Do you need a car to get around Orlando?
Why a Car Is Often Recommended
Orlando is a sprawling city with major attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and International Drive located miles apart. Public bus service (Lynx) exists but is slow and not ideal for tourists. A car gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Driving in Orlando is generally easy, with wide highways and plenty of parking, though toll roads are common (e.g., SR 408, SR 417). Rental cars are readily available at the airport and around the city. If you're staying on Disney property, you might not need a car thanks to free internal buses, monorails, and boats.
- Attractions are spread out
- Public transit is limited
- Toll roads require SunPass or cash
- Rental cars available at MCO
Alternatives to Driving
If you prefer not to drive, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be cost-effective for short trips, though surge pricing may apply. Many hotels offer free shuttles to theme parks, and some areas like International Drive have trolley services.
You can also stay in a walkable resort area, such as Disney's BoardWalk or Universal's CityWalk, where you can walk to dining and entertainment. However, getting between major attractions without a car can be time-consuming and expensive. Weigh your itinerary and budget before deciding.
Common mistakes
- Assuming public transit is convenient—it's not designed for tourists and can take hours.
- Thinking you can walk everywhere—distances between attractions are often too far.
- Forgetting about tolls when renting a car; many highways require payment, so ask about transponders.
