Orlando to Daytona (500) bus service?

[DisneyDadNY]

Hi!

I was able to get a couple of tickets to this years Daytona 500 and figured it made sense at this late date to stay in Orlando (might as well hit WDW while there) and had a question on transportation.

Anyone in the Orlando/Daytona area able to tell me what bus/shuttle service there might be on between the 2 cities. I did find DOTS online but am a little concerned that I might miss the last bus back to Orlando. I am hoping to find a tour bus company or something along those lines that would drop off and pick up at the speedway.

I would like to avoid renting a car for this so any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!!

 

[ducklite]

The only "shuttles" I'm aware of require you to purchase a whole package with bus and tickets.

I'm assuming you are flying in, where are you planning on staying? DOTS will only get you from the airport to Daytona Beach, not the speedway.

In all honesty, renting a car is your best option, parking is free at the speedway.

Anne

 

[Edd]

Renting a car is the only way. Without a package it is absolute madness getting to the speedway and returning. Personally I would sell the tickets and watch the race on TV if I was in your position. Traffic before and after the race is horrendous, especially coming from the west going east to the speedway and traffic from the speedway back to Orlando is a car park for 4 to 6 hours after the race on I-4. If you could fly in by helicopter or go the night before and camp out in your car you would be better off.

 

[Edd]

I just talked to a person who is a NASCAR expert and attends the races all the time. He is also a commercial driver and drives a Chevrolet Suburban that holds 7 passengers. You would do yourself good if you give him a call on the phone and see if he could help you work out something to get over there from Disney. Call Ron Zimmerman at ********, he knows all the inside information. I don't think it will be a cheap endeavor, but I am sure he will help you out.

 

[Melynny]

I have tried to find out shuttle bus schuedule for this 2 times in the past, each time we ended up driving. It's not that bad.. you just have to get up very very early, pack a cooler, and be prepared to just spend the day in Daytona. This is a day when the early bird gets the worm. Spend the time there checking out all of the stuff near the track. If you can, try to book a room in daytona for Sunday night. There are lots of folks that leave that evening. that way you can leave your stuff in the car and just go check in for that one night. I don't know what your schedule is, but we have done that too, it really makes it eaiser after the race. If you are planning to drive back to Orlando, just wait in the stands... Traffic will be bad no matter what you do, and you will have to take a bus to your car, ( think big crowds) then wait in traffic to even get to the highway. so.. you should just wait a bit and not get in a big hurry at all.

Edit: IF you get there early enough 5:30 am am want to spend 100.00 for parking you may be able to park very close to the track and be able to "tailgate".. this may be an option..

 

[HelenePA]

I have no help but man I am jelaous!!

 

[bg4]

I went to daytona in 2004 attending truck race on Fri and cup race on Sun.

renting car is your only choice

getting out of track is not that bad but traffic on I-4 is bumper to bumper after a race all the way to Orlando- way over 1 hr - normally a 45 minute ride

parking is available at Daytona airport next to track between track and emory riddle university and parking is free if available.

Finally remember Daytonz 500 is starting later this year - after 3PM and will end after 7:30 probably closer to 8 PM.

 

[DisneyDadNY]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions! My local AAA office was able to find a bus tour that was willing to do transportation only. It ends up being 59.00 round trip and I don't have to deal with parking/driving.

Thanks again!!