How To Get From Orlando Airport To Universal Studios

Most people who go to Universal will arrive by way of Orlando International Airport. If this is your first time at the resort, you may be wondering how to get from the Orlando Airport to Universal Studios once you arrive.

While there are no free shuttles between the two locations, there are several convenient ways you reach your destination.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to go from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Universal Orlando Resort, so you can check this small but crucial item off your Universal Vacation Planning checklist.

5 Best Ways to Go from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios

Universal Studios is roughly 16 miles away from Orlando International Airport.

Once you land in sunny Orlando, you will have at least 5 different transportation options to choose from to reach your destination.

Here are the top 5 ways to go from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios.

1. Take an Uber

The best way to get from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios is by Uber or Lyft because they will provide the best combination of comfort, efficiency, and value.

If you don’t already have an Uber or Lyft account, there’s no time like the present to set one up. Most people have nothing but positive experiences with these types of ridesharing services.

To start, simply download the Uber or Lyft app to your phone and set up an account with your credit card information.   Now you’re ready to make your first reservation.

A driver will come to your exact location within minutes of making a reservation and then your off to your Universal area hotel.

All in all, Uber and Lyft are less expensive than a taxi and it’s really easy to use.

How much is an Uber from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios?

The total cost of your trip will vary depending on your destination, the route your driver takes, and which type of vehicle you request. Larger vehicles typically cost more.

As of February 2023, the average Uber fare from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios ranges from $55 – $65.

Check out Uber’s website to get an estimate: https://www.uber.com/global/en/price-estimate/

2. Shuttle Service

• Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle

Univeral’s SuperStar Shuttle offers roundtrip shuttle transportation between Orlando International Airport and Universal’s on-site hotels.

Guests that book a Universal Orlando vacation package will have the option of adding a transfer with the SuperStar Shuttle. As of February 2023, a roundtrip ticket on the SuperStar Shuttle is $39 per adult and $29 per child ages 3 – 9.

You can make your arrangement when you book your trip with Universal OR simply let your Disney vacation planner make the arrangements for you.

Contact The Vacationeer and get started planning today.  They specialize in both Disney and Universal Orlando vacations and they never charge a dime for their planning assistance.

• Mears Transportation Group

Mears offers a shared shuttle service throughout Orlando. Passengers board a shuttle until it’s filled and then it dispatches to Universal area hotels. Mears charges a per-person rate. As of February 2023, the adult one-way adult fare is $20 or $23 (depending on the drop-off location). Children under 3 ride for free.

Mears can be reached by calling 888-983-3346 or visiting mearstransportation.com.

3. Take a Taxi

Mears Transportation Group is by far the largest taxi service in central Florida. They operate multiple taxi brands including Checker Cab, City Cab, and Yellow Cab Company.

Taxis can hold between four to eight passengers depending on the vehicle you request (or you hop into at the airport).

The rates will vary based on your distance and the traffic. According to TaxiFareFinder.com, the taxi fare from Orlando International Airport to Universal Studios ranges from $54.47 to $81.30 based on traffic. This doesn’t include a tip.

Based on these figures, you can expect to pay slightly more with a taxi than an Uber.

There is a Mears Taxi app for Apple or Android phones. Download the app to get an estimate of the cost of your trip or to reserve a cab.

Mears can be reached by calling 888-983-3346 or visiting mearstransportation.com.

4. Rent a Car

Renting a car gives you a little more freedom (if that’s what you’re looking for).

Maybe you are planning on taking some day trips or spending a day or two at Disney World.  Whatever your reason, there are short-term and long-term car rentals available at Orlando International Airport.

Most car rental companies allow you to drop off your car at a number of Universal area hotels if you don’t need a car for your entire stay. You can also pick up a car once you’re already at Universal if you so choose.

Be advised that the preferred route from the airport to Universal Orlando involves toll roads and they don’t take larger bills. Try to come prepared with a roll of quarters, if possible.

Route from Orlando International Airport to Universal Studios

Google Maps recommends the following route from Orlando Airport to Universal Studios:

• Get on FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W – 2.2 mi
• Head north on Access Rd/Jeff Fuqua Blvd; Continue to follow Jeff Fuqua Blvd – 1.4 mi
• Use the right lane to take the ramp onto FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W Toll road – 0.8 mi
• Continue on FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W to Universal Blvd. Take exit 75A from I-4 E
• Merge onto FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W – 10.5 mi
• Take the exit onto I-4 E toward Downtown/Orlando – 3.0 mi
• Take exit 75A toward FL-435 S/International Dr – 0.3 mi
• Continue on Universal Blvd to your destination
• Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Universal Blvd (signs for Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure/Citywalk) – 0.4 mi
• Use the right 2 lanes to turn slightly right – 0.4 mi
• Arrive at Universal Studios Florida – 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 (although you’ll probably want to plug in your hotel address into the GPS)

You’ll spot plenty of signs for Universal’s theme parks and hotels as you leave the highway. Once you are on Universal property, simply follow the signs to your hotel or the Universal parking garages. A GPS would also help.

5.  Town Car Services

If you want to arrive in style, then town-car service might be what you’re after. You will be transported directly to your hotel just like you would with an Uber or taxi. However, the difference is you arrive in a much nicer, much large car.

Town Car service uses well-appointed late-model sedans like limos or Lincoln Town Cars. They can transport four persons per vehicle and the trunks are large enough to fit golf bags and luggage. Some town car services offer luxury SUVs and vans just like Uber Black.

Uber, taxi, and shuttle are each a much better value than town car service but maybe that’s not your top priority.

There are several town car providers, but Ultimate Town Car is probably the largest. You can visit their website here: ultimatetowncar.com