A guide to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Quick insights
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) has three terminals (A, B and C) in two connected buildings.
- Many of MCO's airport lounges provide family-friendly amenities due to the number of families that travel to Orlando for theme parks and other attractions.
- There are three airport lounges at MCO that are available to Priority Pass™ members.
MCO is the primary international airport in the Downtown Orlando area. MCO stands for the airport's original name, "McCoy Air Force Base," which was a former U.S. Air Force facility. These days, MCO is a major hub for those traveling to and from Orlando, which is a perpetually popular tourist destination due to its many family-friendly theme parks and vacation destinations.
Keep reading to learn tips for navigating through MCO, plus what amenities and airport lounges are available to travelers.
Navigating to and from Orlando Airport
MCO has a variety of ground transport options for travelers, including:
- Taxi: Follow signs for "Ground Transportation Curb" in Terminals A and B. For Terminal C, find the Arrivals Curb.
- Rideshare: Rideshare drop-off is on Level 3 for Terminals A and B, and Level 2 for Terminal C. All rideshare companies pick up passengers at each terminal's Arrival Curb.
- Hotel shuttles: There are many hotels near MCO, some of which provide shuttle service to and from the airport. Coordinate with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle and where to go for pickup.
- Local bus: The LYNX local bus stop is in Terminal A on Level 1, and brings passengers to Downtown Orlando, Florida Mall, Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld and more.
- Shuttle vans: Shuttle vans may be a helpful option for families or larger groups. Pickup is on Level 1 for each terminal.
- SunRail: This Central Florida-based rail service is accessible via the LYNX Sand Lake Road SunRail station.
- Rental car: Rental cars are accessible from each terminal. You can also access some off airport rental car companies via a complimentary shuttle bus.
Parking options at Orlando Airport
Orlando Airport offers a range of long-term and short-term parking lots and garages. There are also two free cell phone lots that drivers can use while they wait for passengers to arrive.
Visit MCO's website to learn more about parking options or reserve parking in advance.
Time required to get through Orlando Airport
Most airports recommend that passengers arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours before international flights. However, you may want to allot additional time for things like parking your vehicle, checking bags or traveling on a holiday.
Programs like TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry may help shorten the time it takes to get through the security process.
Orlando Airport map
If you'd like to get the lay of the land before arriving at Orlando Airport, browse the available terminal maps on MCO's website. You can view security checkpoints, baggage claim, ground transportation, stores and dining options in your terminal ahead of time.
Orlando Airport terminal information
Terminals A and B are at either end of the North Terminal Complex, a large building with four concourses accessible via elevated people movers.
Terminal C is in the South Terminal Complex and mainly accommodates international flights. Passengers may use an elevated enclosed walkway to reach Terminals A and B in the North Terminal Complex.
Refer to MCO's website to learn more about its operating airlines and their respective terminals.
Orlando Airport Priority Pass lounges
If you're a Priority Pass member, you can access three participating lounges at MCO. Access is subject to space constraints and children under two may enter for free.
If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).
The Club MCO locations
There are two locations of The Club at MCO:
- Terminal A: Located on the Main Concourse for gates 1-29.
- Terminal B: Located near gate 91 of Concourse 4.
Complimentary amenities include snacks and beverages, spacious seating options, high-speed Wi-Fi and a separate children's play area. Guests are permitted access three hours prior to their scheduled flight departure.
Plaza Premium Lounge MCO
MCO's Plaza Premium Lounge location is on the second level of Terminal C near gate 241. Guests can stay a maximum of two hours.
Complimentary amenities include:
- Food and beverages
- A children's entertainment space with educational games and eco-friendly toys
- A dedicated quiet zone with views of the tarmac
- Bathrooms with shower facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Various seating options
Things to do at the Orlando Airport
Whether you have a long layover or simply want to stretch your legs and explore, you'll have plenty of options available at MCO. The below information is up to date as of June 2024:
- View airport art: Passengers can find commissioned art of various styles and media across all three terminals and the airport grounds. There are also a variety of art pieces selected from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority's annual employee art contest.
- Partake in planespotting: MCO allows aircraft spotting and photography in various parking lots and garages. If you plan to participate, keep in mind that you'll need to complete a form and receive approval in advance.
- Visit nearby attractions: If you have a longer layover, you may have time to visit a variety of attractions within 20 minutes of MCO, including Universal CityWalk, Gatorland and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.
In summary
If you find yourself at MCO, you'll have a range of options to pass the time while you wait for your flight. And if you'd prefer to relax in lounge before takeoff, you may want to learn more about the benefits of a Priority Pass membership.
This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.
