Taxis in Orlando: A Complete Visitor Guide
Orlando is a theme park town, and its taxi fleet exists primarily to ferry visitors between Orlando International Airport, the Walt Disney World resort, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and the hotel zones of International Drive, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee. The county sets the meter rates and flat-fare zones operate from MCO to certain destinations.
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Fare structure
Orlando taxis run on an Orange County-set meter with a flag-drop plus distance and time. Flat fares are common from Orlando International Airport to the major theme park hotel zones. The flat fare typically does not include tolls or tip.
Quick fare estimator for Orlando. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the Orlando taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando International (MCO) | 11 mi | 25 min | $45-65 metered or flat to Disney/Universal |
| Orlando Sanford International (SFB) | 35 mi | 45 min | $90-120 metered to Disney area |
Tips for the airport run
- MCO to Disney's Magic Kingdom area is typically $55 to $70 plus tolls and tip.
- MCO to Universal is around $45 to $55 plus tip.
- Tolls on the BeachLine Expressway add a few dollars; confirm whether they are included.
- Tip 15 to 20 percent.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in Orlando. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Mears Taxi
- Yellow Cab Orlando
- Town and Country Transportation
- Star Taxi
Tipping in Orlando
Tipping norms vary between countries. In Orlando, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare is customary - in line with US conventions. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in Orlando are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Drivers offering 'better deals' than the official rank inside the terminal - always use the queue.
- Long-hauling between theme parks when the route is straightforward.
- Surprise per-bag fees that are not posted in the cab.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in Orlando go to and from the main visitor sights: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, International Drive, ICON Park, Kennedy Space Center (drive). Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under $20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Orlando airport to Disney World?
About $55 to $70 from MCO to the Disney resort area, plus tolls and a 15 to 20 percent tip.
How much is a taxi from MCO to Universal Orlando?
$45 to $55 plus tolls and tip.
Are there flat fares from Orlando airport?
Many operators offer flat fares from MCO to common destinations - confirm at the rank.
Are Disney's buses cheaper than a taxi?
Disney's resort buses are free for hotel guests but slow. Taxis or Lyft are much quicker direct.
Do Orlando taxis run 24 hours?
Yes, especially around the airport and theme park resorts.
How much should I tip a taxi driver in Orlando?
15 to 20 percent of the fare.
Local taxi companies
The Orlando taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in Orlando and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the Orange County Code Enforcement - Vehicle for Hire for the official tariff.