Orlando International Airport
Orlando, US · 9.7 km (6 mi) southeast of Downtown Orlando
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Brightline Intercity train | — | — |
| Brightline Train to Miami and South Florida Train · Several times daily | 3-3.5 hours to Miami | Varies by class and time |
| Car Rental Center Rental car | — | — |
| Greyhound Connect Intercity coach | — | — |
Insider notes
Traveling during holidays? Arrive a full 2.5–3 hours early at Terminals A/B for security lines.
Terminal C is praised for being calmer and prettier. Choose flights from this terminal if possible.
The Satellite Concourse in Terminals A/B offers a quieter wait and sometimes cheaper souvenirs compared to the main atrium.
Welcome
Orlando International Airport (MCO) isn't just a gateway; it's an immersion into the theme park vibe of the city. From Disney and Universal references to NASA-themed distractions, MCO aims to be the last ride of your vacation, especially for families. But frequent flyers know the drill: long security lines can turn the excitement sour, with many gaming it via CLEAR and PreCheck. Terminal C offers a breath of fresh air, presenting a more serene and modern atmosphere compared to the buzzing A/B terminals.
At a glance
Handling over 57 million passengers yearly, MCO is a significant hub for Southwest Airlines, Delta, Frontier, and American. It's located just 9.7 km southeast of Downtown Orlando, making it convenient for those heading to the heart of theme park land. With three main terminals, A, B, and C, travelers have access to a wide array of amenities and services.
Terminals & layout
Terminal A: The home for JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, and Miami Air, sporting 72 gates. It's a bustling space loaded with well-known eateries like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, but security lines tend to be brutal, especially on weekends and holidays.
Terminal B: This terminal hosts United Airlines, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines. Known for its outlets like Outback Steakhouse and Panda Express, it often suffers from overcrowding and can feel dated compared to newer facilities.
Terminal C: A whole different beast. Calmer, modern, and more efficient, servicing Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Emirates, it’s praised for its shorter security lines and better food options, including Shake Shack and Cask & Larder.
Getting to and from the city
MCO offers several options for reaching Orlando. The Lynx bus routes 11, 51, and 42 connect directly to the city. For those preferring rail, there’s a transfer available via a Lynx connection to SunRail. More long-distance travel can be facilitated by Brightline train and Greyhound Connect. Rideshares like UberX and Lyft operate here, but their pickup spots can change depending on the time of day—always check the app for the latest instructions.
Traveller essentials
While MCO's rental car center is comprehensive, prepare for backup on weekend mornings — it’s wise to arrive 30-45 minutes early for returns. Parking options are abundant including Parking Garage A, B, and C, with South Park Place offering a rate of $14/day. For those who value speed, CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are available, though be ready for peak period chaos where lines can extend through hallways.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining choices abound, with Bahama Breeze and Wine Bar George in Terminal C offering local flavors. For quick bites, there's Chipotle and McDonald's in Terminal A. Shopping reflects Orlando’s attractions, with stores like the Universal Studios Store in Terminal A and Disney's EarPort in Terminal B. Don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center Shop in Terminal A for unique space souvenirs.
Lounges
MCO hosts several lounges for a more relaxed waiting period. The Club MCO lounges in Terminals A and B are popular with Priority Pass members but can often hit capacity — early arrival improves your chances of entry. Delta's Sky Club, United Club, and American Airlines Admirals Club are all situated in Terminal B, while the contemporary Escape Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge are located in Terminal C, offering a refined atmosphere.
Insider tips
- Time: Traveling during holidays? Arrive a full 2.5–3 hours early at Terminals A/B for security lines.
- Insider: Terminal C is praised for being calmer and prettier. Choose flights from this terminal if possible.
- Money: The Satellite Concourse in Terminals A/B offers a quieter wait and sometimes cheaper souvenirs compared to the main atrium.
- Quiet: Soft seating areas in certain gate clusters in A/B allow kids space to move without obstructing paths.
- Time: Rideshare pickup times and locations vary; always verify on the app upon landing.
- Local: Explore further down the concourses for less crowded and potentially higher-quality dining options than the main attractions.
- Avoid: Rental car centers can get busy, especially on weekends; plan for delays.