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SeaWorld Orlando official hotels are the 12 properties that SeaWorld lists as “Official Hotels” on its own website. Their guests get a shuttle to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, Priority Entry, a free SeaWorld Rescue Tour and in-park discounts. SeaWorld has no hotel inside the park, so this program is the closest thing to staying on site.
This guide covers what each perk includes, how the shuttle really runs and which Official Hotel suits which trip, checked on SeaWorld’s pages, the operator’s timetables and brand pages in October 2026. For walk times from every nearby hotel, see our best hotels near SeaWorld Orlando.
Quick answer: all 12 Official Hotels add the SeaWorld shuttle and Rescue Tour to the Priority Entry and discounts that SeaWorld’s eight Hotel Partners also get. For water slides, the shortest walk and included Disney and Universal seats, book the Renaissance. For free breakfast plus a full kitchen, pick TownePlace Suites, Staybridge Suites or Residence Inn.
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What SeaWorld Orlando official hotels include (and what Hotel Partners get)
SeaWorld’s chart, checked on October 15, 2026, gives both tiers Priority Entry and the discounts; only Official Hotels get the shuttle and Rescue Tour. Benefits can change and can’t be combined with other offers.
| Benefit | Official Hotel | Hotel Partner | How to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove | Yes | No | Voucher from the guest service desk, 30+ minutes ahead |
| SeaWorld Rescue Tour | Free | No | Ask at the desk; park admission required |
| Priority Entry | Yes | Yes | Benefits card at the VIP entrance, far left |
| 10% off dining | Yes | Yes | SeaWorld and Aquatica; not on advance purchases |
| 20% off merchandise | Yes | Yes | One purchase of $50 or more at the three parks |
- Benefits card: collect it at your hotel’s guest service desk on arrival and show it (or package tickets) at the gate, restaurants and shops.
- Priority Entry is not early entry: it is a faster line through the VIP entrance, not extra park time. SeaWorld says it runs daily; Hilton’s Hilton Garden Inn page and the Holiday Inn Express’s Booking.com description limit it to the first two hours after opening. None of these hotels is on Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry list.
- Rescue Tour: a 30-minute behind-the-scenes visit to SeaWorld’s rescue facility to see manatees and sea turtles. Other visitors pay for it (the page showed “starting at $19.99” and $19.00 per guest aged 3 and up). Ask how to reserve your free spot.
- Discounts: for Discovery Cove, SeaWorld’s chart says 10% off dining but its FAQ says 10% off the Upgraded Drink Package, so ask before you pay.
How the SeaWorld Official Hotel shuttle works
It is a scheduled bus, not an on-demand ride. SeaWorld’s FAQ says you reserve a voucher in person at your hotel’s guest service desk at least 30 minutes before departure, for the same or next day, subject to availability. Schedules vary by date and hotel.
The newest timetable we found is a pair of May 2025 route sheets from the operator, Florida Bus Service (FBS), still posted on the Renaissance’s guest-services site. They are well over a year old, so confirm current times at your desk.
| Route (May 2025) | Hotel stops | To SeaWorld and Aquatica | To Discovery Cove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route E | Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn (also for Staybridge), Residence Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations | Hourly from 9:15–9:30 a.m. to about 11:35 a.m. | 7:45–8 a.m. |
| Route D | Fairfield and SpringHill, TownePlace and Holiday Inn Express, DoubleTree, Renaissance | Hourly from 9:45–10:05 a.m. to about 12:05 p.m. | 7:15–7:30 a.m. |
- Early buses: on select dates the sheets added one departure between 8:20 and 8:55 a.m.
- Returns: from SeaWorld (by the green canopy) from 4:40 p.m., Aquatica from 4:20 p.m. and Discovery Cove at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. The last SeaWorld bus moved between 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. with park hours. There were no midday returns.
- Rules: first come, first served; no groups of 13 or more; no luggage (strollers are fine); accessible service needs 24 hours’ notice.
The 2025 sheet still lists the DoubleTree, now a Hotel Partner without the shuttle, and leaves out Element and Aloft, which are Official Hotels.
How we chose
We ranked ten Official Hotels from SeaWorld’s live list on what they add beyond the shared perks: breakfast, kitchens, pools, mandatory fees, extra shuttles and walking distance (our own OpenStreetMap routes). Fees come from brand pages and Booking.com’s price breakdown for sample November and December 2026 stays. No stays or scores are claimed.
SeaWorld Official Hotels compared
| Hotel | Walk to SeaWorld gate | Breakfast and kitchen | Resort fee (Booking.com sample) | Self-parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance | 0.35–0.65 mi | Paid; mini fridge | US$48 a night | $44 a day |
| TownePlace Suites | 1.1 mi (Aquatica 0.6) | Free hot; full kitchen | None shown | $20 a day |
| Staybridge Suites | 0.7 mi | Free hot; full kitchen | None shown | $10–$12 (conflict) |
| Residence Inn | 1 mi | Free hot; full kitchen | None shown | $27 plus fees |
| Hilton Grand Vacations | 0.7 mi | Not included; kitchen or kitchenette | US$35 a night | Not published |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites | 1.1 mi (Aquatica 0.65) | Free; microwave and fridge | None shown | $20 a day |
| SpringHill Suites | 1.2 mi (Aquatica 0.75) | Free buffet; mini fridge | None shown | $20 a day |
| Hampton Inn & Suites | 0.75 mi | Free hot; microwave and fridge | None shown | $16 a day |
| Hilton Garden Inn | 0.6 mi | Paid buffet; microwave and fridge | None shown | $15 a day |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites | 1.25 mi (Aquatica 0.8) | Free buffet | None shown | $20 a day |
Parking comes from brand pages (Marriott captures from June and July 2026; IHG and Hilton, October 2026) and usually excludes tax. “None shown” means only the 12.5% hotel taxes appeared. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book.
1. Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
The Renaissance at 6677 Sea Harbor Drive is a full-service resort with several restaurants, and SeaWorld calls it “across the street.” You get a vast atrium, oversized rooms with double vanities and the R Aqua Zone, a water play area with slides and a toddler zone. It is also the one Official Hotel whose resort fee covers its own Disney and Universal shuttle: four seats a day, with extra seats at $12 plus tax, per the hotel’s guest-services site.
- Why stay: the shortest walk to SeaWorld, slides at the pool and included seats to Disney, Universal and Epic Universe.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.35 to 0.65 miles (7 to 14 minutes) on foot, or Route D. The hotel’s schedule (effective May 22, 2025) shows Magic Kingdom’s Transportation and Ticket Center at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:25 a.m. and Universal and Epic at 8:50 and 10:55 a.m. Book ahead: 2 hours per the hotel’s sheet, by 10 p.m. the day before per Booking.com’s fine print.
- Good to know: Booking.com showed a US$48 nightly resort fee covering Wi-Fi, the park transfers and two drink coupons per stay. Marriott listed self-parking at $44 and valet at $56 (June 2026 capture). Breakfast isn’t included.
Best for: families who want resort pools and one base for SeaWorld, Disney and Universal. Read our Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld review.
See prices and availability at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
2. TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
This 188-suite Marriott at 10731 International Drive sits on the Aquatica side of SeaWorld, and some suites look straight at the coasters. Every suite has a full kitchen, breakfast is free and hot, and the zero-entry mineral pool has the poolside Reflections Bar. Marriott’s page (June 2026 capture) highlights a bunk-bed Family Suite.
- Why stay: breakfast and a kitchen with no resort fee in Booking.com’s sample, plus the shortest walk to Aquatica here.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.6 miles (13 minutes) to Aquatica and 1.1 miles (23 minutes) to SeaWorld, or Route D. It also appears on FBS’s Disney and Universal list (see below), although Marriott’s page mentions only the SeaWorld parks.
- Good to know: Marriott listed self-parking at $20 a day, a minimum check-in age of 21 and up to two pets of 25 lb or less for $150 per stay (June 2026 capture).
Best for: families splitting time between SeaWorld and Aquatica who want to cook some meals.
Check your dates for TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld on Booking.com
3. Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
IHG’s all-suite hotel at 6985 Sea Harbor Drive gives every studio and one- or two-bedroom suite a full kitchen. The free hot breakfast runs 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on weekends, and The Social serves free appetizers and drinks Monday to Wednesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m. There’s an outdoor pool, a patio with grills, a 24-hour guest laundry and a 24/7 shop.
- Why stay: breakfast, a kitchen and an evening reception within walking distance of SeaWorld.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.7 miles (15 minutes) on foot, or Route E from the bus stop in front of the Hampton Inn next door.
- Good to know: parking is a three-way conflict: IHG says $10 a night in its description and $12 a day in its FAQ, while SeaWorld’s listing calls parking complimentary. Minimum check-in age is 18.
Best for: longer stays and families who want space, laundry and breakfast close to SeaWorld.
See available suites at Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
4. Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
The Residence Inn at 11000 Westwood Boulevard has apartment-style suites with separate living and sleeping areas, full kitchens and a free hot breakfast. SeaWorld’s listing adds an outdoor pool and whirlpool, a game room and a SportCourt.
- Why stay: kitchen and breakfast, plus a ride perk: on October 15, 2026, Marriott’s experiences page promised every guest complimentary 3-ride Quick Queue access at SeaWorld through 12/31, and Booking.com’s description mentions it too. Confirm it covers your stay.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 1 mile (21 minutes) on foot, the longest walk on the Sea Harbor side, so Route E earns its keep.
- Good to know: Marriott listed self-parking at $27 a day plus a service fee and taxes, a minimum check-in age of 21 and up to two pets of 75 lb or less for $150 per stay (June 2026 capture).
Best for: week-long family trips with home cooking, away from International Drive. Our Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld review covers the suites.
5. SeaWorld Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Hilton Grand Vacations runs this Bermuda-inspired timeshare resort at 6924 Grand Vacations Way, across Sea Harbor Drive from SeaWorld. Studios (400 sq ft, king bed, kitchenette, for two) are the entry point; suites add a living area, full kitchen and washer/dryer (HGV lists up to three bedrooms, SeaWorld’s page two). Expect three pools, a splash pad, a movie theater and, per SeaWorld, supervised recreation.
- Why stay: real apartment space and laundry, with every Official Hotel perk.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.7 miles (15 minutes) on foot, or Route E; it also appears on FBS’s Disney and Universal list.
- Good to know: Booking.com showed a US$35 nightly resort fee covering internet, daily coffee or water, activities and movies. Parking isn’t priced, so ask. Booking.com lists a minimum check-in age of 18 and no pets.
Best for: bigger families and groups who want bedrooms, a kitchen and laundry next to SeaWorld.
6. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
This renovated, six-story, 181-room IHG hotel at 10771 International Drive has a pool deck that looks across at SeaWorld’s coasters. Family suites have separate living and sleeping space, a sofa bed, a wet bar, a microwave and a refrigerator. The free Express Start breakfast includes hot buffet items, and the mineral pool has a zero-entry end.
- Why stay: suites with some separation for parents and kids, free breakfast and no resort fee in Booking.com’s sample.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.65 miles (14 minutes) to Aquatica and 1.1 miles (24 minutes) to SeaWorld, or Route D; it is also on FBS’s Disney and Universal list.
- Good to know: IHG lists parking at $20 a day, a $150 pet fee per stay and a minimum check-in age of 21. Its description promises a free shuttle to the three SeaWorld parks, but its FAQ says there’s no complimentary local shuttle, so confirm.
Best for: families who want a suite near Aquatica.
Check availability at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
7. SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
SpringHill Suites at 10801 International Drive is an all-suite Marriott with a sofa bed and mini fridge in each suite, a free breakfast buffet and Starbucks in the lobby. SeaWorld’s listings for it and the Fairfield next door both feature the Shamu Pool and Splash Zone and the Splash Bar & Grill.
- Why stay: a free shuttle that Marriott’s page (July 2026 capture) says covers the three SeaWorld parks, Universal, Epic Universe, Walt Disney World and Vineland Premium Outlets.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.75 miles (16 minutes) to Aquatica and 1.2 miles (25 minutes) to SeaWorld, or Route D. FBS’s sheet effective March 5, 2026, lists Universal, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Vineland, but not Epic Universe. Booking.com doesn’t mark this shuttle as free, so confirm any charge.
- Good to know: Marriott listed self-parking at $20 a day, service animals only and a minimum check-in age of 18.
Best for: families who want a suite, breakfast and free rides to Disney and Universal. Our SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld review goes deeper.
8. Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Hampton’s hotel at 7003 Sea Harbor Drive (on Booking.com as “Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando near SeaWorld”) serves a free hot breakfast daily plus free On the Run breakfast bags Monday to Friday. Rooms and suites have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s a courtyard pool.
- Why stay: free breakfast, modest parking and a Route E stop at the door.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.75 miles (16 minutes) to SeaWorld. SeaWorld’s listing says “less than a mile” from Aquatica too, but our walk there measured about 1.5 miles. FBS listed only Universal runs from here.
- Good to know: at our last check (October 13, 2026), Hilton listed self-parking at $16 a day, pet fees of $75 (1 to 4 nights) or $125 (5 or more) and a minimum check-in age of 21.
Best for: budget-minded families who want breakfast near the gate.
9. Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
The 224-room Hilton Garden Inn at 6850 Westwood Boulevard is one of three hotels SeaWorld calls “across the street,” with the Renaissance and Hilton Grand Vacations. The heated pool has a hot tub, Sting Ray’s Lounge opens each evening for happy hour and dinner, and the Pavilion Pantry is open 24/7.
- Why stay: one of the two shortest walks to SeaWorld, with $15 self-parking.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.6 miles (13 minutes) on foot, or Route E, which starts here; it is also on FBS’s Disney and Universal list.
- Good to know: breakfast isn’t free (Hilton lists the buffet for a fee). At last check (October 2026), Hilton listed self-parking at $15 a day, a $75 pet fee and a minimum check-in age of 21. Booking.com’s description says the SeaWorld shuttle costs extra, contradicting SeaWorld’s chart, so ask.
Best for: couples and families who mainly want to walk to SeaWorld.
See available rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
10. Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
The Fairfield at 10815 International Drive is the simplest stay here: renovated rooms and suites, a free breakfast buffet and the Shamu Pool and Splash Zone with the Splash Bar & Grill, which SeaWorld also lists for SpringHill.
- Why stay: a splash zone and free breakfast, plus the same Disney and Universal transport as SpringHill.
- Getting there / to the parks: about 0.8 miles (17 minutes) to Aquatica and 1.25 miles (27 minutes) to SeaWorld, or Route D. Marriott’s page (June 2026 capture) mentions transportation to the SeaWorld parks, Universal, Disney, Epic Universe and Vineland.
- Good to know: Marriott listed self-parking at $20 a day, service animals only and a minimum check-in age of 18.
Best for: budget families with young kids who want a splash area and breakfast.
Check your dates at Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
The other two Official Hotels: Element and Aloft
Element and Aloft Orlando at SeaWorld, Marriott sister hotels at 5750 and 5730 Central Florida Parkway, are among the closest Official Hotels to Discovery Cove and the farthest from SeaWorld’s gate (roughly 1.4 to 1.5 miles on foot). SeaWorld’s listings mention Element’s saline pool and Aloft’s splash pad. Neither appears on the 2025 route sheets, so ask how their shuttle runs. See Element Orlando at SeaWorld or Aloft Orlando at SeaWorld on Booking.com.
SeaWorld Hotel Partners: Priority Entry and discounts, no shuttle
SeaWorld’s chart lists eight Hotel Partners (its FAQ lists seven, with one La Quinta).
- DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort: a 28-acre resort within walking distance of SeaWorld and Aquatica; see our DoubleTree at SeaWorld review.
- Hilton Orlando: a lazy river, two pools and a waterslide; see our Hilton Orlando review.
- Hyatt Regency Orlando: a heated Grotto Pool with a 100-foot water slide; see our Hyatt Regency Orlando review.
- JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes: SeaWorld’s pages list complimentary private transportation to SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, up to four people per room. See our JW Marriott Grande Lakes review and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes review.
- TRYP by Wyndham Orlando and two La Quinta hotels: budget I-Drive partners with free parking; the I-RIDE Trolley runs to SeaWorld.
SeaWorld hotel packages vs booking the room yourself
SeaWorld also sells its Official Hotels and Hotel Partners as packages that bundle the room with length-of-stay admission, free SeaWorld parking, Reserved Show Seating and “one FREE night,” with a minimum stay that varies by hotel.
| Package | What it adds | Free parking |
|---|---|---|
| Kids FREE | One free child ticket per paying adult (ages 3 to 9, up to two) | SeaWorld |
| Eat FREE | One day of All-Day Dining | SeaWorld |
| Aquatica FREE | Aquatica visits for your stay | SeaWorld and Aquatica |
| Discovery Cove | One Discovery Cove day plus up to 14 days of SeaWorld and Aquatica | SeaWorld and Aquatica |
| SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Thrills | Busch Gardens visits and one day of one-time Quick Queue per park | SeaWorld and Busch Gardens |
Packages must be booked at least 48 hours ahead and are refundable only if cancelled more than 72 hours before 6 p.m. on arrival day (30 days for Discovery Cove). SeaWorld’s packages page says unlimited visits last up to 7 days from the first visit, while its hotel pages say 14, so check your tickets.
Getting to Disney World and Universal from an Official Hotel
The SeaWorld shuttle covers only SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. Several Official Hotels also use FBS for theme park runs, booked at themeparkbus.com at least 2 hours ahead. Its booking system listed these departures for Friday, October 16, 2026, all at a $0.00 fare:
| Hotel | Universal | Magic Kingdom (TTC) | EPCOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Garden Inn | 8:30, 11 a.m. | 9:50 a.m. | Noon |
| Hilton Grand Vacations | 8:35, 10:55 a.m. | 9:50 a.m. | Noon |
| Hampton Inn & Suites | 8:40, 10:55 a.m. | None listed | None listed |
| TownePlace, Holiday Inn Express | 8:45, 11 a.m. | 9:45 a.m. | 11:55 a.m. |
| SpringHill, Fairfield | 8:45, 11 a.m. | 9:45 a.m. | Noon |
Return times varied by hotel: Universal at 5 or 6 p.m. (most hotels also 8:15 to 9 p.m.), Magic Kingdom at 7:10 to 7:55 and 10:05 to 10:20 p.m., and EPCOT at 10:10 or 10:15 p.m. No Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom or Epic Universe runs were listed (the Renaissance’s own shuttle covers them), and Staybridge and Residence Inn weren’t in the system (Staybridge’s Booking.com description mentions paid Disney and Universal transport). Disney and Universal standard parking was $35 a day at last check.
Prefer a villa? Two resorts near SeaWorld without the perks
For a multi-bedroom villa and a car, two Marriott Vacation Club resorts nearby have no resort fee but paid parking and no SeaWorld perks. Marriott’s Cypress Harbour has two-bedroom villas for eight around a private bay, about 1.5 to 2 miles from SeaWorld’s parking. Sheraton Vistana Villages has lock-off villas for up to 12, about 2.7 miles away by road.
How to choose a SeaWorld Official Hotel
- Walk or ride: the Renaissance and Hilton Garden Inn are the shortest walks; I-Drive hotels are nearer Aquatica.
- Breakfast and a kitchen: TownePlace, Staybridge and Residence Inn include both; Hampton, Holiday Inn Express, SpringHill and Fairfield include breakfast.
- Under 21: TownePlace, Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton and Hilton Garden Inn list a minimum check-in age of 21.
- Park planning: our SeaWorld Orlando guide covers tickets and Quick Queue, the Discovery Cove guide explains the dolphin swim, and where to stay in Orlando compares areas.
Frequently asked questions
What are the SeaWorld Orlando official hotels?
SeaWorld lists 12, most now branded “at SeaWorld”: the Renaissance, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Element and Aloft. They surround the park on Sea Harbor Drive, Westwood Boulevard, International Drive and Central Florida Parkway.
What is the difference between a SeaWorld Official Hotel and a Hotel Partner?
Both get Priority Entry, 10% off dining and 20% off a merchandise purchase of $50 or more. Official Hotels add the free shuttle to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove and a free Rescue Tour. Hotel Partners such as the DoubleTree and Hilton Orlando don’t, although the two Grande Lakes resorts offer their own private transportation.
Do SeaWorld official hotels get early entry?
Not according to SeaWorld, which advertises Priority Entry, a separate VIP entrance line, not early admission. Show your benefits card or package tickets and stay to the far left at the gates. Hilton’s Hilton Garden Inn page says it applies during the first two hours after opening, so arrive early. None of these hotels gets Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry.
How does the free SeaWorld shuttle work?
Reserve a free voucher at your Official Hotel’s guest service desk at least 30 minutes before departure, for the same or the next day, subject to availability. Buses follow a timetable that varies by date and hotel. The May 2025 sheets showed hourly runs from about 9:15 a.m. to noon, early Discovery Cove runs and returns from about 4:20 p.m.
Do I get SeaWorld hotel perks if I book on Booking.com?
SeaWorld’s pages tie the perks to staying at an Official Hotel and don’t mention how you booked. Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn Express advertise the SeaWorld shuttle in their Booking.com names, and Hilton Grand Vacations’ fine print there says guests are eligible for SeaWorld benefits. Still, message the hotel to confirm, especially for brand extras such as the Residence Inn’s Quick Queue offer or loyalty points.
Do SeaWorld official hotels include park tickets or parking?
Not with a room-only booking. Tickets and free SeaWorld parking come with a SeaWorld hotel package, booked at least 48 hours ahead. Otherwise, the shuttle lets you skip SeaWorld’s general parking, sold online from $37 plus tax at the time of writing (its FAQ says from $35). Your hotel’s own parking charge still applies if you bring a car.
Bottom line
Every SeaWorld Official Hotel shares the same core perks, so choose on what the hotel adds: the Renaissance for the shortest walk, water slides and Disney and Universal seats; TownePlace, Staybridge or Residence Inn for breakfast and a kitchen with no resort fee. Collect your benefits card on arrival. Check rates at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld or TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld.
Sources checked in October 2026: SeaWorld Official Hotels and Hotel Partners, SeaWorld Vacation Package FAQ, SeaWorld Rescue Tour, SeaWorld Hotel Packages, Florida Bus Service shuttle schedules.