How To Get From Orlando International Airport To Downtown
by Vandvoyage
3 min read
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun - Orlando is the place to be. Year round sunshine and plenty of entertainment options to get your mind off the daily grind.
Getting from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to downtown Orlando is not as straightforward at first glance. For many, your final destination after arriving at Orlando Airport is to head to one of the massive resorts, theme parks, or for a convention. Few of which are downtown. Unfortunately there is no direct rail connection from Orlando Airport to downtown. There are plans to extend SunRail to Orlando International Airport but no shovels are in the ground just yet. Brightline travels from MCO eastward away from Orlando towards West Palm Beach and finally to Miami. Unfortunately Brightline doesn’t travel from MCO to downtown Orlando.
In the meantime, check out the variety of ways to get from MCO to downtown Orlando. From the fastest, to the least expensive, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Most Direct and Cheapest: LYNX Bus 11 / 51
Oralndo’s LYNX Buses 11 and 51 both offer direct, local service from MCO to downtown Orlando. You can catch the LYNX Bus from the Ground Transportation Level of Terminal A. Keep in mind that these buses are meant for workers commuting to and from Orlando Airport - so no express service. Both routes (11 & 51) drastically vary and run through Orlando’s suburbs. Be prepared for multiple stops on the way to LYNX Central Station, the main intermodal terminal in downtown Orlando. Connections to SunRail and the majority of LYNX's bus transit network. That is, you can catch another bus to your final destinations or theme parks such as Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando. Learn more about LYNX’ tourist destinations here
Travel time is approximately 45 minutes. Learn more about Orlando’s LYNX bus system here.
Fare is approximately $2.00.
Note: Both bus 11 stops at Sand Lake Station for a transfer to SunRail.
Honorable Mention: LYNX Bus 311 to SunRail
Unfortunately, SunRail (Orlando’s commuter railroad) doesn’t run to the airport - yet. The lack of direct transfer to Brightline’s newly opened Airport station is another missed connection. In the meantime you can take LYNX Express Bus 311**** from Orlando Airport to Sand Lake Station and transfer to SunRail for a quick ride to downtown Orlando at LYNX Central Station. What’s great about LYNX Bus 311 is the express, non stop service from MCO to SunRail - perfect for travelers coming off that flight. You can catch the LYNX Bus from the Ground Transportation Level of Terminal A.
Travel time is approximately 35 minutes.
Learn more about the SunRail train transfer service from Orlando Airport here.
Fare is approximately $2.00 which includes a free transfer between LYNX Bus and SunRail. Consider downloading the LYNX App to purchase your fare in advance.
Most Semi-Private: Shuttles
MCO offers a multitude of shuttle services from the airport. All are located at the Ground Transportation Curb (Level 1) of each Terminal.Learn more here.
Most Private: Taxi / Ride Share
Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and Lyft offer private rideshare services from the airport. Travel time is approximately 20-25 minutes. If you arrive at rush hour expect to sit in traffic. Expect to pay about $40 for a ride.
Note:
Prices are accurate as of November 2024.