Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary airport serving the Orlando metropolitan area and Central Florida's world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Located approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Orlando and 25 miles from the Disney resort area, MCO handles over 50 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States.

The airport has a distinctive hub-and-spoke design with a Main Terminal connected to four Airside Terminals:

• Main Terminal (Levels 1-4): Check-in, baggage claim, ground transportation, shopping, and dining
• Airside 1: Southwest Airlines (primary), Frontier, Silver Airways
• Airside 2: Delta, United (some gates), international arrivals
• Airside 3: JetBlue, Spirit, international departures
• Airside 4: American Airlines, United, Alaska Airlines

In 2022, MCO opened Terminal C, a new standalone terminal located south of the Main Terminal:

• Terminal C: Serves JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines, and select international carriers
• Connected to the Main Terminal via the Terminal Link automated train (4-minute ride)
• Features its own TSA checkpoint, gates, and amenities

The Main Terminal's Airside Terminals (1-4) are connected via Automated People Movers (APM) from the central hub on Level 3. You must pass through security at the Main Terminal before accessing Airsides 1-4. Terminal C has its own separate security checkpoint.

MCO is located 11 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. The airport is well-connected but relatively far from most tourist destinations:

• Downtown Orlando: 20-30 minutes
• International Drive (I-Drive): 15-25 minutes
• Universal Orlando Resort: 20-30 minutes
• Walt Disney World: 30-45 minutes
• Kissimmee: 20-35 minutes
• Cocoa Beach/Kennedy Space Center: 50-70 minutes

Brightline high-speed rail opened service to MCO in 2023, providing direct train service to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The station is located at Terminal C and accessible via the Terminal Link from the Main Terminal.

SunRail commuter rail service is planned to extend to MCO, though not yet operational as of early 2025.

Uber and Lyft are available at MCO. Pickup locations:

Main Terminal:

1. From baggage claim (Level 1), follow signs to "Ground Transportation"
2. Exit to the terminal curbside
3. The designated rideshare pickup area is on Level 1, Ground Transportation area (between the A and B sides)

Terminal C:

1. From arrivals, follow signs to Ground Transportation
2. Rideshare pickup is at the designated curb area

Typical fares:

• Downtown Orlando: $20-28
• International Drive: $15-22
• Universal Orlando: $22-30
• Walt Disney World: $35-50
• Kissimmee: $25-35

Wait times average 5-15 minutes. During peak tourist seasons and special events, expect longer waits.

Taxis are available at designated taxi stands outside baggage claim on Level 1:

Approximate fares:

• Downtown Orlando: $35-45
• International Drive: $25-35
• Walt Disney World: $70-85 (flat rate)
• Universal Orlando: $45-55

Taxi flat rates to major destinations are posted at the taxi stand. Credit cards accepted.

Mears Connect (formerly Disney's Magical Express replacement) offers shared shuttle service to Walt Disney World resorts for approximately $32 round-trip per adult.

LYNX Bus provides public transit connections from MCO:

Route 111 - Link 111:

• Connects MCO to downtown Orlando (LYNX Central Station)
• Fare: $2 one-way
• Travel time: 40-50 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes (hourly on weekends)
• Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM

How to Ride LYNX

1. From baggage claim (Level 1), exit to Ground Transportation
2. Follow signs to the bus stop at Level 1, A-Side
3. Board Route 111 toward LYNX Central Station
4. Transfer at LYNX Central Station for connections throughout Orlando

Note: LYNX service is limited for reaching theme parks. The I-Ride Trolley on International Drive does not connect directly to MCO.

Brightline (high-speed rail):

• Orlando station location: Terminal C (take Terminal Link from Main Terminal)
• Destinations: West Palm Beach (2 hr), Fort Lauderdale (2.5 hr), Miami (3 hr)
• Fares: Starting at $79 to Miami (varies by class and booking time)
• Frequency: Multiple daily departures

Brightline offers a convenient option for travelers heading to South Florida without needing to fly or drive.

MCO offers parking in multiple garages directly connected to the Main Terminal and Terminal C:

Lot	Rate	Notes
Terminal Top (Main Terminal)	$27/day	Covered, closest to check-in
Terminal Garage A & B	$19/day	Covered, connected via walkway
Economy Lot (North/South)	$12/day	Shuttle to terminal, every 10-15 min
Terminal C Garage	$19/day	Dedicated for Terminal C
Cell Phone Lot	Free	1-hour limit, for pickups only

Budget tip: Off-site parking lots along Semoran Boulevard offer rates from $6-10/day with free shuttle service. Popular options include The Parking Spot and Park 'N Go. Book in advance during peak tourist seasons.

Valet parking is available at the Main Terminal for $35/day.

MCO has undergone significant dining renovations, particularly with the opening of Terminal C.

Main Terminal (pre-security, Level 3):

• Macaroni Grill: Italian-American, full-service dining
• Chili's Too: Tex-Mex and American
• Outback Steakhouse: Steaks and Australian-themed menu
• Starbucks: Multiple locations

Airside 1:

• Bahama Breeze: Caribbean-inspired cuisine
• On the Border: Mexican food and margaritas
• Chick-fil-A: Fast food favorite

Airside 2:

• Cask & Larder Southern Kitchen: Southern comfort food, craft cocktails
• Camden Food Co.: Fresh salads and sandwiches
• Pei Wei: Asian cuisine

Airside 3:

• Carrabba's Italian Grill: Italian-American
• 4 Rivers Smokehouse: Local BBQ favorite
• Home Team Sports: Sports bar with pub fare

Airside 4:

• Stonewood Grill: American steakhouse
• Zaza Cuban Coffee: Cuban sandwiches and coffee
• Jersey Mike's: Subs and sandwiches

Terminal C:

• Mission BBQ: Barbecue with military appreciation theme
• Shake Shack: Burgers and shakes
• Starbucks Reserve: Premium Starbucks experience
• Natalie's Orchid Island Juice: Local Florida juice company
• Farmhouse Kitchen Orlando: Farm-to-table concept

Terminal C offers the newest and most diverse dining options. For local Florida flavor, try 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Airside 3) or Natalie's (Terminal C).

Free WiFi is available throughout MCO:

• Network name: MCOFreeWiFi
• Cost: Free, unlimited
• Quality: Generally reliable for browsing, email, and light streaming

To connect:

1. Select "MCOFreeWiFi" from available networks
2. Open your browser - you will be redirected to a login page
3. Accept terms of service
4. You may see a brief advertisement

For faster speeds, airline lounges and the Brightline station offer premium WiFi.

SIM cards and mobile connectivity options are available at several locations:

Main Terminal:

• InMotion Entertainment (Airsides 1 and 4): Travel tech and SIM cards
• Best Buy Express (kiosks in Main Terminal): Limited selection

Terminal C:

• InMotion Entertainment: Full service location

Available carriers:

• T-Mobile prepaid plans from $30
• AT&T prepaid from $35
• Ultra Mobile tourist SIMs

Tip: For eSIM-compatible phones, consider activating service via T-Mobile, Airalo, or Holafly before landing for immediate connectivity.

ATMs are located throughout MCO in convenient locations:

Main Terminal:

• Level 3 (main departures level) near check-in counters
• Baggage claim areas (Level 1)
• Central atrium area

Airsides:

• Near food court areas on each Airside
• Adjacent to news/convenience stores

Terminal C:

• Near the main security checkpoint
• In the gate area

Major banks represented include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase. Out-of-network fees typically range from $3-5 per withdrawal.

Currency Exchange:

Travelex operates currency exchange at:

• Main Terminal, Level 3 (near check-in)
• Airside 2 (international arrivals area)

Note: Airport exchange rates include significant markups. Using a no-foreign-fee debit card or Wise is typically more economical.

MCO offers extensive shopping options, with the newest and most upscale selections in Terminal C.

Main Terminal (Level 3):

• Disney Store: Disney merchandise without visiting the parks
• Universal Orlando Store: Theme park souvenirs
• Florida-themed shops: Citrus products, local souvenirs

Throughout Airsides:

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (all Airsides)
• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics and tech accessories
• Johnston & Murphy: Business attire and accessories
• Brighton Collectibles: Jewelry and accessories (Airside 2)

Terminal C:

• Brookstone: Gadgets and massage products
• MAC Cosmetics: Makeup and skincare
• Spanx: Travel-friendly apparel
• Local Florida artisan shops

Duty-Free: Limited duty-free shopping available in Airside 2 and 3 international departure gates.

MCO has a growing selection of lounges, though options are more limited than larger hub airports.

The Club MCO

• Location: Airside 4, near Gate 90
• Access: Priority Pass, Diners Club, LoungeKey, day pass ($45-50)
• Amenities: Complimentary food, beer, wine, spirits, WiFi
• Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

This is the primary Priority Pass lounge at MCO's Main Terminal.

Delta Sky Club

• Location: Airside 2, near Gate 71
• Access: Delta Sky Club membership, Delta One/First Class, Delta Reserve Amex (with same-day Delta flight), Delta Platinum/Diamond Medallion status
• Amenities: Full food and beverage service, WiFi, power outlets
• Hours: Opens 2 hours before first Delta departure

American Airlines Admirals Club

• Location: Airside 4, near Gate 99
• Access: Admirals Club membership, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, First/Business Class on American or Oneworld
• Amenities: Food, beverages, WiFi, workstations
• Hours: Opens 2 hours before first American departure

United Club

MCO does not have a United Club. United passengers with lounge access can use partner arrangements or The Club MCO with Priority Pass.

Terminal C Lounges

As of early 2025, Terminal C lounge options are limited. JetBlue operates a Mosaic lounge area for JetBlue Mosaic members on select flights.

Day Passes

The Club MCO offers day passes for approximately $45-50 when capacity allows.

On-Airport:

• Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport: Located inside the Main Terminal on Level 3 (airside - post-security access available for connecting passengers). Rooms available for day use or overnight. Ideal for early departures or long layovers. Connected to both sides of the terminal via direct access.

Near Airport with Shuttle:

• Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside: Full-service hotel with complimentary shuttle, pool, lakeside dining
• Hilton Orlando Airport: Directly across from Terminal A, covered walkway connection (no shuttle needed)
• Hyatt Place Orlando Airport: Modern rooms, free breakfast, shuttle service
• Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Airport: Budget-friendly option with shuttle
• DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport: Reliable option, known for warm cookies

Near International Drive/Theme Parks:

For travelers with extended layovers or overnight stays before visiting attractions, International Drive hotels (15-25 minutes from MCO) offer proximity to restaurants and entertainment.

Orlando is synonymous with theme parks, but the region offers more than attractions:

Theme Parks (25-45 min from MCO):

• Walt Disney World (4 parks): Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom
• Universal Orlando Resort (3 parks): Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay
• SeaWorld Orlando: Marine life, coasters, water park
• LEGOLAND Florida (Polk County): Best for ages 2-12

Theme Park Tips:

• Book park tickets and dining reservations in advance, especially for Disney
• Consider purchasing Genie+ or Lightning Lane for shorter wait times
• Peak seasons include spring break, summer, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas through New Year

Beyond the Parks:

• International Drive: Entertainment district with dining, I-Drive 360 (observation wheel, aquarium), outlet shopping
• Kennedy Space Center (50 min): NASA visitor complex, rocket launches
• Winter Park (30 min): Upscale village with boutiques, boat tours, Rollins College
• Downtown Orlando (20 min): Lake Eola, dining scene, nightlife on Wall Street Plaza
• Cocoa Beach (55 min): Atlantic coast beaches, surfing, Ron Jon Surf Shop

Getting Around:

• A rental car is highly recommended for visiting theme parks and exploring beyond the airport corridor
• Rideshare costs add up quickly for theme park trips ($35-50 each way)
• Disney provides complimentary transportation within Walt Disney World property
• Universal offers shuttle service between its hotels and parks

Weather Note: Central Florida is hot and humid from May through September, with afternoon thunderstorms common. Theme park touring requires frequent hydration and sunscreen. Winter months (December-February) are mild, with occasional cool fronts.