Transportation to/from airports

[BmoreGal]

Can anyone give information about transportation. I understand there is an airport shuttle that runs on a posted schedule, but how does one get to/from the shuttle point to one's home. Is there a taxi service in the villages?

Also do most people fly into Orlando or Tampa?

Thanks for any information

[skyking]

If you call Village Airport Van they will pick you up and drop you off at your house based on your flight time. They go to Orlando which is closer than Tampa.

[nkrifats]

Villages has a shuttle service to Orlando Airport. Can get a Taxi to and from shuttle station with Village Taxi.

[pqrstar]

Here is the link to the airport shuttle information

You can make your reservation online.

The Villages Transportation ? Orlando International Airport Shuttle Service (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/)

[BmoreGal]

This is what I love about this site... Post a question, and within a short period of time, lots of good information.

Thanks!

[Baltimore Guy]

Take airport van, my son just left the other day to go back to Baltimore. He said it was the best way to go, you will love it .:agree:

[Barefoot]

Can anyone give information about transportation. I understand there is an airport shuttle that runs on a posted schedule, but how does one get to/from the shuttle point to one's home. Is there a taxi service in the villages? Also do most people fly into Orlando or Tampa? Thanks for any information

There are two separate services that are often confused.

Villages Shuttle (owned by The Villages) operates from Orlando Airport to/from Shuttle Stations at Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs. This runs on a set schedule and it is not a 24 hour service.

Villages Van (not owned by The Villages) also operates from Orlando Airport and will take you to/from your home. This is a 24 hour service so it is especially helpful for late flights.

[swimdawg]

Can anyone give information about transportation. I understand there is an airport shuttle that runs on a posted schedule, but how does one get to/from the shuttle point to one's home. Is there a taxi service in the villages?

Also do most people fly into Orlando or Tampa?

Thanks for any information

I have been meaning to write about this since my last trip. I am a "snowflake"....going back and forth from Buffalo to TV....via Orlando. I have used both The Villages Shuttle and Village Airport Van.

Both have their good points.

Here is my Swimdawg review:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
The Villages Transportation: The Villages Transportation ? Orlando International Airport Shuttle Service (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/)

Postives: Typical of what you would expect of something run by TV: Clean van, on time, friendly drivers who just couldn't do enough to help. There was a nice waiting area either inside or outside the airport area where you are to be picked up.

Negatives: The area where they pick you up is way down from the the Baggage Claim area. (I take either Southwest or JetBlue). I have two huge pieces of luggage (moving things from Swimdawg North to Swimdawg South)....so it was a long walk from Baggage to the area where TV Shuttle area is.....and I mean a long walk. Once I was on the shuttle, it took me to Lake Sumter Landing....and I waited for a cab to take me home. It was only a $5. charge (+tip) for the cab. Going from TV to Orlando airport was the same. A cab would pick me up and take me to LSL where I would get the shuttle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Village Airport Van: Village Airport Van (http://www.villageairportvan.com/)

Positives: The area where you are to be picked up is directly below Baggage Claim. It couldn't be more convenient. You call the driver when you arrive and the wait is reasonable...not too long. Because I live in The Village of St. James, I am the first to be dropped off AT MY HOME....and the last to be picked up AT MY HOME when I return back to the airport. I like that!

Negatives: The van wasn't as clean or as organized as TV Shuttle. The drivers were "okay"....but one can tell when an employee works for TV. They look neat and clean.....and go out of their way to be friendly and help. The drivers for VillagesVan were nice but easy to see they didn't work for TV. Also, there was no nice waiting area inside or outside the area where you wait for the van. It was so convenient to have them so close to Baggage Claim but it would be nice to have a place to sit while waiting. I did complain about this and they said I can sit anywhere and just let them know I have arrived and they will wait for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As far as prices go, they are pretty much the same. $35. one way.
(The Villages Shuttle gives you a $5.00 discount for round-trip but they charge $5.00 each way for the cab); Village Airport Van charges $35. to/from your front door and will give you every 10th trip for free.

So.......that is my Swimdawg review for the two major airport shuttle/van services. Hope it helps.

[PaPaLarry]

I have been meaning to write about this since my last trip. I am a "snowflake"....going back and forth from Buffalo to TV....via Orlando. I have used both The Villages Shuttle and Village Airport Van.

Both have their good points.

Here is my Swimdawg review:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
The Villages Transportation: The Villages Transportation ? Orlando International Airport Shuttle Service (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/)

Postives: Typical of what you would expect of something run by TV: Clean van, on time, friendly drivers who just couldn't do enough to help. There was a nice waiting area either inside or outside the airport area where you are to be picked up.

Negatives: The area where they pick you up is way down from the the Baggage Claim area. (I take either Southwest or JetBlue). I have two huge pieces of luggage (moving things from Swimdawg North to Swimdawg South)....so it was a long walk from Baggage to the area where TV Shuttle area is.....and I mean a long walk. Once I was on the shuttle, it took me to Lake Sumter Landing....and I waited for a cab to take me home. It was only a $5. charge (+tip) for the cab. Going from TV to Orlando airport was the same. A cab would pick me up and take me to LSL where I would get the shuttle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Village Airport Van: Village Airport Van (http://www.villageairportvan.com/)

Positives: The area where you are to be picked up is directly below Baggage Claim. It couldn't be more convenient. You call the driver when you arrive and the wait is reasonable...not too long. Because I live in The Village of St. James, I am the first to be dropped off AT MY HOME....and the last to be picked up AT MY HOME when I return back to the airport. I like that!

Negatives: The van wasn't as clean or as organized as TV Shuttle. The drivers were "okay"....but one can tell when an employee works for TV. They look neat and clean.....and go out of their way to be friendly and help. The drivers for VillagesVan were nice but easy to see they didn't work for TV. Also, there was no nice waiting area inside or outside the area where you wait for the van. It was so convenient to have them so close to Baggage Claim but it would be nice to have a place to sit while waiting. I did complain about this and they said I can sit anywhere and just let them know I have arrived and they will wait for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As far as prices go, they are pretty much the same. $35. one way.
(The Villages Shuttle gives you a $5.00 discount for round-trip but they charge $5.00 each way for the cab); Village Airport Van charges $35. to/from your front door and will give you every 10th trip for free.

So.......that is my Swimdawg review for the two major airport shuttle/van services. Hope it helps.
I love the idea of having Village Airport Van pick you up at your house, and drop you off at your house for 35 bucks!! There phone number is 352-241-2000. Coming in late at night, is nice when dropped off at home. To each their own, as long as you arrive safe and sound. :)

[gatherer47]

There are many private individuals who go the area airports.They advertise in the Daily Sun.

[jojo]

I have been meaning to write about this since my last trip. I am a "snowflake"....going back and forth from Buffalo to TV....via Orlando. I have used both The Villages Shuttle and Village Airport Van.

Both have their good points.

Here is my Swimdawg review:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
The Villages Transportation: The Villages Transportation ? Orlando International Airport Shuttle Service (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/)

Postives: Typical of what you would expect of something run by TV: Clean van, on time, friendly drivers who just couldn't do enough to help. There was a nice waiting area either inside or outside the airport area where you are to be picked up.

Negatives: The area where they pick you up is way down from the the Baggage Claim area. (I take either Southwest or JetBlue). I have two huge pieces of luggage (moving things from Swimdawg North to Swimdawg South)....so it was a long walk from Baggage to the area where TV Shuttle area is.....and I mean a long walk. Once I was on the shuttle, it took me to Lake Sumter Landing....and I waited for a cab to take me home. It was only a $5. charge (+tip) for the cab. Going from TV to Orlando airport was the same. A cab would pick me up and take me to LSL where I would get the shuttle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Village Airport Van: Village Airport Van (http://www.villageairportvan.com/)

Positives: The area where you are to be picked up is directly below Baggage Claim. It couldn't be more convenient. You call the driver when you arrive and the wait is reasonable...not too long. Because I live in The Village of St. James, I am the first to be dropped off AT MY HOME....and the last to be picked up AT MY HOME when I return back to the airport. I like that!

Negatives: The van wasn't as clean or as organized as TV Shuttle. The drivers were "okay"....but one can tell when an employee works for TV. They look neat and clean.....and go out of their way to be friendly and help. The drivers for VillagesVan were nice but easy to see they didn't work for TV. Also, there was no nice waiting area inside or outside the area where you wait for the van. It was so convenient to have them so close to Baggage Claim but it would be nice to have a place to sit while waiting. I did complain about this and they said I can sit anywhere and just let them know I have arrived and they will wait for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As far as prices go, they are pretty much the same. $35. one way.
(The Villages Shuttle gives you a $5.00 discount for round-trip but they charge $5.00 each way for the cab); Village Airport Van charges $35. to/from your front door and will give you every 10th trip for free.

So.......that is my Swimdawg review for the two major airport shuttle/van services. Hope it helps.'

Good post Swimdawg. The Villages Van picks up in the middle and the Villages Airport Van picks up at the far end - A or B 45. I think you switched the pick up in your post? I usually have someone who drives me but the few times I've taken the Villages Airport Van I have had a wait--especially late at night. That's another plus for the official Villages van - it leaves at the appointed hour.

[swimdawg]

'

Good post Swimdawg. The Villages Van picks up in the middle and the Villages Airport Van picks up at the far end - A or B 45. I think you switched the pick up in your post? I usually have someone who drives me but the few times I've taken the Villages Airport Van I have had a wait--especially late at night. That's another plus for the official Villages van - it leaves at the appointed hour.

No..exactly what I wrote. THE VILLAGES SHUTTLE was way down at the other end....far away from Baggage Claim. Village AIRPORT VAN picks you up directly below Baggage Claim...very convenient.

There are positives and negatives for both. I am not recommending one over the other. It depends on your needs. I just wanted everyone to know the differences.

[English Ivy]

'

Good post Swimdawg. The Villages Van picks up in the middle and the Villages Airport Van picks up at the far end - A or B 45. I think you switched the pick up in your post? I usually have someone who drives me but the few times I've taken the Villages Airport Van I have had a wait--especially late at night. That's another plus for the official Villages van - it leaves at the appointed hour.

No..exactly what I wrote. THE VILLAGES SHUTTLE was way down at the other end....far away from Baggage Claim. Village AIRPORT VAN picks you up directly below Baggage Claim...very convenient.

There are positives and negatives for both. I am not recommending one over the other. It depends on your needs. I just wanted everyone to know the differences.

The Villages Transportation picks up below baggage claim at A15/16 and B15/16. Although this company is perceived to be owned/run by The Villages, I believe they actually sold it a couple years ago to the woman who was their manager. Regardless, here is a link for their schedule which shows where they pick up. Departure and Arrival Schedule (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/schedule.html)

I've never used the "Airport Van" and have no idea where they pick up and did not notice it mentioned on their website.

[shcisamax]

Honestly, I am a little disappointed in The Village shuttle. Not for their service but for not suggesting the other company when I called from the airport and was going to have to wait for another two hours because they only run every two hours. I explained that as I couldn't wait the two hours, I was going to have to rent a car, a big hassle and I would have to return by car for the drop. I asked if there were any other ways to get there and was told NO. and you would think they might have suggested the alternative. :( But now I know and it is in the nick of time. I was going to have to rent another car for the same timing issue. Voila. The Village Van. Thanks so much.

[swimdawg]

The Villages Transportation picks up below baggage claim at A15/16 and B15/16. Although this company is perceived to be owned/run by The Villages, I believe they actually sold it a couple years ago to the woman who was their manager. Regardless, here is a link for their schedule which shows where they pick up. Departure and Arrival Schedule (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/schedule.html)

I've never used the "Airport Van" and have no idea where they pick up and did not notice it mentioned on their website.

I had to get the Swimdawg archive notes out...not an easy task these days!

Yes, THE VILLAGES Transportation Shuttle (352-259-9398) picks passengers up at A15/16 which is a long way from Southwest/JetBlue Baggage Claim area.

Village Airport Van (352-241-2000) picks you up at A-45 which is very close to the Baggage Claim area.

[senior citizen]

No..exactly what I wrote. THE VILLAGES SHUTTLE was way down at the other end....far away from Baggage Claim. Village AIRPORT VAN picks you up directly below Baggage Claim...very convenient.

There are positives and negatives for both. I am not recommending one over the other. It depends on your needs. I just wanted everyone to know the differences.

Today's airport shuttle information was very helpful but I wanted to see earlier posts........so I came to this as well as others..........YOURS is exactly the reason we were looking.

Our Albany International Airport is small scale compared to Orlando International Airport which has really GROWN since we used to bring the kids to Disney every single April school vacation.....plus we'd use the shuttle vans to Disney then.

This time, even though I arranged ahead of time a rental car, our Southwestern Airlines was at one end.......then we had to ride the tram or whatever it is......then hoof another long distance to the rental cars and then they tell us, "We can't find your reservation"........it was a new trainee who couldn't find it. Long story, longer aggravation.

I think the next time we will do the airport van and then have the rental car waiting in THE VILLAGES. Where would the rental car agencies be in TV??????? It has to be easier that way. At the airport the building where the cars are is across the street..........so more walking, an elevator and then "find the car".

Dragging all the luggage on this journey!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a truly big airport, compared to what we are used to flying in to.

Years ago, there would be a shuttle bus as you left the airport to take you right to the rental vehicle.

Not to sound like a complainer..........but after getting up at 3 a.m. to fly to Florida.......then taking forever with a rental "reservation" made way in advance............I'm looking for an easier way, so as not to arrive in TV exhausted........not just me, but hubby.

p.s. If we could rent the car in The Villages and return it there, taking the shuttle van to the airport , it would also be helpful in the confusion with all those exits off the Florida Turnpike to get THE CAR BACK TO THE RENTAL PLACE WHICH IS ACTUALLY NEAR THE BIG HOTEL THAT IS IN THE AIRPORT.........we kept going around in circles until finally a nice lady guided us to the correct "exit"......he left me off at the elevator to the hotel with all our luggage, I got some "help" while he returned the car.

[alemorkam]

We find the easiest way is rent a car in the villages and return it at the Airport. It is the cheapest way to go and you have control over your departure and arrivate time. It is cheaper if there are two or more going. Enterprise has a rental place at Lake Sumter Square. They are inexpensive because they need cars returned to the airport.

[senior citizen]

We find the easiest way is rent a car in the villages and return it at the Airport. It is the cheapest way to go and you have control over your departure and arrivate time. It is cheaper if there are two or more going. Enterprise has a rental place at Lake Sumter Square. They are inexpensive because they need cars returned to the airport.

Thankyou....I appreciate the info. I've made a note of the location, etc., etc. Makes sense about them needing the cars back at the airport.

We used Avis.

Guess we were just exhausted from traveling but nothing was near where we got off the plane.

On the return back to the airport, I saw the exits to the right, but he took the one to the left and ended up in a parking garage going in circles..........we finally got out of that.......I'm sure it will be easier next time.

Since we have all the time in the world, another option is to just take our own car down; taking our time getting there.

[Sable99]

TV has Hertz Rental Car in SS and Enterprise in LSL.

I used Hertz a couple of months ago. I needed a rental car early Monday morning and it was just easier to rent the car when we arrived in Orlando on Sunday. They did NOT charge extra for returning the car in TV and they also took us to our villa at NO charge. If I remember right, the driver that took us to the villa wouldn't even take a tip.

When I was researching the best transportation options for that trip, I discovered that Enterprise in TV is not open on Sunday.

[Barleen]

Thanks for all the good advise, I agree about the long walk to get the TV van. Husband has a hard time walking so I think we will try the Village Airport van this time. Thank again

[pili]

There is one negative I find with Villages Airport Van. It used to be they only served The Villages but now they go to Leesburg for pick up/drop offs. So, your ride from home may include a stop in Leesburg and same for ride from airport.
Furthermore, most drivers don't like to take turnpike so you go through Fruitland Park to 441 and all the stops. It takes longer.

[Barefoot]

There is one negative I find with Villages Airport Van ........ It takes longer.

The Villages Shuttle delivers directly from Orlando Airport to the Shuttle Stations at LSL and SS. Then you have to call a taxi or a neighbour or whatever. The Van takes longer, but delivers to your home. The biggest reason that I'm a fan of "The Van" is that it runs 24 hours a day.

[damily]

The only problem I have had recently with Village airport taxi (NOT owned by TV) is that it makes MANY stops before it lands in TV. My ride takes over 2 hours usually and that's too long and frustrating.

[graciegirl]

There is one negative I find with Villages Airport Van. It used to be they only served The Villages but now they go to Leesburg for pick up/drop offs. So, your ride from home may include a stop in Leesburg and same for ride from airport.
Furthermore, most drivers don't like to take turnpike so you go through Fruitland Park to 441 and all the stops. It takes longer.

You are so right. My husband says they even deliver to Ocala. He said he saw parts of the surrounding areas that he had never knew were there and his ride home took more than two hours.

[Autoshow]

Can anyone give information about transportation. I understand there is an airport shuttle that runs on a posted schedule, but how does one get to/from the shuttle point to one's home. Is there a taxi service in the villages?

Also do most people fly into Orlando or Tampa?

Thanks for any information

Although you still see VillageTaxi cars around,it is no longer Village taxi,
and as of 6/15 thay will be gone also.You will have to find your own way to
LSL or SS.
There is a good possibility another cab service might want to enter the villages.
The original villages shuttle in my opinion is the best,the other shuttle service
called villages airport shuttle has nothing to do with the villages,although it will pick you up and drop you off at your home,it will make many stops before arriving at a paticular destination,but you might be on it an extra hour or so

[CrimLily]

How can we get from Tampa International Airport to The Villages

[elaineshere]

Does anyone know if there is transportation to Tampa

[Barefoot]

Although you still see VillageTaxi cars around,it is no longer Village taxi, and as of 6/15 thay will be gone also.You will have to find your own way to LSL or SS.
There is a good possibility another cab service might want to enter the villages.
The original villages shuttle in my opinion is the best,the other shuttle service called villages airport shuttle has nothing to do with the villages,although it will pick you up and drop you off at your home,it will make many stops before arriving at a paticular destination,but you might be on it an extra hour or so

Part of the confusion is in the names of the different transportation companies. Both are great services.

One is called Villages Transportation and runs out of the Shuttle Station at Lake Sumter Landing. I believe it on an hourly schedule and runs about 19 hours a day. It is your responsibility to get to/from the Shuttle Station.

The other is called the Village Airport Van. It runs 24 hours a day, not on a set schedule, and picks up and delivers to your door. It may be picking up or dropping off other passengers in surrounding communities.

We prefer Village Airport Van for the door to door delivery. Others prefer the Villages Transportation because of the set schedule. For those who don't want to drive to Orlando Airport, I personally think that we're very lucky to have a choice of two transportation companies.

[pili]

I stopped using the Village Van when they started picking up in Leesburg and other areas outside The Villages. It took too long to get to airport. Yes, it was nice they picked me up at home but the ride took too long because they were picking up and dropping outside The Villages.

[klc1923]

Even though this thread has been around for a while, it still contains valuable and current information. I am using the Village Airport Van for the first time next month. The door to door service is very appealing and the reason for my choice. What is the average tip per person per trip that everyone gives? The web site allows you to prepay tips but since I was not sure of a suitable amount I thought I would just pay when I got off the van. I realize tipping is a personal decision so I'm just looking for averages. I don't want to be cheap. Thanks in advance.

[Madelaine Amee]

Even though this thread has been around for a while, it still contains valuable and current information. I am using the Village Airport Van for the first time next month. The door to door service is very appealing and the reason for my choice. What is the average tip per person per trip that everyone gives? The web site allows you to prepay tips but since I was not sure of a suitable amount I thought I would just pay when I got off the van. I realize tipping is a personal decision so I'm just looking for averages. I don't want to be cheap. Thanks in advance.

We use the Village Airport Van. We prepay with credit card and tip the driver in cash. If two of us go, we give him $10, if one then $5.00.

[Madelaine Amee]

We prefer Village Airport Van for the door to door delivery. Others prefer the Villages Transportation because of the set schedule. For those who don't want to drive to Orlando Airport, I personally think that we're very lucky to have a choice of two transportation companies.

I agree, two choices of transportation cannot be beat. I also think the owner is trying to manage the trips better. The last time we traveled (Christmas) we were the first on the van, the second people came from closer to Sumter Landing and so on all the way south and then to the airport. It was smooth and efficient.

Coming back from airport to TV was less efficient due to the fact that they are picking people up and have no prior knowledge of their destinations. It was a bit of a free for all, but we are always so glad to get home we really don't let it bother us.

[klc1923]

We use the Village Airport Van. We prepay with credit card and tip the driver in cash. If two of us go, we give him $10, if one then $5.00.

Thank you, that is exactly what I was looking for:bowdown:

[gsdrouin]

friendliest driver in The Villages,Lincoln Town Car ride...sweet..on time,polite,no waiting,sattellite radio..from your home to the airport terminal and back.A little more expensive but worth it,call Gaston 352-638-4112.