is important to note that the SuperStar Shuttle does not service Sanford Orlando Airport.

The shuttle can accommodate up to 25 passengers and may make stops at other Universal Orlando Resort hotels en route to your hotel. Universal states that it can take up to 30 minutes for a shuttle to arrive, but some users have reported shorter wait times.

Upon arrival at the airport, guests with flights arriving between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. will need to go to Baggage Claim (Level 2) to collect their belongings and then proceed to the Hotel Transportation Desk on Level 1, Ground Transportation, to meet a Universal Orlando representative. For flights arriving before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m., guests will receive advance instructions for collecting the shuttle.

The SuperStar Shuttle is a convenient and stress-free option for guests, especially those who plan to spend all their time on Universal Orlando property and do not intend to visit any Disney World parks. However, it is generally not the cheapest option, with some users reporting that rideshare services like Uber or Lyft tend to be more affordable.

Frequently asked questions