Orlando Airport Transfers

Getting to the airport in Florida can be overwhelming, especially when you don't know how to get around the city. However, there are plenty of options for getting to and from Orlando airport, which you'll find broken down in this article.

Lorena Morales

Lorena Morales

8 min read

Orlando Airport Transfers

Parada de bus|© Matthias Rabiller

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located about 20 km south of the city centre and is, along with Miami Airport, one of the busiest airports in the State of Florida, handling some 50 million people a year. That's why having a comfortable transfer to and from the airport without delays is very important if you visit the city, so you can enjoy everything there is to see and do in Orlando at all times.

The options for getting to and from the airport are varied, and each one offers its advantages, so it is advisable that you know them beforehand, so you can choose the most convenient one. In this article you will find all the transfer options available to get to or from your hotel, with an analysis of each one in terms of price, duration, comfort and waiting time, among others.

1. A shared transfer, more comfortable and with better prices

women sharing a car|©Fernand De Canne
women sharing a car|©Fernand De Canne

One of the most comfortable options to get from Orlando International Airport to your hotel is to travel in a shared vehicle with a maximum of 10 to 15 people. These vehicles are spacious, comfortable and fast, so you will arrive at your hotel in about 25-30 minutes, if it is located in the city centre.

It is highly recommended to travel around Orlando in shared vehicles with other passengers because they offer an excellent quality of service at an affordable price. On the other hand, other transports that carry few passengers may have difficulty arriving on time, or be very late, because they do not have a lot of availability or cannot be booked in advance.

Another reason why carpooling is recommended is that the drivers travel on streets that are less interrupted by traffic. In addition, it is possible to rest and/or sleep during the journey because the seats are very comfortable and you won't need to keep your eyes on the road as you would if you were taking a taxi or an Uber.

Interesting details

  • Journeytime: from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the location of your hotel.
  • Price: from €35.
  • Advantages of using this method: you will travel more comfortably and arrive faster at your hotel at the time you book without delays.
  • How to book this transport: it depends on the company chosen, but almost all companies allow you to do it online from your home, on the day and at the time you book it.
  • Recommended if... you prefer to enjoy the trip without worrying about delays or being attentive to the route as with other services.

Book a shared airport transfer from the airport to your hotel in Orlando

2. A private transfer, luxury and exclusivity trip

Woman driving|© Jenny Ueberberg
Woman driving|© Jenny Ueberberg

If you don't want to take long to get from the airport to your hotel during your visit to Orlando, a good option is to travel in private transportation for 3 to 5 people maximum. You will arrive at your destination in about 25 to 50 minutes, depending on the location of your accommodation and the traffic conditions at the time of the transfer, especially if you are travelling to Orlando in July, the month when students are on holiday.

These shuttles have driver-guides who speak several languages, and who will help you with your luggage both at the airport and at your hotel. The vehicles are also air-conditioned and ventilated.

Exclusivity and detail are characteristics that distinguish these companies, as, for example, the drivers will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it at the airport. Then, after you pick up your bags, you will have no problem finding them, as these signs are written in large, clear letters.

Interesting details

  • Journeytime: 25 to 50 minutes depending on location and traffic conditions at the time.
  • Price: from 65 €.
  • Advantages of using this method: You will get to your destination faster, in luxury vehicles and at a reasonable price.
  • How to book this transport: in most companies you can book this private transfer online or by phone.
  • Recommended if... you don't like to travel with many people and you want your transfer to be faster and more exclusive.

Book a private transfer from the airport to the hotel in Orlando

3. Shared transfer with reservation from the hotel to the airport and vice versa

Highway view from the car|©Andras Vas
Highway view from the car|©Andras Vas

If you have already chosen the best things to do in Orlando in advance, and you have planned your arrival and departure dates, you can book a round-trip transfer. You will be transported from the airport to your hotel, and vice versa, at the time of your choice.

In this transport you will travel with a maximum of 10 to 15 people, in a very comfortable vehicle in which you can rest or sleep during the trip, or enjoy the ride. All these vehicles have ventilation and air conditioning.

This option is very practical if you have already planned to stay, for example, seven days in Orlando, because you will not have to worry about making a new reservation to go to the airport, which will save you time, since you will only have to make one reservation prior to the trip, and will allow you to focus only on enjoying your stay.

The vehicles that make these transfers have a current insurance policy for the safety of the passengers. In addition, most companies offer free cancellation of the reservation up to 24 hours prior to the agreed time, according to the local time in the city of Orlando.

Useful details

  • Duration of the trip: between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on the location of your hotel.
  • Price: from 70 €.
  • Advantages of using this method: you won't have to worry about making a new reservation to get to the airport, as you will book both the outward and return journeys at the same time.
  • How to book this transport: most bookings can be made online, or by phone.
  • Recommended if... you want to organise your transfers to and from the airport without having to worry about delays with taxis, Uber and other bookable transport.

Book a return trip from the airport to the hotel in a shared vehicle in Orlando

4. Private airport transfers to and from the airport

Person driving the car|© Sergey Tarasov
Person driving the car|© Sergey Tarasov

Transfers can be a headache if you don't have a reservation or if you have to think about it on the spot. Private vehicles save you that stress because you can book a return trip from the comfort of your own home long before you travel, selecting the days and times that suit your itinerary, whether it's a 1-day or 5-day trip in Orlando.

In addition, these trips are operated with a maximum of 5 people and a minimum of 3, allowing all passengers to travel comfortably, with plenty of room for luggage. Generally, luggage consists of one suitcase plus hand luggage. If your luggage is larger, it is important that you let the company know in advance.

You should also remember to let the driver know if, for any reason, you decide to change the pick-up address for your transfer to the airport. It is also important that you let the driver know if you will be adding any other luggage to your luggage, in case, for example, you decide to go shopping on one of your trips around Orlando.

In this type of exclusive transfers, most companies have a communication service between the driver and the passenger 24 hours before the transfer time to confirm the trip. Remember that cancellation is free 24 hours before the agreed departure time, but after that time there will be a charge.

Details of interest

  • Journeytime: 25 to 50 minutes depending on location and traffic conditions at the time.
  • Price: from €140.
  • Advantages of using this method: You will have organised both the transfer to and from the airport without the stress of looking for a transfer during your visit.
  • How to book this transfer: Most companies offer online or telephone booking.
  • Recommended if... you prefer to rest during the transfer in comfortable, fast and luxurious vehicles, both on the outward and return journeys.

Book a return trip from the airport to the hotel in a private vehicle in Orlando

5. A taxi or an Uber, not shared with other passengers

Person with mobile phone in hand|© Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
Person with mobile phone in hand|© Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If you're travelling on business or didn't have time to book a more comfortable transfer, such as a shared or private transfer, or simply don't like to share the journey with other passengers, don't worry, as local taxis are always available, or other services such as Uber, Lyft and Wingz.

These companies have apps that you can download to your phone, so you can request a transfer when you arrive at the Orlando airport, but you can also book with a phone call. Booking does not require much advance notice, but the time it takes to get to your hotel will depend on the available schedule of the company you choose and the usual traffic delays.

Note that taxis pick up passengers at the taxi ranks located on Level 1 of the airport and Uber, Lyft and Wingz pick up passengers in Terminals A and B at the end of the curbside on Level 2. All of these transfers are fully insured and are priced by a meter that calculates the fare based on distance travelled.

Details of interest

  • Journeytime: from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the location of your hotel and the state of traffic on the day and time of your transfer.
  • Price: from €40 to downtown Orlando.
  • Advantages of using this method: You don't need to book in advance, as you can request one when you arrive at the airport.
  • How to book this transport: Most companies have apps so you can book from your phone, or you can request the service by phone.
  • Recommended if... you arrive without a reservation, you're not looking for a luxury transfer and you don't want to share the journey with other passengers.

6. A local bus, longer but cheaper

Green bus on the move|©Metrogogo
Green bus on the move|©Metrogogo

On your visit to Orlando, you can opt to take the city's public buses to your hotel. These take longer to get there and you'll have to carry your bags, but if you don't mind the weight, it's a good way to save money and use it to visit some of Orlando's best theme parks.

There are several Flixbus lines you can take to Orlando, including the 11, 42, 111, 105, 106 and 10, which are taken from the airport's Terminal B. You may have to transfer when you arrive at the airport. You may have to change buses when you arrive at Terminal A at the airport before heading into the city.

The bus takes about 50 minutes to get to the Florida Mall and there you will have to take another bus if you are going to downtown Orlando, so the transfer can take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the location of your hotel. It is certainly a more complicated method of transport to get to your hotel, as it probably won't drop you at the door and you will need to take another bus or a taxi, but it is compensated by its low cost.

As an additional tip, keep in mind that another alternative to save money is to purchase the Orlando Tourist Card for 3, 7 or more days, as it provides discounts at various attractions, bars, restaurants and shops during its period of validity.

Useful details

  • Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes depending on location and traffic on the day.
  • Price: from €2.
  • Advantages of using this method: you can get to know the city while travelling by bus.
  • How to book this transport: no reservation is needed.
  • Recommended if... you prefer to economise your stay and don't mind carrying your luggage on the bus.

Buy your Orlando Tourist Card

Frequently asked questions

  • How many airports does Orlando have?

    Orlando has 2 airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Sanford International Airport (SFB). Sanford is the cheap alternative to Orlando, however, it is important to remember that you sacrifice quite a bit of convenience when flying into this airport. For this reason, most transfers set their pick-up point at Orlando airport rather than Sanford.

  • How far is Orlando International Airport from Disney World?

    With only 26 km (16 miles) between Orlando Airport and Disney World, it is relatively easy to get to Disney World from the airport. That said, it's important to note that getting there by public transport will take between 1.5 and 2 hours. Luckily, there are dedicated buses that run routes between the two locations.

  • How long is the bus ride from Orlando Airport to Disney?

    Due to its close location, a bus ride from Orlando airport to Disney World takes only 20 minutes, making it the best option to get there, especially compared to Orlando's regular public transportation, which can take up to 2 hours.