The Villages® Community

Frequently Asked Questions


Groome Office Serving The Villages® Community
761 Hoopfer Way
The Villages, FL 32159

OFFICE HOURS:
8 am – 8 pm
Phone representatives available:
24 hours/day, 7 days/week

(352) 539-9664

  • Find Us

    Orlando Airport Locations. Check-In Policy.

  • Reservations

    Are reservations required? Cancellation Policy.

  • Payments

    Does Groome accepted card or cash?

  • Luggage

    How much luggage am I allowed?

  • Accessibility

    Are the shuttles ADA accessible?

  • Children

    Will Groome provide a child seat?

  • Pets

    Are pets allowed on the shuttle?

  • More

    Get answers to all of your questions.

  • Branch Serving The Villages® Community FAQ


    Do you provide on-site parking?
    We do not currently offer parking facilities at our office serving The Villages® Community.

    • Parking at Spanish Springs Landing Depot: Parking is short-term arrival and departure assistance only with no overnight parking allowed. Violators may have their cars towed at the discretion of The Villages® District Services.
    • Parking at Lake Sumter Landing Depot: Parking is short-term arrival and departure assistance only with no overnight parking allowed. Violators may have their cars towed at the discretion of The Villages® District Services.
    • Parking at Brownwood Hotel & Spa Landing Depot: Parking is short-term arrival and departure assistance only with no overnight parking allowed. Violators may have their cars towed at the discretion of The Villages® District Services.

    Do you offer Residential service for the Orlando Airport?
    Service between your residence and the Orlando Airport on our shared-ride Residential Door-to-Door service is available in all official Villages® communities. Since we pick-up at multiple residences, these trips may be up to 2 ½ hours. If you would prefer a trip with a shorter duration, we offer Express Shuttle service from our Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood Hotel and Spa Depots. Book Your Transportation Here.

    Do you have any available discounts?
    We currently offer an online discount which you will receive automatically when you book using our convenient online reservation system. To make a reservation online, click here.

    What if I miss my shuttle?
    If you have missed your shuttle or your travel time is less than 30 minutes from departure from the airport, please contact our office at 352-539-9664. If our hold times are extended and it is close to your departure, our next arriving driver will be able to assist you and provide updates on our availability.

    Can I use Groome to get to and from the Brightline Rail Service?
    The Brightline Train Station is accessible via the Terminal Link (APM) Station.  From Terminals A or B, simply take the train as if you were going to Terminal C. At the Terminal Link Station, you will see signs for the Brightline Train.  From Terminal C, cross through Parking Garage C as if you were going to the Terminal Link Station toward Terminals A & B. Once you reach the Terminal Link station, you will see signs for the Brightline Train. Find more information here: Getting Around MCO Orlando Airport - Train Station.

    Do you service Sanford International Airport (SFB)?
    We do not currently service the Orlando Sanford International Airport.  Please sign up for email notifications and we will let you know as we enhance our service offering.

  • The Villages® Depot Express Locations


    The Spanish Springs Depot:
    1150 Paige Place, The Villages, FL 32159

    The Lake Sumter Landing Depot:
    1045 Old Mill Run, The Villages, FL 32162

    The Brownwood Hotel & Spa:
    3003 Brownwood, Boulevard, The Villages, FL 32163

    The Express Depot Shuttle departs from Spanish Springs first, then stops at Lake Sumter Landing and finally proceeds to the Brownwood Hotel and Spa before departing for the Orlando Airport.

    *Overnight Parking is not available at any of our Express Depot Locations.

    Please arrive at the Shuttle Station 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)

    How To Find The Shuttle At MCO Airport

    DEPARTURES:
    Due to airport regulations, passengers traveling on a bus will be dropped off on Level 1 in the ground transportation area. All other smaller vehicles will provide drop-off service on the arrivals level at Terminals A, B, C, and at the Train Station.

    ARRIVALS:
    Groome Transportation pick-ups up at Terminals A, B and C at the Orlando Airport.  You can find us in Ground Transportation at Terminals A & B on Lower Level 1, one level lower than baggage claim. We pick-up from stalls 14 – 15 at Terminals A and B. You can find us at the lowest level of Terminal C in parking space, C276.

    BRIGHTLINE RAIL SERVICE:
    The Brightline Train Station is accessible via the Terminal Link (APM) Station.  From Terminals A or B, simply take the train as if you were going to Terminal C. At the Terminal Link Station, you will see signs for the Brightline Train.  From Terminal C, cross through Parking Garage C as if you were going to the Terminal Link Station toward Terminals A & B. Once you reach the Terminal Link station, you will see signs for the Brightline Train, we will pick up and drop off at parking spaces C13 – C17. Please see the Orlando Airport Terminal C and Train Station map to facilitate your transfers: Getting Around MCO Orlando Airport - Train Station.

    We ask that passengers arrive 10-15 minutes prior to departure for all locations.

  • Check In Policy


    How do I check in for my trip?

    We request that all passengers arrive 10-15 minutes prior to their departure from depots, home pickups, or at the Orlando Airport. Your driver will have your reservation information, so all you need to do is approach them and provide the name that is on the reservation.

  • Reservations


    How do I make an airport shuttle reservation?
    The easiest and most convenient way to make a reservation is to use our online reservation system. Using our online system, you will also automatically receive a discount on your reservation! Book a Shuttle Here. If you are unsure how to book online or would like a representative to assist, please call our 24/7 phone number at 352-539-9664. Please note that agents that book over the phone will be unable to apply the online discount to your reservation.

    What if my flight is delayed or I miss my shuttle?
    If you have missed your scheduled shuttle, please wait for the next available shuttle to your destination. Your reservation will be able to be used for any shuttle after your scheduled on the same day that has available seating. Please refer to our schedules to see when the next shuttle will arrive. Please note that your reservation is only usable on a later shuttle of the same service type. If you need to change the service type or are concerned about availability, please call our 24/7 phone number at 352-539-9664.

    Are shuttle reservations required?
    Yes, we do require advance reservations for all customers. To ensure the best availability please make your reservations at least 24 hours before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy


    How do I cancel my reservation?
    You must cancel or change your reservation by 11:59pm the day before your travel date. No refunds will be issued. If you need to cancel, you will be issued a credit for use on future travel within the next year. The travel credit is valid for one year from its issue date (the date of the original cancellation). Travel must be rebooked by the expiration date (one year from its issue date). The travel does not need to occur by the expiration date.

    Credit will not be issued if cancelling after 11:59pm the day before your travel date. Same-day reservations are not eligible for credit if cancelled.

  • Payments


    Do you accept credit card and cash payments?

    We do require payments in advance for all reservations. All major credit cards are accepted to reserve your shuttle online or over the phone. At this time we are unable to accept cash payments for shuttles from The Villages® Community to MCO.

  • Luggage Policy

    Each traveler is restricted to two standard suitcases and one personal item. Since there will likely be other passengers on your shuttle, you will share luggage space with other travelers. If you are traveling with more than two pieces of luggage per person, we recommend that you consider reserving an additional seat.

    Personal Items
    Your personal items should be small enough to keep on your lap or in between your feet on the floor without interfering with the space of another passenger. Examples include a purse, laptop case, everyday backpack or small shoulder bag.

    Luggage
    Groome Transportation’s standard luggage allowance is: two suitcases, each of which should weigh 50 pounds or less with a total linear length (sum total of the length, width, and height) of 62 inches or less. If any of passenger’s luggage exceeds 50 pounds, the passenger may be required to assist with loading the luggage, space permitting. Groome Transportation will not be liable under any circumstances for personal injuries as a result of loading, unloading, or other luggage handling for such luggage.

    Luggage Tips
    To avoid loss or mix-ups, we recommend that passengers ensure their luggage is tagged and identified with both the customer’s full legal name and contact information. We also recommend that all luggage be locked with TSA approved locks.

    We will make every effort to safeguard and return luggage to passengers in the condition that it was when loaded on the shuttle. However, Groome Transportation will not be liable under any circumstances for damage to or loss of any luggage. Groome Transportation disclaims any liability for particularly expensive, valuable, or fragile items such as, but not limited to, computers, electronics, jewelry, banknotes, artwork, collectibles, or antiques, and strongly recommends that these items remain with passengers at all times, subject to the other policies set forth above.

    Prohibited Items
    Boxes that exceed standard suitcase restrictions, other over-sized luggage, and duffel bags exceeding the luggage allowance; corrosive substances (such as acids and alkalis), combustible or flammable liquids (such as gasoline and kerosene), compressed gases, bio-hazardous materials, explosives (including fireworks), hazardous materials (poisons, radioactive materials, etc.), materials with a noxious odor, illicit substances.

    Military Travel
    Military travel is unique for temporary duty assignments (TDYs) and, therefore, Groome Transportation will allow personnel traveling for TDYs to bring the standard TDY kit which includes two duffel bags, one externally supported ruck sack and one personal bag. If additional equipment is required, please communicate that to the local office and we will do our best to accommodate on a space available basis.

    Military personnel traveling with us who are moving to their next duty station (PCS) should follow the standard luggage policy and make appropriate arrangements to move any household goods.

    Firearms and Ammunition
    All passengers are prohibited from carrying weapons on the bus or in their carry-on items. Federal or local law enforcement officers are subject to exemptions. Weapons and firearms may be transported in suitcases. Firearms in suitcases must be in a locked hard-sided case and declared to a Groome representative at check-in. Ammunition may not be transported in any carry-on bag.

    Assistive Devices
    For those passengers traveling with an assistive device, please see our Accessibility Policy for additional information.

  • Accessibility


    Are the shuttles handicap accessible?

Door-to-Door Shuttles
Groome Transportation provides reserved seats for persons with ambulatory disabilities and specially designed vans with drive-on ramps with a capacity of 800 lbs for persons who use a wheelchair while boarding and disembarking from the vans. Contact us by telephone for assistance in making reservations for accessible travel. Please alert Groome Transportation when booking reservations if you will be traveling with a service dog so we may reserve a seat at no additional charge for the service dog.

Express Depot Shuttles
Our service for passengers that will be traveling in a wheelchair is a residential pickup service. Please contact us at our 24/7 phone number to book your accessible service between your home and the Orlando Airport. Please note, these vehicles have seating availability for up to three additional passengers, not including the driver.

  • Children


    How old must I be to travel alone?

    Unaccompanied Minors, defined as passengers aged 15 to 17, may ride alone. Passengers aged 14 and under must travel with a parent or guardian.

    Do you provide car seats?
    Groome Transportation follows all state laws regarding child restraint requirements. All children under age 8, less than 57 inches tall and less than 40 pounds must be securely buckled in an age-appropriate child restraint seat.

    We are unable to provide car seats or booster seats and require all passengers to provide them for their children. We are unable to hold any child restraint seats in our office. We recommend Baby Bundles (352)-406-4754 in the case that a car seat needs to be rented.

    Please Note: The mifold Booster Seat is not approved by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

  • Pets


    Are pets allowed on the shuttle?
    We allow pets to ride with certain stipulations.

    In order to avoid discomfort of any passengers, pets must be kept in a small (max size 2’x2′) airline-approved carrier. They must be clean, quiet and accustomed to travel. If they are not good travelers, we ask, for everyone’s comfort, that pets be sedated.

    Additional fees apply.

    Certified service animals are not subject to additional fees or carrier requirements.

    Please Note: Pets are limited to 1 pet per vehicle on the Door-to-Door Shuttles and 3 pets per vehicle on the Express Depot Service.

     
  • Lost Items


    What if I leave something on a shuttle?
    Groome Transportation is not responsible for any lost or damaged items, however, if you have left something behind please call your local office and we will do our best to reunite you with your belongings.

    Lost or Damaged Luggage/Items.
    Groome Transportation shall not be responsible for any lost or damaged luggage or any of the contents of customers luggage, to include, but not limited to, personal electronic items such as ipads, laptop computers, etc.

WHY GROOME?

Leave the Driving to Us!

  • Schedules

    Services available 24/7, year-round.  Schedules to meet any flight plan.

  • Parking

    Complimentary parking available at most offices for your convenience.

  • Affordable

    Sharing a ride is less expensive and greener than driving alone.

  • Convenience

    Enjoy curbside drop-off and pickup at your destination.

CONTACT GROOME

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