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  Public Transport in Orlando - Getting there and about

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Transportation
Guide to Public Transport in Orlando

Orlando is effectively a huge pleasure park and attractions are spread over a large area, often miles apart. There is very little public transport between the major resorts and, while some hotels and companies provide shuttle buses, demand for seats outweighs supply. Cabs will quickly prove expensive and during a stay most people will take the most popular option of hiring a car.

To and From the Airport

Orlando International Airport
Orlando's airport is about nine miles (14km) south of downtown. Arrivals have to take the train to the main terminal building where transport into the city is available.

Buses
Lynx operates a public bus service leaving from the main terminal building to the Pine St Station (Downtown). The service operates from 05h30 in the morning until approximately 23h30 in the evening with buses leaving every 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic. A single ticket in either direction costs just USD1.50.

24 hour shuttle bus services are operated by Mears (Tel: +1 (1)407-423-5566), Transtar (Tel: +1 (1)407-856- 7777) and Lynx (Tel: +1 (1)407-841-8240) and will take you to downtown Orlando for USD15-25 per person, to Walt Disney World for USD19 or to International Drive for USD15-25.

Taxis
Reputable taxi companies include Ace Metro (Tel: +1 (1)407-855-1111), Diamond Cabs (Tel: +1 (1)407-523-3333), Star Taxi (Tel: +1 (1)407-857-9999) and Yellow/City Cabs (Tel: +1 (1)407-422-2222). Expect to pay around USD30-35 for hotels within the city. If you really want to live it up, you can opt for a chauffeured limousine for between USD50-85. Taxi-vans, accommodating up to nine passengers, will whisk you downtown for USD30, to International Drive for UD29-34 or to Walt Disney World for USD50.

Self-Drive Car Hire
Hiring a car is an extremely good idea in Orlando where attractions are spread out and public transport relatively scarce. With all the major car rental firms represented at the airport it often makes sense to pick up your rental car immediately on arrival and drive it to your hotel yourself.

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Public Transport

Buses
Getting around Orlando and the attractions by anything other than car is time-consuming and can be very frustrating, as the frequency of buses leaves a lot to be desired.

Lynx (Tel: +1 (1)800-841-8240) does operate a bus service from downtown to Walt Disney World, but seems to take forever, and appears to have a permanent itinerant population of families complete with whining kids. A better bet is the shuttle bus service ruin by Mears Transportation (Tel: +1 (1)407-423-5566). This service runs between the main hotel areas and Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. Expect to pay around USD14 (round trip), but make sure you make a reservation at least a day in advance.

Bus connections to other cities in Florida (but not local services) are provided by Greyhound, who have a terminal downtown at 555 North John Young Parkway.

The I-Ride Trolley
It's not really a trolley car but the I-Ride Trolley is the best (read: only) public transport option along International Drive - Orlando's main tourist drag and where you'll find loads of the main tourist attractions including Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Seaworld Orlando.

These green buses are decked out with wooden benches in a faux antique style and are always packed, but they're cheap and handy for saving your legs from endless pavement pounding up and down I-Drive. A single ticket costs just 75 cents but for USD2 you can get a one-day pass that allows you to use the trolley as much as you want. While single tickets can be bought from the driver, passes have to be purchased from your hotel or another outlet (most tourist attractions) before you use the trolley service.

Be warned that the I-Ride Trolley is very much a stopping service. It stops at all major hotels and tourist attractions along I-Drive - and there are a lot believe us. If you're pressed for time a cab is a better option. Tel: +1 (1)866-243-7483 for complete details on the I-Ride.


Driving

For getting around in the Orlando area, renting a car is really the only sensible option. It is cheaper and more convenient than any other form of transport in the area. The city is actually the largest rental car market in the world, with all major international rental companies represented at the airport, or with offices close by. The cheapest and most convenient option is to book your car before leaving home.

A valid driver's licence is all that is needed legally to drive in the USA. Check with your car rental company for any other particular rental requirements it may require. The speed limit is 88-105km per hour (55-65mph) on highways and 50km per hour (30mph) in built up residential areas. The driver and all passengers in the front and rear are required to wear a seatbelt at all times. It is compulsory for children under the age of three to use a car seat.

Distances and speed limits are all posted in miles on US highways and roads. Driving is on the right. Statistically, the area between the main attractions and city centre Orlando is one of the most heavily ticketed roads in the United States - and no doubt a great number of those tickets are issued to tourists. So, make sure you keep to the speed limit and drive with due care and attention or risk a fine. Be aware that roads may be slippery during the rainy season. Florida law requires that drivers turn on their lights during rainstorms.

If parking in the street make sure to check street signs for restrictions as some areas may only allow a few hours parking time. Park in well lit, busy areas if possible, car crime, and particularly theft from hire vehicles, is not uncommon. Your best option is to use theme parks and shopping mall car parks.

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