Orlando Airport to Your Hotel: Every Option Explained

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers six ways to reach your hotel: Mears Connect shuttle, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, rental car, LYNX public bus, and Brightline train (for South Florida arrivals). Each suits a different budget, group size, and destination — no single option wins for everyone.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a train from MCO to my hotel?

Brightline intercity rail operates from the station inside Terminal C, connecting MCO to Miami with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura — useful if you're continuing south, not for reaching Orlando hotels. SunRail commuter rail does not directly serve MCO; you must take a LYNX bus to Sand Lake Road Station to connect, and SunRail only runs Monday–Friday.

Is there a cheap public bus from Orlando Airport to my hotel?

Yes — LYNX bus service departs from Level 1, Terminal A (spaces A38–A41). A one-way fare is $2.00, or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Route 42 serves International Drive and Route 111 connects to Terminal C and the SunRail Sand Lake Road station. However, LYNX has very limited luggage space and does not serve Walt Disney World directly.

How much does a taxi cost from MCO to my hotel?

Taxis queue on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1) at Terminals A and B, and on the Arrivals Level at Terminal C. Metered fares run approximately $60–$85 to the Walt Disney World area and $55–$70 to Universal Orlando or International Drive, not including tip. Unlike pre-booked services, the final price is unknown until arrival.

Should I rent a car at MCO or use a shuttle?

Rental car counters from brands including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Sixt are located at the on-airport Rental Car Center, connected to terminals by a dedicated shuttle. Renting makes sense if you plan to explore beyond the theme parks, but note that parking at Disney and Universal costs $25–$35 per day, which can add up quickly for resort-focused trips.

Where do I pick up Uber and Lyft at MCO?

Rideshare pickups at Terminals A and B are on the Arrivals Curb (Level 2), moving to Level 3 between 9 PM and 2 AM. At Terminal C, the rideshare pickup zone is on Level 1. The Uber and Lyft apps provide step-by-step directions to your specific pickup spot after you request a ride.

What is the best option for families with young children arriving at MCO?

Mears Connect is a popular family choice: it operates 24/7, is ADA-compliant, has no surge pricing, and children under 3 ride free on standard service. Private transfer companies also allow you to pre-request child seats and extra luggage space. Rideshare can work for families but requires requesting a vehicle with a car seat in advance, which limits availability.

What is Mears Connect and how much does it cost from MCO?

Mears Connect is MCO's official 24/7 shared shuttle to Walt Disney World resorts and Disney Springs area hotels. Standard one-way fares are $16 per adult and $13 per child (ages 3–9); children under 3 ride free. An Express (direct, no-stop) round-trip service for up to 4 people costs approximately $250 including fees.

How much does an Uber or Lyft cost from Orlando Airport?

Rideshare fares from MCO typically run $25–$50 depending on demand and destination. A ride to the Walt Disney World area generally costs $50–$90 for a group of 4–6, while solo or couple fares to I-Drive or Universal run roughly $30–$50. Surge pricing is common on busy Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, so pre-booking via Uber Reserve can lock in a price.

Nearby in Ask Orlando

• Luma on ParkRestaurant11.57 km · 145 min walk
• GatorlandAttraction12.46 km · 156 min walk
• Moss ParkPark13.23 km · 165 min walk
• Dickson Azalea ParkPark13.51 km · 169 min walk
• Beefy KingRestaurant13.68 km · 171 min walk