The service information below is correct at the time of writing - 4 December 2011. However, services do change from time to time, so anyone intending to use bus services should check independently before their visit. The website address for LYNX buses in Orlando is www.golynx.com .
Public buses in the Greater Orlando area (including Kissimmee) are operated by the city under the "LYNX" branding. There are many interlocking routes and the system is designed around the need to change buses to reach a given destination. Most LYNX bus stops are signed with an iconic bus symbol and/or an animal paw-print. On parts of US192 there are "stations" (named locations) which are used by LYNX buses.
The main thing to note about regular buses (LYNX) in Kissimmee is that, for the most part, they are confined to the strip known variously as US192, SR530, West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Vine Street, or Space Coast Parkway (all are alternative names for exactly the same road). So, availability of public buses to/from Kissimmee will depend entirely on how close your origin or destination is to this route. Aside from a minor deviation to the edge of "Celebration", there are few useful bus routes to the south of US192 and only certain routes to the immediate north. It's also perhaps worth noting that most villa complexes in Kissimmee are not in easy walking distance of the bus routes.
The information that follows is based on starting out on US192. Of course, all these journeys can be made in reverse.
BUS ROUTES SERVING US192
US192 is served by two bus routes. Buses stop at marked stops which are every 200 yards or so (except where it's inappropriate - on highway intersections etc.) Both services start out in the east at Osceola Square. LYNX 55 runs westwards the length of US192 to a WalMart store at "Four Corners". LYNX 56 runs along US192 to "Old Town", into the edge of "Celebration" and then non-stop to Disney's Transportation and Ticket Center.
US192 is divided by a major intersection with two other routes - I4 (interstate) and World Drive. When starting out, it's important to establish whether you are west or east of this intersection.
STARTING OUT WEST OF I4/WORLD DRIVE
For any other destination west of I4 up to the Four Corners WalMart, use bus 55 direct. For any other destination on US192 eastwards to Osceola Square, use bus 55 direct. For other destinations, take an eastbound 55 and then follow the directions under "Starting Out East of I4/World Drive" below. Note that, if the directions require you to travel westbound on LYNX 56, you will need to transfer buses at "Old Town". Get off the 55 here and cross the street.
STARTING OUT EAST OF I4/WORLD DRIVE
Local
For local destinations on US192 west of I4, use bus 55 direct.
For local destinations on US192 east of I4, use bus 55 or 56 direct.
Attractions
Disney Attractions (except DownTown Disney): Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Use Disney's free transportation (ferries, buses and monorails) to the attraction entrances.
DownTown Disney: Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Transfer there to LYNX 50 or 111 which will take you to DownTown Disney.
Sea World: Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Transfer there to LYNX 50 which will take you to Sea World.
Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure: This is not a convenient or easy trip to make from US192 by bus and you may prefer, therefore, to use a taxi or shuttle. There are several routes you can take; these are the easiest two: (1) Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Transfer to LYNX 111 and alight at the Florida Mall. Transfer there to LYNX 37 to Universal. (2) Take an eastbound 55 or 56 to Osceola Square. Transfer there to LYNX 4 and alight at the Florida Mall. Transfer there to LYNX 37 to Universal.
Busch Gardens: This is way outside the area covered by LYNX buses. To get here, you'll need the Busch Gardens shuttle express which picks up at several places in the area. Probably the easiest pick up location to find on US192 is at Old Town. LYNX 55 and 56 both pass Old Town. The Busch Gardens shuttle is a once-per-day scheduled service, but you need to book in advance by phone or online to be sure of getting a seat. The price is very low and it's free for holders of certain multi-park admission tickets (e.g. the type of Orlando FlexTicket which includes Busch). This service is not part of LYNX, but you can, of course, use LYNX to get to the pickup point if necessary. More details and online bookings here https://secure.mearstransportation.co...
Shopping and other venues
Local: There are various local shops, flea markets, and so on along the US192 strip as well as the Osceola Square Mall. Use buses 55 and 56 as necessary.
WalMart: Buses 55 and 56 both pass by a SuperCenter on Vine Street in Kissimmee - for most likely points of origin you'll need to start out going east. Bus 55 also serves the Four Corners store; this may be closer for those starting out at the Western end of US192.
Florida Mall: (1) Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Transfer to LYNX 111 to the Florida Mall. or (2) Take an eastbound 55 or 56 to Osceola Square. Transfer there to LYNX 4 to the Florida Mall.
International Drive and the Outlets: Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Transfer there to LYNX 50 and alight on Sea Harbor Drive (at or near Sea World). From here, most of the local retail and restaurant venues, including Premium Outlets - International Drive, are north. Transfer to LYNX 8 going the same direction as the bus you just got off. Premium Outlets - Vineland Avenue is south; cross Sea Harbor Drive and transfer to LYNX 8 going back the way you just came.
Alternatively, at the Transportation & Ticket Center, you can take LYNX 111 and alight at the Destination Parkway interchange. From there, use LYNX 42 for International Drive including Premium Outlets - International Drive.
Mall at Millenia: go to Premium Outlets - International Drive as above above then take bus 24 to Millenia. 24 runs only once per hour and stops fairly early so do check the schedule
Orlando International Airport: Take a westbound 56 and alight at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. Transfer there to LYNX 111 which will take you to the Airport. If starting out at the airport, note that the LYNX stops are located
on the A-side of the Main Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level
(Level 1), at Commercial Lane spaces A38-A41
LYNX SCHEDULES (TIMETABLES)
Download schedules for all these and other LYNX services at
http://www.golynx.com/travel-informat...
Note that schedules only give scheduled times at certain timing
points. There are many stops in between these.
LYNX FARES AND PASSES
If you're going to make more than 8 one-way trips over more than 3 days in a 7-day period,
then get a weekly pass - $16 for a week's unlimited use. These have to
be bought in advance; you can buy online at http://www.golynx.com/fares-passes
(pick the $16 7 day pass). They will mail to overseas addresses. Or
you can get them at certain retail outlets in the area - probably the
easiest to find is "Riley's Gourmet Coffee" kiosk in the Osceola Square
Mall. In any case, passes are validated on the bus the first time of
use and the period of validity starts then.
Otherwise, LYNX costs:
$2 each person one-way regardless of distance. Transferring buses (eg from 55 to 56 to 50 for Sea World) is at no extra cost so long as you ask for a transfer ticket when you board and pay.
or
$4.50 for an all-day ticket (if you are going to make more than 2 one-way trips in a day)
You can buy one-way fare and one-day passes from the driver. No change given. If buying a Day Pass, tell the driver you want one BEFORE you start feeding money into the machine.
FINALLY
All the services mentioned above have a daytime frequency of every 30 minutes or better and run every day of the week, including holidays. Most also run well into the evening at the same or similar frequencies. The last 56 leaving Disney, for example, leaves at 10.48pm daily. But do study the schedules for precise timings to minimise waiting and to ensure you don't miss the last bus home.
It's worth emphasising that LYNX bus drivers are mostly helpful, patient and co-operative for the most part and will answer questions and give guidance. You will quickly get the hang of it.