World Car-Free Day is coming up on September 22.
The day celebrates the environmental and health benefits of walking, biking, and taking public transit. If you’re spending World Car-Free Day in Central Florida, know that it’s possible to get around Orlando without a car. As you save money on gas, tolls, and parking fees, you’ll find that a car-free trip is a care-free one.
How to Visit Orlando Without a Car
Whether you plan on leaving your car in park on September 22 or want a totally car-free Orlando vacation, here are eight ways to get around town.
1. LYNX Bus System
The LYNX bus line has kept Orlando in motion since the 1970s. With about 80 routes in Orlando and its suburbs, there is likely a line that will get you where you need to go.
LYNX is an excellent option if you’re visiting Orlando on a budget. A one-way trip costs $2 per adult. Discounts are available for youth 7-18 and seniors. Kids 6 and younger ride free. Day and week passes are available.
See what routes go to top Orlando attractions like the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando on the LYNX website.
2. SunRail
Keep your Orlando trip on track with SunRail.
The train route runs between Kissimmee and Debary (a town midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach). It stops in fun destinations like downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and Sanford. You can catch the SunRail Monday through Friday between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. One-way tickets start at $2. As with LYNX, kids 6 and under ride free. Discounts are available for youth and seniors.
If you’re staying on Orlando’s International Drive, your closest SunRail station is on Sand Lake Road, which you can get to via the 111 or 42 LYNX lines.
3. Brightline
Brightline has helped passengers travel between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach since 2018.
Now that the high-speed rail line is expanding northward, planning a car-free Florida vacation has never been easier.
Brightline has already started selling tickets for trips between Orlando and South Florida for dates between September 1 and January 7, 2024. Summer 2023 dates will be added soon, once Brightline announces the official opening date for the route. Each train in Brightline’s carbon-neutral fleet features spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and food and beverage service.
Buy a a snack, soft drink, or cocktail and watch the scenery change as your train zips through the Sunshine state.
This train line is perfect for SoFlo residents looking to visit Orlando without a car. And Orlando visitors looking to take a car-free day trip to Miami will be able to do so. Once the Orlando station opens, Brightline will set its sights on the Gulf Coast. So within a few years, Orlando visitors will also be able to take the train to Tampa and the Gulf’s white sand beaches.
One-way tickets between Orlando and South Florida start at $79.
4. Neighborhood Circulators
Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford are all walkable areas.
But if you need to save time or escape an afternoon rainstorm, the Kissimmee Connector, downtown LYMMO, and Sanford Trolley will get you around town quickly. These shuttles all stop at local attractions, as well as at each area’s SunRail station.
Best of all, all three are free to ride.
5. Bike Rentals
Gear up for World Car-Free Day by renting a bicycle. Bike riding is a fun and healthy way to see Orlando without a car.
West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades and the Ride Xperience by Regino Bike will each deliver bikes to your hotel or a trailhead of your choice. Your rental company can give you tips on getting where you want to go. Also check out the city of Orlando’s website, which has guides on bike lanes and trails around the city and important safety tips.
If at the end of the day you find yourself getting two tired to pedal back to the hotel, LYNX and SunRail both have bike racks.
6. I-RIDE Trolley
You can have a fantastic Orlando vacation without leaving the International Drive area — and without getting behind the wheel.
The I-RIDE Trolley operates two routes along International Drive. Each one goes to attractions like SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, ICON Park, and Pointe Orlando, as well as outlet stores, restaurants, and bars. A one-way trip costs $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 3-9, and just 25 cents for seniors.
One-day and multi-day passes are available on the I-RIDE Trolley website.
7. Theme Park Shuttles
Many Orlando hotels offer low-cost or free theme park shuttles. With many theme parks charging $25 or more for their parking lots, these shuttles help you save money while also saving the environment.
Some of these shuttles require reservations, so stop by guest services to find out how to save your spot.
8. Walking
Walking is a wonderful way to get around Orlando without a car.
You’ll see the sights, get exercise, and lower your trip’s environmental impact. Choose a hotel within walking distance of great Orlando attractions. Rosen Plaza is in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive corridor.
If you’re in town for an event at the Orange County Convention Center, take the covered Gary Sain Memorial Skybridge from the hotel to the west concourse.
If you’re looking for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, we’re right across the street from Pointe Orlando and a 20-minute walk to ICON Park. But you don’t even have to walk that far to have fun thanks to our swimming pool, boutique, and on-site restaurants.
Rosen Plaza is also right by LYNX and I-RIDE Trolley stops and has a free Universal Orlando shuttle.
