Orlando International Airport (MCO) Guide
Quick summary
Orlando International is the gateway to Disney World and Universal, with the original Terminal A/B complex plus the newer Terminal C, which opened in 2022 and has its own Brightline train station. If you are heading to the theme parks, most visitors pre-book a shuttle or use rideshare; the airport sits roughly 15-25 miles from the parks.
Terminals at MCO
MCO is built around the North Terminal (Terminals A and B, which share the same building and Landside connector) and the separate South Terminal (Terminal C). In the North Terminal, ticketing and baggage claim are split between the A side and the B side, and you ride an automated people mover (APM) to reach the four remote airside gate concourses (1-4). Terminal C is a modern standalone building with its own gates, security, and baggage claim, and it handles a large share of international and JetBlue traffic. The two terminal complexes are linked by the Terminal Link automated train at the level of the intermodal station, so you can move between the North Terminal and Terminal C without going outside.
MCO parking rates & options
| Terminal garages A, B, C — daily max | About $19 per day |
| Terminal garage — first 21-30 min | About $2 |
| North Park Place economy lot — daily | About $10 per day |
| South Park Place economy lot — daily | About $10 per day |
| Economy lot shuttle to terminals | Free |
| Cell phone waiting lot | Free |
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
Terminal C has a Brightline higher-speed rail station (a short indoor walk from the terminal) with direct service south to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami. Lynx public buses serve the North Terminal at Level 1 (Terminal A) for a low flat fare into Orlando, connecting at Lynx Central Station downtown. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis pick up at designated curbs -- rideshare uses Level 4 at Terminal C and the Level 1/2 areas at the North Terminal. For the theme parks, most travelers use a pre-booked shuttle such as Mears Connect, a private transfer, or rideshare; downtown Orlando is about 20-30 minutes by car and Disney World is roughly 20-25 miles southwest.
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🛋️ Lounges
MCO has a growing lounge lineup. The North Terminal airsides have The Club MCO locations (Priority Pass) and airline clubs such as Delta Sky Club and United Club. Terminal C added newer premium spaces including a Chase Sapphire Lounge and airline lounges. Access is generally tied to your airline, membership, or a Priority Pass-style pass, and lounges are airside-specific, so confirm your gate area before counting on a particular lounge.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout MCO -- connect to the 'MCO Free WiFi' network and accept the terms to get online.
😴 Layovers & overnight
MCO is a reasonable place for a layover: the North Terminal has a wide food and shopping court in the Landside atrium (before security), and Terminal C is bright and modern with plenty of seating. The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is built directly into the North Terminal above the atrium, making it the most convenient overnight option without leaving the building. Because the airsides are reached by people mover and the two terminal complexes are linked by the Terminal Link train, allow extra time to move around, and note the airport is not an ideal place to sleep overnight for long stretches.
Insider tips
- Check whether you fly from the North Terminal (A/B) or Terminal C -- they are separate buildings linked only by the Terminal Link train.
- Park in the garage that matches your terminal (Garage C connects directly to Terminal C) to avoid a shuttle.
- For the cheapest parking, use the North or South Park Place economy lots at about $10 per day with a free shuttle.
- Brightline from Terminal C is a comfortable, traffic-free way to reach South Florida cities.
- Give yourself extra time -- reaching North Terminal airside gates requires an automated people mover ride.
MCO airport — FAQ
How much is parking at MCO?
The terminal parking garages (A, B, and C) run up to about $19 per day, billed at roughly $2 for the first 21-30 minutes and then per-15-minute increments up to the daily max. The North and South Park Place economy lots are about $10 per day with a free shuttle to the terminals, and the cell phone waiting lot is free.
How do I get to the theme parks or downtown from MCO?
Most theme-park visitors use a pre-booked shuttle like Mears Connect, a private transfer, or rideshare -- Disney World is roughly 20-25 miles southwest and Universal about 16 miles. Downtown Orlando is about 20-30 minutes by car, or you can take a low-cost Lynx bus from the North Terminal to Lynx Central Station.
Is Wi-Fi free at MCO?
Yes. Connect to 'MCO Free WiFi' and accept the terms for free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
How do I get between terminals at MCO?
The North Terminal (A/B) and Terminal C are separate buildings connected by the free Terminal Link automated train at the intermodal station level. Within the North Terminal, an automated people mover carries you from ticketing to the remote airside gate concourses.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at MCO?
Rideshare pickups are at designated curbs -- Level 4 outside Terminal C, and the Level 1/2 rideshare areas at the North Terminal (A and B sides). Follow the 'App-Based Rideshare' signage, and expect longer waits during peak travel periods.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Orlando International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.