Getting Around Orlando - How to Get Around Orlando for Tourists

Planning to spend some time exploring Orlando? We put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around the city and beyond.

Renting a car is recommended as it’s the most convenient option for getting around Orlando. Alternative options include public transportation, taxis, and hotel shuttle services. Many hotels located near I-Drive and other popular attractions offer free or inexpensive shuttles to attractions as well.

What about if you're planning to visit lots of Orlando attractions? Be sure to check out the pass for Orlando by Go City® – the more you do, the more you save.

By Car (Recommended)

The easiest and most convenient way to get around Orlando is by car, as many of the city’s top attractions are spread out and require multiple transfers on public transportation. If you plan on driving, be sure to keep some cash on hand for tolls and consider investing in a good map (free area maps provided by attractions are not the most reliable). Or, bring a GPS with you and ensure you have downloaded relevant online maps on your phone.

If you have access to a SunPass, EZ-Pass, I-Pass, or anything like that, we also recommend bringing it along for this trip. Tolls can be expensive and many areas have shifted to electronic-only tolling.

By I-Ride Trolley in the International Drive Area

If you plan to stay in the International Drive (also called I-Drive) area, consider purchasing a pass for the I-Ride Trolley which services lots of attractions in the area including SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and more. Single rides are available but require exact change.

I-Ride Trolley stops include 6 theme parks, more than 200 restaurants, more than 485 shops and premium outlets, over 30,000 hotel rooms, and more. Visit iridetrolley.com for more information.

By bus

LYNX, Orlando’s comprehensive bus system can get visitors to most areas in Orlando and beyond, but it can be a hassle when it comes to trip planning and bus schedules. Their bus stops are marked with a pink bus or paw print sign and run every 15, 30, or 60 minutes depending on the route. Check their site for schedules and route maps.

LYMMO, Orlando’s free downtown circulator bus service offers service throughout the immediate downtown Orlando area. Check their site for schedules and route maps.

Keep in mind that most public transit services stop operating around midnight or earlier.

By taxi or ride-share

Taxis are typically available at major attractions and most hotels. However, most visitors find that renting a car is less expensive than relying on taxis. You might also opt to use a ride-share service like Lyft or Uber if you're only trying to get between a few places (or if you're going out for the evening and don't want to drive).

Keep in mind that you'll need to download the app of your chosen service in advance.

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🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

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Casey Makovich

Go City Travel Expert

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Orlando in June

June is one of the best times to visit Orlando. Contrary to popular belief, the city has far more to offer beyond its famous theme parks. From world-class entertainment experiences to great outdoor activities and shopping opportunities, the subtropical capital of the Southeast packs quite the punch! Within its broad city limits, you can visit Universal Studios, catch some unique shows, and enjoy the natural habitat firsthand. Still, if you’re coming for the rides, you definitely won’t leave disappointed! Thankfully, we’ve done the research for you – now all you need to do is check off the list! So, grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. See the Classics A trip to Orlando isn’t quite complete without a visit to Universal Studios. A total fan favorite, there’s no place that quite compares. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, this place is one of the most popular resorts in the entire world – and with good reason! Offering a world-class entertainment district, two theme parks and a waterpark, too, there’s a lot to see and do here for every type of traveller. Additionally, you can stay on-site in one of the resort’s many hotels – still, we think that you could stay for weeks here and never experience all of it! With so much ground to cover, this place provides an exciting entertainment experience to remember. Another one of our favorite theme parks in Orlando has got to be LegoLand for all of its liveliness and whimsy. Perfect for those travelling with family, this place offers an exciting experience to all of its visitors. An epicenter of pure unadulterated merriment, this place packs so much into its boundaries. From rides and shows to shopping and dining, you’ll never be bored here – rather, you might find it hard to fit all of it in! Still, one of our favorite attractions completely unique to this spot are the spectacular Lego models dotted around the site. Always barrels of fun, this place is great for those of all ages. Take a Day Trip Looking for a great way to beat the heat? Well, look no further! Voted the USA’s best water park, Aquatica is the perfect place to spend a hot summer’s day. Thrill rides like Ihu’s Breakaway Falls are sure enough to test anybody’s bravery. Meanwhile, rides like Taumata Racer and Walhalla Wave are perfect for younger guests. Still, our resounding favorite has got to be the Dolphin Plunge, which literally sends you zooming through a pool of the ocean’s friendliest creatures en route. With great rides, natural sand beaches, and marine life, this place provides an exciting entertainment experience to remember. If you’re a seasoned visitor to Orlando, you’ll be well aware that weather can get pretty steamy. Thankfully, the city has plenty of options for those who aren’t big fans of the heat. Open and running since 1955, Orlando Science Center has long been serving the community as a center of intellectual thought and understanding. Combining fun with learning, the institute breaks down complicated ideas and presents them in interesting and understandable ways for its visitors. There are hands-on exhibits, 3D films, and engaging educational programming, making it a great place for curious minds. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new! Try Something New If you’re looking to spend some quiet time in nature, you won’t need to travel far. Known for its warmer climate and beautiful greenery, Orlando has many parks and preserves that are perfect for a lazy summertime stroll. Open to the public 365 days a year, Harry P. Leu Gardens is the perfect place to soak up the natural beauty of Florida. Covering over 50 acres of landscaped gardens and lakes, this place is a nature lover’s paradise. With meandering walking trails, a tropical rainforest, and a tranquil butterfly garden, this place pretty much has it all! Whilst you’re there, we also strongly suggest checking out the Leu House Museum. Once serving as a home to Mr and Mrs Harry P. Leu, this meticulously restored historic structure is now open to visitors. Just remember to wear your comfiest walking shoes and take plenty of sunscreen with you! For a destination known primarily for its rollercoasters, the best things to do in Orlando may just surprise you. The city’s coastal seat and all-around beautiful weather make it a great destination for wildlife theme parks. Recognized as the ‘’Alligator Capital of the World’’, Gatorland is home to a whopping 2, 000 alligators! A little crazy and a whole lot of fun, this place offers an interactive experience where you can get up close with your favorite reptiles in a safe way. But that’s not all! The park is also home to crocodiles, flamingos, snakes, flamingos, emus and more. In addition, there are swamp walks, vehicle tours, and even ziplines to be enjoyed. If there’s a better way to discover the true meaning of Florida, we sure haven’t heard of it! When it comes to the bizarre and outlandish, Orlando pretty much holds the title. Those coming to the city for art and culture might not be completely taken. Still, anybody with a sense of humor and appreciation for the downright ridiculous will be more than happy with the city’s unique offerings. Standing out as Orlando’s longest-running dinner show, the Outta Control Magic Show has everything you could possibly ask for when it comes to family entertainment. No, really: we mean it. This quirky interactive show features magic, mind-reading and improv – yes, maybe that sounds like a lot, but it totally works, trust us. If you’re wondering about the dinner package (why wouldn’t you?) it’s unlimited hand-tossed pizza and beer, wine, and dessert. Sound good? June in Orlando presents ample opportunity for adventure. The days are longer, the weather is warm, and the sky is a brilliant blue. It is also prime time to explore and enjoy all of the city’s fantastic activities and attractions. Whether you’re a rollercoaster fiend, a nature lover, or just looking to relax, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

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International Drive Attractions - Fun Things to Do on I-Drive & at ICON 360 Orlando

On International Drive you'll find attractions that appeal to the whole family - from theme parks to the largest observation wheel on the East Coast.

Lindsay Eagan

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Orlando 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

With lots of fun, patriotic-themed activities and attractions, Orlando is a fun place to spend the 4th of July. From theme parks to fireworks, if you’re looking for Orlando 4th of July ideas, check these out! There are so many local activities and fun things do in Orlando in July, including... LEGOLAND® Florida Red, White and Boom I-Drive 360 Orlando Independence Day at SeaWorld® Orlando Fireworks at the Fountain and more... Save on Admission to Popular Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Orlando pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Orlando attractions and activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Orlando attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Orlando pass. LEGOLAND® Florida Red, White & Boom LEGOLAND® Florida Resort celebrates the 4th of July in grand fashion -- with an amazing fireworks display, of course! This exhibition is one of their biggest fireworks displays all year. It's sure to delight the kids. When: July 4 Where: LEGOLAND, 1 LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, Florida Plus, LEGOLAND also hosts special events throughout the summer, along with extended summer hours on select dates. Check their website for details. Getting In: LEGOLAND Florida tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass. Explore More of I-Drive Orlando After a spin on the Orlando Eye, check out the rest of I-DRIVE, one of Orlando's top entertainment destination, for "360-degrees of fun." Attraction highlights include: Madame Tussauds: Pose with life-like wax representations of your favorite celebritiess and explore local culture and history. SEA LIFE Aquarium: Walk through the acrylic sea tunnel inside this new Orlando aquarium (don't forget to look up!). Skeletons: Animals Unveiled!: Get closer-than-close to real bones, skeletons, structures, and more for an entertaining, educational experience. Ripley's Believe It or Not!: From authentic shrunken heads, to bizarre natural occurrences, Ripley's in Orlando has one of the most fascinating collections of artifacts. Congo River Adventure Golf: Get in some classic fun, and hit a round of adventure golf at Congo River. Getting In: Each of these International-Drive attractions listed above are available on the Orlando Explorer Pass. Red, Hot, & Boom in Altamonte Springs Each year, the city of Altamonte Springs, Florida puts on one of Orlando's biggest 4th of July Fireworks Shows. With food, games, live music, and some of today's hottest stars, there's no wonder this event is so popular. Performing artists are announced in early June, so stay tuned for more info. When: July 3, 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm; fireworks at 9:30 pm. Where: Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701 Getting In: Red, Hot, & Boom is free to attend. Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series The Lakeridge Winery invites guests to come sip some wine and enjoy live, outdoor music by some of the area's most talented jazz musicians. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks, and food will be available for purchase along with complimentary winery tours and tastings. This summer music series runs each Saturday of July, but we've highlighted the one that falls closest to the 4th. When: July 6, 2018 Where: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, Fl 34715 Getting In: It's free to attend the Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series. Remember Save on Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Orlando to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Orlando pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

Katie Sagal

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