Airport shuttle warning

[gjbl8114]

AIRPORT SHUTTLE WARNING

There are facts you need to know when booking an airport shuttle. There are two major services that provide airport transportation in the area. Both will get you to the airport. The difference is how and when will you get to the airport. Workmans, the airport shuttle which operates exclusively within The Villages has a direct pick up of passengers from one of two depots (Brownwood and Sumter). This shuttle service takes you directly to the airport and has a designated docking station on the lower level of the airport upon its arrival. It does not pick you up from your front door and it does not drop you off at your designated airline, but it is operated professionally and timely without abrupt changes to your scheduled departing time when you book. The other shuttle service is known as Village Airport Van, very different from the one operated by The Villages. This shuttle service typically picks you up at your home and will deliver you back to your home upon your return trip when booked accordingly. While both serve a needed service for airport travelers, this particular shuttle service has quite a few inconvenient flaws with regards to their scheduling. There is the real and recurring issue of changing your pickup time at the last minute and perhaps, in my case changing it three times to my annoyance. Then there is the obvious annoyance of how many stops are made before finally departing for the airport. And, don’t let me forget about how many stops before departing for airport are made where individuals take up as much as five to ten minutes before they enter the Van. Now this service, in spite of its convenience for some, is not for all and people should know the facts and difference between the two. Just know that if you require or don’t mind not knowing exactly when you will arrive at the airport, then this service is definitely for you. But for those of us who want to be assured of a departure and arrival airport time should not choose this Van, and if you should decide it is for you, do not get yourself twisted in knots when you know how different the two services operate. Consider yourself forewarned.

[tophcfa]

AIRPORT SHUTTLE WARNING

There are facts you need to know when booking an airport shuttle. There are two major services that provide airport transportation in the area. Both will get you to the airport. The difference is how and when will you get to the airport. Workmans, the airport shuttle which operates exclusively within The Villages has a direct pick up of passengers from one of two depots (Brownwood and Sumter). This shuttle service takes you directly to the airport and has a designated docking station on the lower level of the airport upon its arrival. It does not pick you up from your front door and it does not drop you off at your designated airline, but it is operated professionally and timely without abrupt changes to your scheduled departing time when you book. The other shuttle service is known as Village Airport Van, very different from the one operated by The Villages. This shuttle service typically picks you up at your home and will deliver you back to your home upon your return trip when booked accordingly. While both serve a needed service for airport travelers, this particular shuttle service has quite a few inconvenient flaws with regards to their scheduling. There is the real and recurring issue of changing your pickup time at the last minute and perhaps, in my case changing it three times to my annoyance. Then there is the obvious annoyance of how many stops are made before finally departing for the airport. And, don’t let me forget about how many stops before departing for airport are made where individuals take up as much as five to ten minutes before they enter the Van. Now this service, in spite of its convenience for some, is not for all and people should know the facts and difference between the two. Just know that if you require or don’t mind not knowing exactly when you will arrive at the airport, then this service is definitely for you. But for those of us who want to be assured of a departure and arrival airport time should not choose this Van, and if you should decide it is for you, do not get yourself twisted in knots when you know how different the two services operate. Consider yourself forewarned.

Good summary, you list the reasons we no longer use the Van service. Also, it should be noted that Workman will arrange a reliable taxi service for home pick up/drop off from their terminals if needed.

[Happinow]

If I may add……..the “bus” type transportations is called Workman Transportation….formally The Villages Transportation. They were bought out. This service is a large white bus like transporter that has “Workman Transportation” on the side of it. For an extra fee, You may schedule to have a home pick up/drop off scheduled with them. You will be picked up by a van with a different driver than the “bus driver” and then taken to either Brownwood Hotel or Sumter Landing (designated pick up places) where the Bus will take you to the airport from there. The bus takes you directly to the airport….Terminal and and B. They run on time and very efficiently. The busses are clean and comfortable.

The Village Airport Van is completely different. It is a van with a yellow stripe down the side of it and picks you up and drops you off at your home. There are many down sides to this company.
1. You are packed in like sardines in a very uncomfortable, unkept older van.
2. You have to endure riding all over creation to pick up or drop off other people.
3. Some people aren’t even ready when picked up….you have to sit in the van and wait for them.
4. You could be an hour plus EXTRA from the time it takes the Van to get back to the villages to get dropped off back to your house. So if it takes 1.5 hours to get back to The Villages from MCO, you could be 2.5 hours getting home.
5. If there are people in the van that are chatty…..you get to listen to them practically talking in your ear all the way on the ride.

Hope that clears up the difference between Workman Transportation and Village Airport Van.

[Gpsma]

Simple solution...hire one of the private drivers that do the airports.

[mixsonci]

What about Groome, what are peoples experiences with them? Just saw their van pass my house the other day.

[Villageswimmer]

System won’t allow me to quote post #4...but...
That might be a solution but these private car drivers come and go. So do their reviews.

Is there a way to find names, contact info, ratings of those currently operating?

Not long ago Creative Concierge was the greatest. Recently, though, I’ve read some horrible reviews for them.

[Retiring]

I used Groome one time, about 3 months ago. The experience was a good one. I will use them again.

[graciegirl]

System won’t allow me to quote post #4...but...
That might be a solution but these private car drivers come and go. So do their reviews.

Is there a way to find names, contact info, ratings of those currently operating?

Not long ago Creative Concierge was the greatest. Recently, though, I’ve read some horrible reviews for them.

I had trouble quoting a post too. Wonder if we have a bug in here?

[dewilson58]

I had trouble quoting a post too. Wonder if we have a bug in here?

I have issues with replying to PM's.
Might take four or five tries, including signing off.
Site has issues.

[B-flat]

Great summaries of both Villages Airport Van and Workman’s. I’ve used both but no longer use Villages Airport Van, I hated taking a tour of the Villages. On one trip it took and hour and 10 minutes just to leave TV property. Workman’s is great. The best way for me is to use a private driver to on the way to the airport because it’s usually an early morning pick up. On the return I’ve used Workman’s with a LSL drop off. Workman’s coaches are always clean and comfortable. A set of earbuds connected to my iPhone usually turns off an overly talkative passenger.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

What about Groome, what are peoples experiences with them? Just saw their van pass my house the other day.

Haven't used Groome since before the pandemic, but they were priced below the competition, reliable and on time.

[lindaelane]

Capri Transportation is $70 (plus tip) - private transfer, price is for whole party whether there is one, two or several in your party - Since it is private they pick up at your house (or airport) and take you straight to your destination - home or airport - without stops. I had a great experience with them. Groome would have been $35 and would have had me waiting over an extra hour at the airport both arriving and departing, but they probably would have been fine. I think Workman's is not good value for money compared to Groome, but Capri was by far the best value for money, despite being the highest of the "usable service" (Village Van is not "usable" imho)

[b0bd0herty]

Well said Sir. I see absolutely nothing to argue with over your comments and how you laid them out. I remember when "news" organizations used to report on things using this objective type of reporting.

Thank you for this information.

[Ptmckiou]

Workmans does advertise on their website that they also have private car service, door to door, with luxury sedans and SUV’s. We are going to use that service on our upcoming trip in June.

[H.Pearl]

Thank you for the clarification, very helpful.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

When Workman changed their name, they announced that's all they did. Their parent company was Workman, and the Villages Transportation was an arm of that company. But at some point they realized, that people who use the Villages Transportation don't notice that the company offers much more than just van service to the airport. So they ditched the Villages Transportation name, and ported everything over to the parent name of Workmans.

Whether that's true or not, I can't say. But that was how they explained it. No one bought anyone out. Villages Transportation has always been an arm of Workmans, and now their name reflects that.

As such, they absolutely can drop you off and pick you up from home - because Workmans Transportation offers more than just airport service from 2 spots in the Villages. You have to schedule it in advance and pay extra. They do other types of transport service as well. They offer day-trips and multi-day trips to places like Biloxi Mississippi, the Smoky Mountains, lunch and a show in Tampa, etc. etc.

We've used Workmans/Villages Transport exclusively but we've heard very good things about Groome.

[Miriam2940]

Or book private transportation such as Creative Concierge

[Philbot]

Why not drive and use long-term parking at the airport. Is it a matter of cost or is this just a discussion of alternative forms of transport?

[fastboat]

At extra charge.

[banjobob]

A good van type service door to door nice clean vans , as with all home pickup vans , some folks just can’t get their act together to be ready when scheduled pickup, we have used both Groomes and airport taxi ,neither is the best choice . Spend the extra money and hire a car service .

[aldeana]

I used Groome one time, about 3 months ago. The experience was a good one. I will use them again.

I used Groome earlier this month and had a great experience. I will use then again. I wish the airport companies that pick up at home would specialize in areas, i.e. north of 466 or south. For just two people traveling together, it makes sense to hire a taxi, but for those of us solo travelers, it is pricey. Wish there were a web site where people traveling solo can pair up with those traveling at the same approximate time. As others commented, since I live north of 466, it is terrible to do the milk run with the other airport vans.

[NHsnow1]

Workmen denied us taxi pickup from our home as they did not have enough drivers, hence we cancelled their service. We found Creative Concierge and now use them exclusively.

[Greenleek]

1]I used Groome one time, about 3 months ago. The experience was a good one. I will use them again.[/QUOTE]
I used them in April and will be using them in June.

[Villagesgal]

Used Capri, great service $90.00 for 2 each way $70.00 for one. Courteous, on time and great drivers. Highly recommend them.

[msilagy]

Good commentaires. Is anyone grateful that there are van services for all the "important" people in TV? Regardless of the inconveniences my take is a big THANK YOU!

[Girlcopper]

Simple solution...hire one of the private drivers that do the airports.
Yep. I paid a $50 flat rate fee door to door.

[ibodyWALK]

What about Groome, what are peoples experiences with them? Just saw their van pass my house the other day.

Amazing services

[asiebel]

We use Dave's Transportation.
Great drivers and cars! On time and spotless cars!

[ibodyWALK]

What about Groome, what are peoples experiences with them? Just saw their van pass my house the other day.

Groome was Amazing - picked up at airport A / 42 early and left early... and arrived at door... looking forward to doing again for pickup at my door and pickup at airport ;)

[dreamin789]

We recently used Groome and the service was great. They picked us up at our door and delivered us to the proper terminal. We were aware that it was a shared ride service and we were picked up within the time window that they told us at the reservation. The driver was extremely professional and I highly recommend Groome.

[CFrance]

Why not drive and use long-term parking at the airport. Is it a matter of cost or is this just a discussion of alternative forms of transport?
Lots of people are traveling for longer term. For instance, snow birds flying to their summer places, home and abroad. On the way back, some of us don't want to get off of a long flight, go find our car, and drive home, usually after dark.


We have used private service for the past ten years and are very happy with it.

[J1ceasar]

For many people driving on the highway is not their cup of tea anymore due to age, the other problem is that people are just looking for the cheapest thing and you have to realize with cheap you get more issues. Personally after working with 35 plus years going to the airport 50 times a year I always take a personal car service or drive myself which is 100% better than any other system if I get to the point where I can't drive anymore I'll have my kids visit me instead of the other way around

[Philbot]

Lots of people are traveling for longer term. For instance, snow birds flying to their summer places, home and abroad. On the way back, some of us don't want to get off of a long flight, go find our car, and drive home, usually after dark.


We have used private service for the past ten years and are very happy with it.
Ah, great point. I hadn't considered the duration of travel or a seasonal / one-way trip. That would certainly change the ROI. {:-> Thanks for the clarification.

[justjim]

If only gone a week or so, drive to airport less cost and more convenient IMHO.

[ProfessorDave]

Had horrible experience with Groome personally. They never came. And never apologized. And I missed my flight. However, I've heard other people share they had good experiences. They are the cheapest.

[rmd2]

The changing pick up times and many stops is why I no longer use the van shuttle. It is especially bad if you live north of Lake Sumter Landing with all the stops. I use The Villages Workman Shuttle now. They don't use 5 hours of my time to get to the airport.

[Faith Bestic]

I used Workman in April. I was picked up early and had a six hour wait for my flight. Made for a long day. We have always used workman but might try one of the other services next time

[rmd2]

Has anyone else had trouble with Workman changing your scheduled trip to an earlier time?? I'm going on a trip next week and it would be good to know. I was planning on Workman but now I'm not sure.

[Spalumbos62]

Yep. I paid a $50 flat rate fee door to door.



Good info...thank you !

I used the van once, I need to ride in back...driver insisted I move up...I asked why and he said he had a couple to pick up....my answer was...too bad, I will sit in back or get on my phone and call his super....he then slammed the door. Also if you are going to Sanford be prepared to do the mco tour first...all and all very very frustrating.... that's why I never can decide if I should fly mco or sfd, both have issues to and fro.

[emb2458]

Used Village Van to pick up my grand daughter and her infant up at airport in April. Van was packed and no air conditioning. Return trip to airport, driver had passengers to go to Orlando and Sanford. Did not know how to get to either and did not know how to use his Gps. My grand daughter installed Waze on his phone. He was driving so recklessly trying to look at his phone a passenger climbed up front to navigate him. What did the company say when I called. Sorry, trying to train new drivers. Old ones did not return after Covid. Did they offer any refund. NO..........

[ednamae61]

We use Creative Concierge. Pick up and delivery to door, always on time and private travel. Highly recommend.

[Kgcetm]

We don’t chose the Van!

[heidican]

Just to throw another one in...I've been using Groom...they cost less...pick you up at your house and don't do too any stops...very nice and professional drivers

AIRPORT SHUTTLE WARNING

There are facts you need to know when booking an airport shuttle. There are two major services that provide airport transportation in the area. Both will get you to the airport. The difference is how and when will you get to the airport. Workmans, the airport shuttle which operates exclusively within The Villages has a direct pick up of passengers from one of two depots (Brownwood and Sumter). This shuttle service takes you directly to the airport and has a designated docking station on the lower level of the airport upon its arrival. It does not pick you up from your front door and it does not drop you off at your designated airline, but it is operated professionally and timely without abrupt changes to your scheduled departing time when you book. The other shuttle service is known as Village Airport Van, very different from the one operated by The Villages. This shuttle service typically picks you up at your home and will deliver you back to your home upon your return trip when booked accordingly. While both serve a needed service for airport travelers, this particular shuttle service has quite a few inconvenient flaws with regards to their scheduling. There is the real and recurring issue of changing your pickup time at the last minute and perhaps, in my case changing it three times to my annoyance. Then there is the obvious annoyance of how many stops are made before finally departing for the airport. And, don’t let me forget about how many stops before departing for airport are made where individuals take up as much as five to ten minutes before they enter the Van. Now this service, in spite of its convenience for some, is not for all and people should know the facts and difference between the two. Just know that if you require or don’t mind not knowing exactly when you will arrive at the airport, then this service is definitely for you. But for those of us who want to be assured of a departure and arrival airport time should not choose this Van, and if you should decide it is for you, do not get yourself twisted in knots when you know how different the two services operate. Consider yourself forewarned.[/QUOTE]

[Mrprez]

We use Creative Concierge. Pick up and delivery to door, always on time and private travel. Highly recommend.

Same here. Our ride from MCO was a real treat and the driver was very courteous and interesting to talk to.

[JEM0715]

No private car service compares to Dave's Airport Transportation, if you belong to NextDoor Neighbor website, just look at their reviews. They only have a business page on there as they said they didn't need a separate website after getting on NDN 4+ years ago. 352-223-4696. They service Villages south of 466 all the way south and Leesburg gated communities per Dave. They even post their commercial insurance versus others that don't even have any.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ve used a car service even when I lived in Orlando, and even if it was for a couple of days , live a little treat yourself to a solitary ride

[PNaughton]

It's been said before and I agree, drive yourself to a long term parking lot and everything is igreat. Sorry I kept this under a thousand words.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Well I guess this thread is as good as any to say goodbye to everyone on talk of the villages to fall I’m flying to Boston day after tomorrow ( car service) be back in the fall . I completely forget about this place when I’m gone and as usual it will take me a couple of days to close house up , hmmm let’s see where is the key to lock it , it hasn’t been locked since I moved in last month and that’s about all the preparation I’ve ever done in all the home’s I’ve had here , I do have someone walk through every couple of weeks , my favorite people on here are the ones that think you can be angry with a total stranger and those that feel bullied by a total stranger please give me a break

[Suzieque]

I have issues with replying to PM's.
Might take four or five tries, including signing off.
Site has issues.

I agree. I get bounced back to their email everyday because I start to scroll and get a screwy screen. Sometimes my screen freezes. I reported my problems but never heard anything.

[UTCFL]

If you were a Member of the Unique Travel Club you would no longer have to go to Orlando to catch a flight. Instead you could fly out of the Leesburg Airport which is just a few minutes drive from The Villages and eliminate the need for transportation spending hours going to and from the Airport. All flights would be direct with no connecting flights to any destination in the USA with the exception of Hawaii. Any destination in the State of Florida would simply be a day trip. Example: Leesburg Airport to Everglades City, FL 1 Hour 15 Minutes. Everglades City is a 4.5 Hour drive from The Villages and the Airlines do not fly to Everglades City. UTC Members are able to fly direct from Leesburg Airport and utilize the over 19,000 Airports in America instead of the 500 or so the Airlines fly into which is one feature that makes UTC unique.

[Vpi1984]

Totally agree. Will use Groom again!

[cgoodwin]

AIRPORT SHUTTLE WARNING

There are facts you need to know when booking an airport shuttle. There are two major services that provide airport transportation in the area. Both will get you to the airport. The difference is how and when will you get to the airport. Workmans, the airport shuttle which operates exclusively within The Villages has a direct pick up of passengers from one of two depots (Brownwood and Sumter). This shuttle service takes you directly to the airport and has a designated docking station on the lower level of the airport upon its arrival. It does not pick you up from your front door and it does not drop you off at your designated airline, but it is operated professionally and timely without abrupt changes to your scheduled departing time when you book. The other shuttle service is known as Village Airport Van, very different from the one operated by The Villages. This shuttle service typically picks you up at your home and will deliver you back to your home upon your return trip when booked accordingly. While both serve a needed service for airport travelers, this particular shuttle service has quite a few inconvenient flaws with regards to their scheduling. There is the real and recurring issue of changing your pickup time at the last minute and perhaps, in my case changing it three times to my annoyance. Then there is the obvious annoyance of how many stops are made before finally departing for the airport. And, don’t let me forget about how many stops before departing for airport are made where individuals take up as much as five to ten minutes before they enter the Van. Now this service, in spite of its convenience for some, is not for all and people should know the facts and difference between the two. Just know that if you require or don’t mind not knowing exactly when you will arrive at the airport, then this service is definitely for you. But for those of us who want to be assured of a departure and arrival airport time should not choose this Van, and if you should decide it is for you, do not get yourself twisted in knots when you know how different the two services operate. Consider yourself forewarned.
It would be helpful to get comoany names and prices for the particular airport shuttles you are referring to. I close on a home in the Villages this week and am coming down alone by airplane at the end of the month. I was told That Groom picks up and drops off at your home in the Villages. I am hoping this is correct because I do not know how I will be able to walk with my luggage from Brownstone To Fenney. Please advise... the cost was $33 from the airport one way. I am not concerned about the multiple stops as I am not going to be pressed for time. Thank you.

[tag460]

Both the neighbor and I used Groom separate times and were disappointed with the service. Both times we were the only passenger and they did not adjust the pickup time to take us to the airport. We both got to the airport three hours prior to our departure, Groom knowing that we were the only passenger they should of called and to set a different pick up time. For now on either Workman or Private Service for me.

[KAM+6]

Both Groom and Workman have a set schedule for pickup and drop off. They cannot "adjust" their schedule for one passenger. If you wa my that type of service you need to hire a private car and driver. Of course you pay more for that. Remember when your dropped off at the airport they then pickup passengers going back to V.

[Barborv]

Has anyone ever done uber or lyft? Wonder what that would cost?

[Barborv]

to UTCFL., What airlines fly in and out oif Leesburg internati9nal airport. Tried google and cannot find information on that. I even called, but had to leave a voice message. Also, What is Unique travel club? How do you become a member? Thanks

[CFrance]

to UTCFL., What airlines fly in and out oif Leesburg internati9nal airport. Tried google and cannot find information on that. I even called, but had to leave a voice message. Also, What is Unique travel club? How do you become a member? Thanks
Leesburg International is not a commercial airport, i.e., for us traveling folks.

[Notsocrates]

AIRPORT SHUTTLE WARNING

There are facts you need to know when booking an airport shuttle. There are two major services that provide airport transportation in the area. Both will get you to the airport. The difference is how and when will you get to the airport. Workmans, the airport shuttle which operates exclusively within The Villages has a direct pick up of passengers from one of two depots (Brownwood and Sumter). This shuttle service takes you directly to the airport and has a designated docking station on the lower level of the airport upon its arrival. It does not pick you up from your front door and it does not drop you off at your designated airline, but it is operated professionally and timely without abrupt changes to your scheduled departing time when you book. The other shuttle service is known as Village Airport Van, very different from the one operated by The Villages. This shuttle service typically picks you up at your home and will deliver you back to your home upon your return trip when booked accordingly. While both serve a needed service for airport travelers, this particular shuttle service has quite a few inconvenient flaws with regards to their scheduling. There is the real and recurring issue of changing your pickup time at the last minute and perhaps, in my case changing it three times to my annoyance. Then there is the obvious annoyance of how many stops are made before finally departing for the airport. And, don’t let me forget about how many stops before departing for airport are made where individuals take up as much as five to ten minutes before they enter the Van. Now this service, in spite of its convenience for some, is not for all and people should know the facts and difference between the two. Just know that if you require or don’t mind not knowing exactly when you will arrive at the airport, then this service is definitely for you. But for those of us who want to be assured of a departure and arrival airport time should not choose this Van, and if you should decide it is for you, do not get yourself twisted in knots when you know how different the two services operate. Consider yourself forewarned.

There are 2 mentions of taxi service to MCO: Vinnie's and David,
Anyone have experience with either?

[Notsocrates]

I’ve used a car service even when I lived in Orlando, and even if it was for a couple of days , live a little treat yourself to a solitary ride

Who did you use?

[gammonj]

Your 5 reasons are exactly why I will not use them. I was called 5 minutes after they were supposed to be at my house and said they would be half hour late. It was stressful as that half hour turned into 45 minutes then having to pick up more people, some who were not ready. One glitch in the traffic and I would not have been there on time.

[Bill32]

Has anyone ever done uber or lyft? Wonder what that would cost?

going to MCO $150 + -. return to TV $75 + -