Shuttle bus vs one day car rental

[pgilson]

We are flying to The Villages in August. We will have two sets of golf clubs and two small suitcases. We have our own golf cart at our villa, and really don't need a car for the week. What would be a better way to get to and from the airport, a one day car rental each way, or the shuttle? Can a person turn in and pick up a rental car right in The Villages? I am sure there are subscribers to "The Talk of The Villages" who have had to make this choice. Thanks for your input in advance.
Paul

[JohnZ]

Hertz and Enterprise have offices and rentals right in The Villages. The shuttle may be the better way to go though in my opinion. But, remember that you've got to get from the rental car place to your villa. One way car rental may be the more expensive route but not by much. You should call both Hertz and Enterprise to get the one-way rate quote. Shuttle transport for two would lighten your wallet by about forty bucks or so one-way and the price may have gone up since the last time I used that service. Hope this helps.

[pgilson]

Thanks John for you advice. I'll follow it.

[Frangyomory]

$30 pr person each way versus rental of a car. . . . $120 for the shuttle or car rental fee...am sure you can get that info from the rental places here.

[pvb526]

car rental is only about 32.00 one way as compared to 60.00 for two on the shuttle-- most of my friends who live in the villages rent a car now instead of the shuttle as it gets expensive for more then one person.

[golfnut]

Before you drop the car off, drop off your better half and clubs and luggage at the villa and they can come get you at the car rental office.

[handieman]

Hi Paul.
I can't say enough about Enterprise Car Rental.When u decide to rent in the villages they come and get you. Last easter when rental prices were sky hi at the airport i reserved a car in the villages and took the shuttle up. Even with the shuttle price figured in they were much cheaper than getting a car at the airport. I drove this same car back to Enterprise at the airport and the drop off fee was reasonable. Their airport shuttle is fast and frequent to and from the airport to their car lot. Very little delay with paperwork and after u rent from them a few times I'm treated like a VIP.
Handie :joke:

[handieman]

PS: I think the shuttle charges extra for golf clubs
handie :joke:

[Donna]

Handi..Love the new pic.. :bigthumbsup:

[handieman]

Its copywrited now dont be stealin it on me. If your very nice, I might give u a copy :bigthumbsup:
handie :joke:

[nanci2539]

Do children ride free on the shuttle or are they charged the full $30?

[handieman]

Reading from their schedule page dated 2006, heres what I see:
Children under 4 must be in car seats ( no mention of charge)
Golf bags=$5 each way
Pets= small only $10
Residents=$30 one way+tip
Guests=$40 each way+tip
Drop off at bus Station only in the two Squares taxi extra $2.50 + $1.50 per mile
Live 5 miles from the square?? $10 bucks plus tip

Renting a car is looking like a very smart move unless you can't follow directions ( very easy if you do)
Handie :joke:

[Hancle704]

This may not help folks who are just visiting, but for residents, we have stopped using the shuttle. RT for two is $120. Apart from price, the frequent delays and flight cancellations experienced with airline travel results in some folks missing the last bus out of OIA. When that happens you need to find a rooom at airport for the night. We park at Payless and they run their shuttles 24/7 between terminals A & B and their parking lots, that are secure. We learned after parking there several times for extended trips, we received a coupon entitling us to a free weeks parking.

They also give an AAA discount.

[jtdraig]

RENT A CAR PEOPLE>.... :bigthumbsup:

[garsha]

The Shuttle was very comfortable and easy EXCEPT you still need to get from the Shuttle Stop to your house. I would recommend a rental car.

[nitehawk]

There is also the Sumter County Transit 352.568.6683 or 800.955.8771 Door to Door service - wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Cost is $1.50 each way for in-county door to door service Call before 1PM to make revervations for the following day. If you need a trip on Monday, call before 1PM an Friday Sumter County TRansit is closed on weekends and most major holiday. Call for information between 8am -5pm I have used them when my car was down and they were great - they go outside the village - only drawback is the they give you a window of about 45 min for the pick-up - I have used them for trips to shuttle