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Guide to Local Buses and Trains at Orlando Airport (MCO)
LYNX (local bus) and SunRail are the most economical options for getting around from MCO, but with important conditions: very limited luggage space on LYNX, and SunRail does not operate on weekends. This guide details what to expect from each.
Quick Questions about Buses and Trains at MCO
- Is it practical to use the LYNX bus with a lot of luggage? No. The most common complaint is the lack of space for large suitcases. If you're traveling with more than one carry-on, the trip can be very uncomfortable.
- Where do I catch the LYNX bus at the airport? The stop is located on Level 1 of Terminal A, at spaces A38-A41.
- Does the SunRail train operate every day? No, and this is its biggest drawback. SunRail only runs Monday through Friday, making it useless for weekend travelers.
- Is there a direct connection from SunRail to the airport? No. You must take a LYNX bus from the airport to the Sand Lake Road station to connect with the train, which adds an extra step to your journey.
- Is the LYNX bus reliable for arriving on time? It's the most economical option, but not the most predictable. There are reports of buses that don't arrive and poorly coordinated connections, where missing a bus means waiting quite a while for the next one. If time is tight, a private shuttle or rideshare is more reliable.
Critical Points: Smart Traveler's Manual
- Luggage space on LYNX: extremely limited. Only recommended with a backpack or small carry-on.
- SunRail does not operate on weekends: the service only runs Monday through Friday (5:30 am to 9:30 pm), so it doesn't work as a plan for most tourists.
- LYNX reliability: there are reports of buses that don't arrive and poorly coordinated connections. Strategy: if your itinerary has tight timelines, a private shuttle or rideshare is more predictable than LYNX.
- Long-distance shuttles: they often wait to fill up or for other flights to arrive before departing. Strategy: book in advance and don't assume an immediate departure upon arrival.
LYNX Bus Service: The Economical Option with Conditions
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Pick-up location:
LYNX bus service operates from Level 1 of Terminal A, at spaces A38-A41.
Main destinations:
- Destination Parkway, Downtown Orlando, Florida Mall, Orange County Convention Center, Premium Outlets, SeaWorld, and the SunRail station at Sand Lake Road.
Fares: One-way: USD2.00. Day pass: USD4.50 (valid from 4:00 am to 3:00 am the next day). Check the LYNX website for more details.
User experience: While the price is unbeatable, the LYNX experience depends on how much luggage you carry. Travelers consistently warn about the extremely limited luggage space. If you're traveling with large suitcases, prepare for an uncomfortable ride. Beyond luggage, there are reports of reliability issues — buses that don't arrive and poorly coordinated connections, where missing a bus can mean waiting hours for the next one — and long wait times at the call center for inquiries. Punctuality can be good on some routes, but it's best not to rely on LYNX if your time margin is tight.
Tips for using LYNX:
- Travel light: This option is only ideal if you have a backpack or a small carry-on.
- Plan with time: It's not the fastest option. Allow a generous time margin to avoid missing connections or arriving late to your destination.
- Confirm your route: Use the LYNX app or website to check schedules, and don't hesitate to ask the driver to make sure you're going in the right direction.
- Have a Plan B: if your connection or itinerary is tight, consider a private shuttle or rideshare instead of LYNX, given the reports of reliability issues.
SunRail Connections: Useful, but Limited
The SunRail train indirectly connects to MCO through LYNX buses that take you to the Sand Lake Road station. From there, you can access key destinations in the metropolitan area. However, its biggest limitation is its operating schedule.
The service only operates Monday through Friday, from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm. More information and train schedules.
User experience: Passengers who use SunRail on weekdays value its efficiency and punctuality. However, the main complaint is its inoperability on weekends, which makes it a useless option for most tourists. There have also been some concerns about the cleanliness of the cars, with seats often stained and unpleasant odors, as well as audio announcements considered excessive in frequency by some passengers. It's worth noting that SunRail is primarily a commuter service for the metropolitan area, not an option designed as direct tourist transportation to the airport.
Tips for using SunRail:
- Check the calendar: Make sure your trip is not on a Saturday or Sunday, as the train will not be running.
- Calculate transfer time: Consider the bus travel time from the airport to the train station to avoid missing your connection.
Long-Distance Transportation Services
For travel to locations outside the Orlando metropolitan area, several shuttle companies operate from the airport. Although convenient, it's important to book in advance.
Pick-ups are on Level 1: spaces A14-A15 (Terminal A), B14-B15 (Terminal B), and C205-C209 (Terminal C).
Destinations and Companies
Groome Transportation of Florida (Tel +1 386 257 5411)
Northeast (Flagler and Volusia counties): Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast
Busy Traveler Transportation (Tel +1 321 453 5278)
Cocoa Beach Shuttle (Tel +1 321 453 0704)
Melbourne Airport Shuttle (Tel +1 800 826 4544)
Southeast (Beaches and Brevard County): Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne, Miami, Palm Bay, Patrick AFB, Port Canaveral, Titusville, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach
000 AAA Cruise Line Connection (Tel +1 321 250 0009)
Florida Superior Shuttle (Tel +1 407 583 7514)
Southwest (Highlands and Polk counties): Avon Park, Clearwater, Haines City, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Sarasota, Sebring, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Haven
Groome Transportation (Tel +1 352 539 9664)
Shuttleliner of Ocala (Tel +1 352 237 9900)
Northwest (Alachua, Lake, and Marion counties): Belleview, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Gainesville, Lady Lake, Mount Dora, Ocala, Silver Springs, Tavares, Umatilla, The Villages
User experience: Opinions on these services are mixed. Many passengers appreciate the convenience and professionalism of the drivers. However, a recurring complaint is the long wait times at the airport before the shuttle begins its route, sometimes waiting to fill up or for other flights to arrive.
Tips for a smooth experience:
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season, it's essential to secure your seat.
- Confirm your reservation: Have a digital or printed copy of your reservation on hand to avoid confusion when boarding.
- Prepare for the wait: Don't assume the shuttle will depart immediately after your arrival. Leave a time margin in your plans for potential delays.
Pros and cons of buses and trains at MCO
Pros: LYNX is the airport's most economical option (USD2 one-way), SunRail is punctual and efficient on weekdays, and long-distance shuttles cover regional destinations without needing your own car.
Cons: almost non-existent luggage space on LYNX, questionable reliability in schedules and connections on LYNX, SunRail inoperative on weekends, and long wait times before departure on long-distance shuttles.
