How to Get from MCO to Universal Orlando

How to Get from MCO to Universal Orlando

How to Get from MCO to Universal Orlando

This article is your complete guide on how to get from the Orlando Airport to Universal Studios. As you’ll see, there are plenty of options for traveling from MCO to Universal Orlando. But we think the easiest way to get from MCO to Universal is to use the official Universal Orlando shuttle! However, it’s important to note this service is reserved for guests who purchase a Universal Orlando vacation package. Whether you’re taking a rental car, shuttle, or even a rideshare let’s discover the best way to get from MCO to Universal Studios!

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!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

How Far is the Orlando Airport from Universal Studios?

Universal Orlando Resort is located about 14 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). It is the closest airport to Universal Studios Florida. Some guests opt 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 the 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 is there from Orlando airport to Universal?

• Rental Car
• Shuttle Bus or Van
• Rideshare (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! Universal SuperStar Shuttle is the official Universal Orlando transportation service that has a dedicated shuttle from MCO to Universal. Guests can book this shuttle as an add-on to their vacation package to take them to their Universal Orlando hotel. 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 the Universal SuperStar shuttle?

One-way:

• $23 for adults
• $18 for kids

Round-trip:

• $39 for adults
• $29 for children

The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is $39 per person $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 one of our discount Universal Orlando vacation packages in advance. After purchasing your vacation and tickets, guests are sent exact details on where they will be picked up depending on their 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

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Universal SuperStar Shuttle

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. One of the most popular services for guests to use is Mears Transportation, which offers services from taxis to large shuttle buses. This is a popular option for not only families but also 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, 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 surrounding hotels, as well

Related Post: The Latest Universal Orlando Vacation Package Deals

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

Yes, Rideshare is a great option when traveling from Universal Studios to the Orlando Airport. Using app services like Uber or Lyft is one of the most popular options. If you’re unfamiliar, all you have to do is request a driver on the app and wait to be picked up! They also have rideshares that come with car seats if traveling with small children. If you choose to use rideshare for your transportation to Universal Orlando, it doesn’t matter which terminal you’re being picked up in. Both terminals have designated spots for travelers waiting for their ride.

How much is Uber from Orlando airport to Universal Studios?

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

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, from a regular passenger car to UberXL, which are larger cars with more space.

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 how quick it is, as well as the price point.

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 from 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 mileage and time, and for Universal ends up being between $38 – $50 per ride, one way.

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

One of the other popular MCO to Universal transportation is getting a rental car for many different reasons. The pricing for car rentals can also be extremely variable as the pricing changes depending on the time, size, model, insurance type, and rental company. You will also have to factor in parking at Universal if you aren’t staying on-site or 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 Orlando Airport to Universal Studios?

• $25 – $100+ per day

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 2024?

The cheapest transportation from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios would have to be using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. 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 another $30 – $50 per day. Staying on Universal Orlando’s property gives you access to their free transportation services. 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 farther 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 from Orlando to Universal Studios.

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What is the Best Transportation From MCO to Universal?

From our experience, we typically find that the official Universal Orlando SuperStar shuttle is the best transportation from MCO to Universal Orlando. One of the main reasons we love this option is it can easily be added to any discount Universal Orlando package, and the Universal SuperStar shuttle will be exactly where you need it to be once you schedule your flight information with your travel agent. Guests won’t have to worry about finding the right size Uber or Lyft and also carrying a car seat. Overall we simply feel like it is the easiest option with the less stress for guests visiting Orlando.

Related Post: The Best Universal Orlando Vacation Package Deals

Orlando Airport to Universal Studios FAQ

Q: How far is Universal Studios from the airport?

A: 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.

Q: How to get from MCO to Universal?

A: 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!

Q: Can you Uber to Universal Studios Orlando?

A: Uber is actually the preferred Rideshare partner of Universal Orlando Resort, and is readily available throughout Orlando to take guests to and from the Orlando airport.

Q: Is Universal or Disney closer to the Orlando Airport?

A: While technically Universal Orlando is closer to 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 break down 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 that 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!