Orlando International Airport (MCO) handles more than 57 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the U.S. If you’re heading to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios or Port Canaveral for a cruise, you’ll likely fly through here. MCO primarily serves the Orlando metropolitan area, it's also the main airport of the Central Florida region at large.
Terminals at MCO
MCO has two main terminal complexes that aren’t connected airside, so connecting between terminals means re-entering security. The North Terminal (also called the Main Terminal) comprises Terminals A and B, while the South Terminal Complex houses Terminal C and the Train Station. Both terminals connect landside via the Terminal Link people mover between Terminals A/B and the train station, with a pedestrian walkway connecting the train station to Terminal C.
North Terminal (Terminals A and B)
The North Terminal’s main building is divided into Terminal A on one side and Terminal B on the other. This is where you'll find ticketing, baggage claim and security. You’ll also find a food court, shops and even an in-terminal hotel before you go through the security checkpoint.
The satellite concourses work like a wheel hub with spokes, connected only to the main terminal, not to each other. Pay close attention to your gate number when boarding the Gate Link people movers, as different tracks serve different gates. If you board the wrong one, you’ll have to return to the main terminal to catch the correct one.
That said, if you have lots of time before your flight, you can check out the other concourse on your side of the North Terminal to peruse its shopping and dining options. The trains are quick and run every few minutes, so it doesn't take much time to get between the concourses.
South Terminal Complex (Terminal C)
Terminal C, which opened recently, is the airport’s newest addition. It primarily serves international airlines and JetBlue. It's designed not only as a transportation hub, but also a dining and shopping destination in its own right. My favorite aspect of this terminal is all the natural light that pours in through the windows, which makes it more pleasant to spend time here.
Terminal C is also open to the non-flying public through its Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program. If you're interested in dining or shopping at MCO's Terminal C, or seeing a loved one off on their travels, you can apply online for a free pass up to 72 hours ahead of your visit. Just remember, you’ll still have to clear security, and you can’t use the TSA PreCheck or CLEAR lanes.
Everything you need to know about ground transportation at MCO
Most travelers flying into Orlando are heading to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios or Port Canaveral for a cruise. Transportation options from MCO serve these popular destinations, plus other spots throughout Greater Orlando and even South Florida.
The best way to get between the airport and Walt Disney World® Resort
Walt Disney World® Resort partners with Mears Destination Services to provide buses (for a fee) between MCO and resort hotels. The Mears Connect buses run 24/7, offering both shared shuttles that stop at multiple hotels and express service to your specific hotel. In my experience, the shared shuttle can mean a long ride if your hotel is last in the lineup. If you’ve already had a long travel day, the express service is worth the extra cost.
That said, rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are likely cheaper if you’re traveling as a party of two or larger. Rental cars and taxis are also available.
The best way to get between the airport and Universal Studios
Universal Studios has its own paid shuttle the Universal SuperStar Shuttle to get guests from MCO to its hotels. Like the Disney service, it’s a shared ride that visits multiple hotels, so pack your patience in case you’re the last drop-off.
The best way to get between the airport and Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is about 45 miles east of MCO on Florida’s Space Coast. Most cruise lines offer their own shuttles, but third-party operators are also available and can be a bit cheaper. Taxis and rideshares are an option, but they can be far more expensive than the shuttles, depending on how many people you're traveling with.
The downside of the shuttles is that you could end up waiting a long time for them. My last experience with a Port Canaveral shuttle had me sitting around and waiting for more than an hour. If you’re in a group of four or more, it’s probably cheaper (and faster) to split a rideshare.
Other transportation options at MCO
Orlando is not a public transportation–friendly city. It is extremely spread out, so most people drive or use rideshares which are readily available. The LYNX bus network is the only public option. While it covers a lot of ground, including MCO, the wait times can be long. On the plus side, the buses are cheap.
Besides shuttles and rideshares, the newest transportation option at MCO is the Brightline train. This high-speed rail connects Orlando to South Florida cities like West Palm Beach Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The station is a short walk from Terminal C and connected to Terminals A and B by the Terminal Link.
How long are the security lines at MCO?
MCO has notoriously long security lines, with queues wrapping around the terminal and taking an hour or two to get through. There are periods of calm, though. On my last trip through MCO, there was zero line at security, and I was shocked.
To expedite your security experience, it definitely helps to have a TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. If you don’t have either, you can book a spot in an expedited line for free with MCO Reserve. This service lets you schedule a time slot up to 72 hours before your flight. Spots are limited, so book it as soon as you can.
How to spend a layover at MCO
MCO is more often a final destination than it is a layover airport, but some airlines like Southwest have layovers here. Given Orlando’s sprawl, traffic and those infamous security lines, it’s not a great idea to leave the airport during a layover. The airport authority itself suggests arriving three hours before your flight, so that should tell you something.
That said, there's plenty to do within the airport itself. The major theme parks have stores in the landside area of the North Terminal and the food options in Terminal C are excellent. You can even book a Day Stay at the in-terminal hotel to take a nap shower or go for a swim in the rooftop pool.
Alternative airports to MCO
Because MCO can get so packed you might want to look at other airports. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is the closest, about 30 miles north or a 30-minute drive with no traffic. It’s a much smaller operation, though, with flights limited to carriers like Allegiant.
The next best options are Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which are 60 and 55-60 miles away respectively. They also have fewer flights than MCO, but more than Sanford. These are great choices if you’re heading to the beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
The biggest nearby airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA) on the Gulf Coast. It’s about a 90-minute drive (90 miles) from MCO so it’s not exactly next door. But it's definitely a better choice if you're traveling to the Gulf Coast.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
