Is there a free shuttle from orlando airport to universal studios

Best Transportation from MCO to Universal 2023

Is there a free shuttle from orlando airport to universal studios

Best Transportation from MCO to Universal 2023

This article is your complete guide on how to get from the Orlando Airport to Universal Studios 2023. Figuring out how to get around can be a huge part of planning a vacation, and that is especially important for navigating to your hotel from the airport. Many guests choose to fly into the Orlando International Airport for their Universal vacation, so that is why we are going to tell you all about the best transportation from MCO to Universal.

Whether you’re looking for a rental car, shuttles, or even rideshare apps we can help learn all you need to know on how to get from MCO to Universal Studios. So keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation. This includes access to the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets, as well as FREE park plans to save up to three hours in the parks!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando check out our Universal Crowd calendar! 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

How Far is the Orlando Airport from Universal Studios?

Is there a free shuttle from orlando airport to universal studios

Let’s start with the most common question on this topic which is, how far is the Orlando airport from Universal Studios? Universal Orlando Resort is located about 14 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is the main airport in and out of Orlando. It is the closest airport to Universal Studios Florida and the only airport we will be talking about in this article. Some guests also fly into Sanford International Airport, which is about 35 miles from the theme parks. Typically, the drive from Universal Orlando to MCO will take between 20 – 30 minutes depending on how heavy traffic is during your travel time. That can change if you are on a shared shuttle bus or van, which could take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to get you from MCO airport to Universal Studios.

What kind of transportation from Orlando airport to Universal?

  • Rental Cars
  • Shuttle Bus or Van
  • Rideshare Apps (Lyft or Uber)
  • Public transportation

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Parking

Is there a Universal Studios Airport Shuttle?

Yes, there is a dedicated shuttle from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios called the Universal SuperStar Shuttle. The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is the dedicated shuttle from MCO to Universal that guests can book as an add-on to their vacation to take them to one of the 8 Universal Orlando hotels. The Universal SuperStar Shuttle picks guests up on the Ground Transportation level of the airport and transports guests from there to their hotels.

This trip on the Universal SuperStar Shuttle can take as little as 30 minutes on a low traffic day, but usually takes about 45 minutes before you’re at your hotel.

How much is Universal SuperStar shuttle?

The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is $39 per person and $29 for children for a round trip journey, or $23 for adults and $18 for children for a one-way trip. It is important to note that SuperStar transportation from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios is an add on that is booked when purchasing online in advance. After purchasing your vacation and tickets, guests are sent exact details on where you will be picked up depending on your flight times.

Which hotels have the Universal SuperStar Shuttle transportation?

  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites and Surfside Inn & Suites
  • Aventura Hotel
  • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
  • Loews Portofino Bay

Is there a shuttle from MCO to Universal Studios?

There are other options for an Orlando Airport shuttle to Universal, that are not the SuperStar Shuttle. Only of the most popular services for guests to use is Mears Transportation, which offers services from taxis to large shuttle busses. This is a popular option for not only families, but solo travelers looking to avoid toll fees or having to drive in tourism traffic.

The cost for this shuttle service from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios is:

  • $23 – $27 per person
  • Children age 3 and under are free

The reason that there is a range is because there are two different zones the Mears shuttles guests to. The closer zone to Universal Orlando and the airport will be on the cheaper end, where the farther hotels will be on the higher end. The Mears service is not exclusive to only Universal or Disney hotels, it will also take families to surround hotels, as well.

Related post: Complete Guide to Jurassic Park Universal Orlando

Can I Use Rideshare (Uber or Lyft) Transportation from MCO to Universal?

Is there a free shuttle from orlando airport to universal studios

Yes, Rideshare transportation is definitely an option when traveling from Universal Studios to the Orlando Airport and vice versa. Using taxi app service like Uber or Lyft is actually quite popular and hassle free, as you just have to request a driver and wait to be picked up. With that being said, you will have to have a rideshare app installed on your phone before you can request a ride. However luckily they do also have rideshares that come with a cars eat if travelling with small children.

If you choose to use rideshare for your transportation to Universal Orlando, it is important to note that it doesn’t matter which terminal you’re being picked up in. Both terminals have designated spots for travelers waiting for their Uber, Lyft or taxi driver. That also makes it convenient for traveling since you don’t have to look far or hassle to find your pickup destination.

How much is Uber from Orlando airport to Universal Studios?

An Uber ride from the airport to Universal Studios can cost anywhere from $30 – $100 depending on when and where you decide to travel. There are also different options for vehicles you can choose, from just a regular passenger car to UberXL, which are larger cars for more space.

  • Regular Uber $28 – $35
  • UberXL – $35 – $60
  • Uber Black (Premium Car Choice) – $60 – $90

How much is Lyft from the airport to Universal Studios?

When using Lyft to get to Universal, you can expect roughly the same pricing as Uber. A standard Lyft starts at around $25 and can go up to $100 depending on what vehicle size you need. Some guests think this is the best transportation from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios because of quick it is, as well as because of the pricing.

With a Rideshare service, you can split the cost of the ride between adults in the car, which helps cut down on costs. That’s why using Rideshare does end up coming out to be the cheapest way to get to MCO to Universal.

Can I take a taxi from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios?

Yes, there are traditional taxis that travel from the Orlando Airport to Universal Studios. If you’re not looking to use an app on your phone and prefer to travel by a metered taxi, you can hop in one right on the Ground Transportation level of the pickup area. The metered taxi price is determined by milage and time, and for Universal ends up being between $38 – $50 per ride, one way.

Related post: Complete Guide to the Universal Studios VIP Experience

How to Get from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios – Rental Car

The most popular MCO to Universal transportation is getting a rental car for many different reasons. People traveling typically like the freedom of having their own vehicle to get around Orlando, even though there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest is that most hotels, and all of Universal’s hotels, have an overnight parking fee for vehicles.

The pricing for car rentals can also be extremely variable, seeing is that the pricing changes depending on the time, size, model, insurance type and company. You will also have to factor in parking at Universal, if you aren’t staying on-site and using their free transportation. The lines for returning or picking up your Orlando rental car can get quite lengthy too, so make sure you factor in at least an hour for pick up or drop off of your vehicle.

How much does it cost to rent a car from the Orlando Airport to Universal Studios?

Renting a car to get from the airport to Universal can cost as low as about $25 a day, to upwards of $100 depending on what you’re looking for. Many mid-sized vehicles average at about $50 a day, no matter which car rental company you go with. On top of the base pricing, you also have to factor in paying for gas in your budget.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Transportation

What is the Cheapest Way to Get From MCO to Universal 2023?

Is there a free shuttle from orlando airport to universal studios

The cheapest transportation from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios would have to be using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. Even if you end up splurging on a larger car, or to use it again to make a quick trip to the store, you will still be far under the pricing of the other transportation options. With that being said, it isn’t necessarily the best way to get from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios.

If you end up staying at an off-site hotel, you will have to Uber or Lyft yourself to the park every single day, which can add up to be another $30 – $50 per day. If you are staying on Universal Orlando’s property, then you have access to their free transportation, which won’t add to cost at all. If you’re also planning on seeing more than just Universal while you’re in Orlando, you might want to consider renting a car, because father distances in a rideshare can end up adding up big time.

How much is transportation from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios?

Based on a 5 day trip for 4:

  • $200 for car rental
  • $60 for rideshare (Uber or Lyft) roundtrip
  • $150 for Universal SuperStar Shuttle
  • $200 for Mears Transportation

These are just averages and estimations, but you can see generally what it would cost for airport transportation Orlando to Universal Studios.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Disability Pass

Orlando Airport to Universal Studios FAQ

Is there a free shuttle from orlando airport to universal studios

How far is Universal Studios from airport?

Universal Studios is about 15 miles from the Orlando International Airport, which is usually about a 20 minute drive in good traffic. It is important to note that traffic can be rather heavy in the tourist areas for plan for 30 minutes of travel time to and from the airport.

How to get from MCO to Universal?

There are many different ways to travel to and from Universal Studios, such as a Universal Shuttle, Orlando Airport taxis, rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) and even rental cars!

Is Universal or Disney closer to the Orlando Airport?

While technically Universal Orlando is closer the Orlando International Airport,  both of the theme parks are still very close to the airport. Disney World is about 20 miles from MCO, while Universal Orlando is about 14 miles from the airport!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks! 

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!

Does Universal Studios pick you up at the airport?

When the fun is over and we'll pick you up and take you back to hotel or LAX for the same low fare. Don't let your vacation get ruined by L.A. traffic, we will do the driving so you can enjoy your trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Are there shuttles from Orlando Airport to Universal?

Our exclusive Universal's SuperStar Shuttle service provides dedicated welcome service and transportation between ​Orlando International Airport and our spectacular Universal Orlando Resort Hotels.

Does Universal have free airport shuttle?

It is offered only at MCO, and not at Sanford Orlando Airport. Otherwise, there are two essential things to know about the shuttle… First, Universal Orlando's SuperStar Shuttle is not complimentary. Roundtrip fare is $39 per person or $29 for children 3-9.

Does Orlando airport offer shuttle service?

It provides ground transportation to many destinations within Orlando and beyond, including Walt Disney World® Resort, via bus, sedans, limousine and shuttle van.

How much is the shuttle from the airport to Universal?

The cost of a roundtrip ticket on the SuperStar Shuttle is $39 per adult and $29 for children ages 3 – 9. The SuperStar Shuttle whisks you from the airport to your hotel with ease and comfort.

How much is an uber from Orlando Airport to Universal?

An Uber from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios costs between $28 and $70. Uber pricing is dependent on the time of day you travel / traffic and demand for the service, as well as the type of service/vehicle you choose.