What is the cheapest way from Orlando Airport to downtown Orlando?

The LYNX Link 11 public bus from Terminal A to LYNX Central Station, $2 one-way and about 45–50 minutes. It is far cheaper than the roughly $35–45 Uber, Lyft or taxi.

Where do I catch the LYNX bus at MCO?

On Level 1 (Ground Transportation) of Terminal A, at spaces A38–A41. Link 11 goes to downtown Orlando; Link 42 goes to International Drive instead.

How do I pay for the LYNX bus?

Pay $2 with exact change at the farebox or buy a ticket in advance on the LYNX Paw Pass app — drivers give no change and take no cards. An all-day pass is $4.50.

Does the Brightline train go to downtown Orlando?

No. Brightline runs from MCO Terminal C south to South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach), from about $39, and does not serve downtown Orlando. Use LYNX Link 11 for the city centre.

How long does the bus take to downtown Orlando?

About 45–50 minutes on Link 11 from the airport to LYNX Central Station, depending on traffic and stops. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes from early morning to around midnight.

What is the best way from MCO to downtown Orlando?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the LYNX Link 11 bus to LYNX Central Station in central Orlando — $2 one-way and about 45–50 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Orlando International Airport to the city?

Uber, Lyft or a taxi runs roughly $35–45 to downtown Orlando — versus $2 on the LYNX Link 11 bus, or $16 per adult on the Mears Connect shuttle.

How do you get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to downtown Orlando — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to downtown Orlando is the LYNX Link 11 public bus to LYNX Central Station — just $2 one-way, taking about 45–50 minutes. Board on Level 1 of Terminal A (spaces A38–A41) and pay with the LYNX Paw Pass app or exact change, since drivers give no change and take no cards. Skip the ~$35–45 Uber, Lyft or taxi and the $16 Mears shuttle; the Brightline train at Terminal C is fast but only runs south to Miami, not downtown Orlando.

How to find it

AIRPORTOrlando International Airport
01From baggage claim, take the elevator or escalator down to Level 1 (Ground Transportation) of Terminal A and go outside to the LYNX bus stop at spaces A38–A41.
02Have $2 exact change ready or activate a ticket on the LYNX Paw Pass app; the farebox gives no change and does not take cards.
03Board LYNX Link 11 signed for downtown Orlando / LYNX Central Station (not Link 42, which goes to International Drive). Buses run roughly every 30 minutes from around 5:00 to midnight.
04Ride about 40–45 minutes to LYNX Central Station on the north side of downtown Orlando, where you can connect to other LYNX buses and the SunRail commuter train.
CITY CENTREOrlando

Ticket

LYNX one-way bus fare (Link 11 to LYNX Central Station)

Where to buy: On the LYNX Paw Pass mobile app before boarding, or pay the driver at the farebox on Level 1 of Terminal A (spaces A38–A41).

How to pay: Pay $2 with exact-change cash at the farebox (no change given, no cards) or buy in the Paw Pass app. An all-day pass is $4.50 if you'll ride more than once.

Local's trick: Bring $2 in exact change or download the LYNX Paw Pass app before you land — the farebox takes no cards and drivers give no change. Luggage space on the bus is tight, so this route suits light packers; a $4.50 day pass pays off the moment you take a second bus.

Trap to avoid: Don't default to Uber, Lyft or a taxi (about $35–45) or the Mears Connect shuttle ($16 per adult). The Brightline train from Terminal C is fast and comfortable but costs from about $39 and only runs south to South Florida — it does not go to downtown Orlando.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Orlando Airport to downtown Orlando?: The LYNX Link 11 public bus from Terminal A to LYNX Central Station, $2 one-way and about 45–50 minutes. It is far cheaper than the roughly $35–45 Uber, Lyft or taxi.
Where do I catch the LYNX bus at MCO?: On Level 1 (Ground Transportation) of Terminal A, at spaces A38–A41. Link 11 goes to downtown Orlando; Link 42 goes to International Drive instead.
How do I pay for the LYNX bus?: Pay $2 with exact change at the farebox or buy a ticket in advance on the LYNX Paw Pass app — drivers give no change and take no cards. An all-day pass is $4.50.
Does the Brightline train go to downtown Orlando?: No. Brightline runs from MCO Terminal C south to South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach), from about $39, and does not serve downtown Orlando. Use LYNX Link 11 for the city centre.
How long does the bus take to downtown Orlando?: About 45–50 minutes on Link 11 from the airport to LYNX Central Station, depending on traffic and stops. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes from early morning to around midnight.
What is the best way from MCO to downtown Orlando?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the LYNX Link 11 bus to LYNX Central Station in central Orlando — $2 one-way and about 45–50 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Orlando International Airport to the city?: Uber, Lyft or a taxi runs roughly $35–45 to downtown Orlando — versus $2 on the LYNX Link 11 bus, or $16 per adult on the Mears Connect shuttle.

Last verified: Jul 1, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.