Diane

My daughter needs to find an inexpensive way to get from Tampa airport to the Orlando area (actually, just North of there, but if she can get to Orlando that's fine.) Is there a shuttle service between airports? Is there a short flight that costs no more than a bus might? I'll be checking web for possibilities, but if anyone has knowledge of a good way (She's under 25 so no rental car!) Thanks

annk

Diane, does she already have tickets to Tampa because the flights are much cheaper into Orlando.

You might check with the airport, but you may have a problem because Tampa airport to Orlando is about a 2 hour drive.

Good luck with your search.

CMcDaniel

Diane, It'd be much easier if she could fly directly into Orlando! Intrastate flights tend to be expensive, and a rt fare Tampa-Orlando will be over $100--probably well over that.

I'm not familiar with any regular transportation between the two cities...this question has been asked before and I don't recall if anything positive developed from that request. Checked the Tampa yellow pages and found one possibility: Walsh Airport Service at 813-960-3884 which advertises chauffeured Lincoln Town Cars "all FL cities & beaches". $$$?

The drive between Tampa Airport and Orlando is only an hour, not two, (though the construction on I-4 can sometimes make it feel like that).

Let us know what you find out, so we can have an answer for future requests if you don't mind, and good luck!

Diane

Thanks so far folks. She's flying in to Tampa from Costa Rica...end of a 3-month trip. One option is to try to make "change" on her Continental ticket to terminate in Orlando...could be possible with $75 charge. However this was a ticket with multiple restrictions to begin with so we'll have to see what can be done. (This would be much easier if she were in the States and could do all the calling around herself. We really take our phone systems for granted here!)

L

Would the penalty may run $150 since it's international? Just a suggestion: is there a way either of you could arrange for her to ride with someone driving over to Orlando that day, perhaps someone off her flight? If she's adventurous, she might be able to hook up with someone on her flight before takeoff - perhaps by holding up a small sign near the agent's counter starting 30 minutes before boarding. Failing that, go for the RT ticket - it can't be that expensive (sometimes carriers have offered a discount for the domestic leg of international travel). Have you talked with the airline yet - or maybe that's a thing of the past.

Diane

This gets more fun! Tickets can't be changed although they change planes in Houston, and she doesn't arrive until 10PM in Tampa, so she couldn't fly out until the next morning (Delta, $71.50 oneway). Looks like she won't be going anywhere until the next AM unless I pop for a car service -- I'll have to check prices. Or maybe just call in some favors...my Mom has good friends in Sun City.

Diane

The answer is: Airport Transportation of Hernando County (352)686-1951. $75 plus parking @ the airport at pickup. To the door of my Mom's house! Thought I'd pass it along because I think that is a great deal. If anyone needs transport from Tampa airport, these people are very nice.

CMcDaniel

Diane, Thanks for posting! Just curious, how did you find them?

I've used something similar between my parent's home in the Berkshires and Bradley International (about the same distance and price). Very convenient, esp as I had their car at my disposal once in the Berkshires, so no need for a rental. Driver usually met me at baggage claim and there was never a snafu in many, many, trips.

Diane

Found them surfing from "Tampa" as a destination search on the web -- following a "travelers' resources" link to the airport, and to a listing for limo/car services. I was thrilled, considering it is kind of late at night to be arriving. The rest of us don't get into town until the next day, and I didn't want Grandma and Grandpa to be driving those distances that late at night!