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Frequently Asked Questions about Orlando Airport (MCO)
Short answers to the questions travelers ask most about MCO, taken from our updated guides. Each answer links to the full guide on that topic.
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Photo by Tobias Rehbein - Pixabay
How many terminals does MCO have and how do I move between them?
Three. Terminals A and B share one building, a 2–3 minute walk apart on Level 3. Terminal C is reached by the Terminal Link train (4 minutes, 24 hours, before security) plus a walk through Garage C, or by the free 24-hour bus. Terminals guide
How early should I get to the airport?
The airport asks you to be at the security checkpoint 2 hours before departure (3 hours at the counter if you check bags, 1 hour at the gate). At peak times travelers add margin, because parking and security lines are the main bottlenecks. Departures guide
How long are the security lines, and how can I skip them?
They are the most reported bottleneck and can pass an hour at peak times. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR help, and the free MCO Reserve service lets you book a time slot at some checkpoints. Note that gates 1–59 and 70–129 have separate checkpoints. Security guide
I arrive on an international flight and connect to a domestic one. What do I do?
You collect your bag, clear immigration and customs, re-check the bag and go through TSA security again. In Terminal C you pick up your bags before passport control. Leave plenty of margin and check the gate zone of your next flight. Immigration and connections guide, with layover calculator
Why does baggage take so long?
It is the most repeated complaint at MCO. Waits of 45 minutes are common in all terminals, and on international arrivals into Terminal C reviews report one to two hours. Travel carry-on only if you can. Arrivals guide
Where do I get a taxi or an Uber?
Taxis wait on Level 1 of Terminals A and B and on Level 6 of Terminal C. Uber and Lyft pick up on Level 2 of Terminals A and B and on Level 6 of Terminal C: follow the "Rideshare" signs. Taxis must use the meter. Taxis and ride-hailing guide
What is the best way to get to Disney?
A metered taxi costs about USD 52–68 to the Disney resorts, according to the airport's reference fares. Mears Connect, the shared shuttle to the Disney area, costs USD 16 per adult each way. Ride-hailing apps and rental cars are the other options. Shuttles guide
What is the cheapest way into Orlando?
The LYNX bus, at USD 2.00 one way, from Level 1 of Terminal A (spaces A38–A41). There is no LYNX stop at Terminal C, and the buses have little room for large suitcases. Buses and trains guide
Is there a train from the airport?
Yes. Brightline leaves from the station next to Terminal C, with 16 daily trips to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami. SunRail does not reach the airport and does not run on weekends. Buses and trains guide
What should I watch out for when renting a car?
Long lines at the counter and insurance or toll plans presented as mandatory. In Florida the supplemental liability insurance is optional, and the airport's Visitor Toll Pass has no subscription fee. Alamo, National and Avis let you skip the counter. Car rental guide
How much does parking cost, and can I reserve?
USD 14 per day in the economy lots, USD 20 in the surface lots, USD 24 in the garages and USD 35 for valet. The only reservable spots are in Garage C, Level 4, at USD 32 per day. The garages fill up often, so allow extra time. Parking guide
Where can I wait to pick someone up?
At the free north and south cell phone lots. The arrivals curb only allows active loading, so ask the passenger to call you once they have their bags. Parking guide
Where should I eat, and is anything open 24 hours?
Eat before security if you fly from Terminals A or B: the food court in the public area has the widest choice. McDonald's, Dunkin' and McCoy's To-Go are open 24 hours there. In Terminal C, the best options are after security, in the Palm Court. Food guide by gate
Where is the duty-free, and can I buy park souvenirs?
3Sixty Duty Free has stores at gates 70–99 and in the Terminal C Palm Court. Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Epic Universe stores are before security in Terminals A and B, and Terminal C has Disney, Universal and SeaWorld after security. Shopping guide
Can I use a VIP lounge without a membership?
Yes, when there is space: The Club MCO sells entry for USD 60 and Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal C for USD 67.50. Priority Pass and some credit cards also give access. Expect crowds and waitlists at peak times. VIP lounges guide
Is there a hotel inside the airport?
Yes, the Hyatt Regency, inside the Terminal A and B building, on Level 4 above the security checkpoint for gates 70–129. It also offers day use from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Hotel guide
Is there free Wi-Fi, and how do I get mobile data?
Free Wi-Fi on the "MCO Internet" network, which can slow down when the airport is crowded. For your own data from the moment you land, an eSIM is the easiest option: there are plans for travelers visiting the United States and for those traveling from the United States abroad. eSIM guide
Can I store my luggage?
Yes, at Hold My Luggage, on Level 1 of Terminal B, for a few hours or several days, for a fee. Services guide
I lost something. What do I do?
If it was on the plane, contact your airline. In the terminals, go to the lost and found offices on Level 1 of Terminal A (7:00 am to 7:30 pm) or Terminal C (8:00 am to 4:00 pm), or fill in the free online form. Services guide
What help is there for passengers with reduced mobility?
Wheelchair assistance is requested from your airline in advance. Confirm it again at check-in: there are reports of long waits at peak times. Accessible parking is free for vehicles with special equipment or a disabled veteran plate. Services guide
Is the airport good for families with small children?
Yes. There are nursing rooms and Mamava pods in all terminals, before and after security, a point families praise consistently. Services guide
Are there pet relief areas?
Yes, after security in every gate area and in Terminal C. Services guide
Where can I charge an electric car?
In the garages: Level 2 for Terminals A and B, and Levels 3 and 5 of Garage C. There is no extra charge beyond the parking fee. Parking guide
Where are the information counters?
On Level 3 of the North Terminal, near the security checkpoints, and on Level 2 of Terminal C. They are open from 6:00 am to midnight. Services guide
What do I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Rebook from your airline's app before joining the counter line. A hotel or meal voucher depends on the airline and the cause: weather cancellations usually do not include one. Almost everything closes around 9:00 pm, so buy food early if a long delay is announced. Airlines guide
Can I meet someone at the gate?
Only ticketed passengers can go through security. In some cases the airline can issue a gate pass to a companion: ask at your airline's counter with a valid photo ID.
Sources
Airport data is checked against official sources: the airport's website, TSA, CBP and each operator's website. Passenger experience comes from recent reviews on Google Maps, Reddit, Yelp and TripAdvisor. Orlandomco.com is an independent guide, not the airport's official site.
