Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit orlandoairports.net
Orlando Airport Car Rental Guide (MCO)
Orlando has one of the largest car rental markets in the world, and MCO Airport is its hub. Here, all the major brands compete for your business. However, the experience can be a real minefield. Expect everything from long wait lines that can stretch for hours, to pushy upsells and hidden charges. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process, avoid common issues, and start your trip off right.
Quick Questions about Car Rentals at MCO
- What’s the biggest issue when renting a car here? Definitely the long lines and wait times at the counters, especially at companies like Avis and Budget, where travelers report waiting up to 4 hours due to staff shortages.
- How can I skip the line? The best strategy is to choose a company that offers a "skip the counter" program, such as Alamo (Skip the Counter) or National (Emerald Aisle). Travelers confirm it saves a lot of time.
- Will they try to upsell me unnecessary insurance or extras? Yes, this is a very common complaint. Expect a hard sell on add-ons like LIS insurance and toll passes (SunPass). Read every line of the contract before signing, and don’t hesitate to decline what you don’t need.
- What should I do when picking up the car? Inspect the vehicle inside and out, thoroughly. Record a full video on your phone as proof. Reports of being charged for pre-existing damage are frequent.
Car rental counters are conveniently located inside the airport: on Level 1 of Terminals A and B, and Level 4 of Terminal C.
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How to Pick Up and Return Your Car Without Surprises
Here are some helpful tips and key considerations based on other travelers’ experiences when renting and returning cars at MCO Airport.
Vehicle Pickup Process
- Documents & Requirements: Bring your valid driver’s license (no cracks or damage), credit card, and reservation. Read the contract carefully before signing—agents are known to sneak in insurance and extras. Firmly reject anything you don’t want.
- Wait Times: The most frustrating part. Companies like Budget, Avis, and Payless get the worst reviews for long waits (1–4 hours) due to understaffing. If you can’t skip the counter, mentally prepare for a long wait.
- Vehicle Inspection: Non-negotiable step. Inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving. Travelers have reported receiving dirty cars, bad smells, visible damage, or even maintenance issues. Record a full walkaround video. Don’t accept a bad vehicle.
- Tolls & Fuel: Florida’s toll system (SunPass) is often upsold with misleading info. Research your route—if you don’t plan to use toll roads, it may not be worth it. Check the fuel policy to avoid surprise charges.
Vehicle Return
- Final Receipt: Always ask for a final receipt on return and review it on the spot. Travelers have reported charges for cleaning, damage or fuel appearing days or weeks later.
- Return Logistics: Returning the car is usually faster. Bonus: The airport offers airline check-in on Level R1 of the rental garages (Garage A west side, Garage B east side), which is a great convenience if your airline participates.
Car Rental Company Reviews
Orlando International Airport (MCO) hosts numerous rental car companies. Below is a summary of real user experiences to help you make an informed choice.
Alamo
Phone: 1 800 327 9633
🗣️ User Experience: Mostly positive. Alamo is praised for its "Skip the Counter" program, considered the best way to avoid airport lines. Staff members like Arianna and Andrew are frequently commended for being friendly and efficient. Though occasional issues arise (e.g., receiving an unserviced car), the team resolves problems promptly. Considered a reliable, worthwhile choice—even if it’s slightly pricier.
Avis
Phone: 1 800 831 2847
🗣️ User Experience: Mostly negative. The most common complaint is “hellish” wait times ranging from 1 to 4 hours due to staff shortages. Travelers also report hidden fees (fuel, tolls), aggressive upselling, and dirty or malfunctioning vehicles. Prepare for a frustrating experience.
Budget
Phone: 1 800 527 0700
🗣️ User Experience: Extremely negative, mirroring Avis. Wait times are the main issue—lines of 20+ people and just 2 agents, with delays up to 3 hours. Unapproved charges for fuel and tolls are frequent, and users report unavailable or poorly maintained cars.
Dollar
Phone: 1 800 800 4000
🗣️ User Experience: Very negative. Dollar is often flagged for misleading sales tactics. Travelers say staff pressure you to buy extra insurance (LIS) and toll passes using false claims about legal requirements in Florida. Hidden charges and poor customer service are also common. Proceed with caution.
Enterprise
Phone: 1 800 325 8007
🗣️ User Experience: Generally very positive. Enterprise is described as a “much better and faster” option than budget brands. Travelers praise the efficient pickup/drop-off process, vehicle quality, and professional staff. Though slightly more expensive, many say it’s worth the peace of mind.
Hertz
Phone: 1 800 654 3131
🗣️ User Experience: Mixed. Some reviews highlight great service from specific employees. However, serious complaints also include unjust cleaning fees, being misled into unnecessary insurance, and booking issues. It’s a roll of the dice.
National
Phone: 1 800 227 7368
🗣️ User Experience: Mostly excellent. National’s Emerald Aisle program is a favorite among travelers wanting to skip the line. It lets you choose a car straight from the lot and leave without stopping at the counter. Customer service is often called the “best in the business.”
Payless
Phone: 1 407 856 5539
🗣️ User Experience: Extremely negative. Travelers report arriving to find the counter closed despite having a reservation, or that their booking was canceled without notice. Bad car conditions (odor, malfunctions), hidden fees, and deposit disputes are frequently mentioned. Use as a last resort only.
Sixt
Phone: 1 408 592 7243
🗣️ User Experience: Mixed. Sixt offers high-end, clean, and well-maintained cars. But there are serious complaints of being charged for “phantom damage,” denied service over trivial issues (e.g., small crack on a license), and an unresponsive post-rental team. Renting here is a gamble.
Thrifty
Phone: 1 800 367 2277
🗣️ User Experience: Mostly negative. As a sister company to Dollar and Hertz, it shares the same issues. Complaints include false damage claims, rude customer service, dirty cars, and pushy upselling. While a few have had good experiences, distrust is the norm.
OFF-AIRPORT OPTIONS
If you can’t find availability with an on-site agency, several off-airport alternatives exist. Free shuttle buses serve these locations from Level 1 of Terminal A (A11–A13), Terminal B (B11–B13), Terminal C (C277–C278), and the Train Station (C3–C4).
- Action Car Rental
+1 407 240 2700 - Bandago
+1 415 401 7659 - Best Rate
+1 321 624 8994 - CA Car Rental
+1 321 888 0350 - Carl's Rent A Van
+1 407 856 8866 - Clubs Car Rental
+1 786 239 0746 - Easirent
+1 954 314 0302 - Economy Rent A Car
+1 954 684 9030 - Flex Rent A Car
+1 407 723 0023 - Florida Van Rentals
+1 407 438 8010 - Fly Car Rental
+1 407 885 8825 - Fox
+1 407 723 0023 - Global
+1 407 616 7733 - Green Motion
+1 321 947 9865 - GS Car Rental
+1 407 499 1010 - Inbocars
+1 786 405 2958 - JC Car Rental
+1 786 200 4487 - Mex Rent A Car
+1 305 988 6125 - Nextcar of Orlando
+1 305 988 6125 - OC Car Rental
+1 786 956 1558 - One Switch
+1 786 773 8669 - Orlando Rentco
+1 888 627 8227 - Reliant
+1 407 925 8478 - Rent A Car 4 Less
+1 786 374 7442 - RJ Car Rental
+1 407 449 3848 - Roam of Orlando
+1 954 650 1166 - Routes Car Rental
+1 407 237 9411 - RROA Car Rental
+1 786 832 1727 - Sales Rent A Car
+1 786 212 4717 - Seven Auto Finance
+1 321 350 1439 - Surprice Car Rentals
+1 305 988 6125 - Value Car Rental
+1 407 212 1661 - You Turist Car Rental
+1 305 721 8897 - Zezgo Orlando
+1 407 704 2896
Final Considerations
Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Orlando
Having your own vehicle gives you comfort and flexibility. While Orlando has some public transportation, many must-see places are far apart. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
Like any large metro area, be prepared for traffic during rush hours. Don’t forget about additional costs—fuel refills and tolls are common.
Besides a valid driver’s license (domestic or international), ensure the car is fully insured, preferably through an authorized on-site agency.
Follow traffic signs, speed limits, and never drive under the influence. U.S. authorities are strict, and penalties can be severe.
In downtown areas, opt for private parking garages—especially during business hours—to avoid fines and parking hassles.