Between convention crowds, sprawling resorts, and famously busy roads, getting around Orlando can feel intimidating at first glance. But while the city is best known as a car-centric destination, conference attendees may be surprised by how much of Orlando is accessible without driving, especially around the Orange County Convention Center and adjacent International Drive corridor. With a combination of trolleys, local buses, rail connections, and rideshare services, visitors can comfortably navigate much of the city without having to rent a car.
Touching Down in Orlando
Many conference attendees will arrive in Orlando via Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about 15 minutes by car from the Orange County Convention Center district.
Orlando International is large and busy, so expect crowds and significant walking distances between terminals, baggage claim, and ground transportation. Give yourself a little extra time when arriving or departing, especially during peak travel periods.
Navigating to and from the Airport
There are several transport options between the airport and the convention center area.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are among the most convenient transportation options for conference attendees, especially if you are arriving with luggage or have had a long flight. Rideshare pickup areas at MCO are clearly marked, but they’re usually crowded during peak arrival windows.
- Pricing: $40–50
Depending on traffic and surge pricing, rideshare trips to the convention area are often more economical than rental cars once parking costs are considered. - Travel Time: 15–25 minutes
- Pros: Typically less expensive than taxis. Widely available throughout Orlando, no need to navigate toll roads, cost-effective solution for groups traveling together.
- Cons: Prices may surge during peak times. Pickup areas can be crowded or confusing during busy times. Frequent rideshare use throughout the week can become expensive.
Taxi
Taxis are a reliable alternative to rideshare, with dedicated pickup and dropoff spots located right outside the airport terminals—making departure from the airport generally easier than rideshare pickup.
- Pricing: $45–65
Fares are metered, not flat-rate, so costs can be higher if traffic is heavy. - Travel Time: 15–25 minutes
- Pros: Dedicated pickup areas are easier to navigate than rideshare zones, especially when leaving the airport.
- Cons: Usually more expensive than rideshares. Metered fares mean costs can climb in heavy traffic.
Car Rental
Orlando Airport offers a variety of car rental services, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Book online in advance for the best rates.
- Pricing: $50–100/day for a standard vehicle, before taxes and fees.
Weekly rates and advance booking can reduce costs significantly. - Estimated travel time: 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
- Pros: Maximum flexibility for exploring beyond the convention area. No need to navigate rideshare or taxi pickup zones.
- Cons: Daily rates, parking fees, and tolls add up quickly. Convention center parking information is available on the convention center website. Note that most toll roads in the Orlando area no longer accept cash (map)—ask your rental company about a toll transponder when you pick up your vehicle.
- Note: If you are arriving at the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), renting a car or using rideshare is recommended over public transit. The Sanford airport is about 40 minutes away from the convention center by car.
Public Transit The LYNX 42 bus travels directly from the Orlando Airport to the Convention Center. You can plan your LYNX bus trip and purchase passes on the LYNX website.
- Pricing: A single fare costs $2, while an all-day pass costs $4.50.
The easiest way to purchase a single fare trip is to tap your contactless credit/debit card directly on the bus fare reader. Simply tap and ride! - Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Pros: Cheaper and convenient—no need to deal with driving and parking!
- Cons: Longer travel time and more inconvenience if you have a big suitcase.
Public Transit During the Conference
No car? No problem! The International Drive corridor by the convention center is one of Orlando’s more transit-friendly areas, with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shops connected by trolley and bus service. While Orlando is geographically spread out, conference attendees can still comfortably explore much of the tourism district and several nearby neighborhoods without driving.
Buses
The LYNX bus system, which runs through the majority of the Orlando metropolitan area, is affordable and widely used by both residents and visitors. Buses are air-conditioned, and most major stops include covered shelters. Orlando’s summer weather can be extremely hot and humid, so prepare for short outdoor walks between stops and destinations. Bus routes 8, 42, and 38 serve the convention center most directly. A map of these routes, along with frequency, can be found on the LYNX website.
Pricing: $2.00 (single fare) or $4.50 (day pass) Buy bus passes on the LYNX website or on the LYNX Paw Pass app. And don’t forget—riders can tap a contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet directly on the bus fare reader!
If you are in the central business district of Orlando, don’t miss out on the free—yes, free!—LYMMO bus network. LYMMO buses service popular tourist attractions like the Creative Village, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Kia Center, and more.
Fun Fact: The bus system within Disney World dwarfs Orlando’s. In 2025, LYNX buses carried 22 million passengers while Disney buses carried 73 million. And that’s not even counting Disney’s monorail, ferry, gondola, and tram offerings.
Trolley
The I-RIDE Trolley is an easy transit option for most conference attendees and is designed specifically with visitors in mind.
The trolley operates two routes—the Red Line and Green Line—which travel north and south along International Drive and stop at the convention center’s North/South and West Concourses (map).
Pricing: $2.00 (single fare) or $6.00 (day pass) Trolley passes are available for purchase online. Please note that passes are not available for purchase on the trolleys, nor do they support tap to pay.
Rail
While the convention center area is not directly served by any rail service, it can be good option for attendees who want to extend their stay in Florida and travel elsewhere in the state.
SunRail
SunRail runs through central Orlando north toward Sanford and south through the greater metro area.
SunRail trains are clean, comfortable, and significantly more relaxing than navigating Interstate 4 traffic. Service is primarily geared toward weekday commuters, however, so evening and weekend schedules may be limited.
Brightline
For attendees extending their trip, Brightline provides high-speed rail service from Orlando to South Florida destinations including: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Brightline trains offer a modern travel experience with onboard Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and station amenities that feel closer to an airport lounge than a traditional train station. For longer-distance travel, it can be a far more relaxing alternative to driving.
Final Tips
- Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available and can complement transit for shorter trips.
- Orlando weather changes quickly. Carry water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket or umbrella.
- Travel times may appear short on maps but can increase significantly due to traffic and the city’s sprawling layout.
- Public transit schedules in the United States are not always the most accurate. For up-to-date schedules and live bus/trolley tracking, download the Transit app.
If you plan to explore frequently outside the convention area, combining transit with occasional rideshare trips often provides the best balance of convenience and cost.
With a little planning, attendees can comfortably navigate Orlando without relying entirely on a car and may even discover a side of the city beyond the usual tourist experience.