Traveler’s Guide to Orlando International Airport
Wednesday 30th July 2025
Planning your Orlando vacation? Smart travelers know that renting a car at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the fastest way to start your Florida adventure. Here’s your complete guide to car rental at MCO and navigating one of America’s busiest airports.
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport has three terminals – Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C – connected by the automated train system. Each terminal has designated areas, so you might arrive at A1, A2, B1, B2, or Terminal C depending on your airline.
After you land, getting to your Easirent rental is simple. Collect your luggage from baggage claim on Level 2, then look for “Ground Transportation” signs and head down to Level 1. If you’re at Terminal A or B, proceed to the designated rental car pick-up area at spaces A11, A12, A13, or B13. Terminal C passengers should head to spaces 276 and 277. Our complimentary shuttle loops the airport every 20-30 minutes, so you won’t wait long before heading to our facility.
Why Choose Car Rental at Orlando Airport
Skip expensive ride shares that surge during peak times, especially when theme parks open and close. Your rental car costs the same whether it’s 8 AM or 8 PM, giving you predictable transportation costs throughout your trip.
Disney World is just 25 minutes away from MCO, while Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Icon Park are all within 30 minutes. Having your own car means no waiting for hotel shuttles or paying premium prices for transportation. You control your schedule and can leave the parks when you want, not when the shuttle decides to run.
Your Orlando rental car also opens up all of Central Florida. Visit Cocoa Beach in 45 minutes, explore historic St. Augustine in 90 minutes, or take day trips to Busch Gardens Tampa. The freedom to explore beyond the theme parks makes your vacation so much richer.
Orlando Airport Car Rental Tips
Book in advance for better rates and guaranteed availability. Orlando car rental demand stays high year-round, but peak seasons like Christmas, Easter, and summer can leave you scrambling for options if you wait too long.
Consider your Florida itinerary when choosing your car. Planning multiple theme park days with the family? A comfortable mid-size SUV gives everyone space for souvenirs and strollers. On a business trip? An economy car gets great gas mileage for city driving and is easier to park downtown.
Most major car rental companies have locations throughout MCO, but Easirent makes it even easier with our complimentary shuttle service. You don’t have to navigate rental counters inside the airport – just wait at the designated pickup spots and our shuttle will take you directly to our facility. This saves time and eliminates the confusion of finding rental desks in a busy airport.
Navigating Orlando Traffic and Parking
Timing your drives around Orlando makes a huge difference. Leave for theme parks before 8 AM or after 10 AM to avoid morning rush hour traffic on I-4. When heading back, wait until after 7 PM to skip the evening traffic that can turn a 25-minute drive into an hour-long crawl.
Theme park parking costs add up quickly. Disney World charges $25-30 per day for parking, while Universal Studios charges $25-35. Factor these parking costs into your vacation budget, but remember that having your own car still beats paying for multiple ride shares or taxi trips throughout your stay.
When it’s time to return your rental car, head to our Easirent facility at 1777 McCoy Rd, Orlando, Florida 32809. Our team will handle the return process quickly, then our complimentary shuttle will take you back to the airport for your departure. This off-airport location means you avoid the busy rental car return areas inside MCO terminals, making your departure smoother and less stressful.
Popular Orlando Destinations from MCO
Your Orlando rental car puts all the major attractions within easy reach. Walt Disney World is 25 minutes via State Road 417, while Universal Studios takes about 20 minutes via State Road 528. International Drive, where you’ll find tons of restaurants and attractions, is just 15 minutes away.
Downtown Orlando offers great nightlife and dining, about 25 minutes from the airport. Disney Springs, perfect for shopping and dining without theme park admission, takes about 30 minutes via I-4. Having your own car means you can explore all these destinations on your own timeline.
Making the Most of Your Orlando Car Rental
Download parking apps like ParkWhiz and SpotHero to find discounted parking near attractions and restaurants. These apps can save you $10-15 per day on parking, which adds up over a week-long vacation.
Florida heat is no joke, so keep water and snacks in your rental car for comfortable theme park days. You’ll appreciate having cold drinks and snacks when you’re walking back to your car after a long day at the parks.
Plan for toll roads around Orlando – they save significant time but cost extra. Easirent offers our Easi-Express SunPass service for $9.99-$12.99 per day (depending on location) which covers all Florida tolls during your rental. You can also bring your own SunPass transponder or purchase one at the airport, but our service eliminates the hassle of managing your own toll account.
