Airport · MCO
Orlando International Airport
Orlando, United States
HualinXMN — CC BY-SA 4.0
IATA
MCO
Continent
North America
Country
United States
Transport
Getting To & From Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is situated roughly 12 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. Ground transportation options include app-based rideshares (Uber and Lyft), which pick up on Level 2 at Terminals A and B, and Level 4 at Terminal C. Metered taxis and private towncars are stationed on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) across all terminals. Public LYNX buses ($2 fare) provide local connections, while regional services like Brightline connect the airport train station to South Florida. Various shared-ride shuttles and hotel courtesy vehicles also operate from the Ground Transportation level.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
MCO operates via a main complex split into Terminal A and Terminal B on opposing sides, alongside the newer standalone Terminal C. Terminals A and B handle a heavy mix of domestic and international carriers, utilizing automated people-movers to reach airside gates. Terminal C manages a blend of international flights and select domestic carriers such as JetBlue. While Terminals A and B are linked by a brief walk on Level 3, transferring to Terminal C requires taking the automated Terminal Link people-mover to the Airport Train Station and walking through Parking Garage C, with a physical transfer taking roughly 15 minutes.
Hours of Operation
The airport terminal facilities remain accessible 24 hours daily, though individual airline ticket counter hours and baggage drop schedules fluctuate strictly based on active flight rosters.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Plan to arrive at your security checkpoint at least two hours before scheduled domestic departures, expanding this to three hours for international itineraries during peak holiday rushes.
- Utilize the free MCO Reserve program online to book a specific time slot for standard security screening lanes and bypass general queue congestion.
- Ensure that all adult identification complies with REAL ID requirements before heading to the airport checkpoints.
- Factor in extra terminal transit time if your journey requires moving between the main A/B complex and the separate Terminal C facility.
Comfort
Lounges
Orlando International Airport (MCO) features a selection of airline and independent options, though options vary by terminal. For independent and Priority Pass travelers, The Club MCO operates two locations: one in Terminal A (Concourse 1, Gates 1–29) and another in Terminal B (Concourse 4, near Gate 91). In the newer Terminal C, the Plaza Premium Lounge serves eligible independent and network members. Airline-specific lounges include the Delta Sky Club, United Club (Terminal B, Concourse 3 near Gate 43), and the American Airlines Admirals Club. Day passes are available at select independent lounges, but packing patience for peak vacation departure banks is recommended as crowding is common.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
Wireless internet across MCO is supplied free of charge by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). Travelers can connect seamlessly by selecting the SSID “MCO Internet” and accepting the terms on the splash page. While adequate for basic web browsing and email, speeds can bottleneck during peak travel surges due to heavy volume across the terminals. Charging infrastructure has seen major upgrades—particularly in the newer Terminal C, which features wireless charging built directly into select seat armrests alongside traditional AC and USB outlets spread throughout gate seating zones.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
MCO blends fast-casual national brands with regional Florida favorites across its three terminals. Terminals A and B feature a central pre-security food court alongside airside options in each concourse (such as CIBO Express Gourmet Markets, Chik-fil-A, and Outback Steakhouse). Terminal C elevates the culinary footprint around its Palm Court and gate areas with local and contemporary concepts like Orlando-centric artisanal spots, full-service bars, and quick-service grills. Travelers pressed for time can leverage mobile ordering apps for high-demand spots like Starbucks to bypass lengthy gate queues.
Driving In
Parking
On-site parking at MCO is structured by proximity and duration, running significantly higher than off-site alternatives. Terminal Top Parking and the main terminal garages (A, B, and C) cost $32 per 24-hour period, putting them within a short walk or a quick Terminal Link APM ride from the check-in areas. For longer-term savings, economy options like the North and South Park Place Economy Lots charge $10 per day and feature dedicated shuttle service to the terminals. Budget-conscious drivers frequently utilize off-site facilities like Park 'N Go or hotel-affiliated lots nearby, which offer lower daily rates paired with private shuttle transfers.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
The premier choice for absolute proximity is the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, situated directly on-site inside the main terminal complex on Level 3 above the Terminal A and B security checkpoints, allowing guests to walk straight to security without a shuttle. For properties just outside the airport perimeter offering complimentary shuttle services, reliable options located within a 1.5 to 2-mile radius include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando International Airport, Courtyard Orlando Airport, and Sleep Inn & Suites.
Sources: Orlando International Airport Official Site, MCO Ground Transportation Guide, Priority Pass Lounges at MCO - Chase Guide, Upgraded Points - MCO Lounges Guide, FlyMCO Official Wi-Fi Info, Chase Bank MCO Dining Guide, FlyMCO Official Parking Rates, Airport Parking Reservations MCO Partners