All About Orlando

Many people come to Orlando, Florida through Ocala. In the past, that little stop could become an adventure in itself as it was often difficult to get transportation out of Ocala to Orlando. In fact, until recently, visitors had only a few options. They could drive; they could bum a ride from a family member or friend, or they could use one of the bare bones shuttle services.

There may be some good news on the horizon for those who need to get to Orlando from Ocala, Florida. Two new companies are planning to expand the way Ocalans travel outside the city. Both of these companies say that they can offer passengers more comfort, reliability, and affordability than what was available in the past.

Shuttleliners is one of these companies and it operates from the former Amtrak facilities at Ocala’s Union Station. They currently offer 18 trips a day to and from Orlando International Airport in eight-passenger vans.

“What we’ve done is create a terminal, rather than just a place to pick people up,” said company president Joseph Aron. “It’s kind of a little more civilized.”

Shuttleliner will now offer hourly trips to Orlando International Airport every day between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m., and hourly return trips from the airport between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. The price is $29 each way. All trips leave from the terminal.

The second company, Florida Jitney, is based in Lady Lake. The company has been operating since late January, said Tim McLennan, the company’s operations director.

For those needing more flexibility in their destinations once in Orlando, Florida Jitney runs 14-passenger buses equipped with satellite television and satellite Internet access. Current routes run from Gainesville to Ocala and multiple locations in Orlando, including Orlando International Airport, the Mall at Millennia, International Drive, and Universal Studios. The company offers free refreshments on the bus, McLennan said.

Florida Jitney offers four runs a day in each direction. The company’s Ocala buses leave from and return to the Steak ‘n Shake restaurant on State Road 200 just off Interstate 75. The first morning southbound bus leaves at 4:50 a.m. and the last bus northbound arrives at 2:30 a.m. Service costs $39 each way.

Both companies require advance reservations for seats and with buses committed to leaving on time, arriving late means missing the bus, literally.

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Filed under: Day Trips