Orlando International Airport [MCO]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• MCO features a main terminal building split into A and B sides with 4 airside concourses. It offers various amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges.
• The newly constructed Terminal C focuses on international flights with carriers including Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Emirates.
• Ground transportation to and from the airport includes buses, ride-shares, shuttles, taxis, and trains, connecting Orlando and beyond.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves over 57 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest airport in the U.S.

With its central position in Florida and proximity to major leisure attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, MCO is the airport of choice for many domestic and international travelers.

Quick Information

Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Terminals: 1 main building with 2 sides (A and B) and a separate Terminal C
Airport Address: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827
Distance from Orlando: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Website: flymco.com
Phone Number: 407-825-2352
Destinations Served: 91 domestic and 59 international
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online

MCO Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From MCO

Main Terminal, A Side

Main Terminal, B Side

Terminal C

MCO Airport Terminals

Main Terminal

MCO has 2 terminals. There’s the North Terminal Complex in addition to the recently constructed Terminal C, which is found to the south of the airport’s property.

The main terminal is split into A and B sides for airline ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, and parking. The facilities span 3 floors: airline ticketing is on level 3, baggage claim is on levels 2 and 3, and ground transportation is on level 1.

Passengers should check which side their airline operates from, as this can determine the most convenient parking lot or pickup and drop-off locations.

There’s a food court in the center of the terminal, and many shops dot level 3 on either side of the food court. The Hyatt Regency hotel is on level 3, with some of the room balconies opening onto the atrium at the east side of the main terminal.

The east and west sides of the terminal both have a security checkpoint that leads to 4 airside concourses where flights depart. Each concourse is connected to the terminal by an automated people mover.

Terminal A, Concourse 1

Concourse 1 serves gates 1 to 29 for mostly domestic flights. It’s northwest of the main terminal and is accessible by passing through the western security checkpoint and riding the automated people mover.

Concourse 1 has several shops (including duty-free) and restaurants, as well as an XpresSpa and the Club at MCO Lounge.

Once you disembark the people mover on arrival at Concourse 1, take the left walkway to gates 1 to 9, the right walkway to gates 20 to 29, or go straight ahead for gates 10 to 19.

Terminal A, Concourse 2

Concourse 2 is northeast of the main terminal and serves domestic flights from gates 100 to 129. Concourse 2 is accessible by clearing the eastern security checkpoint and riding the people mover.

As you exit the people mover, a small food court is ahead, as well as access to gates 110, 111, 112, and 120. Gates 101 to 109 are to the left, and gates 121 to 129 are to the right.

Terminal B, Concourse 3

Concourse 3 is the other domestic concourse southwest of the main terminal. As with Concourse 1, it has a central area where the people mover arrives with shops, restaurants, and access to 3 gate areas.

When arriving from the people mover, gates 30 to 39 are to the left, gates 40 to 49 are straight ahead, and gates 50 to 59 are to the right. There is an XpresSpa in the center area of the concourse, a United Club near gate 45, and an Admirals Club near gate 55.

Terminal B, Concourse 4

Concourse 4 serves gates 70 to 99 and operates mostly domestic flights from MCO. The central area of the concourse has a good selection of restaurants and shops, including duty-free, a Delta Sky Club, and the Club at MCO Lounge.

This central concourse leads to 3 gate areas: gates 70 to 79 to the left when disembarking from the APM, gates 80 to 89 straight ahead, and gates 90 to 99 to the right.

Terminal C

Terminal C serves domestic and international flights and has customs and immigration on the upper level to process international arrivals.

For airlines such as British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Avianca, check-in is on level 2. Once passengers clear the security checkpoint, they arrive at Palm Court, which has several shops, restaurants, and a Plaza Premium Lounge.

The south terminal has 15 gates, with another 4 gates planned for the future. After security, gates C30 to C38 are to the right, and gates C40 to C45 are straight ahead.

Passengers can be dropped off and picked up at the arrivals and departures curbs outside the terminal. Resort buses and shuttles are available from the ground transportation area on level 1, and there’s a parking garage opposite the terminal building.

When connecting between Terminal C and Terminal B, passengers can ride the Terminal Link (APM) from the train station (just beyond the Terminal C parking garage) or the shuttle bus from outside the terminal.

Interterminal Transportation

Automated People Mover

Automated people movers transport passengers between terminals A and B and the departure concourses within the secure area.

There are 2 lines on the east side of the terminal building, shuttling passengers to and from concourses 1 and 3. The other 2 lines are on the west side of the main terminal, providing access to concourses 2 and 4.

A fifth line, the Terminal Link, operates between the east side of Terminal B and the MCO train station. From here, passengers can walk through the parking garage to Terminal C in around 10 minutes. The Terminal Link operates 24/7.

Shuttle Bus

Passengers can travel between terminals B and C by riding the free shuttle bus that operates 24 hours a day from:

• Terminal B: level 1, space B16
• Terminal C: level 1, space C272

Walking

All departure concourses in terminals A and B require passengers to ride the people movers, and there are no pedestrian walkways between them. Walking is only possible if your connecting flight is from the same concourse or the other concourse on the same side of the airport.

Each security checkpoint provides access to 2 concourses, so if you needed to connect from Concourse 3 to Concourse 1, you could disembark the people mover from Concourse 3 and take it straight out to Concourse 1. This excludes passengers who are required to collect checked luggage in between flights.

MCO has no electric carts, but passengers with mobility issues can request assistance through their airline.

These are the minimum and maximum walking distances inside the concourse:

Once passengers have cleared security in Terminal C, they can walk through all departure gates within the terminal.

MCO App

The MCO app is a handy resource to download for terminal navigation, security checkpoint wait times, ground transportation, and more.

Security and Customs at MCO

MCO has 3 security checkpoints: the first on the west side of the main terminal serving gates 1 to 59 and the second on the east side serving gates 70 to 129. The third security checkpoint is in Terminal C on level 2.

The wait times for the security checkpoints are published and refreshed regularly in the top right corner of the airport’s desktop website (on mobile, it’s a short scroll down), so you can plan how much time to leave when clearing security.

TSA PreCheck

MCO has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at all 3 security checkpoints, open from around 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Approved applicants benefit from expedited screening, including not having to remove belts, shoes, or light outwear and being able to leave laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquid bags in their carry-on.

The airport also has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center on level 2 of Terminal B near baggage claim 23. It’s open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Global Entry

MCO has Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance of international passengers entering the U.S. The airport has a Global Entry enrollment center in Terminal C, on level 1 (near the Orlando Police Department office), and MCO also participates in Enrollment on Arrival. It’s open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mobile Passport

MCO allows expedited entry into the U.S. for eligible Mobile Passport Control app users.

Passengers can submit their U.S. Customs and Border Protection declaration form via the app on arrival and present their instant receipt and passport to a CBP agent for quicker processing.

CLEAR

MCO has CLEAR lanes at all 3 security checkpoints for eligible participants. CLEAR lanes and enrollment are available daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. at terminals A and B and for Terminal C from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

MCO Airport Lounges

MCO has 7 lounges, most of which are available to purchase a day pass, regardless of whether you’re a premium cabin passenger or an elite status frequent flyer. The only lounges where purchased entry is not possible are the Delta Sky Club and USO Lounges.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid lounge entry fees by using the best credit cards with lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

The Club at MCO Lounges accept Priority Pass members with facilities including showers, refreshments including alcohol, TVs, and newspapers. If you have a credit card that offers Priority Pass access, you don’t have to pay a day pass fee.

The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal C also accepts Priority Pass. Members can access the XpresSpa in Concourse 1 for 25 minutes using a zero-gravity massage chair.

Airport Dining and Drinks at MCO

MCO has over 110 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go food outlets. These are evenly distributed throughout the airport, with a good selection in the terminal food courts and the concourses.

You can view the restaurants that are available on the airport’s website.

MCO Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

MCO gives passengers free Wi-Fi in all public airport areas. To connect, select “MCO Internet” from the Wi-Fi options.

Charging Stations: These are in all concourses and throughout the main terminal.

Hot Tip: Charging stations all taken? No worries, check out our recommendations for the best power banks so you’re never disconnected.

MCO Airport Lost and Found

The correct department to contact depends on where a passenger loses an item:

• On an airplane or inside an airline lounge: Contact the applicable airline for assistance.
• In a rental car: Contact the applicable rental car company.
• Any other public areas: Complete the lost and found form.

If your item is located after you turn in the lost and found form, you can collect it from the applicable lost and found office:

• Terminal A, level 1: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Terminal C, level 1: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

There are information booths at:

• Terminal A
  • East and west sides of baggage claim
  • East and west sides of check-in
  • Concourse 1, after disembarking the APM
  • Concourse 2, after disembarking the APM
• Terminal B
  • East and west sides of baggage claim
  • East side of check-in
  • Concourse 3, after disembarking the APM
  • Concourse 4, after disembarking the APM
• Terminal C
  • Between the Terminal C parking garage and Terminal Link station
  • In the Palm Court
  • The central area of check-in
  • The north end of baggage claim

Travelers Aid

There is no travelers aid center at MCO.

Children’s Play Areas

There are no children’s play areas at MCO. However, the food court has a small aquarium, and there are Disney and Universal Studios stores that may help pass the time. The airport also holds occasional live entertainment in the main terminal, such as face painting and juggling.

With no play areas, it’s unsurprising that MCO doesn’t rank as one of the most kid-friendly U.S. airports.

Nursing Facilities

Nursing suites are in the following locations:

• Main terminal (B side) on level 2 opposite baggage carousels 24
• Gates 1 to 29
  • Near the entrance to gates 10 to 19
  • Near gates 20 to 29
• Gates 30 to 59
  • Near the entrance to gates 30 to 39
• Gates 70 to 99
  • On each concourse (gates 70 to 79, 80 to 89, and 90 to 99)
• Gates 100-129
  • Near the entrance to gates 100 to 110
  • Near gate 101
• Terminal C
  • On level 1 (Ground Transportation) and level 2 (check-in and at the entrance to gates C230 to C238)
  • On Level 2 (Ground Transportation)
• Gates C230 to C238
  • Near gates C234 and C238
• Gates C240 to C245
  • Near gate C244
• Ground Transportation Facility
  • On level 4, near the bridge to garage C
• Train Station
  • On floors 1, 3, and 5

Pet Relief Areas

Animals are not permitted inside MCO unless they are service dogs or are inside approved carriers ready for transportation with an airline.

While MCO doesn’t rank among the top 10 pet-friendly U.S. airports, there are pet relief areas on the A and B sides of the main terminal and within the secure areas:

• Outside Terminals
  • North cell phone lot
• Terminal A and B, before security
  • Terminal A, level 2: At the east end of the building (to the right as you exit the building)
  • Terminal B, level 2: At the west end of the building (to the right as you exit the building)
• Terminal A and B, after security
  • Gates 1 to 29: On the wing for gates 20 to 29
  • Gates 30 to 59: On the wing for gates 40 to 49
  • Gates 70 to 99: On the wing for gates 90 to 99
  • Gates 100 to 129: Across from gate 121
• Terminal C, after security
  • Level 2 near gates C236, C241 and C242
  • Level 6 immediately before international bag claim

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is in concourses 1 and 4 and Terminal C.

Smoking Areas

No smoking or vaping is permitted inside the terminal or concourses.

Other Amenities

MCO often has live entertainment in the main terminal, including live music, juggling, caricatures, magic shows, and face painting. It also has a prominent art program with exhibits throughout the main terminal and airside concourses.

Prayer

MCO has an interfaith chapel airside in the main terminal just after the western security checkpoint. Any passenger with a valid boarding card can pass through the checkpoint to access the chapel. There is also a serenity room in Terminal 3, near the entrance to gates C230 to C238.

Money

ATMs are on the A and B sides of the main terminal, Terminal C, and all airside concourses. Currency exchange services are on the west side of Terminal A check-in.

Luggage

Same-day or multiple-day luggage storage can be found on the west side of Terminal B, level 1. The facility can be contacted on 888-873-4730

Important MCO Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 407-825-2352

Parking: 407-825-3562

Paging: 407-825-2000

Lost and Found: 407-825-2111

Travel to and From MCO

Train

• SunRail: Passengers can depart and arrive on SunRail services at Sand Lake Road SunRail station. The Lynx local bus service runs between the station and the A side of the main terminal on level 1, from stops A38 to A41.
• Brightline: Trains run from the MCO station to Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami. Services operate daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Amtrak: Take Lynx bus 11 to Orange Avenue and Columbia Street. The Amtrak station is around 0.5 miles away from the bus stop.

Bus

• Lynx Bus: Public buses depart from the A side of the main terminal from lanes A38 to A41 of the ground transportation area on level 1. Services include downtown Orlando, International Drive, SeaWorld, and the Florida Mall. You can see the full route map above. Local buses cost $2 per destination.
• Greyhound Bus: The Greyhound station is accessible from the airport by taking 2 local Lynx buses — 11 to North Garland Avenue and 25 to 500 John Young Pkwy. The Greyhound Station is across the road.

Shuttle

Shared and private shuttles are available from parking spaces A19 to A21 on the A side of the main terminal, B27 to B29 on the B side, and C282 to C283 at Terminal C (all from level 1). Call Mears Transportation Group for details on pricing at 855-463-2776.

Many hotels provide courtesy shuttles, so be sure to check. These pick up and drop off on the A side from lanes A1 to A4 and A42 to A45, the B side from lanes B1 to B4 and B40, the C side on lanes C270 and C271, and the train station on lanes C7 and C8. Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle picks up and drops off on the A side from lanes A30 to A33.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available at:

• Terminal A: level 1, between spaces A22-A25
• Terminal B: level 1, between spaces B30-B34
• Terminal C: level 6, arrivals curb

Ride-Sharing Services

Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are approved ride-sharing services that operate from MCO. At the main terminal, drop-off is at the departures curb level 3, and pickups are from the arrivals curb level 2 (from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Pickup is also permitted from level 3.

At Terminal C, drop-off is at the departures curb level 2, and pickups are from the arrivals curb level 6.

Directions by Car to MCO

Arriving From the Southwest/West (Disney/International Drive)

Take I-4 East until exit 72 for FL-528 East (International Airport/Cape Canaveral). Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 11 toward International Airport and merge onto Jeff Fuqua Boulevard for access to the airport. This route has toll roads.

Arriving From Downtown Orlando

Take FL-408 East and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 14 toward Andes Avenue FL-436/South Semoran Boulevard. Merge onto Lake Underhill Road and turn right onto FL-436/South Semoran Boulevard. Follow signs for International Airport and continue onto Jeff Fuqua Boulevard for access to the airport.

MCO Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Pickup and Drop-Off Parking

MCO has 2 cell phone waiting lots where vehicles picking up passengers can wait until the passenger is ready curbside on the arrivals level. Drivers are not permitted to leave their cars unattended in these lots.

The north cell phone waiting lot is at 8730 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. North. Exit right off Jeff Fuqua Blvd. onto Cargo Road, then right again onto the north exit road ramp.

The south cell phone waiting lot is at 10546 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. South, opposite parking garage C, next to the South Travel Plaza.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

As with most airports, the cheapest parking is not usually available on airport property, as you’re paying for the convenience of parking close to the terminal. Many off-site parking lots are operated by third parties, such as hotels, and these can be significantly cheaper.

Daily parking around MCO starts at $3.99. Using a third-party website such as airportparkingreservations.com allows you to compare prices and distance from the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking is available in all airport parking lots with allocated spaces close to elevators or shuttle service pickup areas. Free parking is provided for vehicles with specialized mobility equipment, those displaying the Florida state toll exemption permit, or with a disabled veteran plate.

Hot Tip: For more information about traveling with a disability, explore our in-depth guide on navigating air travel with a disability.

Car Rental at MCO Airport

Car rental companies are available on and off-airport property, and on-airport companies are available on level 1 ground transportation on both the A and B sides.

On-Airport Companies

Off-Airport Companies

Free shuttle buses transport passengers to and from the airport to these off-site car rental locations.

Hot Tip: Several credit cards offer rental car insurance benefits, which can help you avoid paying for unnecessary and expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

MCO Airport Hotels

MCO airport accommodation caters to all budgets, with a range of hotels from 2 to 4 stars. If you’re after convenience, the Hyatt Regency is within the airport terminal, and there are many other options within 3 miles.

Below, you can find out which hotels are closest to the airport. We’ve also included contact information for easy direct booking.

MCO Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

In terms of location, you can’t beat the convenience of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel. No airport shuttle is needed, because the Hyatt Regency is inside the airport. The property offers an outdoor pool and a fitness center. There’s also a casual bar, grill, a restaurant serving steak and seafood, a lobby bar, and a sushi bar. Better yet, award nights at this Category 4 hotel start at just 12,000 points per night (off-peak).

The Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside offers its guests more than just convenience. In addition to the complimentary airport shuttle, guests can use the outdoor and indoor pool, fitness center, and 4 on-site dining options. Guest rooms are also equipped with Netflix and Hulu to keep the whole family entertained. Planning to use points for your stay? With Marriott’s dynamic pricing, the points needed will largely depend on the time of year that you visit but should average around 30,000 points per night.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Airport at Gateway Village offers great amenities and is near the airport. Your stay includes a free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, free parking, and, of course, a free airport shuttle. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart and uses a dynamic pricing model for all its hotels, but you can often redeem a free night at the Hampton Inn from 50,000 points per night.

If you want to top off your points to stay at any of these hotels, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hyatt, Marriott, or Hilton points.

Final Thoughts

As Florida’s busiest airport, Terminal C’s completion in 2022 was necessary to accommodate the airport’s annual 57 million passengers. Having previously had no direct trains to MCO, passengers have welcomed the new train station that connects the airport to the Orlando area and beyond via Brightline.

Next on the airport’s list of renovations is revamping the concessions in concourses 1 and 3 and giving the concourses a facelift with new carpeting and tile flooring. Future plans also include a consolidated rental car facility, freeing up much-needed parking in the existing garages.