Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit orlandoairports.net
Guide to Local Buses and Trains at Orlando Airport (MCO)
Quick Questions about Buses and Trains at MCO
Where do I catch the LYNX bus at the airport?
On Level 1 of Terminal A, spaces A38–A41. There is no LYNX city bus stop at Terminal C. The routes serving the airport are 11, 42, 51, 311, 407 and 436S.
How much does LYNX cost?
USD 2.00 one way. The day pass costs USD 4.50 and is valid from 4:00 am to 3:00 am the next day.
Is LYNX practical with a lot of luggage?
No. The most common complaint is the lack of space for large suitcases. It works with a backpack or a small carry-on.
Is there a train from the airport?
Yes, Brightline, from the station next to Terminal C, with 16 daily trips to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami. SunRail does not reach the airport: you connect by LYNX bus at Sand Lake Road station.
Does SunRail run every day?
No. SunRail runs Monday to Friday, from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm, so it does not work for weekend trips.
Is the LYNX bus reliable for arriving on time?
It is the cheapest option, but not the most predictable: there are reports of buses that do not show up and poorly coordinated connections. If your time is tight, a shuttle or a ride-hailing app is more reliable.
Critical Points: Smart Traveler's Manual
Luggage space on LYNX
Extremely limited: city buses are not designed for travelers with suitcases.
💡 Suggestion: use LYNX only if you travel light.
SunRail on weekends
SunRail does not run on Saturdays or Sundays, and it does not reach the airport.
💡 Suggestion: for most tourists, LYNX, a shuttle or Brightline are more useful than SunRail.
LYNX reliability
There are reports of buses that do not arrive and connections where missing one bus means a long wait for the next.
💡 Suggestion: if your schedule is tight, a shuttle or ride-hailing app is more predictable.
Long-distance shuttles
They often wait to fill up or for other flights to arrive before leaving.
💡 Suggestion: book in advance and don't expect an immediate departure.
Pros and Cons of Buses and Trains at MCO
- Pros:
- LYNX: the cheapest way to leave the airport, USD 2.00 one way.
- Brightline: a direct train from Terminal C to South Florida, about every hour.
- SunRail: punctual and efficient on weekdays.
- Regional shuttles: cover the coast, Tampa and North Florida without a car.
- Cons:
- Luggage on LYNX: almost no space for suitcases.
- LYNX reliability: irregular schedules and connections.
- SunRail: no weekend service and no direct link to the airport.
- Long-distance shuttles: long waits before departure.
LYNX Bus Service: The Economical Option with Conditions
Pick-up location: LYNX buses leave from Level 1 of Terminal A, spaces A38–A41. Terminal C has no city bus stop.
Routes and destinations: routes 11, 42, 51, 311, 407 and 436S connect the airport with Destination Parkway, Downtown Orlando, the Florida Mall, the Orange County Convention Center, the Premium Outlets, SeaWorld and the SunRail station at Sand Lake Road.
Fares: USD 2.00 one way. Day pass: USD 4.50, valid from 4:00 am to 3:00 am the next day. Check the LYNX website for schedules.
User experience:
- The price is unbeatable, but travelers warn about the very limited space for luggage.
- There are reports of buses that do not arrive and connections where missing one bus means waiting a long time.
- Call center waits for inquiries are long.
Strategy: travel light, check the schedule in the LYNX app before leaving and have a plan B (shuttle or ride-hailing app) if your schedule is tight.
Tips for using LYNX:
- Travel light: only ideal with a backpack or a small carry-on.
- Allow time: it is not the fastest option.
- Confirm your route: check the LYNX app or website and ask the driver if in doubt.
- Have a plan B: a shuttle or ride-hailing app if your connection is tight.
Brightline: Train to South Florida
Brightline leaves from the Orlando station next to Terminal C, connected to the terminal by a pedestrian walkway. It has 16 daily round trips, about one per hour, to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami. Fares in the standard SMART class start at USD 79 per adult. Schedules and tickets at gobrightline.com.
User experience:
- Travelers who took Brightline to Miami describe the station and the trip as clean and easy.
- Those arriving by car find it confusing to park near the station: you have to use the Terminal C garage.
Strategy: if you drive to the train, follow the signs to Terminal C and park in Garage C. See the parking guide.
SunRail Connections: Useful, but Limited
SunRail connects with MCO only indirectly: LYNX buses take you to the Sand Lake Road station, from where you reach key points of the metropolitan area. A direct rail link to the airport is a future project with no completion date.
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The service runs Monday to Friday, from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm. More information and train schedules.
User experience:
- Passengers who use it on weekdays value its punctuality.
- The main complaint is that it does not run on weekends, which makes it useless for most tourists.
- There are occasional comments about the cleanliness of the cars.
Tips for using SunRail:
- Check the calendar: make sure your trip is not on a Saturday or Sunday.
- Calculate the transfer: add the bus time from the airport to Sand Lake Road.
Long-Distance Transportation Services
Several shuttle companies operate from the airport to places outside the Orlando area. Book in advance.
Pick-ups on Level 1: spaces A14–A15 (Terminal A), B63–B64 (Terminal B) and C205–C209 (Terminal C).
Destinations and Companies
Northeast (Flagler and Volusia counties): Daytona Beach, DeLand, Deltona, Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast.
- Groome Transportation of Florida: +1 386 257 5411
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.
- Busy Traveler Transportation: +1 321 453 5278
- Cocoa Beach Shuttle: +1 321 453 0704
- Melbourne Airport Shuttle: +1 800 826 4544
- 000 AAA Cruise Line Connection: +1 321 250 0009
Southwest (Highlands and Polk counties): Avon Park, Clearwater, Haines City, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Sarasota, Sebring, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Haven.
- Florida Superior Shuttle: +1 407 583 7514
Northwest (Alachua, Lake and Marion counties): Belleview, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Gainesville, Lady Lake, Mount Dora, Ocala, Silver Springs, Tavares, Umatilla, The Villages.
- Groome Transportation: +1 352 539 9664
- Shuttleliner of Ocala: +1 352 237 9900
User experience:
- Many passengers value the convenience and the professionalism of the drivers.
- The recurring complaint is the wait at the airport before departure, sometimes until the van fills up or other flights arrive.
Tips for a smooth experience:
- Book in advance: essential in high season.
- Confirm your reservation: keep a digital or printed copy at hand.
- Expect a wait: leave margin in your plans for a delayed departure.
