Getting Around Orlando

Without a doubt, the most popular option for getting around Orlando is renting a car, making the city the single largest rental market in the world. Within the airport alone, you will 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 ride 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 will require a US or International driving license. You’ll also need to be prepared for toll roads, which include the 2 main routes from the airport to the city’s major attractions – SR-528 West, leading to International Drive ($1.75 in tolls) and SR-417 South, leading to SR-536 ($2 in tolls). In addition, you need to pay for your own petrol and should be aware that some of the pumps close to the airport and Disney World artificially inflate their prices by as much as $2 per gallon above the norm.

Dozens of official taxi companies operate in and around Orlando, as do a number of unlicensed cabs. Most taxis operate a meter, with a $2.23 starting cost and then $1.76 per kilometre rate. A ride from Orlando International Airport to the Disney World Resort, for example, would cost approximately $60.

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, the most of popular of which are: Mears Transportation (+1 407-222-2222), Ace Metro (+1 407-855-1111), and Town & Country Transportation (+1 407-828-3035). Uber is widely available, very popular and generally cheaper than normal cabs in Orlando.

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 Disney World provide a free shuttle to the theme park.

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, with discount passes also available. Buses run at 15-, 30- and 60-minute intervals, with their 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 Amway Arena to City Hall. Buses run every 5 minutes between 9am and 5pm and every 10 minutes in the evenings.