Quick Summary:
- Follow “Ground Transportation” signs, then take the lift to Level 1.
- Use the covered, ramped walkway to the Rental Car Center tram.
- Board the tram step-free, then exit directly into the car hire building.
- Use lifts to reach counters, accessible toilets, and pick-up levels.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is set up so you can reach the car hire desks without tackling stairs, even with large suitcases or a buggy. The key is to follow the airport’s “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars” signs, choose lifts rather than escalators, and stay on the step-free routes between the terminal and the Rental Car Center.
Before you start walking, take a moment in the arrivals area to get organised. Make sure your bags are on wheels, keep passports and booking confirmation accessible, and, if you are travelling as a family, decide who keeps hold of smaller items. The route is straightforward, but it is easier if you are not stopping every few metres to repack.
If you want to review car hire options at MCO in advance, Hola Car Rentals has dedicated pages for the airport, including Orlando Airport car rental and car hire at Orlando MCO, which can help you identify where you are heading once you arrive.
Step-by-step: arrivals to the car hire desks, step-free
Step 1: Start from arrivals and locate “Ground Transportation”. After you exit the secure area and reach the public arrivals level, look up for the large overhead signs. You are aiming for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”. At MCO, signs are frequent and typically placed at corridor junctions, near lift banks, and above main walkways. If you find yourself heading towards parking garages or hotel shuttles, pause and re-check the “Rental Cars” arrows.
Step 2: Choose lifts, not escalators. If you need to change levels, look for the passenger lift banks rather than escalators. Lifts are the simplest option with heavy luggage, and they keep you on a fully step-free route. If you are travelling with pushchairs or mobility aids, lifts also avoid tight turns that sometimes occur around escalator landings.
Step 3: Follow signs to the Rental Car Center connection. MCO’s on-airport car hire desks are located at the separate Rental Car Center, reached by an automated tram system. Continue following “Rental Cars” until you reach the clearly marked connection point. Along the way, you will pass wide corridors and open spaces designed for high passenger volumes, so it is usually possible to keep suitcases rolling without weaving through narrow gaps.
Step 4: Use the covered, step-free approach to the tram. As you approach the tram area, you will typically see a broad, covered walkway leading to the station. Stay on the main path and look for ramps where the route changes height. Where there is a choice between stairs and a ramp, take the ramp, it is built for wheeled luggage and provides a smooth gradient.
Step 5: Enter the tram station step-free and line up near the doors. The station area is designed to be accessible, with level access points and clear queuing space. If you have multiple cases, position yourself so you can roll them on together and keep them beside you. Trams can fill quickly after busy arrivals, but services are frequent, so if you prefer more space, it can be worth waiting for the next one.
Step 6: Board the tram, then exit straight into the Rental Car Center. Boarding is step-free, and the ride is short. When you arrive, follow the flow of passengers off the tram. The exit brings you into the Rental Car Center building, where the car hire desks are located. From this point, you are indoors, with flat floors and wide aisles suitable for luggage trolleys.
Step 7: Find your car hire brand, then use lifts if you need another level. Inside the Rental Car Center, overhead signs direct you to individual companies and to amenities like toilets. If your desk is on a different floor, take the lift. It is often quicker than waiting at escalators when you have bags, and it avoids any need to lift cases.
For travellers comparing providers at the airport, Hola Car Rentals also covers specific options, such as Enterprise car hire at Orlando MCO and minivan hire at Orlando MCO, which can be useful if you need extra luggage space or a family-friendly layout.
What to expect once you reach the Rental Car Center
The car hire desks are arranged in a large, open hall with clear signage. If you are arriving at a peak time, queues can form, but the area is designed for high throughput. Keep your documents ready, and if you are travelling with others, it can help if one person stays with the luggage while another joins the queue, provided your group is comfortable doing that.
Facilities are generally close by, including accessible toilets and seating areas. If you need a moment to reorganise bags, you can step out of the main flow and repack without blocking others. If you are collecting a larger vehicle, such as a people carrier, you may be directed to a specific pick-up zone. Use the lifts to reach the correct level, and follow the lane signage carefully once you are in the garage area.
Accessibility and luggage tips for a smoother step-free route
Use a luggage trolley only if it helps. Wheels-on-suitcase travel is usually easiest on this route. A trolley can be helpful with heavy or awkward items, but it can make tram boarding feel tighter if the station is busy. If you do use one, keep it close and line up where there is more space.
Keep one hand free. You will be reading overhead signs, pressing lift buttons, and steering around other passengers. Consolidating smaller bags into one backpack or tote can reduce juggling.
Follow the most direct signs, not the crowds. Most people are heading in the same direction, but some peel off towards rideshares, shuttles, or parking. If you feel unsure, stop under a sign and confirm “Rental Cars” before continuing.
Ask airport staff if you need step-free reassurance. If you are travelling with limited mobility or have a heavy luggage load, staff can point you to the nearest lift or the most accessible entrance to the tram platform.
Common mistakes that add unnecessary steps
Taking escalators by habit. Escalators can seem quicker, but they are awkward with large cases and can create pinch points at the top or bottom. Lifts keep the journey simple and fully step-free.
Following “Parking” instead of “Rental Cars”. MCO signage is clear, but in a hurry it is easy to drift towards the garage or other transport options. If you see signs for hotel shuttles, taxis, or rideshares and not “Rental Cars”, you may be off-route.
Stopping at the wrong level. If you exit a lift and do not immediately see “Rental Cars” signs, check your level indicators and return to the lift rather than wandering. The correct route is well-signposted once you are on the right level and corridor.
If you need extra time or assistance
If you are travelling with an assistance device, have a temporary injury, or simply prefer to move at a slower pace, allow extra time from arrivals to the car hire desks. Even though the route is step-free, busier periods can mean slower lift access and more crowded tram platforms. A calm pace also reduces the chance of leaving items behind at the lift or tram.
When planning your vehicle choice, consider luggage volume and passenger comfort. Families often find a larger car or minivan easier for loading without lifting bags at awkward angles. If you are researching the airport set-up and rental process, the Hola Car Rentals page for car rental at Orlando MCO can help you align your arrival plan with the pick-up location.
FAQ
Is the route from arrivals to the car hire desks fully step-free at Orlando Airport? Yes, you can follow a step-free route using lifts, ramps, and level access onto the tram to the Rental Car Center.
Do I need to take a shuttle bus to reach car hire at MCO? No, the main on-airport route uses an automated tram to the Rental Car Center, which is designed for luggage and accessibility.
Where should I go if I am worried about using escalators with luggage? Look for the nearest passenger lifts, they are clearly signposted and keep the whole journey step-free.
How long does it take to reach the car hire desks from arrivals? It varies by terminal area and crowds, but allow extra time for lifts and waiting for the tram during peak periods.
What if I cannot find the “Rental Cars” signs? Stop at the next main junction, check overhead signage for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”, or ask airport staff to point you to the tram station.
