Orlando Airport's Shared Transportation: How Often Does It Depart?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a bustling hub, serving over 95,000 travellers daily and offering a range of transportation options. From taxis and town cars to shuttles, buses, and ride-sharing services, visitors have plenty of choices to get to their destination. The airport is about 12 miles from downtown Orlando, and shared transportation options are a popular and often more affordable way to travel. With various companies offering shuttle services, it's essential to understand the frequency and convenience of these shared rides to plan your journey effectively.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft

Booking a Ride

To book a ride with Uber or Lyft, you'll need to download their respective apps on your smartphone. Once you have the app, you can request a ride. The app will notify you when a nearby driver accepts your request and provide their estimated time of arrival. You can also use the app to specify your pick-up location and destination in advance.

Cost Considerations

The cost of an Uber or Lyft ride from Orlando Airport to Disney World is typically around $30 to $40. However, ride-sharing prices can fluctuate due to factors such as the time of day, traffic conditions, and the number of available drivers. During peak travel seasons, you may experience higher prices due to increased demand.

Advantages of Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing offers several benefits over other transportation options. Compared to renting a car, ride-sharing eliminates the need to worry about driving directions, parking fees, and navigating unfamiliar roads. It can also be more cost-effective, especially when compared to renting a car for a short period. Additionally, ride-sharing allows you to split the fare with other passengers, further reducing your travel expenses.

Unique Features of Uber and Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft have unique features that enhance the riding experience. Uber offers a wide range of service options, such as UberBlack SUV, which accommodates up to six passengers, and Uber Lux, which provides luxury travel in Rolls Royce models. Uber also has a comprehensive rewards program, Uber Cash, which offers discounts when you purchase credits.

On the other hand, Lyft is known for its transparency in pricing. Their receipts provide detailed information about the trip's length in time and distance travelled, giving you a clear understanding of the charges. Lyft is also slightly cheaper than Uber and does not impose extra fees for long-distance trips.

Disney's Minnie Van Service

It's worth mentioning that Disney offers its own ride-sharing service called Minnie Van, operated through the Lyft app. Minnie Vans provide transportation within the Walt Disney World Resort area and between Disney World and Orlando International Airport. One of the advantages of Minnie Vans is that they can drop you off closer to your destination within the Disney parks. For example, if you're going to the Magic Kingdom, you'll be dropped off at the bus stop near the main gate instead of the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is the drop-off point for Uber and standard Lyft services. Minnie Vans are driven by Disney employees, ensuring a consistent level of service quality. They also offer added amenities like car seats for children and various types of electronic charging cables.

Tips for Ride-Sharing in Orlando

To make the most of your ride-sharing experience in Orlando, consider these tips:

• Chat with your driver: Many ride-share drivers in Orlando are familiar with the area and may even have worked at Disney World. Engaging in conversation can lead to useful insights or interesting stories about the local attractions.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye out for updates and changes to ride-sharing services in the Orlando area. For example, the City of Orlando previously launched a dedicated pickup area for ride-shares, and similar initiatives could be introduced in the future.
• Compare prices: While Uber and Lyft are similar in cost, it's worth checking the estimated fare on both apps before booking, as prices may vary based on demand and other factors.

By utilizing ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, you can navigate Orlando International Airport and the surrounding areas with ease, enjoying a comfortable and flexible travel experience.

Shuttle services

Hotel Shuttles

Some hotels in Orlando offer complimentary airport shuttle services for their guests. This can be a convenient option if you are staying at a hotel near the airport or at a resort such as Walt Disney World. Disney World previously offered complimentary transportation via Disney's Magical Express buses, but this service was discontinued at the end of 2021.

Public Bus Services

The Lynx Bus, Orlando's local bus system, provides airport transportation for a low cost of $2 per passenger, per ride. The buses service select routes, including MCO to downtown Orlando, International Drive, and the Florida Mall/SeaWorld area. However, it's important to note that the Lynx buses do not go to Port Canaveral or anywhere near Walt Disney World, and they do not offer luggage assistance.

Private Shuttle Companies

Several private companies offer shuttle services to and from MCO, such as Mears Connect, SuperShuttle, and Groome Transportation. These companies provide transportation to various destinations, including Walt Disney World resorts, Universal Orlando, and other popular areas. They offer features like advanced reservations, upfront pricing, and luggage assistance. Some companies also provide entertainment and wheelchair-accessible options.

Advantages of Shuttle Services

Considerations

When using shuttle services, it's important to consider potential drawbacks. Shared shuttles may require waiting for other passengers and making multiple stops along the way. This can increase your travel time, especially if you are not the first drop-off point. To avoid this, some companies offer express or direct shuttle services for a higher price.

Hotel shuttles

If you're staying in a hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO), you may be able to take advantage of a hotel shuttle service. Many hotels in the area offer complimentary airport shuttle services for their guests, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to get to and from the airport.

Ramada Suites Orlando Airport Hotel

The Ramada Suites Orlando Airport Hotel provides a complimentary round-trip airport shuttle service for its guests. This service operates daily from 4:30 am to 1:00 am. To arrange a shuttle pickup from the airport, guests need to call the hotel's front desk after landing and collecting their baggage. The normal wait time is around 15 to 20 minutes, but slight delays can occur during peak traffic times. For shuttle drop-offs at the airport, regular departures begin at 4:30 am every 30 minutes until 10:00 am, with additional runs at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. After that, the service switches to on-demand until 1:00 am.

Groome Transportation

Groome Transportation offers shuttle services to and from the Orlando International Airport and serves various locations, including Ocala, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Wildwood, and Marion Oaks. They provide tailored options for each location to ensure fast and convenient travel times. Their services include curbside pickup and drop-off at the airport and residential or hotel pickups and drop-offs for The Villages® communities.

Mears Connect

Mears Connect provides shuttle services between Orlando International Airport and Disney World Resorts, as well as other resorts in the area. They offer both standard and express shuttle services, with the express option providing direct transportation to the resorts with minimal wait times. Mears Connect is the only shuttle service that services both the Main and C Terminals at the airport, and they provide 24/7 ride services to accommodate delayed or early flights. Their shuttle services are also wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant.

In addition to these, there are several other hotels in Orlando that provide free airport shuttle services. It's always a good idea to check with your hotel to see if they offer shuttle services and to understand their specific procedures and schedules.

Public transport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves over 95,000 travellers every day, and more than 35 million each year. The airport is about 12 miles from downtown Orlando, and the journey typically takes around 20 minutes.

Lynx Bus

The Lynx Bus is Orlando's local bus system, which serves the airport and the wider area. Buses arrive at the airport every 30 minutes, and about every hour on Sundays and holidays. The Lynx Bus serves routes to downtown Orlando, International Drive, and the Florida Mall/SeaWorld area. The cost is $2 per passenger, per ride.

I-RIDE Trolley

The I-RIDE Trolley is a very inexpensive way to get around International Drive. It costs $2 per ride ($1 for children aged 3-9 travelling with an adult). The trolley covers a large area, from the hotels across from Universal Orlando Resort in the north, to the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets in the south. I-RIDE also offers day passes, ranging from $6 for a one-day ticket to $20 for a 14-day pass.

Shuttle Services

There are various shuttle services operating from the airport, including SuperShuttle and Mears Connect. Shuttle services are an affordable way to travel around Orlando and can take you to local attractions and further-out spots like Cocoa Beach, the Tampa area, or the Kennedy Space Center. Shuttle services can be booked in advance, which can help to make your travel stress-free.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the airport, with taxi queues at Terminals A and B on the Ground Transportation level. All airport taxis are required to use a taximeter and charge fares based on the reading. Flat rates are not authorised. Taxis can be pricey, but they offer a direct route to your destination.

Taxis

There can be extremely long waits at the taxi ranks during peak travel times, so it is recommended to pre-book your taxi to avoid delays. You can pre-book with a company such as Welcome Pickups, which offers guaranteed on-time pickups, all-inclusive competitive fares, and 24/7 customer support.

The standard vehicles available from the taxi rank can fit up to four passengers. If you need a larger vehicle, such as a minivan for up to eight people or a sprinter van for up to 14, it is recommended to pre-book this service before arriving in Orlando.

The cost of a taxi from Orlando Airport is not fixed and will depend on the company and your destination. For example, a local 4-seater taxi to downtown Orlando, which is around 34 km or 25 minutes from the airport, will charge around $35 for this journey. A trip to Disney World, which is about 40 km or a 35-minute drive from the airport, will cost closer to $60. It is important to note that some taxi companies accept credit card payments, but most prefer cash, so it is best to have cash on hand if you are unsure.

One reputable taxi company serving the Orlando area is Mears, which has been providing taxi services since 1939. They offer individual and shared ride services and can accommodate larger groups with their taxi van transportation, which fits up to seven passengers. Mears drivers undergo extensive background checks, and the company prioritises safety with features such as in-car cameras and GPS locators.

Another option for taxi services to and from Orlando Airport is to use a ride-sharing app such as Uber. With Uber, you can request a ride 24/7, book in advance, and get upfront pricing. Uber also offers a variety of ride options to accommodate different numbers of passengers and amounts of luggage.

Frequently asked questions