- Orlando, Florida is a sprawling city of over 110 square miles with little public transportation.
- As a long-term resident, I suggest using a car, or car service, to get around the city.
When I first moved to Orlando from South Carolina 13 years ago, I quickly discovered the importance of having a reliable vehicle to get around town. Thankfully I had a car when I arrived, but I found myself spending much more time in it than I'd expected.
Because Orlando is laid out in a sprawling fashion covering around 110 square miles, with limited public-transit options and most districts only accessible by vehicle, getting around by car is the only practical way to navigate the city. I highly recommend renting one if you'll be in town for a few days and plan to venture from place to place. However, if you'll just be here for a night or two, or if you plan to hang out in one area for most of your stay — downtown, for instance — using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft is a reasonable option.
On the other hand, if your plan is to touch down at the airport and go directly to a theme-park resort, check with your hotel and inquire about shuttle services. Nearly all of the major theme-park hotels offer complimentary transports between the airport and the parks.
Orlando International Airport
Most visitors arrive by highway or via Orlando International Airport, or MCO, which is a bustling travel hub and one of the busiest airports in the world. More than 30 airlines across three terminals serve it. As a frequent MCO traveler, I recommend following the usual standard of arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.
MCO is designed with the "getaway" vacationer in mind, with tropical decor that reminds visitors why Florida is called the Sunshine State. Depending on what gate your plane arrives at, you might touch down to the sight of intricate mosaic murals, airy atriums adorned with fountains and palm trees, or immersive art installations. There's a nice mix of restaurants and gift shops, so you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat and even snag a coveted pair of Mickey Mouse ears if you so desire before heading out on the town.
Rental cars
If you're visiting Orlando for more than a day or two, I think it's a good choice to rent a car to make getting around more practical. Luckily, Orlando has a large rental-car market, so visitors have plenty of options. There are 10 on-site car-rental companies right at the airport — including Alamo, Budget, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and more — plus a few dozen additional options that offer free shuttle transportation to their off-site locations.
Pro tip: If you're returning your rental at MCO, plan ahead and fill up the tank a couple miles away. The gas stations nearest the airport are notorious for higher-than-average prices at the pump.
Also, know that there are many toll roads within Orlando, so you'll need to purchase a SunPass prepaid-toll device online ahead of your trip or in person when you arrive.
Ride-hailing services
Ride-hailing services are abundant within the city, and both residents and visitors rely on Uber and Lyft for quick — and often late-night — trips around town. Like anywhere else, prices can vary dramatically depending on factors like the weather, the number of drivers available, and the time of day. In my experience, a ride from the airport to downtown and to the theme parks will typically cost around $35 and $50, respectively.
The LYNX bus system
The LYNX bus system runs through Central Florida, with all-day passes available for just $4.50 and weeklong passes for $16. The bus is the least-expensive option for budget-conscious travelers, but it's also notorious for inconvenient routes and too-few stops, so I generally avoid it when it's possible and instead go by car.
SunRail
Launched in 2014, the SunRail is a weekday-commuter train that runs Monday through Friday and connects Osceola County, which is south of Orlando, and Volusia County, which is north of Orlando. It runs right through downtown and offers free on-board WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms. I don't often take the SunRail, but I do enjoy riding it occasionally for day trips with friends to places just outside the city. The train allows us to avoid the traffic of I-4 and the hassle of finding street parking near our destinations.
One of my favorite weekday excursions is to ride the SunRail from downtown's Church Street Station to the cute smaller town of Sanford, then catch the free trolley to the river walk at Historic Downtown Sanford. I also recommend the stop at Winter Park, which has many restaurants and stores within walking distance of the train station.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Orlando, Florida.