How to Go From Orlando Airport to Universal (6 Ways)

Your plane has just landed at the Orlando International Airport (MCO). You and your family are incredibly excited to get to Universal Orlando and start your EPIC vacation. But now you’re staring at all the transportation options after landing at MCO, wondering which one is easiest, cheapest, or fastest.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the transportation options from the Orlando Airport to Universal Orlando.

I’m covering everything from shuttles and ride-shares to public buses and private cars, so you can start your vacation with confidence and a little less stress. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or in a big group, there’s a way to get to Universal that fits your style and budget.

You can use these options to go to the Universal Orlando resorts, other nearby hotels, or directly to one of the Universal theme parks – Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay Water Park.

Orlando Airport to Universal Orlando:

If you need information about car seats, scroll to the bottom to see a complete breakdown.

Option #1: Take Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle

One of the easiest ways to get to Universal Orlando from the airport is to take the SuperStar Shuttle! This is the official transportation option offered by Universal.

Where can Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle take you?

The shuttle ONLY goes to Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, which include:

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Hard Rock Hotel^®
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Terra Luna Resort
Universal Helios Grand Hotel

If you are staying at any of the eleven resorts above, then the SuperStar shuttle is an easy and affordable option.

At the time of this writing, here are the rates for the SuperStar Shuttle. Prices INCLUDE tax.

One-Way:

Adult: $23
Child (3-9): $21
Children 2 & Under: Free

Roundtrip:

Adult: $39
Child (3-9): $36
Children 2 & Under: Free

Where can you find the SuperStar Shuttle at the Orlando Airport?

After you collect your luggage from Baggage Claim on Level 2, you will go to Level 1 (Ground Transportation) and look for the Hotel Transportation Desk.

You will find a representative from Universal Orlando who will guide you to the SuperStar shuttle from there.

If your flight arrives BEFORE 7 am or AFTER 8 pm, you will receive specific instructions from Universal to get on the shuttle.

How do you book a ride on the SuperStar Shuttle?

The easiest way to buy tickets for the shuttle is to do so when you book your Universal hotel. You can add the SuperStar Shuttle as an additional service as you check out.

If you are using a travel agent (like Be Prepared Vacations!), let us know that you need the SuperStar Shuttle. We can book it for you.

You can add on the SuperStar Shuttle after you have booked your resort, up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.

No worries if you need a car seat. As long as Universal knows, they will have it waiting for you.

The driving time from the airport to the Universal area is about 25 to 30 minutes.

You may have to wait at the airport until all of the scheduled guests have arrived at the SuperStar shuttle, which can hold up to 25 people.

Also, you may stop at other Universal Resort Hotels before getting to yours, which can add a considerable amount of time.

Taking the SuperStar Shuttle offers many advantages:

You can book, plan, and pay for your ride beforehand. Then, all you need to do is arrive, show them your ticket, and get on the shuttle.

The shuttle provides round-trip service. It will pick you up at your Universal hotel and take you back to the airport when your vacation is over.

Option #2: Use a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) to Universal

A popular way to go from the Orlando Airport to Universal Orlando is to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Most of the time, this is the option our family uses!

I can’t give you an exact price for how much it costs to go from the airport to Universal using a rideshare since the prices constantly change depending on the day and time. The prices also change based on how big a vehicle you require.

For example, here were the costs and options to go from MCO to Universal on a random Monday morning.

Remember that these prices are ONE WAY! You must also consider the cost of using a rideshare to get back to the Orlando Airport.

The prices don’t look so bad if you require a smaller vehicle. But if you need something larger for your party’s luggage, booking an UberXL becomes more expensive. Also, please note that it says, “Prices are lower than usual.”

It’s even pricier if you require a car seat. Here is what Uber has to offer if you need one. Please note that the exact price may change depending on when you arrive.

One advantage of taking a ride share to Universal Orlando is that you won’t have to wait long for your ride.

At almost any time of day, you should wait less than 5 minutes for your driver!

Once you collect your baggage and walk outside to the curb, you can be on your way to Universal a few minutes later. No waiting for a shuttle bus or standing in line for your rental car!

Where can I find the rideshare pickup at the Orlando Airport?

Don’t worry, it’s really easy to find! First, you need to pay attention to your Terminal. MCO has three terminals: A, B, and C.

Terminal A: The rideshare pickup is on Level 2 (Arrivals) unless it’s late (between 9:00 pm and 2:00 am), then it’s on Level 3.
Terminal B: The rideshare pickup is on Level 2 (Arrivals) unless it’s late (between 9:00 pm and 2:00 am), then it’s on Level 3.
Terminal C: The rideshare pickup is on Level 6.

Once you are on the correct level and outside by the curb, you should see signs showing where to stand for “Ride App Pickup.” The Lyft app even shows you which door to meet your driver based on the Terminal.

The biggest disadvantage to using a rideshare is that you can’t plan it ahead of time, and the cost isn’t fixed. You have to trust that once you get to MCO, you can use the app to order a vehicle and find the correct pickup location.

Also, the costs can increase drastically due to “surge pricing.” If you arrive in Orlando on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you can almost guarantee the prices will be higher than what you see above because so many other people are arriving for their vacation.

If you have never used Uber or Lyft, you have to be comfortable with a stranger driving you in their car, who is not part of a traditional company.

I know many people would rather take the certainty of one of the other options on this list.

Option #3: Take a traditional taxi from MCO

Yes, it is still possible to take a normal taxi! Some people like this option because they trust a taxi more than a driver from Uber or Lyft since the cab is associated with a local company. And as you can see above, there are A LOT of taxis waiting for you at the Orlando Airport!

To take a taxi from MCO to Universal, you will need to head to the following area, depending on your terminal.

Terminal A: Ground Transportation Curb (Level 1) in spaces A22-A25
Terminal B: Ground Transportation Curb (Level 1) in spaces B30-B34
Terminal C: Arrivals Curb (Level 6)

The taxi driver can’t tell you the exact price to get to the Universal area, as flat fares are prohibited by law. All fares are determined by the meter inside the taxi, which depends on the total length of the trip. And the rate is the same, regardless of how many passengers you have (up to 9).

However, it’s estimated that a one-way taxi ride from the airport to the Universal Orlando parks or resorts will cost $50 to $70.

A taxi will typically cost a bit more than Uber or Lyft. But many taxis have car seats available, especially some of the bigger vans, so this is a great option if you have toddlers.

Here are a few taxi companies that operate from the Orlando Airport. There should be plenty of taxis available when you arrive, but you can also try to schedule ahead of time if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Option #4: Hire a private car service to get to Universal Orlando

Do you know the people at the airport holding a sign for someone near the baggage claim? These are often private car services waiting to take their clients wherever they need to go!

Before you skip this option as a way to go from the airport to Universal Orlando because it sounds too expensive, please keep reading. I think it’s a great solution for many families, but often ignored.

First, let’s go over a few of the advantages that most private car services offer:

You can schedule and pay for a private car service beforehand, so you have one less thing to worry about on your travel day.
They will meet you directly at the airport, often with a sign with your name on it, ready to take you DIRECTLY to Universal Orlando. No waiting for a ride share, shuttle, or taxi. And no sharing the ride with anyone else.
Many companies include a short grocery store visit on the way!
Help with your luggage.
FREE car seats! You should be able to use car seats for as many children as you have included in the package.

How much does a private car service cost?

It depends on which company you select, but the average cost is between $100 to $150 one way. Typically, you will get a discount for booking round-trip.

Booking a private car service will cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for many families we help. Especially if you factor in the time you will save and the stress you won’t have. 🙂

Here are a few local options:

Option #5: Rent a car at the Orlando Airport

If you don’t like any of the options above, you can always rent a car to get to Universal!

The advantages are that you have complete freedom for your vacation to go wherever you want. Renting a car might be a great option if you plan to visit places other than Universal, such as Disney World, Sea World, or other areas in Orlando.

Since Orlando is one of the world’s biggest markets for rental cars, every major rental car company operates here.

In addition, Enterprise, Hertz, and the other big carriers are located at the airport on Level 1 in Terminals A and B and Level 4 in Terminal C. This means you don’t have to deal with an additional shuttle to get your rental car! 🙂

Check how much a rental car would cost for your upcoming trip HERE.

I would not recommend renting a car if you ONLY need it to get from the airport to your hotel and back again. This would be a crazy amount of money just for a few trips. Any of the other options on this list would be a cheaper solution.

In addition, you have to pay a daily fee to park your car at any of the Universal Orlando resorts. The cost depends on which hotel you are staying at, but the price is typically over $30 per day!

Option #6: Ride in a party bus or limo to Universal Orlando

Are you coming to Orlando for a bachelorette party, wedding, or other celebration?

If so, why not start your trip to Universal the BEST possible way by taking a party bus or limousine? 🙂

You can have one of these vehicles pick you up right at MCO. And if you have a large party, it’s not even that expensive if everyone splits the cost! Seriously, check out rates with a local company HERE.

It’s not even a problem if toddlers are in your group, as you can request car seats when you book.

What is the CHEAPEST way to get from the Orlando Airport to Universal?

It’s hard to say which option is the least expensive. It depends on the number of people in your party. Also, it depends on the current costs of taking a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft). Their prices constantly change depending on availability and “surge pricing.”

But in general, the least expensive option is typically either taking the SuperStar Shuttle or an Uber. The SuperStar Shuttle is probably the most affordable for a solo traveler or maybe a group of two. Taking an Uber/Lyft becomes less expensive as the group gets larger because you pay per car ride, not by the number of riders.

Another option that is definitely less money than anything else on this list is the Lynx bus service, which provides public transportation in Orlando. It would only cost a few dollars per person!

But you have to figure out their route map. In addition, the approximate time it would take is roughly 1.5 hours from MCO to Universal.

But if you are on a strict budget, then you will LOVE the rates.

Which option should you pick?

The best option depends on your unique circumstances.

SuperStar Shuttle service: This is is the easiest, most seamless way to go directly between MCO and your hotel. It’s also the cheapest option for solo travelers or small groups.

Private car service: Best for people who want a private ride that is waiting for them. It also has fixed pricing, so you know exactly what you are paying.

Uber/Lyft: Flexible and private. Best for procrastinators who didn’t line up any other options. 🙂

Taxis: Best for people who aren’t comfortable with Uber and Lyft!

Car rentals: Best for people who want to visit other areas in Orlando outside Universal.

Party bus or limo: Best for celebrations or large groups!

Option	Time	Cost (Approx.)	Best For
SuperStar Shuttle	30‑45 min	$23/person one-way $39/person round-trip	Guests staying at Universal hotels. Easy and seamless.
Uber / Lyft	~25 min	$30–40 one way (UberX); more for premium	Fast, private, flexible.
Taxi (Mears/local)	~25 min	$35–50+	Official taxi; no app required
Private Car / Sedan Service	~25	$130–150 one-way	Premium, guaranteed fixed price
LYNX Public Bus	60–90 min	$2 per person	Cheapest
Rental Car	~25 min	Varies	Visiting multiple Orlando areas

What is the best way to travel if you need a car seat?

If you have toddlers, I know it is VERY important to find transportation to Universal that includes a car seat. So here is a brief rundown of everything the above options can provide:

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle:

Make sure to request a car seat when you make your reservation. If you need to add a car seat to an existing reservation, call 1-866-604-7557 or let your travel agent know.
Car seats are not required when riding on the shuttle.

Private Car Service:

Car seats should be no problem if you hire a private car service. Make sure to let the company know what you need before arrival.

Uber:

It’s easy to request a vehicle with Uber that has a car seat you can use. While in the Uber app, scroll down to see the car seat options.

Uber Car Seat vehicles only provide ONE car seat. Also, there may be limited availability for an Uber Car Seat vehicle, so you may have to wait for one at MCO.
It’s also very easy to bring an inflatable car seat, which you can use while riding in the Uber. Check out some of the best options here on Amazon.

Lyft:

As of this writing, Lyft does not have the option to request a vehicle with a car seat. Therefore, you must bring your own car seat to travel with Lyft.

Taxi:

Many taxi vans have a car seat if needed, but it’s not guaranteed.

Rental Car:

If you decide to rent a car, you can also rent car seats or boosters from your provider for an additional daily cost.
To save some money, you can also bring your own. Getting an inflatable car seat is also very easy, so you don’t have to carry your large, heavy one from home. Check out some of the best options here on Amazon.

Just so you know, rideshares and taxis are exempt from child passenger laws in Florida.

It is completely up to you to determine if you require a car seat. Below is what the current law states:

(6) The child restraint requirements imposed by this section do not apply to a chauffeur-driven taxi, limousine, sedan, van, bus, motor coach, or other passenger vehicle if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.”

What questions do you have about traveling from the Orlando International Airport to Universal Orlando?

Please leave a comment below! I will do my best to research and find you an answer.

Need help planning your Universal vacation? Contact Be Prepared Vacations—we’ll help with hotels, park tickets, and airport transfers!”