Yes, Visiting Orlando Without A Car Is Possible!
Orlando Without A Car
Driving In Orlando
If you would prefer the convenience of having your own car over waiting for a ride-share, check out my Driving in Orlando article.
Find out how to get from the airport to your accommodation, the differences between car hire companies, even toll roads and how to avoid them, and so much more.
Orlando Without A Car
You may sacrifice a little convenience, but it has never been easier than now to visit Orlando without having a hire car.
With surging car rental and usage costs, many people are turning to alternatives to get around and are surprised to find that the cost difference can sometimes add hundreds to your holiday budget.
Transfers At Orlando International
Orlando International is the most convenient international gateway to use if you don’t want to drive; however, it is more frequently one of the more expensive gateways into the US, and people have been looking for cheaper options for getting to Orlando
MCO Terminals Pickup Zones
Orlando International Airport has 3 terminals; A and B are on different sides of one massive building. Terminal C is a 5-minute transit ride away, with its own dedicated drop-off area. The terminal you will use is determined by the airline you choose.
All terminals have dedicated ride-share drop-off zones located on level 2 at each terminal curbside except from 9 pm through 2 am daily, when they are located on level 3 in terminals A and B only. All other transport options are located on level 1.
Download the official high-resolution images to help you navigate the terminals.
- Aer Lingus (C)
- Air Canada (B)
- American Airlines (B)
- British Airways (C)
- Delta (B)
- Icelandair (C)
- JetBlue (C)
- Norse (C)
- United Airlines (B)
- Virgin Atlantic (C)
Terminals A & B
Terminal C
Alternative International Airports
Orlando International may the most convenient, but you have other options depending on the flight cost saving
Orlando Melbourne
Melbourne International is used exclusively by TUI from the UK. Getting to and from the airport will entail a 75-90-minute ride-share or private transfer. The cost will vary, but expect it to be over $100 one way.
Tampa International
75 minutes west of Orlando, Tampa has long been a popular second airport when flights to Orlando International become expensive. Without driving, your only option is ride-shares or private hire, usually around $80 one way.
Miami
Just below Orlando International in terms of popularity. Miami International Airport is served by over 100 airlines flying to 160 destinations, but it is the farthest away: 3 1/2 hours by the high-speed Brightline train, 4 to 5 hours by road.
Airport Transfer Options & Durations
Not all transfer options listed below will be available at every airport. Your choice will come down to cost and convenience
Ride Shares
Dominated by Uber, Lyft and, more recently, Waymo (in Orlando), ride-share services are everywhere in central Florida. For short journeys, ride-share services offer a compelling product where convenience and cost converge compared to hiring your own car.
Private Hire
If you're not comfortable with ride shares or need car seats for small children but want the convenience of a car without hiring one yourself, call a private hire firm. Expect to pay a premium of around 20%+. Lots of recommendations on various Facebook Orlando groups.
Mears Connect
Disney's Magical Express, minus the theming. The 24-hour Mears Connect service is disabled and child-friendly, but only from MCO to Disney or Disney area hotels. Standard options are available, with one-way pricing set at $13 per child (3-9) or $16 per adult with express services also available.
Superstar Shuttle
Universal's official transfer service from MCO to Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Prices are set at $39 round-trip and $23 one-way. Children are $29 and $18, respectively. It has to be booked with at least 24 hours' notice and can only be done by phone (001 407 224 4233) or through your agent.
Brightline
If you're flying into Miami, Brightline is the fastest way to get to Orlando, with regular services throughout the day taking 3.5 hours. With one stop at MCO Terminal C, you'll still need to find your way to your accommodation or pick up a car. Pricing is also competitive if time is not your main concern.
Lynx
Lynx operates a wide network of public bus services throughout the greater Orlando area, including a regular service from Orlando International to the International Drive area. Even an express service to Disney Springs. You won't beat Lynx on cost at $2 one way, but it can take well over an hour.
From The Operators Of Magical Express
Mears Connect
Mears Connect won’t be right for everyone. Transfers include multiple stops, so it can take up to 2 hours at times. There is no set schedule or system map, as it depends on the stops needed for that particular journey.
Buses run 24/7, roughly every 20 to 30 minutes to every Disney World hotel and some that are close by, at a reasonable standard service cost, but it can be costly, especially the express service. If you have small children, it’s the most hassle-free legal airport transfer outside of a pricey private hire transfer, as car seats are not required on buses.
Miami To Orlando In 3.5 Hours!
Brightline
The only privately owned intercity passenger railroad in the United States, Brightline has been operating since 2012. Its Miami-to-Orlando extension opened in late 2023, giving commuters and holidaymakers a choice of travel options over hiring a car or flying.
Today, its trains operate almost hourly services between Miami and Orlando in under 3/12 hours. If you’re looking at doing a twin-centre holiday or find flights are much cheaper into Miami than Orlando, give Brightline a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Florida's Public Bus Service
Lynx Buses: The Cheapest Way To Get Around Orlando
Lynx connects Orange and Osceola counties with parts of Seminole County plus small portions of Polk and Lake Counties.
It offers 7 ways to ride, but most visitors will only need to worry about Local Bus Services.
You’re not going to beat Lynx on Price: $2 one way, but what you gain in cost savings you will lose in time. If you favour convenience over cost on your trip, Lynx isn’t for you.
Buses can get busy, and using them is only recommended if you can travel light, as there is no dedicated luggage space and you cannot block the aisle.
It’s also worth noting that Disney and Universal transport systems don’t allow luggage, so using the bus when staying on-resort will likely still entail the use of a ride-share for part of your journey to your accommodation.
Downloadable Lynx System Maps & Schedules
Use the buttons below to download a system map and schedule for some of the most popular routes
International Drive Area
The half-hourly 42 service from Orlando International runs from 5 am until just past 11 pm. It can be quiet, but as a regular commuter service, it can also be incredibly busy. The journey should be around 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
Disney World
The newer 311 service from Orlando International to Disney Springs has made direct transport to Disney World far easier. The trip takes roughly 75 minutes and also makes a stop at Helios Grand and Epic Universe.
Kissimmee Area
I wouldn’t recommend getting a bus to Kissimmee. The 407 Fastlink only runs at peak times; otherwise, you need service 108 from Florida Mall, then 56 along Highway 192. Total journey time to Old Town is between 90 mins (using 407 Fastlink) & 2+ hours.
On-Site Guests
More and more people opt to stay onsite because of soaring car rental costs and extra convenience. It doesn’t suit everyone, though, and thats fine.
Walt Disney World
Not surprisingly, Disney World has one of the largest private mass transit systems in the world, capable of transporting millions of visitors annually via bus, boat, monorail and even cable car.
How you get to certain parks is dependent on your chosen on-site accommodation. I go deeper into on-site transport options on my Disney World Overview page, accessible on the button below.
Alternatively, you can download my full transit map of Walt Disney World on the button below.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is far more compact compared to Disney World, which makes getting around much easier. Any North Campus hotel has a dedicated walking path to Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Volcano Bay. Epic Universe is a short 10-minute bus ride away. All resorts are connected by bus, and Signature-level resorts on the North Campus also have boat transport options.
Off-Site Guests
Staying on-site doesn’t suit everyone. Space is usually a big contributor, as most on-site rooms are small for larger family units, and larger rooms cost $$$$
Which Type Are You?
Traveller Types
Off-site guests tend to fall into two types, although there will naturally be some overlap between the two for personal reasons.
Those who prefer the convenience of staying close but don’t want to be tied to the theme parks, be it for space or just general preference, and those who are very cost-conscious.
For convenience without driving yourself, there are ride-share and/or private hire services, plus other affordable ways of getting around like the I-Trolley on International Drive and Lynx commuter buses.
Cost-conscious travellers tend to favour hotels with shuttle services to the parks or cheaper, more time-consuming methods of getting around.
Favour Convenience
Ride-shares and private hire strike a perfect balance of convenience and affordability, if you can limit your daily use. If you need them 3 or 4 times a day, it will be worth pricing up a hire car.
There are limits to ride shares, the main barrier being car seats for young children, which will usually double or triple your cost and leave you waiting over an hour on occasion. They are also not an option with Lyft or Waymo.
Waymo is currently not allowed to operate on Disney property and doesn’t reach out as far as the airport yet.
Cost Conscious
For cost-conscious travellers, I would urge caution and knowledge before you book.
Many off-site hotels charge resort fees. Those advertising theme park shuttles generally don’t say whether they need to be pre-booked or list the times.
If you plan to get around using public transport or other options like the I-Ride Trolley, find out how far the accommodation is from the nearest stop and how often they run. If you plan on using hotel shuttles, see my 2 important points below.
Know Before You Go!
Off Site Hotel Shuttles
There are 2 very important considerations you ideally need to know about before you book your accommodation.
Off-site shuttle services are provided in most parts by third-party providers, not the hotels themselves. Specific information is usually sparse or non-existent online. Contact the hotel directly to confirm these 2 facts before you book.
Exploring Outside The Theme Parks
Orlando isn’t just about the theme parks, there are plenty of options and ways to get around outside the main theme parks
Getting Around
International Drive
International Drive is one of two main corridors in the Orlando area, the other being Highway 192 in Kissimmee, right on Disney’s proverbial doorstep.
Kissimmee isn’t really geared toward those who prefer not to drive, but International Drive is far easier and closer to Orlando International.
While the road itself stretches for over 8 miles, you will find restaurants and hotels concentrated on a 2- to 3-mile stretch towards the northern end.
I have no issue walking from Endless Summer Resort (number 5 on the map) down to The Pointe (20 on the map). It takes usually takes me around 45 minutes. If you don’t want to walk there are a couple of Lynx routes or the I-Ride Trolley which has 2 routes . The Red route serves the more popular section of I-Drive with a Trolley roughly every 20 minutes. The Green route splits off and runs parallel up Universal Boulevard but only roughly every 45 minutes. Both services operate between 8 am and 1030 pm. Lynx buses will operate a little later but less frequently late at night.
If you don’t want to drive I highly recommend staying around I-Drive for flexibility and choice. Kissimmee is lovely but very spread out with no comparable I-Ride Trolley service nor pathways for large sections.
Use the buttons under the image to download maps or find out more information.
Getting Around
Kissimmee
Kissimmee lies a few miles further south of International Drive. The main thoroughfare, Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, more commonly referred to as Highway 192, isn’t as pedestrian-friendly as the northern half of International Drive.
Getting to Kissimmee for large parts of the day requires 2 or 3 buses from Orlando International Airport, and once in Kissimmee, there is a very limited bus service (download the map for route 56 higher up this page).
The main tourist area many people know as Kissimmee near Disney World is actually over 10 miles from the downtown area, with only ride-share and limited walking paths spread along roughly 5 miles of the highway either side of Disney World’s main entrance.
Kissimmee is a fantastic area to stay and to visit, but it is very much geared to driving.
Exploring
Further Afield
Some of Florida’s attractions lie further out of Orlando, but there are still ways to get there without driving, some requiring pre-booking, making impulsive visits more difficult, but not impossible.
If you want to visit Busch Gardens, Legoland Florida or Kennedy Space Center, check out transport options below.
How Long Does It Take To Get Around?
You’ve seen how long it takes to get from the airport to your accommodation using various transport methods. Here are the average journey times to the theme parks
Transport FAQ
Some of the common questions people have about navigating Orlando without a car
