Quick Summary:
- Follow Ground Transportation signs to the Rental Car Center from arrivals.
- Use the airport train to reach the Rental Car Center quickly.
- Expect counter queues of 10 to 30 minutes at peak waves.
- Car collection is in the garages, organised by company section signs.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed so that most car hire pickup happens away from the main terminals. That means the counter and the car collection area are usually in the same overall place, the Rental Car Center (often shortened to RCC), but you will normally reach it via a short airport train ride. If you are arriving tired, with luggage, or with a family group, knowing which signs to follow makes the whole process feel much calmer.
If you have arranged your rental through Hola Car Rentals for Orlando, start by checking your confirmation for the operating company name and any instructions about desk location. Hola can connect you with several providers at MCO, and the same general route applies, the difference is the exact counter position and which garage aisle you walk to afterwards. For a quick overview of options and location context, see car hire at Orlando Airport.
Arrivals to baggage claim, what to do first
After landing, follow the standard Arrivals flow into the main terminal area for your side of the airport. MCO has two main terminal sides, A and B, with multiple airsides connected by tram. You will exit the tram into the landside area, then head towards baggage claim if you checked bags.
Collect your luggage first unless your confirmation specifically says to go to a desk before collecting bags, which is uncommon. While you are waiting at baggage claim, it helps to open your booking details and note the company name, your driver’s licence, and payment card, so you are ready at the counter.
Finding the car hire counters at MCO
The primary car hire counters serving on airport rentals are located in the dedicated Rental Car Center. From the main terminal, you will follow signs for Rental Cars and take the airport train, sometimes labelled as a tram, to the RCC. The train is frequent and designed for luggage, so you can roll suitcases on without a struggle.
If you prefer to familiarise yourself in advance with the airport specific process, Hola’s Orlando pages can help you understand how rentals are organised at MCO, including the on airport flow and documentation expectations. Useful starting points are car hire Orlando MCO and car rental Orlando MCO.
Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center, you will enter a hall with multiple rental desks in a row. The counters are generally well signed, and digital boards may also indicate which company is where. If you are unsure, ask an airport staff member where the desk for your named provider is located.
Typical timing from arrivals to the counter
From aircraft door to baggage claim, allow 10 to 25 minutes for tram, walking, and corridors. Add 10 to 35 minutes for checked baggage, sometimes longer during storm disruptions or busy holiday periods. From baggage claim to the Rental Car Center platform is often 5 to 10 minutes, depending on which side of the terminal you are on and how quickly you move with luggage. The train ride itself is typically about 5 minutes, with a short wait of a few minutes for the next train.
Overall, if you have checked luggage, a realistic airport arrivals to counter estimate is 35 to 75 minutes. With hand luggage only, you can often reach the counter in 20 to 45 minutes.
At the counter, what happens and how long it can take
Once at the desk, you will present your driving licence and payment card, and in many cases show your passport. The agent will confirm your vehicle category, any add ons, and the fuel and toll policy. In Florida, toll roads are common, so it is worth asking what toll option you have and how charges are handled.
Queue times vary. Midday and early evening can be busiest, when multiple flights land close together. Expect 10 to 30 minutes in line during normal peaks, and sometimes longer during school holidays. Early morning and late evening can be faster, but staffing may be reduced, so it is not guaranteed.
If you are travelling with a bigger group or lots of luggage, consider choosing a vehicle size that makes the walk from counter to garage and the luggage loading easier. Many families in Orlando pick a people carrier, and you can read more about typical options on minivan rental Orlando MCO.
Counter to car collection, how to reach the garages
After you finish at the counter, you will be directed to the garage area connected to the Rental Car Center. The collection area is essentially a multi level car park arranged by company sections and sometimes by aisle or row numbers. You will follow overhead signs to your provider’s zone.
Allow about 5 to 12 minutes from leaving the counter to reaching your vehicle, depending on how busy the garage is and whether you need to take a lift. Add time for loading luggage, fitting child seats, and getting your sat nav or phone mount set up.
FAQ
Q: Where exactly is the Hola car hire counter at Orlando Airport?
A: At MCO, the relevant counters are in the Rental Car Center. Follow Rental Cars signs from the terminal and take the train to the RCC, then locate the desk for your named provider.
Q: Is the car collection area in the same place as the counter?
A: Yes. After completing paperwork at the counter in the Rental Car Center, you walk straight into the connected garages where vehicles are parked in provider marked sections.
Q: How long does it take to get from arrivals to the Rental Car Center?
A: With hand luggage only, many travellers reach the counter in 20 to 45 minutes. With checked bags, 35 to 75 minutes is a more realistic range, depending on baggage delivery and queues.
Q: What signs should I follow from arrivals?
A: Look for Rental Cars and Tram to Rental Car Center. Avoid following hotel shuttle, ride share, or taxi signs, as they lead to different pickup zones.
Q: What if I cannot find the right desk once I arrive at the RCC?
A: Check your confirmation for the operating company name, then look for the matching counter sign. Airport staff and information points in the RCC can also direct you to the correct desk quickly.
