Greater Orlando public transit
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Greater Orlando has several, partially interconnected public transit networks which extend across its three constituent counties — Seminole (Sanford and Lake Mary), Orange (Orlando and Winter Park), and Osceola (Kissimmee) — plus the southwestern side of Volusia County (DeLand). The development of this network is mixed; suburbs are generally well-served, but key sites and transit hubs — such as Sanford International Airport, Orlando International Airport and the theme parks — have patchy, nonexistent, or poorly connected service, with some networks providing coverage while others do not.
If you're planning to use public transit as a comprehensive option to travel the city, you'll do best if you also have a car, ride-hailing service, or someone else with a car to access underserved areas. However, on the occasions when local public transit goes directly to where you're headed, it is cheaper and more efficient than traveling by car.
Understand
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Historically, the Orlando area was an agricultural region focused on the cultivation of oranges. Its growth came after the population explosion of Miami in the 1920s, and didn't really take off until the mid-20th century, when many of Orlando's suburbs of today were already fully developed and offered more to outside visitors than the city itself — Sanford and Winter Park are examples. The result of this was a fast and, in many areas, chaotic transition from a low-density agricultural region to one of the largest cities in the state. Some parts of the city were developed as suburbs but never incorporated, and state highways were constructed without consideration of public transit. It wasn't until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that local transit was taken seriously, after Orlando consolidated with many of its suburbs, and local authorities are still playing "catch up" by attempting to link separate parts of local infrastructure: Orlando International Airport, Amtrak's Floridian line, I-4, and several state-operated toll roads surrounding the metro area. These attempts are further complicated by the city's theme parks, which were built for access via car but benefit from increased public transit.
A major turning point in Orlando's public transit system was the development of SunRail, a commuter rail which shared its line with Amtrak. SunRail expanded rapidly and beyond its original scope, bypassing the congested I-4 and expanding as far north as DeLand (an exurb of Orlando with its own identity) in 2024. But SunRail's usage remains partial due to the inevitable limitations of this rail network and the consequences of zoning laws from the past, often putting suburban residents miles from a rail line and putting several stations in the middle of rural areas. A second significant development in local public transit was Brightline, connecting southern Florida with the airport, but while this aided in transport to and from the city, public transit within the city remains affected by its infrastructure limitations.
As a result of its past, Greater Orlando's public transit system is characterized by different, and at times competing, networks run by separate authorities. Amtrak is run at the federal level; Brightline is privately owned; Lynx is locally run; Mears Connect is run by Mears (a private taxi company); and SunRail is run by a local board in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation. Hence, while these services are effective in their individual niches, integration between networks is variable. For instance, SunRail and Lynx stations are often consolidated and their schedules are designed to match up, but this necessitates the use of a train/bus transfer to access Orlando International Airport, Universal Orlando, or Walt Disney World. Meanwhile, Brightline and Mears Connect (privately owned alternatives) are integrated with the airport and Disney World, but not with SunRail.
To use public transit in Orlando, you need to know the specific purpose of your travel and where you are headed. Are you going to Walt Disney World from Miami? Or heading from outside the state to the Coast to Coast cycle trail? Or traveling from a suburb to downtown? All of these options require planning through different networks with limited connection between them.
Amtrak
edit- Main article: Rail travel in the United States
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Amtrak is a rail network across the United States which operates in the Orlando area via its Floridian line from Chicago to Miami. There are four Amtrak stations on this line that are within Orlando's vicinity that are also SunRail stations: DeLand, Winter Park, Orlando, and Kissimmee. See #Stations for more information regarding these four stations. There is also an Auto Train station in Sanford, which is not served by SunRail.
Amtrak stations offer more amenities than SunRail stations, with their own ticket offices, restrooms, and vending machines.
Auto Train
editOne of the most popular local routes is the Auto Train, which allows you to load your car at the station in Sanford and ride to Virginia, in order to avoid crossing the entire South by interstate. The Virginia terminus in Lorton (Fairfax County) isn't far from any of the major metros of the northeast and is particularly close to Washington, D.C. and the Northern Virginia metro area.
- 1 Sanford Amtrak Auto Train Station, 600 S Persimmon Ave. Amtrak's Auto Train system has a station in Sanford near (but not at) the SunRail station. Make sure to arrive at the station early. Amtrak's website advises arriving 2 hours before the train departs.
Network information
editBrightline
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Brightline connects Greater Miami to Orlando International Airport, but its rail line does not extend past the airport into the rest of the city. However, there is a Universal SuperStar Shuttle connecting the Orlando Brightline terminus with Universal Orlando. Brightline is the most expensive of the local transit options.
- 2 Brightline Orlando, 10705 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. 4AM-12:15AM daily. The northern terminus of the Brightline rail route; close to the airport.
- 3 Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal (Orlando International Airport Train Station). Next to the the Brightline terminus, the terminal provides a shuttle or "people mover" to the other terminals and departing flights.
Network
editLynx
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Lynx is a bus network coordinated with SunRail. The majority of its routes serve locals, but there are some connections with SunRail stations that provide access to tourist destinations without requiring a car, such as Universal Studios and Orlando International Airport. See #Stations for further information. Lynx has worked to address the limitations of the rail network with a trip planner listing points of interest and which buses to take to reach them.
LYMMO is a bus network which operates specifically in downtown Orlando, connecting with the Lynx Central Station.
- 4 Lynx Central Bus Station, 455 N Garland Ave. Lynx Central is the hub for the bus network and is next to the associated SunRail station — although this is far from the only connection between the lines. It is however the largest terminal of the system and central to the overall system in Orlando.
Lynx does not serve Volusia County (DeLand, DeBary, Deltona, etc.), which has its own transit service, VoTran, which can be accessed from the DeLand and DeBary Sunrail Stations.
Fees
editBoth Lynx and VoTran charge $2 per ticket, with a $1 ticket for discounted groups.
Network information
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Mears Connect
editMears Connect services shuttles between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World. These are aimed to be an alternative to ride-sharing, so they operate 24/7 with an express option. Buses are wheelchair accessible.
Disney World has its own public transit systems (including its own monorail and bus); Walt Disney World#Get around covers these in detail.
Fees
editTickets for children (3 and older) are $13 each while tickets for adults are $16 each, for one way.
Network information
editSunRail
editSunRail is a train network across Central Florida with a particular focus on the Greater Orlando region. Although it contains only one line, crossing the metropolitan area from north to south, it is integrated into the Lynx bus network and shares its line (and some of its stations) with Amtrak, enabling outside visitors to go to specific stations within the SunRail network. It is designed for both commuters and tourists. The placement of some (though not all) of its stations is useful for tourists, as some stations are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
The SunRail route follows the Amtrak Floridian line, with its northern terminal in DeLand completed in August 2024. SunRail crosses four counties: Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola. It shares four stations with Amtrak: the DeLand, Winter Park, Orlando, and Kissimmee Stations. The majority of the stations on the route, however, are solely SunRail stations with connections to Lynx, the Orlando area's bus network.
SunRail enables tourists to visit many of the key sites in Metro Orlando, especially on its northern side, without a car, and enables cyclists to access trails such as the East Central Regional Rail Trail without requiring intermediary transportation. The SunRail, however, suffers significant shortbacks on the southern side of Orlando, as it lacks connections to Orlando International Airport, Universal Orlando, or Walt Disney World. The consequence is that if you are intending to visit theme parks, and southern Orlando more generally, your only option is to travel by car.
SunRail stations are well-maintained, with a high proportion of staff on both stations and trains relative to the number of users. As a result, SunRail trains are safe, clean, and reliable. Delays are rare, and even when they do occur, the high frequency of trains (one every half-hour during peak hours) usually offsets any associated inconvenience.
Trains operate only Mondays through Fridays, and do not operate during holidays. Trains are most frequent in the morning and early evening.
Fees
editSunRail prices as of 2025 are $2 per ticket within any one county, with $1 increase for each county line crossed. For example, riding from the DeLand Station, in Volusia County, to Poinciana, in Osceola County, would cost $5 for a one-way ticket, as you would pay $2 initial ticket cost plus $1 to cross into Seminole County, $1 to cross into Orange County, and $1 to cross into Osceola County. A small discount is applied to round trips, and children, seniors, and the disabled all receive discounts. Young children (accompanied by an adult) can ride for free.
Weekly and longer-term passes can be purchased on the SunRail website, called "Suncards".
One tricky aspect of the ride is the system of scanning which SunRail calls "tap on" and "tap off". You need to scan your ticket before boarding the train and after exiting the train through the booth on the platform. Put your ticket under the scanner and it should give you the go-ahead to board the train after a few seconds and should give you the go-ahead to leave the station after exiting the train.
Amenities
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Trains typically feature three cars and two levels on each car. Lower floors are a mix of handrails, regular seating, and desks for working commuters, while the upper floors consist of tables and seats for working, although tourists frequently use the upper floors as well for a better view. There is rarely a shortage of seating and often, the trains are quiet enough that you have a whole booth to yourself as you travel farther from downtown Orlando. Wi-fi and electrical power sockets are available on the trains, but the internet service is spotty. Areas with 5G and internet are often mutually exclusive, so you may need to switch between internet and a mobile hotspot while traveling across the 5G boundary near Sanford. The trains have open spaces for luggage and bicycles, and it is fairly common to see cyclists and cycling clubs board the trains.
Not all the cars have restrooms, so you may need to change cars to find a restroom. However, be careful switching cars, as the trains are fast and the connections between cars can be a trip hazard. There are route maps on the trains and loudspeakers announcing upcoming stations in English and Spanish. All announcements, on trains and at stations, are bilingual and many of the SunRail staff are bilingual as well.
Trains have two types of staff, train security and train attendants. Security walk through the train periodically to check that everyone is safe, while attendants check everyone on board for tickets between stations. Stations also have attendants, called "ambassadors", who help travelers buy and scan tickets before boarding.
Train times are fairly quick — only a few minutes slower than taking the freeway. Stops don't last long, and the trains often leave before the boarding time listed on the online timetable, so arrive at the station early.
Network information
editStations
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SunRail trains travel both north and south, reversing direction at each end of the line — DeLand at the northern end and Poinciana at the southern end. You have to exit the train at either end of the route (although, of course, you can get off before).
Amtrak doesn't stop at Poinciana, instead continuing south toward Lakeland, and then Tampa (western fork) or Miami (southeastern fork).
This list follows the SunRail line (trains don't skip stops) from north to south:
- 5 DeLand SunRail/Amtrak Station, 2491 Old New York Ave. The northernmost station on the route, the Sunrail section of this station was completed in 2024. The older Amtrak Station is on the east platform, while the Sunrail Station is on the west, making this one of the four places you can switch from Amtrak to Sunrail. The station connects to VoTran, Volusia County's bus network. However, as the station is about 3 mi (4.8 km) from downtown DeLand — and isn't close to the city at all — most people who board here drive to the station and park.
- 6 DeBary SunRail Station, 630 S Charles R. Beall Blvd. A good destination for cyclists given its proximity to 1 Gemini Springs
and the Coast to Coast Trail, but there is no Amtrak service here (and limited VoTran service). The station is quiet, but the trains will wait here several minutes before departing, when traveling from north to south. The distance between DeLand and DeBary is one of the longest on the route, while also being one of the most rural and popular, with views of local forests and lakes. - 7 Sanford SunRail Station, 2720 W FL-46. The northernmost station on the route with connection to Lynx bus service, including a route to downtown Sanford. Sanford's city government offers a trolley service with a connection to the SunRail station.
- 8 Lake Mary SunRail station, 2200 W Lake Mary Blvd. This station is one of the first options if you're looking for restaurants or a "downtown" that is walkable. There is a restaurant at the station, while downtown itself is about two blocks to the west. There is a Lynx connection here, but it is for local government offices and Seminole State College.
- 9 Longwood SunRail Station, 149 E Church Ave. Passes directly through downtown, although the walkable area is small. The Lynx bus route connects this station with Winter Springs and Oviedo.
- 10 Altamonte Springs SunRail Station, 2741 S Ronald Reagan Blvd. One of the most popular stations on the route due to its extensive Lynx bus connections with the western side of Metro Orlando and is popular with commuters who work in Orlando. For tourists, however, this station offers little as an exit point as Altamonte Springs does not have a historic district comparable to downtowns of neighboring suburbs.
- 11 Maitland SunRail Station, 801 N Orlando Ave. There are several points of interest in Maitland, although the station is a walk — about 0.5 mi (0.80 km) — from most of them. There are some bus connections from here which overlap with those of Altamonte Springs. It's only a few minutes' ride from Maitland to the next station in Winter Park.
- 12 Winter Park SunRail/Amtrak Station, 148 W Morse Blvd. This is the best destination of the route, at least for tourists without access to car at their destination. All of downtown Winter Park is within walking distance of the station, with a very attractive and walkable city park connecting the station to Park Ave and its shops and restaurants. There are also some hotels within walking distance of this station, such as the Alfond Inn. Some other attractions in Winter Park that are within a few blocks of the station include the boat tour (from East Morse Blvd) and the local golf course (a few minutes walk north on Park Ave). There are several museums in Winter Park which are within walking distance as well, such as the 1 Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (walk north on Park Ave) and the 2 Winter Park Historical Museum (other side of New England Ave from the station). Amtrak maintains a depot here, as well, with basic amenities.
- 13 AdventHealth SunRail Station, 500 E Rollins St. The northernmost station within Orlando's city limits. AdventHealth is one of the main healthcare providers in Central Florida, and this station was built for commuters working at their Orlando medical center. However, there are some museums and theatres within walking distance of this station, including the 3 Orlando Museum of Art , 4 Orlando Science Center , and 5 The Mennello Museum of American Art . The Lynx bus route east goes to Mills Ave, known in Orlando for its nightlife and Vietnamese neighborhood.
- 14 LYNX Central SunRail Station, 101 W Livingston St. Connects to the Lynx Central Bus Station and the hub of the Lynx network.
- 15 Church Street SunRail Station, 99 W South St. In downtown Orlando, with access to the 2 Kia Center (formerly the Amway Center; you'll have to walk under the I-4 bridge west on Church St) and the 3 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (one block east on South St). Orange Ave is within walking distance of downtown's many restaurants and nightclubs. Be careful around this station at night as this part of the city is less safe, especially around Orange Ave and west of I-4.
- 16 Orlando Health SunRail/Amtrak Station, 250 Columbia St. Only a couple minutes on the train from Church Stret Station, the Orlando Health Station also functions as the Orlando Amtrak Station. Serves Orlando Health and does not feature any tourist attractions. However Lynx does offer a connection to Universal Orlando.
- 17 Sand Lake Road SunRail Station, 8030 S Orange Ave. Not a destination in itself, but it does offer a Lynx connection to Orlando International Airport.
- 18 Meadow Woods SunRail Station, 120 Fairway Woods Blvd. A residential neighborhood with no walkable points of interest. Lynx does operate here, but there are no direct connections to tourist sites.
- 19 Tupperware SunRail Station, 3205 Orange Ave. Gatorland is about 1 mi (1.6 km) away, but it's not in a walkable area, and you will need a car to exit at this station.
- 20 Kissimmee SunRail/Amtrak Station, 320 Pleasant St. This station exits in downtown Kissimmee with access to the waterfront and Broadway, the Main Street (just follow Dakin for one block to the north). Also a major Amtrak station and Lynx terminal with a connection to Walt Disney World.
- 21 Poinciana SunRail Station, 5025 S Rail Ave. Offers a Lynx bus route to the Disney Springs Transfer Center. This is the southernmost exit and you must exit the train upon arriving here.
See also
edit- East Central Regional Rail Trail, a rail-trail-turned-cycle-path from Gemini Springs (near DeBary) to Titusville
- Rail travel in the United States for information regarding Amtrak's rail network across the country
- United States without a car compares the public transit systems and accessibility of cities and metro areas across the U.S.
- Walt Disney World#By train for access to Disney World via train