Hard Rock Hotel guests can enjoy a straightforward Orlando travel day

As one of Universal Orlando’s top resorts, the Hard Rock Hotel is well-connected and straightforward to get to on your travel day.

Whether flying directly to Orlando, getting a train or driving in, guests shouldn’t find it difficult making their way to the resort.

Here, we look at some of the most popular methods of travelling into the Hard Rock Hotel.

Flying into MCO, the nearest airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, around 15 miles away. 

The drive from the airport to the hotel typically takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. 

For those using a rideshare app, like Uber or Lyft, to get a pickup from MCO to Hard Rock Hotel Orlando can cost around $35 to $40, though these apps use ‘surge’ pricing, which means it can be much more expensive at peak times.

A pre-booked private 'meet + greet' airport transfer is an attractive and convenient option.

Private airport transfers are a popular choice for guests because they add the convenience and reassurance that comes with being met at arrivals, and skipping the queues for the buses and trains.

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Guests flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) can book an airport transfer to Hard Rock Hotel for around $50 for a sedan pick-up, around $90 for a minivan, and around $110 for a larger vehicle like an SUV.

Flying into Orlando Sanford Airport

For those flying into Orlando Sanford International Airport, it’s a bit further at about 35 miles, with an estimated transfer time of around 40 to 45 minutes by car. An Uber from here will cost approximately $55 to $75, depending on vehicle and demand at the time.

Coming from Sanford Airport (SFB) to Hard Rock, private car transfers are convenient and popular among guests – albeit, the extra distance means its more expensive.

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From Sanford, guests can book an airport transfer to Hard Rock for around $134 for a sedan pick-up, from around $150 for a minivan, and around $175 for a larger vehicle like an SUV.

Travelling by train

For guests travelling by train, the nearest station is Amtrak’s Orlando Station, located about 10 miles from the resort. The transfer time from the station to The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando is roughly 15 to 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. 

A recent addition to guests’ travel options is Florida's Brightline rail service is a high-speed rail line connecting the Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal C with other major cities in Florida, particularly Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. 

So this may allow more flexibility if your plans see you flying into another Florida airport, or if you’re planning a split-stay trip.

Driving and parking

For those driving in, The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando is easily accessible from major highways, including Interstate 4, which runs through the heart of Orlando.

The hotel is well-signposted, making it a straightforward drive from various locations in the city and surrounding areas.

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Parking is available at the resort, but it does come at an extra charge - self-parking costs from $36 plus tax, whilst overnight valet parking is $45 plus tax.