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Guide to Parking at Orlando Airport (MCO)
Quick Questions about Parking at MCO
Will I find a spot in the garages?
Not always. Garages A, B and C fill up almost every day at peak times, and staff at the entrance send drivers to the economy lots, often with a QR code for directions.
How much does it cost?
USD 14 per day in the economy lots, USD 20 in the surface lots next to Terminal C, USD 24 in the garages and USD 35 for valet.
Can I reserve a spot?
Only in Garage C, Level 4, at USD 32 per day and at least 24 hours in advance. It guarantees the spot, but it costs more than parking in the same garage without a reservation.
How much extra time should I allow?
At least one hour on busy days: if the garages are full you will have to drive to an economy lot and wait for the shuttle.
Where do I wait to pick someone up?
At the free cell phone lots, north and south. The arrivals curb only allows active loading, and staff move cars on quickly.
Critical Points: Smart Traveler's Manual
Full garages, almost every day
Reviews and local forums agree that the garages close as full during the day, on holiday weekends and during events, sometimes with sections closed for maintenance.
💡 Suggestion: if your trip is several days long, compare the cost with a ride-hailing app or a drop-off, which many local travelers already prefer.
Crowded economy lots
When the garages fill up, the economy lots fill too: reports include parking on grass and long waits for the shuttle.
💡 Suggestion: add 30–60 minutes and note where you parked; shuttles run 24 hours.
Expensive for long stays
Travelers mention bills of over USD 200 for a week in the garages.
💡 Suggestion: for long trips, the economy lots (USD 14 per day) or a ride to the airport usually cost less.
Pickups at arrivals
Waiting at the curb is not allowed, and the cell phone lot screens do not always list every flight that has landed.
💡 Suggestion: wait at the cell phone lot and ask the passenger to call you once they have their bags.
Pros and Cons of Parking at MCO
- Pros:
- Many options: economy lots, surface lots, garages, valet and reserved spots.
- Free cell phone lots: north and south, to wait for arriving passengers.
- E-PASS and SunPass: enter and exit without a ticket.
- Fast valet: travelers who used it describe a quick, easy drop-off.
- Cons:
- Garages often full: drivers are sent to economy lots without warning.
- Crowded economy lots: long shuttle waits at peak times.
- High cost: over USD 200 a week in the garages.
- Strict curb enforcement: little margin to wait for arriving passengers.
Parking is one of the most criticized parts of the MCO experience: the garages fill up, communication is limited and some travelers have missed flights. Below you will find each option, its rate and what travelers report.
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Free Waiting Lots (Cell Phone Lots)
Rate*: FREE
The best option if you are picking up an arriving passenger. Both lots are free, but you cannot leave your vehicle unattended.
North Cell Phone Lot
Location: 8730 Jeff Fuqua Blvd N, next to North Park Place.
South Cell Phone Lot
Location: 10546 Jeff Fuqua Blvd S, in front of the train station and Garage C.
User experience:
- Travelers value having a free, well-signposted place to wait.
- The flight screens do not always show every arrival, so some drivers waited without knowing the passenger was already outside.
- They fill up at times of many arrivals.
Strategy: keep your phone at hand and go to the terminal only when the passenger is at the curb with their bags.
Economy Lots (North & South Park Place / West Park)
Rate*: USD 14 per day (maximum 90 days; first 10 minutes free).
- North Park Place: 5501 Cargo Road. Shuttle to Terminal A.
- South Park Place: 10536 S. Jeff Fuqua Blvd. Shuttle to Terminals B and C.
- West Park: 8202 Tradeport Drive. Shuttle to Terminals A and C.
Free shuttles run 24 hours a day.
User experience:
- When the garages are full these lots fill too, and some drivers ended up parking on the grass.
- The shuttle is the most criticized part: long waits and stops that take too long.
- On normal days, travelers describe them as an affordable and orderly option.
Strategy: add at least 30 minutes for the shuttle and take a photo of the row where you parked.
Main Garages (A, B and C) and Terminal Top
Rate*: USD 24 per day (maximum 45 days; first 20 minutes free).
- Garages A and B: next to Terminals A and B, mostly covered and within walking distance.
- Garage C: connected to Terminal C, and to Terminals A and B by the Terminal Link train (4 minutes).
- Terminal Top: above the North Terminal, fully covered and within walking distance of Terminals A and B.
User experience:
- The garages are full most days: staff at the entrance turn drivers away and hand out directions to the economy lots.
- Garage C, the one for Terminal C, is reported closed as full for long periods.
- Sections are also closed at times for maintenance and cleaning.
- When there is space, the convenience is undeniable.
Strategy: if a garage spot is essential, reserve Garage C (below). Otherwise, plan on the economy lots from the start.
Reserved Parking (Garage C, Level 4)
Rate*: USD 32 per day, booked online at least 24 hours in advance.
It is the only option that guarantees a spot, but it costs USD 8 more per day than the regular garage rate.
User experience:
- Earlier reviews reported QR code readers that failed at the barrier and duplicate charges.
Strategy: keep the confirmation email on your phone and on paper in case the reader fails.
Surface Lots (Atlantis / Discovery / Endeavour)
Rate*: USD 20 per day (maximum 45 days; first 10 minutes free).
Uncovered lots next to the train station, within walking distance of Terminal C. Payment only with E-PASS or SunPass.
User experience:
- A practical alternative when the garages are full, especially if you fly from Terminal C.
- Signage to find them and to move inside them can be confusing.
Strategy: make sure your transponder works before you go, and take a photo of your spot.
Accessible Parking
MCO has accessible spaces in all its garages and lots, generally near elevators or shuttle stops.
Parking is free for vehicles with specialized equipment (ramps, lifts), with a Florida toll exemption permit or with a disabled veteran (DV) license plate.
Valet Parking
Rate*: USD 35 per day (maximum 45 days).
Location: departures curb of all three terminals.
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
User experience:
- Travelers who used it describe a fast service that left them at check-in in minutes.
- At peak times it can also be full.
Strategy: check its hours: if your flight leaves before 6:00 am or you return after 11:00 pm, choose another option.
Parking for Hyatt Hotel Guests
Rates*:
- Self-parking: USD 19 per night.
- Valet service: USD 28 per night.
The hotel also sells "Park, Stay and Go" packages that combine the stay and parking during your trip. See the hotel guide.
User experience:
- Guests value the packages, but the hotel parking areas are also often full.
Paying with E-PASS or SunPass
You can use your E-PASS or SunPass transponder to pay for parking without taking a ticket.
- Enter through the lanes marked with the E-PASS/SunPass logo.
- Exit through the marked lanes again. The fee is charged to your account automatically.
- In the surface lots, it is the only accepted form of payment.
User experience:
- Convenient, although some travelers reported duplicate charges and had to claim a refund.
Additional Tips from Expert Travelers
- Arrive with plenty of time: most parking problems are manageable if you are not about to miss your flight.
- Consider alternatives: in high season, a ride-hailing app, a shuttle or a drop-off is often less stressful and can be cheaper.
- Take photos: note your spot number or a nearby reference.