Orlando International Airport [MCO]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• MCO features 1 main terminal building split into A and B sides with a total of 4 airside concourses. There is a variety of amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges.
• The newly constructed Terminal C focuses on international flights with carriers such as Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Emirates.
• Ground transportation to and from the airport includes buses, ride-shares, shuttles, taxis, and trains.

Serving over 50 million passengers annually, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and sits at No. 10 for the busiest airports 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 choice airport 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: orlandoairports.net
Phone Number: 407-825-2001
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 consists of 1 main terminal building, also now known as the north terminal complex, with a newly opened Terminal C.

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

Passengers should check whether their airline is based on the A side or the B side, as this can determine where the most convenient parking lot or pickup and drop-off locations are.

A food court is in the center of the terminal, and many shops dot level 3 on either side of the food court. The Hyatt Regency hotel is accessible on level 4, 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 via an automated people mover.

Terminal A, Concourse 1

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

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

Once you disembark the people mover on arrival at Concourse 1, you can 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.

The concourse has a baggage claim and customs and immigration checkpoints, which passengers must clear before heading back to the main terminal or onward to a connecting flight.

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, there is a small food court 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 and a United Club near gate 45.

Terminal B, Concourse 4

Concourse 4 serves gates 70 to 99 and also operates international 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 with 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.

As with Concourse 1, international arrival passengers are required to clear customs and immigration within the concourse before proceeding with their journey.

Terminal C

The south terminal complex is a new, 15-gate terminal, capable of handling narrow-bodied aircraft to superjumbos, and has a new Plaza Premium Lounge.

In addition to the new terminal, construction work is underway to build a large intermodal facility. The facility houses a people mover station that connects passengers to the north terminal and parking garage C.

The intermodal facility will also house regional rail systems for the SunRail and Virgin Trains USA services, as well as additional ground transportation for public buses, shuttles, and taxis.

Interterminal Transportation

Automated People Mover

Automated people movers transport passengers between the main terminal and the departure concourses within the secure area.

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

A new fifth line has recently been built that is outside of the secure area, shuttling passengers to and from parking garage 3 and new Terminal C.

Shuttle Bus

Passengers can travel between terminals A, B, and C by riding the free shuttle bus that operates 24 hours a day. Pickup and drop-off are from level 1, space B16 outside Terminal B and level 1, space C272 outside Terminal C.

Walking

All departure concourses in the main terminal require passengers to ride the people mover, with no pedestrian walkways between the concourses. 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, then you could disembark the people mover from Concourse 3 and take the people mover straight out to Concourse 1. This excludes international flight arrivals, as these passengers are required to clear customs and immigration.

There are no electric carts at MCO, 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 among 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: 1 on the west side of the main terminal serving gates 1 to 59 and 1 on the east side serving gates 70 to 129. The third security checkpoint is in Terminal C on level 2.

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

TSA PreCheck

MCO has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at both the east and west 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.

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. For Terminal C, CLEAR lanes and enrollment are available daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

MCO Airport Lounges

MCO has 7 lounges with most 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 seeing the best credit cards with lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

The Club at MCO Lounge accepts Priority Pass members with facilities including showers, refreshments including alcohol, TVs, and newspapers. You may already have a credit card that offers Priority Pass access so you don’t have to pay a day pass fee.

The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal C also accepts Priority Pass members.

Airport Dining and Drinks at MCO

There are over 100 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go food outlets at MCO. These are evenly distributed throughout the airport, with a good selection available in the terminal food courts and in 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 access to free Wi-Fi in all public areas of the airport. 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 will depend 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.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

There are 2 information booths in the central area of the main terminal, or passengers can call the information center at 407-825-2352.

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 not surprising 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 1-29
  • Near entrance to gates 10-19
  • Near gates 20-29
• Gates 30-59
  • Near entrance to gates 30-39
• Gates 70-99
  • On each concourse (gates 70-79, 80-89, and 90-99)
• Gates 100-129
  • Near entrance to gates 100-110
  • Near gate 101
• Terminal C
  • On level 1 (Ground Transportation) and level 2 (check-in and at entrance to gates C230-C238)
  • On Level 2 (Ground Transportation)
• Gates C230-C238
  • Near gates C234 and C238
• Gates C240-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

Pets 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 1-29: On the wing for gates 20-29
  • Gates 30-59: On the wing for gates 40-49
  • Gates 70-99: On the wing for gates 90-99
  • Gates 100-129: 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, 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 can be found in the A and B sides of the main terminal, Terminal C, and all airside concourses. Currency exchange services are in the A and B sides of the main terminal and in Terminal C.

Luggage

Same-day or multiple-day luggage storage can be found in the main terminal on level 1 of the B side. 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-A41.
• 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 then 25 to 500 John Young Pkwy. The Greyhound Station is across the road.

Shuttle

Shared-ride and private ride 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 from C282 to C283 at Terminal C (all from level 1). Call Mears Transportation Group for details on pricing at 407-423-5566.

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, B side from lanes B1 to B4 and B40, C side on lanes C270 and C271, and train station on lanes C7 and C8. Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle pick up and drop off on the A side from lanes A30 to A33.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available on level 1 of both the A and B sides of the main terminal and from level 6 at Terminal C.

Ride-Share Services

Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are approved ride-share services that operate from MCO. At terminals A and B, drop-off is at the departures curb level 3 and pickups are from the arrivals curb level 2. 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 then 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 to allow vehicles that are picking up passengers to wait until the passenger is ready curbside on the arrivals level.

The north cell phone waiting lot is at 8730 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. North, and the south cell phone waiting lot is at 10546 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. South. Drivers are not permitted to leave their cars unattended in these lots.

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. There are many off-site parking lots operated by third parties such as hotels and these options can be significantly cheaper.

Daily parking around MCO starts at $4.99. 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 pick-up 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: If you’re looking 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 with on-airport companies 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: There are a number of credit cards with rental car insurance included which can help you to 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, or there are many other options within 3 miles.

You can check below to 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 cannot beat the convenience of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel. There is no airport shuttle needed here because the Hyatt Regency is inside the airport. The property offers an outdoor pool and a fitness center. There’s also a casual bar and grill, and a restaurant serving steak and seafood, along with 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 both 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 both close proximity to the airport and great amenities. Included with your stay is a free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, free parking, and of course a free airport shuttle. For award nights, keep in mind that Hilton no longer publishes an award chart and uses a dynamic pricing model for all of its hotels. With that said, you can often redeem a free night at the Hampton Inn from 33,000 points per night.

If you’re looking 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

With passenger growth of just over 6% from 2018 to 2019, MCO’s Terminal C has come at the right time, with the airport now accommodating over 50 million passengers annually. Although Terminal C was completed in September 2022, passengers are eagerly awaiting the new train station that will connect the airport directly to south Florida via Brightline. Services are expected to be ready in 2023, with future expansion plans also connecting the airport to Tampa Bay.

As there are currently no direct train links to MCO, the new train station will revolutionize travel between the Orlando area and the airport, and also to Downtown Miami.