The Orlando International Airport (MCO) Guide

Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida is one of the top transit hubs for leisure travelers in the U.S.

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and other Orlando attractions, or cruising from Port Canaveral, you’ll most likely fly into MCO.

As a proud Disney adult (and recent Universal Orlando and cruise convert), I’ve flown into MCO dozens of times. I’ve also seen MCO undergo major changes in recent years.

In 2022, the airport unveiled Terminal C, which feels almost like an entirely different airport (both in terms of its impressive architecture and also distance from the main terminal). In 2023, the airport got its own Brightline station, connecting it by rail to Miami and other Florida destinations.

This airport is huge — and can sometimes feel more crowded and chaotic than even Orlando’s busiest theme park. Here’s what you should know about the airport.

Orlando International Airport quick facts

Here is a series of maps of MCO.

Terminals A and B are the older of the three MCO terminals. They sit on opposite sides of the same building.

It’s a very short walk through an atrium on Level 3 between the two terminals. Terminals A and B are also connected post-security, so you don’t necessarily have to clear the security line again to get from one to the other.

As far as getting to Terminal C from the A and B terminals, it’s a small journey. You cannot walk between the two and you’ll also have to clear security again to go from one to the other.

You can either take the Terminal Link, which is an automated people mover that takes you to Terminal C’s train station.

From there, you’ll walk about 0.2 miles through a parking garage to Terminal C.

If you’d rather not walk through the garage, you can also take a shuttle bus that will get you closer. Both operate 24 hours a day.

Airlines that use Terminal A include:

Terminals A and B are largely similar in style. Both can feel dark and claustrophobic at times, and both lack power outlets and comfortable seating. Consider it preparation for what’s to come at an Orlando theme park you may be visiting.

All the terminals are large, and separate shuttles post-security take you to your gate.

Airlines that use Terminal B include:

Terminal C, which opened more recently, is a game-changer. It’s got sunlit architecture and spacious seating. Shopping here feels like an experience, and its public art is more impressive than what you’ll find in many museums.

One of the highlights is the Moment Vault, a 360-degree immersive art installation that uses motion-tracking software to create an interactive experience where you might swim with underwater manatees or watch the sunrise over the Orlando skyline.

Even the floors are art, with mosaics that evoke Florida’s landscape.

Airlines that use Terminal C include:

To eat, it’s got some of my favorite national chains including Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A. Better yet, it’s got excellent eats from local chefs.

I recommend Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith. If you just want drinks, visit Wine Bar George, named for Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Both Smith and Miliotes operate eateries in Disney Springs.

With options like these, you might be tempted to skip your in-flight meal, even if you’re flying first class.

Transportation to and from MCO

Drivers can park onsite or save money by parking in an offsite lot. Some lots offer EV charging and valet. MCO’s website regularly updates to show if lots are full, and it also shows the latest parking rates.

Rideshare companies such as Uber, Lyft, Wingz and KreweCar operate at MCO and offer pickups and drop-offs right outside the terminal.

Some airport hotels offer complimentary shuttles.

For rides to Disney, Mears Connect is one of the most popular shuttle services. With Mears, you board a shared vehicle (typically a charter bus), which then takes you to any of the Disney-owned hotels, as well as many other Disney area hotels (though you’ll likely make a few stops for all the other riders).

Mears tickets cost less than $20 per person, which can be cheaper than a rideshare service when traveling solo or as a couple. However, since it charges per person, it might not be as economical for families as simply booking an Uber or Lyft (particularly if there’s no surge pricing kicking in).

Terminal C is directly connected to the Brightline high-speed rail station. With Brightline, travelers can hop to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or even Miami directly from the terminal — a first-of-its-kind convenience in the U.S.

In fact, Brightline is the only high-speed intercity rail service to operate from an airport in the U.S.

Navigating security at MCO

Security lines at MCO can get long. I’ve seen wait times top 30 minutes. MCO maintains a website that shows current wait times.

Then there’s a fee-free option called MCO Reserve. Launched in 2022, this lets any traveler book a security time slot — no membership required. Upon arriving at the dedicated MCO Reserve lane, travelers scan a QR code which allows them access to an expedited lane where they’ll then show their boarding pass and ID — and then proceed through the standard TSA security screening, as usual.

Location: Terminal A (near Gates 1-29) and Terminal B (near Gates 70-99)

There are two outposts of The Club MCO (one each in Terminals A and B), which are accessible either by purchasing a day pass (about $55) or through other lounge membership programs such as Priority Pass.

These lounges are solidly meh. They offer some sandwiches and pasta that rival what your college cafeteria served, but that’s about it. Still, there’s free Wi-Fi, abundant outlets, some plush seating and an open bar.

If you’re a frugal traveler and have complimentary access anyway through something like Priority Pass, you might as well pop in for a small snack and drink. But temper your expectations if your ideal meal is something more than a bland turkey sandwich with a side of pretzels and animal cookies.

And on many visits, there’s been a waitlist just to get in. If you’re considering entering via a day pass, you should probably just skip it and save your money for a nicer restaurant meal in the airport.

Location: Terminal C on Level 2, next to Gate 241.

Plaza Premium is a global network of lounges mostly in Asia, but with locations in Europe and one in Dallas, too. The Orlando Plaza Premium Lounge opened in 2023 as a flagship lounge for the company, spanning 10,000 square feet with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook Terminal C on one side and the runways on another.

In many ways, the lounge is quite fancy. I’ve had unique and flavorful dishes including Cuban style ground beef, stir fry veggies and chicken, thyme sage rolls and assorted pastas.

But oftentimes, it’s been so packed that it’s nearly impossible to even find a seat. If you’re in Terminal C and have Priority Pass, pop by and scope out the crowds. If it’s packed, you can get plenty of excellent food elsewhere in Terminal C.

Shopping in any MCO terminal is particularly fun, with multiple stores tied to theme parks including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando. There’s even a store dedicated to Epic Universe.

The Universal Orlando store in Terminal C is one of the best for all the memorabilia packed inside, including a replica of Hagrid’s motorbike.

All of these stores sell merchandise that’s also sold in the parks, which can make waiting for a flight feel like an extension of your theme park vacation. I’ve definitely bought a cuddle-sized Mickey plush at the Disney World store to function as a plane pillow (which beats buying one in the Magic Kingdom and carrying it around a theme park all day).

As far as eateries, there are so many that it’s difficult to think of a major fast food chain that isn’t represented in either terminal.

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

There are many airport hotels within a short drive or shuttle ride from the airport, but the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is the only one actually located within the airport. It straddles Terminals A and B, just steps away from security.

Opened in 1992, it remains one of the few full-service airport hotels in the country located inside the terminal itself. That makes it easy to roll out of bed and into security for an early flight.

Rooms overlook either the interior atrium or the runway, and soundproofing ensures a surprisingly restful sleep. The rooftop pool even has tarmac views.