Lots of people cringe at the thought of going to the airport, especially if it's one they've never navigated before. Don't stress, though. Orlando International Airport is surprisingly manageable by major airport standards, and associated transportation costs are relatively low for a big city.
Why Don't They Know How to Make an Acronym?
First, to clear up a common point of confusion: Orlando International Airport condenses down nicely to OIA, and while some people call it that, it's officially designated MCO.
It used to be McCoy Air Force Base, and apparently the people calling the shots are too nostalgic to let the old letters go.
Transportation To and From the Airport
The best option is obviously to convince a friend or relative to chauffeur you. Failing that, and assuming you're not staying at a hotel or resort that provides free shuttle service for guests, go for one of the following options.
Shared Shuttles and Taxis
These are as convenient as having a friend or family member drive you, but they charge. For a frame of reference, Mears and other shared shuttle lines charge about $20 per person for a ride from downtown Orlando to the airport, while the same cab ride typically runs about $35. Expect this trip to take about half an hour, as long as you're not contending with traffic. Shuttles and taxis have their own lanes right outside both airport terminals.
Driving Yourself
If you decide to brave it on your own, navigation once you arrive is simple and straightforward, with lots of large signs telling you where to go.
If you're picking someone up or dropping them off curbside, follow the signs to the appropriate spot at the appropriate terminal. You can't loiter there, though, so if you have to wait, park in the Cell Phone Lot, which costs nothing. If you're going inside, use the terminal garage, which is directly next to the terminal and only costs $3 per hour. If you happen to park at the wrong terminal, don't fret; it's not hard or far crossing from one terminal to the other once you're inside.
If you're getting on a plane, the cheapest on-site long-term parking is in the two lots called North and South Park Place, otherwise referred to as the Blue and Red Lots. These cost $10 daily. They're farther out than the garages, which charge $17 per day, but there are frequent free shuttles between them and the terminals.
Lynx Buses
If you're not overly laden with luggage, the bus only costs $2 to ride. The following routes run between the airport and various locations around the city: 11 to Lynx Central Station, 42 to International Drive, 51 to Colonial Plaza, 111 to SeaWorld and 436S to Fern Park. You can also hop a bus to the airport from the SunRail's Sand Lake Road Station. Public buses load and unload outside Terminal A.
Rental Cars
If you're visiting town and rent a car, you can pick up or drop off for any major agency you can think of at the airport. Rental agents are available in both terminals and the vehicles are kept in the adjoining garages.
Why Don't They Know How to Make an Acronym?
First, to clear up a common point of confusion: Orlando International Airport condenses down nicely to OIA, and while some people call it that, it's officially designated MCO.
It used to be McCoy Air Force Base, and apparently the people calling the shots are too nostalgic to let the old letters go.
Transportation To and From the Airport
The best option is obviously to convince a friend or relative to chauffeur you. Failing that, and assuming you're not staying at a hotel or resort that provides free shuttle service for guests, go for one of the following options.
Shared Shuttles and Taxis
These are as convenient as having a friend or family member drive you, but they charge. For a frame of reference, Mears and other shared shuttle lines charge about $20 per person for a ride from downtown Orlando to the airport, while the same cab ride typically runs about $35. Expect this trip to take about half an hour, as long as you're not contending with traffic. Shuttles and taxis have their own lanes right outside both airport terminals.
Driving Yourself
If you decide to brave it on your own, navigation once you arrive is simple and straightforward, with lots of large signs telling you where to go.
If you're picking someone up or dropping them off curbside, follow the signs to the appropriate spot at the appropriate terminal. You can't loiter there, though, so if you have to wait, park in the Cell Phone Lot, which costs nothing. If you're going inside, use the terminal garage, which is directly next to the terminal and only costs $3 per hour. If you happen to park at the wrong terminal, don't fret; it's not hard or far crossing from one terminal to the other once you're inside.
If you're getting on a plane, the cheapest on-site long-term parking is in the two lots called North and South Park Place, otherwise referred to as the Blue and Red Lots. These cost $10 daily. They're farther out than the garages, which charge $17 per day, but there are frequent free shuttles between them and the terminals.
Lynx Buses
If you're not overly laden with luggage, the bus only costs $2 to ride. The following routes run between the airport and various locations around the city: 11 to Lynx Central Station, 42 to International Drive, 51 to Colonial Plaza, 111 to SeaWorld and 436S to Fern Park. You can also hop a bus to the airport from the SunRail's Sand Lake Road Station. Public buses load and unload outside Terminal A.
Rental Cars
If you're visiting town and rent a car, you can pick up or drop off for any major agency you can think of at the airport. Rental agents are available in both terminals and the vehicles are kept in the adjoining garages.
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