Quick Summary:
- Collect car hire in Terminal A or B, Level 1 Ground Transportation.
- Follow purple “Rental Cars” signs from baggage claim to counters.
- For Terminal C, take the train to A/B to reach counters.
- Use the shuttle only when directed to an off-airport rental location.
After landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, you normally collect your car hire from the on-airport Rental Car Counters in Terminals A and B, then walk straight to the adjacent garages to pick up your vehicle. The key is knowing which terminal you arrive into and following the “Rental Cars” wayfinding, so you do not waste time searching the wrong level or waiting for a shuttle you do not need.
This step-by-step overview takes you from the arrivals gate to the correct counter or rental car centre, then on to the garage for collection. It also covers what changes if you arrive in Terminal C and when a shuttle is required.
Step 1: Confirm which terminal you arrive into
MCO has multiple terminals and concourses. Terminals A and B form the main terminal complex, where the on-airport rental car counters are located. Terminal C is newer and connected to the main terminal by an automated people mover (train). Your airline and gate assignment determine where you arrive, but you can also confirm by checking airport monitors, the MCO app, or your baggage claim carousel information.
If you want a quick overview of options for car hire at MCO, Hola Car Rentals maintains helpful landing pages such as car hire Orlando MCO and car rental Orlando MCO, which focus on airport pick-up in Orlando.
Step 2: Walk to baggage reclaim and look for “Rental Cars” signs
From the gate, follow the standard route to Arrivals and Baggage Claim. Orlando airport signage is clear and colour-coded. You are looking for signs that say “Rental Cars” as you approach the public arrivals area.
Important time-saver: do not head outside to the kerbside transport lanes unless you have been specifically told that your car hire is off-airport. Most travellers picking up at MCO will not need any shuttle or ride-share at this point.
Step 3: Go to the right level in Terminal A or B
For Terminals A and B, the Rental Car Counters are in the main terminal on Level 1 (Ground Transportation). After collecting your bags, follow the “Rental Cars” signs to the lift, escalator, or corridor leading to the Ground Transportation level.
Once on Level 1, you will see the car hire counter area with multiple brands. This is where you check in if you have not already completed online check-in, need to show documents, or must collect a key and paperwork.
Have these ready to keep the queue moving: driving licence, passport (or ID used for travel), and the payment card. If you have pre-paid, keep your confirmation details handy. Also check whether your licence is plastic card only or whether you need an additional code or document, depending on your home country requirements.
Step 4: If you arrive in Terminal C, take the train to A/B for counters
If you land in Terminal C, you still typically collect your car hire via the main rental car counter area in Terminals A and B. After baggage reclaim in Terminal C, follow signs for the train or people mover connecting you to the main terminal. The ride is quick, but you should allow extra time at busy periods for walking and waiting.
When you arrive at the main terminal, continue following the “Rental Cars” signage down to Level 1 Ground Transportation in Terminal A/B to reach the counters.
Step 5: Find your car hire counter and complete the desk process
At the counter, you will confirm the driver details, add any additional drivers if needed, and finalise protection options. If you are travelling with children, confirm the child seat arrangements before you leave the desk. If you need a larger vehicle for luggage and car seats, you may find it helpful to compare people carrier options in advance, for example via minivan rental Orlando MCO.
Typical desk outcomes include one of the following: you are issued a key and directed to an aisle or zone in the garage, you are directed to a kiosk, or you are given a slip that you present at the garage exit. Read the collection instructions before you walk away, because they tell you exactly where to go next.
Step 6: Walk to the on-airport rental car garages for vehicle pick-up
After leaving the counters, you will head to the adjacent rental car garages. At MCO, these are on airport property and connected by covered walkways and clear signage. In most cases, it is a simple walk from the counter area to the garage entrance.
Inside the garage, aisles are marked by company and sometimes by vehicle category. Look for overhead signs and bay numbers. If the paperwork says “pick any car in the aisle”, choose a vehicle that matches the category shown on your agreement, then proceed to the exit booth. If the paperwork specifies a bay number, go straight there.
Step 7: Do a quick car check before you drive out
Before leaving the garage, take two minutes to inspect the vehicle. Check for obvious scratches, bumper scuffs, wheel marks, and windscreen chips. Make sure the fuel type and fuel policy are clear. Set mirrors, locate the hazard lights, and pair your phone safely if you plan to use navigation.
If anything looks wrong or missing, return to the booth or the nearest staff point in the garage. It is faster to fix it before exiting than trying to resolve it later.
Step 8: Know when a shuttle is required
You only need a shuttle if your rental is specifically designated as off-airport. In that case, the desk instructions will direct you to a pick-up point, usually from the Ground Transportation area, and you will ride a branded shuttle to the off-site location. If you followed “Rental Cars” signs and ended up at the main counters and garages, you are already in the right place for most car hire pickups at MCO.
If you are comparing suppliers that operate at the airport, you can read about specific options on Hola Car Rentals pages such as Enterprise car rental Orlando MCO or Budget car hire Orlando MCO, then cross-check the collection instructions on your confirmation.
Extra time-saving tips for Orlando Airport car hire collection
Allow more time during school holidays and weekends, when multiple flights can arrive together and queues form at counters. If your supplier offers a fast-track or online check-in, completing it before travel can reduce time at the desk.
Another common delay is drivers searching for the wrong level. Remember: for Terminals A and B, think Level 1 Ground Transportation for counters, then walk to the garages for pick-up. For Terminal C, think train to A/B first, then the same Level 1 process.
Finally, if you are travelling to Disney or planning multiple theme-park days, keep your first drive easy by setting your sat-nav once you are parked and ready, rather than at the exit booth. It helps avoid holding up the line and reduces stress as you leave the airport road system.
FAQ
Where exactly are the rental car counters at Orlando Airport? The on-airport car hire counters are in the main terminal complex (Terminals A and B) on Level 1, the Ground Transportation level, signposted as “Rental Cars”.
If I land in Terminal C, do I collect my car in Terminal C? Usually no. Most collections route you to the main terminal, so you take the train from Terminal C to Terminals A/B, then go to Level 1 for the rental car counters and walk to the garages.
Do I need a shuttle to pick up a rental car at MCO? Not for most rentals. You only use a shuttle if your confirmation states an off-airport location. On-airport rentals use the counters in A/B and the nearby garages.
How long does it take from arrivals to driving away? With light queues it can be around 30 to 60 minutes. At peak times, allow 60 to 120 minutes, especially if you land in Terminal C and need the train connection.
What documents should I have ready at the counter? Bring your driving licence, passport or travel ID, and the payment card used for the booking. Keep your confirmation details accessible in case staff need to locate the reservation.
