Orlando Taxis
Orlando's taxi service is complicated. So when you need a ride from the Orlando International Airport to your hotel, you really don't want to count on a taxi. Honestly. Here's why:
There are only two taxi queues in the entire Orlando airport. That's really not enough for an airport that services 95,000 passengers daily and more than 35 million passengers per year. It's not uncommon to see long lines of tired travelers, waiting to catch a cab. Also, limited space in cabs is a problem — even small families or groups may have to pay for two cabs!
Taxi options are limited, because the airport allows only the following companies to provide service on its grounds:
- Ace Metro/Luxury Cab
- Diamond Cab Company
- Quick Cab
- Star Taxi
- Town & Country Transportation
- Yellow/City Cab
Taxi Fares, Estimates & Fees
By law, flat-rate taxi fares are illegal in Orlando, and drivers must calculate and charge fares based on the taximeter. So don't trust any driver who offers to charge a flat rate. (There have been instances of customers being ripped off by unauthorized airport taxi drivers).
Any rates or estimates listed on Orlando travel websites are only estimates. Your final price could end up being more than the estimated rates based on the route your driver choses to take. You'll also have to pay any tolls you encounter, such as those along State Roads 417 and 528.
Popular attractions like Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios are a 13- to 17-mile trip from Orlando International Airport, typically with heavy traffic. The fare for this ride could be anywhere from $40 to $50. A taxi to Port Canaveral, a 47-mile trip, could run you more than $100 one way.
The Better Solution
Instead of waiting in line to get a taxi, and being unsure of how much your ride might cost you, you can book a private town car/sedan or shared-ride shuttle.
A private town car (or sedan) will transport only you and your party. The driver will meet you in the airport baggage claim area, so you can quickly gather your bags and be on your way.
A shared-ride shuttle is another option, though not as convenient as private car service. With a shared-ride shuttle, you will have to wait for all passengers to arrive from their respective flights. The shuttle typically won't leave until everyone is on board. If your hotel is not the first destination (and let's be honest, it rarely ever is), you will need to wait as other passengers de-board and get their luggage.
What is the taxi rate in Orlando?
That's a good question! The base rate can change yearly, based on the Consumer Price Index, but it's generally about $2 to $4 for the initial pick-up, around $2.50 per mile, and there's also a rate for idle time. If you really want to know the taxi rate, your best bet is to call a taxi company and ask, because it can be a hard figure to pin down through other means.
How many toll roads are around the city and MCO?
Plenty! There are two main toll roads in Orlando and around MCO: The Beachline Expressway (State Road 528) and the Central Florida GreeneWay (State Road 417). If you're driving into the city, there are other major highways that include tolls, such as Florida's Turnpike (State Road 91), the Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway (State Road 408) and the Daniel Webster Western Beltway (State Road 429).
No-Hassle Travel
After a long flight, the last thing you'll want to do upon arriving in Orlando is wait around for a taxi. Orlando Shuttle Service offers shared-ride and private shuttles, private car service and limo service to get you where you're going. Use our simple website form to enter your destination and the number of people in your party. You'll get a list of instant quotes that include taxes and tolls, so you know exactly how much your trip will be.