A one way rental car is probably your most affordable option. It's been a few years since I've made the drive but I think it's around 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
What's the best option for renting a car if we're staying at the Beach Club?
Just had a quick look on Alamo, and there seem to be a couple of nearby options to collect, but it's not giving me Tampa as a drop off option? I seem to have very restricted options, I wonder if it's because I'm using the UK site...
I'm more about convenience really rather than saving money using trains or buses, or faffing about getting to and from car rental places - I thought somewhere might do a towncar service that would take us door to door...
I'm more about convenience really rather than saving money using trains or buses, or faffing about getting to and from car rental places - I thought somewhere might do a towncar service that would take us door to door...
You could try UberXL or Lyft Plus, but it might take several tries to find a driver willing to go that far. You would probably want to contact the driver after one is assigned to ask if they're OK with it.
The problem is that they will usually have to drive back to Orlando empty, at their own expense. It's exacerbated by the fact that Orlando drivers generally can't pick up in the Tampa area, because Tampa drivers need a vehicle inspection that's not required in Orlando. I think UberXL or Lyft Plus drivers are more likely to accept than UberX or Lyft because of the higher fare rates.
Miami is over 3 hrs away!!! Closer to 3 1/2!! Tampa is about 90 mins. The drive is really an easy one, but if you don't want to hire/rent a car, then you're going to need to find a car service that is willing to make the drive. And as someone else said, car services tend to book a return customer in order to make it worth their while. The chances of them finding someone in Tampa that wants to go to Orlando is slim!!! So, it will end up costing you over $200!!! There may be buses but I'm not familiar with them.
Tony Hinds is a reputable driver in the Orlando area - several people on the Universal forum use and recommend him. I have him booked to take us from Universal to Port Canaveral in April which is about an hour drive. I have no idea if he goes to Tampa, but considering he goes to Port Canaveral, he may. It's a similar distance, just opposite directions. I don't know if we're permitted to post contact info but he's very easy to find on Google. Good luck!
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