Transportation from airport

[mya1k9]

Does Royal Pacific or Hard Rock provide shuttles to and from the airport?? What about discovery cove and seaworld? Thanks in advance!!

 

[damo]

There aren't buses waiting there for you at the airport like for WDW. You need to arrange your own transportation.

There is a free bus from the resorts to Seaworld, though. You need to book it with concierge the night before.

 

[tony67]

If you book a package on the Universal site there is the option of the Mears shuttle. It was around 35 per person round trip or 20 one way.
If you call the RPR concierge they also may be able to schedule the shuttle to pick you up - it is 21 each way - not sure if they offer the round trip "deals".
I think it goes on the hour - but it may stop at other hotels on the way.
RPR does have a car service but they were more expensive than Mears.

Depending on how many are in your party you may be better to just book online at mears and get a car - that way it is there waiting for you and it goes right to RPR. you can also schedule a stop for an extra fee. the site usually gives you 10% off and you can get the price without committing to anything.
Mears is the same company that runs the Disney buses.

There is also a thread on here that recommends an independent driver (Tony Hinds) that is very popular with people on this board.

Id guess you could also use Uber as well - best to check that thread at the top of the board.

 

[sandam1]

If you book a package on the Universal site there is the option of the Mears shuttle.

Unless something has changed since February, Universal uses SuperStar shuttle, not Mears. It is an extra cost (the $35 per person RT sounds right). You don't need to book it as part of a package. It can be booked with a room-only reservation.

HOWEVER, I used the SuperStar shuttle in February and had a terrible experience (they picked me up over an hour late for my return trip to the airport, leaving Cabana Bay 45 minutes before my flight was due to board). Also the shuttle is not exclusive so you may go to other hotels before finally getting to your hotel.

If you have two or more people in your party, a private car is the way to go. It's about $100 round trip from the airport plus tip and most can take 7-10 people. A lot of them will offer a free 30 minute shopping stop as well. I booked through Tony Hinds on my trip a few weeks ago (although Rick was our driver both times) and it couldn't have been easier. Two e-mails and we were all set.

Keep in mind the "regular" Uber cannot pick up at the airport although they can drop-off there.

 

[chrystie4141]

I have used Tony for 3 years ( and 6 trips) and he has always been on time, stops for free at a store along the way, and is one of the best tour guides ever along the way.

Chrystie

 

[tony67]

Unless something has changed since February, Universal uses SuperStar shuttle, not Mears. It is an extra cost (the $35 per person RT sounds right). You don't need to book it as part of a package. It can be booked with a room-only reservation.

That could be - I was under the impression that was just branding - kind of like MagicExpress.
I can say for sure that when I booked the shuttle back from the concierge at RPR it was a mears shuttle.
I have also been on a Mears branded bus coming back from Disney using MagicExpress in the past as well - but never going to Disney.

I did book the shuttle an hour earlier than they suggested just because I was concerned they would be late or there might be traffic - unlike Disney they try to get you there 2 hours before our flight. I would really recommend three with such a busy airport just to be safe.

Unless you are solo I would try to avoid the shuttle - it was quick enough but it was pretty run down and stopped at a very run down hotel after RPR.

 

[Minnesota!]

Thanks to this board, I just booked Tony Hinds for our upcoming trip! $100 RT, plus tip. Cheaper than anything else I have found!

 

[sam_rogers]

Another vote for Tony hinds, we used him for the first time last month and he was excellent! Really friendly, reliable and responds quickly to emails, which was useful for me being in the UK.