Orlando International Airport is the primary gateway to Florida's central theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
One of the busiest airports in the United States for family tourism, featuring a distinctive design that includes a hotel directly connected to the main terminal.
How to get to Orlando International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MCO
Parking near Orlando International Airport
Economy North and South Park Place parking, with complimentary shuttle to all terminals, costs 10 USD/day; terminal parking goes up to 28.76 USD/day; off-site partner parking starts from 7.99 USD/day.
How to get to Orlando from MCO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Orlando International Airport
All major car rental companies have desks at the terminal, very busy given the airport's tourist-oriented profile.
Bring your license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; book in advance during peak season (school holidays).
Hotels near Orlando International Airport
In the terminal (Hyatt Regency)
Inside the airport itself, between Terminal A and B: reached by elevators and escalators, with no bus or shuttle needed.
Best for: A dawn flight, a late-night arrival or a short layover, without ever leaving the terminal.
- Zero transfers: the lobby and rooms are beyond the security checkpoints
- Useful for those with a flight departing before 7 or arriving after midnight
- No quick access to Disney, Universal or International Drive
- Rates higher than the budget chains just outside the airport grounds
Airport area
Free hotel shuttles in 5-10 minutes from the MCO terminals.
Best for: Those who want to stay a few minutes from MCO without paying terminal rates, maybe waiting for a flight the next day.
- Free shuttle, often running around the clock on request
- Lower rates than the hotel inside the terminal
- An area of offices and warehouses, nothing to do on foot in the evening
- For the parks or downtown a car or taxi is still needed for 30-45 minutes
Recommended hotels
- Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel A few minutes from MCO with a free shuttle on request, a large pool with cabanas for passing the time during a long layover. View availability
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport Two-room suites less than a mile from MCO, with hot breakfast and an evening reception included. View availability
Universal and International Drive
About 20-30 minutes by car or taxi from MCO; some hotels have their own shuttle to the parks, no direct train.
Best for: Those spending most days at Universal Orlando, Epic Universe or ICON Park and who don't want to drive every day.
- Many hotels with direct access or a shuttle to Universal and the Convention Center
- Restaurants and ICON Park within walking distance from much of International Drive
- The area stretches for several kilometers: it's worth choosing a hotel near the part that interests you
- Transfer from the airport is road-only, longer during peak hours
Recommended hotels
- Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Inside the Universal resort, with a free boat to Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay plus a bus to CityWalk. View availability
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park Next to ICON Park, with free breakfast and a paid shuttle to Disney, Universal and Epic Universe. View availability
Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs
About 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from MCO, with no direct connection; many hotels have their own shuttle to the Disney parks.
Best for: Those devoting the trip mainly to Walt Disney World and wanting the parks a few minutes away every morning.
- Disney parks 5-10 minutes away, often with a free hotel shuttle
- Disney Springs reachable on foot or by shuttle from several hotels
- Transfer from the airport longer than for downtown or International Drive
- Outside Disney Springs the area consists only of resort hotels and restaurants
Recommended hotels
- Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek Less than 5 km from Disney Springs, with a free scheduled shuttle to all the Disney parks. View availability
- Hampton Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista 5 minutes from Disney Springs, with a free shuttle on fixed schedules to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. View availability
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Inside the Disney perimeter, with its own private water park, Explorer Island; for those seeking the highest level close to the parks. View availability
Downtown Orlando
The closest to MCO among the city areas: 15-20 minutes by car or taxi; the Lynx 11 bus connects the airport and downtown in 40-45 minutes with many stops.
Best for: Engagements in the city, a very early flight or days with no parks planned.
- A shorter transfer from the airport than Disney or International Drive
- Bars, restaurants and Lake Eola within walking distance from downtown
- No direct access or shuttle to the theme parks
- An office district, quieter on weekends than International Drive
Recommended hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown Views of Lake Ivanhoe and a heated rooftop pool, a few minutes from Orange Avenue and downtown's bars. View availability
- Aloft Orlando Downtown On Orange Avenue in the heart of downtown, convenient for walking between bars and restaurants in the evening. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 7
- with Priority Pass
- 3
- paid entry
- from 55 USD
- earliest opening
- 04:30
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The 4 airside gates (1-4) are connected to the main terminal, which also houses a hotel, by an automated internal train.
For international flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours in advance, given the airport's scale and intense tourist traffic.
Map of Orlando International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there a cheap bus from Orlando Airport to Disney World?
Yes, the public Lynx Link 311 bus reaches Disney Springs in about 55 minutes for just 2 USD, a much cheaper alternative to private shuttles.
Q. Does Orlando Airport have a hotel inside the terminal?
Yes, a hotel is directly connected to the main terminal.
Q. Is Orlando Airport among the busiest in the United States?
Yes, it is regularly among the country's busiest airports by passenger numbers, traffic driven mainly by tourism to the area's theme parks rather than by a hub role for airlines.
Q. Is it worth booking a rental car in advance in Orlando?
Yes, especially during school holidays, when tourist demand is very high.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
The Club MCO (Terminal A), The Club MCO (Terminal B) and Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal C).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is 55 USD, at The Club MCO (Terminal A).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 04:30: Admirals Club (Terminal B).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
