You are on the land of amusement (parks), but will the airport amuse you? With this Orlando Airport guide, you won’t have to worry. From the MCO’s history and transportation options to security and popular tourist destinations near the airport, we have it all covered in this blog. Read on.
About Orlando Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a public airport owned by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority that serves Greater Orlando. It’s located approximately 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida. It is the seventh biggest airport in terms of passengers, with over 100 destinations and 35 airlines. There are three terminals – Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C at the airport.
Orlando Airport History
Orlando Airport served as an airfield initially and went through rapid changes with investments and planning. It is currently one of the busiest airports in the United States. The airport was named McCoy Air Force Base, honoring Colonel Michael McCoy. The airport is operated and managed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).
Initially built in the early 1940s, it was previously a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation. It was closed in 1975 as a result of the general military drawdown that followed the end of the Vietnam War. Later, the city of Orlando purchased the land. In 1981, the first passenger terminal was introduced, which gave way to more passenger flights. The airport kept growing with more facilities and improvements.
Where Is MCO Airport?
MCO Airport is located in Orlando, and the address is Florida 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.
MCO Airport Map
The MCO Airport Map will help you locate the terminals, parking, and transportation facilities.
MCO Parking and Transportation
MCO Airport has onsite parking options like Economy Parking, Surface Lots, Parking Garage, Valet Parking, etc. Since the onsite parking can be easily filled up, you can also opt for offsite parking lots from Global Airport Parking, which can save you money.
How to Get to Orlando Airport
Local buses, shuttle vans, taxis, hotel shuttles, limousines, and other transportation services like Brightline, AMTRAK, and Greyhound are all the transportation options available at MCO Airport.
Transportation Rates
- Local Bus: Local buses cost $2 per person for most of the areas. If you are taking a local bus to Port Canaveral, the rate would be $4.
- Shuttle: If you are taking the shuttle, it would cost between $15 and $29 for a one-way trip and between $18 and $75 for a round trip.
- Taxis: Taxis cost between $14 and $115 per one-way trip, and limousines are charged between $50 and $90 per hour.
- Hotel Shuttles: Airport Hotel shuttles are free.
Note that all these rates are subject to change.
How to get to MCO Airport by bus
FlixBus connects various cities with MCO Airport. The bus stop location is the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1) of the airport, near Terminal B. Lynx buses are another way to get to the airport and are budget-friendly as well.
Greyhound station is located approximately 13 miles from Orlando Airport. Take the Lynx bus #11 to North Garland Avenue and Lynx bus #25 to 500 John Young Parkway. The Greyhound station location is across the road at 555 N. John Young Parkway.
Train
These are the train transportation options and their stations:
Brightline trains from MCO Airport have stations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
AMTRAK station is located approximately 12 miles from Orlando Airport. You can take Lynx bus #11 to Orange Avenue and Columbia Street. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
Rental Car Services
The car rental companies at MCO Airport are located in the following areas:
- Terminal A – Level 1
- Terminal B – Level 1
- Terminal C – Level 4
These are the car rental companies at Orlando Airport:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Hotels near Orlando Airport
These are the hotels near Orlando Airport:
Address: 7550 Augusta National Dr, Orlando, FL 32822
Distance: 1.5 miles
Address: 5750 T G Lee Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822
Distance: 1.5 miles
Address: 5445 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812
Distance: 2 miles
Best Western Airport Inn & Suites
Address: 8101 Aircenter Ct, Orlando, FL 32809
Distance: 2 miles
Address: 5435 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812
Distance: 3 miles
Address: 1934 McCoy Rd, Belle Isle, FL 32809
Distance: 4.1 miles
Address: 5909 American Way, Orlando, FL, 32819
Distance: 18.0 miles
Address: 5835 T G Lee Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822
Distance: 1 mile
TownePlace
Address: 5530 Butler National Dr, Orlando, FL 32812
Distance: 2.2 miles
Comfort Suites
Address: 1936 McCoy Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
Distance: 3.3 miles
MCO Airport Food and Dining
There are plenty of options to grab some food at Orlando Airport. Some of them are below.
| Restaurant | Location | Hours |
| Auntie Anne’s | Terminals A and B – Food Court | 5:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Gates 100-129 | 7:00 am – Last Departing Flight | |
| Terminal C – Palm Court | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight | |
| Romano’s On the Fly | Terminals A and B – West Hall | 11:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Chick-fil-A | Terminals A and B – Food Court | 5:00 am to 10:00 pm (Mon-Sat) |
| Terminal C – Palm Court | 4:00 am – Last Dep Flight (Mo-Sat) | |
| Chipotle | Gates 100-129 | 8:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| McDonald’s | Terminals A and B – Food Court | Open 24 hours |
| Panda Express | Terminals A & B – Food Court | 8:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Starbucks | Gates 1-29 | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| Terminal C – Palm Court | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight | |
| Terminal C – Baggage Claim | 8:00 am – 1:00 am | |
| Cinnabon | Terminal C – Palm Court | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| Burger King | Gates 1-29, Food Court | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| Cold Stone Creamery | Gates 1-29, Food Court | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| Baskin Robbins | South Travel Plaza | 5:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | South Travel Plaza | 5:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Manchu Wok | Gates 30-59, Food Court | 5:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| Wendy’s | Gates 30-59 | 3:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
| Shake Shack | Terminal C – Palm Court | 4:00 am – Last Departing Flight |
Orlando Airport Amenities
These are the amenities you can find at the Orlando Airport.
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Free Wi-Fi
- Information Desks
- Hotel – Hyatt Regency
- Lounges
- Bank
- ATMs
- Baggage Services
- Nursing Spaces
- Chapels
- EV charging stations
- Accessible services
- Mobile charging
MCO Airport Lounges
These are the MCO lounges and their locations:
Terminal A
The Club: Located at Terminal A, Concourse 1, near XpressSpa
USO Lounge: Located at Terminal A, Arrivals level at the west end.
Terminal B
Admirals Club: Located at Terminal B, Concourse 3, near gate 55
The Club: Located at Terminal B, Concourse 4, near gate 91
Delta Sky Club: Located at Terminal B, Concourse 4, near gate 71
United Club: Located at Terminal B, Concourse 3, near gate 43.
Terminal C
Plaza Premium Lounge: Located at Terminal C, on the Second level of the Palm Court area.
Tourist Destinations near Orlando
If you are looking for fun, there are plenty of tourist destinations near Orlando. Some of them are below:
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Discovery Cove
- Lake Eola Park
- John F. Kennedy Space Center
- Orlando Museum of Art.
Accessible MCO Airport Facilities
The Orlando Airport provides accessible services for people with disabilities, and these are the services:
- Adult changing tables
- Curbside check-in
- Ground Transportation
- Hidden disabilities sunflower program
- Hotel
- Information booths
- Luggage carts
- Mobility devices
- Parking
- Phones
- Restrooms
- Service animal relief areas
- Skycaps
- Website Accessibility
- Wheelchairs, etc.
Security at MCO Airport
The airport has three security checkpoints. The west side of the main terminal, which serves Gates 1 to 59, has a security checkpoint. You can find another on the East Side, serving gates 70 to 129. The third security checkpoint is at Terminal C Level 2.
MCO TSA Wait Time
Below are the MCO Security Wait Times:
| Gates | Wait Time |
| Gates 1-59 | 8-12 mins |
| Gates 70-129 | 8-12 mins |
| Gates C230-C245 | 2-6 mins |
TSA PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck lanes are in both the east and west checkpoints and are open from around 4 am to 8 pm daily. The enrollment center is located on level 2 of Terminal B near baggage claim 23.
Global Entry
MCO Airport allows expedited clearance for arriving passengers who prebook. The Global Entry Enrollment Center is in Terminal B on level 3.
Mobile Passport
Expedited entry to the U.S. is also possible for the Mobile Passport Control app users. Passengers can use their CBP Declaration Form via the app on arrival. You can present the instant receipt along with the passport to the CBP agent for quick processing.
CLEAR
You can find CLEAR lanes at all three security checkpoints. Eligible participants can use the CLEAR lanes, which are open daily from 4 am to 9 pm.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at MCO
Free Wi-Fi is provided by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and is available in all public areas. They use the WiFi SSID “MCO Internet.” You can find phone charging outlets in the seating area. They also have wireless charging options.
Orlando Airport FAQs
What airport is MCO?
MCO is the IATA code for Orlando International Airport.
How early should I get to Orlando Airport?
The Airport’s Aviation Authority recommends arriving three hours before the scheduled departure time. You can also check with your airline for more specific details about your flight.
Where is the MCO Airport in Orlando?
MCO Airport in Orlando is located at 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.
Are there two different airports in Orlando?
The two different airports in Orlando are Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
What is the difference between SFB and MCO?
The major difference between these two major commercial airports – SFB and MCO Airport is the size. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is larger than the Orlando International Airport (SFB). MCO Airport is also the busiest in central Florida and the entire state of Florida.
How to get from Orlando Airport to Disney?
To get from Orlando Airport to Disney, you can take Uber/Lyft, Shuttle Bus Services, Taxi, Rental Car, Private Car Service, or Minnie Vans.
