Getting Around Orlando

Means of transportation in Orlando include driving, taking buses, walking, and biking. Modes for getting around Orlando are abundant and easy to access for tourists visiting Orlando. Yet because Orlando is home to some of the world’s best theme parks, things can move pretty slowly out on the streets of Orlando at times. Just stay patient. Learning more about Orlando transportation and when traffic is lightest will help you get to your destinations safely, quickly, and cheaply.

Driving and Orlando Traffic

The city is famous for its close proximity to Disney World, Seaworld, Universal Studios, and an array of other fun parks. It is one of America’s best vacation spots and family friendly activities in Orlando saturate the city.

Needless to say, driving and the Orlando traffic can move at a snail’s pace. Traffic during holidays, summer school vacation, and winter school vacation is usually high due to a large influx of tourists. Regular rush hour work times, such as eight in the morning and five in the evening, are also busy. Events in Orlando such as Magic games at Amway Center can create bad traffic situations.

Driving to Orlando is one of the main methods for getting to Orlando. Those who arrived via personal vehicle can expect to save time by not having to wait for buses and shuttles, but should still prepare for traffic mayhem.

Two of the main roads leading to many of the theme parks are Interstate-4 and International Drive. For example, if you want to visit Disney World, consider going real early in the morning or mid-day, around lunchtime. If you find yourself in a traffic jam, consider alternative routes like Turkey Lake Road or Universal Boulevard.

Either way, renting a car or driving your own will save you time and allow you greater travel flexibility. Be sure to check current traffic conditions before departing.

LYNX (Mass Transit)

The LYNX (Mass Transit) began in 1972 and has become the main form of public transportation in modern Orlando. It is made up of the Local Bus Service, Xpress Service, Fast Link, and LYMMO. There is also a few other services for people with disabilities and those living in isolated areas.

The Local Bus Service operates service within Orlando and outside Orlando. Fast Link offers a speedy route from Seminole Center to Central Station in downtown Orlando every morning. The route goes back in the evening, and hence suits commuters from Seminole County well. The Xpress Service offers transportation to Clermont and West Volusia.

The LYMMO offers free service within central Orlando to the various Orlando shopping, nightlife, and business locations. The LYMMO, which runs until 12 a.m. on weekends, is a great mode of transportation for those wishing to enjoy Orlando’s night scene.

Fares for the bus service are $4.50 for a day pass for adults and $2.25 for kids, elderly, and handicapped. One way fares costs $2. Buying week long passes will save you more money.

Walking and Biking in Orlando

Walking and biking in Orlando is a healthy, cost effective, and green way of getting around the city. If you are spending a day in downtown, going on foot is not only possible, but perhaps most convenient.

To avoid traffic and for safety, using less congested residential streets within the city for biking or walking is recommended. Be certain to pay attention to your surroundings.

A variety of walking and biking trails inhabit Orlando. One popular one is the bike ride or walk from Cade Way Park to Fashion Square Mall. Another is the Little Econ Greenway route, which takes skaters, bikers, and walkers from Blanchard Park to Dean Road in Orlando.

There are both transportation and recreational trails scattered throughout all the areas of Orlando. So find one that suits your interests or transportation needs.

Disney Transportation

The transportation system at Disney is extremely efficient at transporting those at hotels near Disney to the amusement park. And it’s free if you are a guest of a hotel at the Disney resort. If you drive there, it is even possible to drive yourself between various parks. You just have to pay to park.

To get to the Magic Kingdom, a boat bus or a monorail can take you there from the Ticket Transportation Center. Another monorail operates between Disney resort hotels and the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Studios can be reached by walking from many of the resort hotels like the Boardwalk Inn and Suites Resorts. You can also take a boat from those hotels. If that’s not around you, take a monorail from the transportation center.

Only buses can reach the water parks and Animal Kingdom. If you get to the transportation center, you can connect to pretty much anywhere in the mammoth Disney World.

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