If you’re wary about driving on the other side of the road, or you just want to relax without having to think about parking, then don’t worry - you don’t need a car to have a great time in Orlando.
Maybe you’re thinking of the environment, perhaps you’re travelling on a budget, or maybe you just want to enjoy a glass of wine without having to drive home afterwards. No matter what your reason is for not hiring a car during your trip to Orlando, we’ve put together this post to help you navigate public transport and get around easily while you’re there.
Does Orlando have good public transportation?
It depends what you're comparing it to. Orlando's citywide bus and rail network isn't as extensive as you'd find in a major European city, so it's not something to rely on entirely.
That doesn't mean a car-free Orlando holiday is off the table, though. What makes it work isn't LYNX or SunRail - it's the brilliant, free transport networks run by Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, backed up by the handy I-RIDE Trolley on International Drive and a cheap direct bus that now links the airport to the parks. Combine those with the odd rideshare, and getting around Orlando without a car becomes completely doable!
How to plan your routes in Orlando
There’s an abundance of different public transport options in Orlando, and which one you decide on will depend on where you stay, your destination, the cost, and the time it takes to get there. The Moovit App will be your best friend during your stay, as you can plan your route on here and access up-to-date timetables for all the available transport options.
Top tips for using public transport in Orlando
Here are some of our top tips to help you navigate public transport in Orlando with ease:
- Plan your routes on the Moovit App
- Check the timetables before you travel - sometimes public transport finishes early, and you don’t want to miss the nighttime shows in the theme parks!
- Check whether you need to buy your travel tickets in advance online
- Carry cash for on-board fares
How to get from the airport to your Orlando hotel without a car
You’re most likely to fly into Orlando International Airport for your holiday. It’s the biggest airport in the area and the one with the most flights from the UK. Most major airports in the UK fly here, including London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
From the airport, there are several ways to get to your hotel without hiring a car:
- Local bus: The LYNX bus is the cheapest option at just $2 per journey or $4.50 for all day. However, the stops are limited, so you may need to change buses to get to your final destination. Stops include Downtown Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.
- Ride sharing: Rideshare apps like Lyft, Uber, Wingz, and KreweCar are very popular in Orlando. You can book and pay for your journey in advance, so you’ll know exactly how much it is going to cost.
- Airport shuttle: You can arrange a private or shared airport transfer. Universal Orlando Resort has its own shuttle service, which you can book, and some hotels in Orlando provide complimentary airport transfers.
Where's the best place to stay in Orlando without a car?
Where you stay makes or breaks a car-free Orlando trip. We recommend one of these three bases, depending on which parks you're visiting.
Stay on-site at Walt Disney World Resort
An on-site Walt Disney World Resort Hotel gives you unlimited access to Disney's own free transport network - buses, the iconic monorail, the Disney Skyliner gondolas, and boats - connecting every park, water park and Disney Springs. Resorts on the monorail loop, like Disney's Contemporary or Disney's Polynesian Village, are the ultimate hassle-free choice, while Skyliner resorts such as Disney's Caribbean Beach and Disney's Riviera glide you straight to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Since June 2026, Disney Springs-to-resort transport is reserved for hotel guests or those with a dining or experience booking, so factor that in if you're staying off-site!
Stay on-site at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal's on-site hotels are even more compact, and several, including Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, and the Hard Rock Hotel, are within walking distance or a short water taxi ride of CityWalk. Over at the new Universal Epic Universe, Universal's Helios Grand Hotel has its own private entrance straight into the park, while Stella Nova and Terra Luna are a short stroll from the gates.
Stay on International Drive
International Drive is a brilliant value alternative, thanks to the I-RIDE Trolley running the length of the street with more than 100 stops. Look for a hotel that offers a free shuttle to the parks as well as being near a trolley stop, since relying on public buses alone to reach Walt Disney World Resort from I-Drive can eat up two hours each way.
How to get to the theme parks without a car
Leaving the car behind when you visit the theme parks can save you quite a bit when it comes to parking fees. You can then put this towards snacks or merch in the parks - win win!
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Universal Orlando Resort transportation systems
The easiest way to get around the two biggest resorts in Orlando is to stay in either a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or a Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Both of these offer excellent transportation systems, including shuttle buses, monorails, and water taxis. Decide which of the theme parks you’ll be spending more of your time in, and then choose a hotel based on this.
Some of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Universal Orlando Resort hotels are also within walking distance of the theme parks.
Ride sharing services (such as Uber and Lyft) are the best way to get between Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Universal Orlando Resort. There are buses, but the routes aren’t always direct, and you may end up on them for a long period of time for what is a relatively short drive. When your holiday time is precious, it might be better to spend it enjoying the parks than sitting on a bus.
Free shuttle service
If you decide not to stay at a resort hotel, many hotels in Orlando offer a complimentary shuttle service to the various theme parks and water parks, including those at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Some of the shuttles require advance reservations, so be sure to check this with your hotel.
How to get to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay without a car
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a little further away from the rest of the theme parks. It’s around an hour and 15 minutes’ drive. Luckily, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides a free shuttle service for its guests from Orlando.
The shuttle service is included with Busch Gardens tickets and picks guests up from four stops:
- SeaWorld Orlando - 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
- Publix Vineland Avenue Orlando - 8145 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821
- Doubletree Universal Orlando - 5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
- ICON Orlando - 8401 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
How to get to Orlando’s other attractions without a car
We always recommend scheduling in a few days of your holiday to see what else Florida has to offer beyond the main theme parks.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be a tricky one to get to if you haven’t hired a car, as there isn’t really a public transport option. However, don’t worry - there is an easy option.
If you book a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tour, round-trip transportation is included. Pick-up locations include International Drive, Walt Disney World Resort, and Kissimmee. You’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned coach, making the journey a breeze - quite literally!
Discovery Cove
Add a day at Discovery Cove to your trip if you and your family want to explore a tropical paradise complete with beaches and an abundance of sea life. A dolphin swim here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something you’ll never forget.
Discovery Cove offers a free shuttle service from SeaWorld Orlando, so you can make your way here, which is an easy journey via public transport.
Options include:
- Take a LYNX bus from the Transportation and Ticket Center at Walt Disney World Resort
- Hop on the I-RIDE Trolley from International Drive
- Take the SeaWorld shuttle from Universal CityWalk
Things to do in Orlando without a car
If you’re wanting to explore more of Orlando outside of the typical theme parks and attractions without a car, here are some of the things we recommend:
Thing to do | Description | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
Lake Eola | Large park with walking/running track around the lake, birdlife, beautiful gardens, swan-shaped paddle boats, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which has concerts and plays | Take a LYNX bus to Downtown Orlando |
Winter Park | City with upmarket shops, elegant restaurants, parks, and lakes | LYNX bus Take the SunRail to Park Avenue Winter Park |
What's the best way to get around Orlando without a car?
There's no single best answer - it all depends on your trip. Here's how we break it down:
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Disney / Universal resort transport | Free for hotel guests | Families staying on-site |
| LYNX Link 311 | $2 one-way | Budget-friendly airport-to-park travel |
| I-RIDE Trolley | $2, passes from $8 | Exploring International Drive |
| Rideshare | From around $30 | Late nights and last-minute plans |
| SunRail | From $2 | Weekday trips to Downtown Orlando |
| Brightline | From around $39 | Day trips to Miami or South Florida |
Public transport in Orlando
Public transport in Orlando covers six main options, each suited to a different part of your trip:
- LYNX bus system (including the new Link 311 airport-to-parks route)
- SunRail
- Brightline
- LYMMO
- I-RIDE Trolley
- Rideshare apps
LYNX bus system
LYNX is the local bus operator. It’s great for exploring Downtown Orlando and is a very cost-effective option at just $2 for each journey. The major theme parks are on bus routes. However, the stops may be further from the entrances than the shuttle services.
If you’re staying in Kissimmee, there is a direct bus service (number 56) to Walt Disney World Resort, stopping at the Ticket & Transportation Center. From here, you can use Walt Disney World Resort’s free transportation system to get to the other theme parks, hotels, or Disney Springs.
The $2 LYNX Link 311:
If there's one service to remember for getting around Orlando without a car, it's LYNX Link 311. For just $2, this direct bus connects Orlando International Airport, International Drive, the Universal Orlando area (including Epic Universe), and Disney Springs, running every 30 minutes from 5am to 11pm daily.
It's a brilliant hassle-free alternative to a $30-plus rideshare, and it also dodges the airport's $7 per-trip rideshare pickup fee. Catch it from Terminal A, Level 1 at MCO.
SunRail
SunRail is a train running from Poinciana to DeLand, covering Kissimmee, Downtown Orlando, Winter Park and Sanford along the way. It operates Monday to Friday only, with the last evening train now departing DeLand at 9:55pm following extended hours introduced in December 2025.
Fares start from $2 per journey, rising by $1 for each additional zone crossed, and children six and under travel free. Heading to Universal's Epic Universe? SunRail now connects with LYNX Link 311 at the Sand Lake Road station for a smooth train-and-bus journey straight to the gates.
Brightline
Brightline is a high-speed rail line connecting Orlando with South Florida, which means you can take a day trip to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and even Miami. You could also extend your stay in Florida by adding on a few days at one of these destinations to your holiday.
Each train has comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, so you can update your social media channels with pics of your adventures, and a food and drinks service.
LYMMO
LYMMO is a free bus service with its own dedicated lanes, making it a quick way to explore Downtown Orlando away from the traffic. Three colour-coded lines cover the area:
- Orange Line - runs daily
- Lime Line - weekdays only, roughly 7am to 6pm
- Grapefruit Line - reduced evening hours, finishing around 9pm
Since LYMMO covers Downtown Orlando rather than the theme park corridors, it's most useful for a day trip into the city rather than getting to the parks themselves.
I-RIDE Trolley
The I-RIDE Trolley runs daily from 8am to 10:30pm along International Drive, with over 100 stops across its Red and Green lines. A single ride costs $2, or save money with an unlimited pass: $8 for one day, up to $22 for 14 days.
Stops include:
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Aquatica
- Icon Park, where you’ll find the Orlando Eye
- Shopping outlets
Top tip: If you’re planning to use the I-RIDE Trolley a lot during your holiday, then it’s worth buying a travel pass that covers a few days rather than paying for each journey, as it will work out cheaper. You can buy a single journey, but you’ll need the exact change, which can sometimes be difficult.
Taking a rideshare in Orlando
Although there are a range of public transport options in Orlando, it is sometimes easier and quicker to take a rideshare using an app like Uber or Lyft. However, this is definitely a more costly option.
Work out before your holiday how much you can budget for getting around and then factor in these costs. You might not want to take Ubers everywhere, but it might be worth splashing out for one if you have a very early start one day or to save time if you only have a day in one of the theme parks.
The great thing about these apps is that you can see exactly how much the journey will cost you before you press book, so you won’t be caught out with costly taxi fares.
One thing to budget for: Orlando International Airport adds a $7 rideshare pickup fee to every Uber or Lyft trip from the terminal - one of the highest airport surcharges in the US. Hopping on the $2 LYNX Link 311 bus instead is an easy way to avoid it altogether!
Now you know you’re not going to need a car in Orlando, it’s time to get planning your magical holiday. Check out our Orlando attraction tickets to get started.
