Quick Summary:
- Follow “Ground Transportation” signs, then choose “Rental Cars” from Terminal A.
- Use lifts or escalators to Level 1, then walk to the tram.
- Take the automated people mover to the Rental Car Center in five minutes.
- At the centre, match your supplier name, then proceed to your car.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed so that Terminal A arrivals connect to the Rental Car Center via a short, signposted transfer. The key is knowing which wayfinding signs to follow and which level you need, so you do not end up at hotel shuttles or rideshare by mistake.
Before you land: what “Terminal A” means at MCO
MCO’s main terminal is split into Terminal A (typically the north side) and Terminal B (south side). Both use the same central hub for ticketing and ground transport. The Rental Car Center is not inside the gates area, it is a separate facility connected by an automated people mover (a driverless tram). In practice, from Terminal A arrivals you will follow signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars, then ride the tram to the Rental Car Center where the car hire counters are located.
If you like to have supplier information to hand before you set off, Hola Car Rentals provides Orlando airport pages that summarise options and help you compare car hire details: Orlando Airport car rental and car rental at Orlando MCO.
Step-by-step route from Terminal A arrivals to the Rental Car Center
Step 1: Exit the aircraft area and follow Arrivals/Baggage Claim. After landing in Terminal A, you will typically take the in-terminal automated train (if arriving from an airside gate) to the main terminal. Follow overhead signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Arrivals”. These signs are frequent and usually paired with pictograms, useful if you are tired or travelling with children.
Step 2: Collect bags, then look for “Ground Transportation”. Once you reach the baggage hall, claim your luggage first unless you are travelling carry-on only. When you are ready to leave the baggage area, focus on the overhead wayfinding for “Ground Transportation”. This is the umbrella category that includes rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and rideshare. Do not follow “Hotel Shuttles” or “Rideshare” if your goal is the Rental Car Center.
Step 3: Follow the “Rental Cars” signs to Level 1. From the baggage claim level, you will see directions to “Rental Cars”. The route generally takes you towards the centre of the terminal and down to Level 1. Use lifts if you have heavy suitcases, pushchairs, or reduced mobility. Escalators can be quicker when it is quiet, but lifts keep luggage control simpler.
Step 4: Confirm you are heading to the people mover for the Rental Car Center. At Level 1, the corridor should clearly indicate “Rental Car Center” or “Rental Cars” with arrows. You are aiming for the automated people mover station. If you see kerbside doors for pick-ups, you may have drifted towards other ground transport. Turn back and re-check for the Rental Cars signage that points to the tram.
Step 5: Board the automated people mover (tram). The people mover runs frequently and the ride is short, around five minutes. It is accessible, and you can wheel luggage straight on.
Step 6: Arrive at the Rental Car Center and head to the desks. When you step off the tram, follow the signs inside the building for “Rental Car Counters”. You will typically find multiple brands in a row. Look for your specific supplier’s logo on overhead boards. This is where you will present your driving licence and required documents, then receive directions to your vehicle bay.
Step 7: After the desk, follow signs to the pick-up area and car park rows. Once your paperwork is complete, you will be directed to the garage levels for vehicle pick-up. Signage usually indicates zones or rows. Take a photo of the level and row number on your phone so you can find the location again if you need to return to the desk.
Signage you should expect to see, and what it means
MCO’s wayfinding is generally consistent, but it helps to know the exact wording you are searching for. The most useful signs for this transfer are “Ground Transportation” (broad direction), “Rental Cars” (the specific branch), and “Rental Car Center” (the destination building). If you reach kerbside lanes with signs for shuttles, taxis, or app-based pick-ups, pause and reorient to “Rental Cars”.
Transport options from Terminal A to the Rental Car Center
Automated people mover (recommended): This is the standard connection, included in the airport infrastructure, and the easiest option with luggage. It is frequent, accessible, and drops you directly at the Rental Car Center building.
Accessibility support: If you have reduced mobility, the route is designed to be step-free using lifts. Allow extra time for lifts at peak arrival banks. If you require additional assistance, the airport’s passenger support services can help, but the core route itself is accessible.
Timing: how long the transfer usually takes
From the point you leave baggage claim, the walk to the people mover plus the ride typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on crowds, lift waits, and how quickly you find the correct corridor. Add time for baggage delivery and any stops for toilets, snacks, or cash machines.
Common wrong turns from Terminal A, and how to fix them
Ending up at rideshare or taxi pick-ups: If you pass doors leading outside to kerbside transport, you have likely followed “Ground Transportation” but not the “Rental Cars” branch. Go back inside and look for the rental car icons and “Rental Car Center” arrows.
Following hotel shuttle signs: Hotel shuttles are clearly labelled and can be tempting if you are thinking “transport”. If you see shuttle staging areas, re-check overhead boards and look for the people mover to the Rental Car Center.
Looking for rental desks in the arrivals hall: At MCO, the main rental desks are in the separate Rental Car Center building. If you cannot see counters after baggage claim, that is normal. Continue to Level 1 and the tram.
Tips to make the car hire pick-up smoother at the desks
Once you reach the counters, the process can be quick if you are prepared. Have your driving licence ready, plus any additional identification required by your provider. If you are visiting from the UK or Ireland, confirm in advance whether you need an International Driving Permit for your licence type, and check age and payment rules. Hola Car Rentals’ UK-focused MCO pages can help you orient yourself to local expectations for car hire: car hire at Orlando MCO.
If you are travelling with a larger group, consider whether a people carrier or van suits your luggage and comfort needs. It can simplify the pick-up if you have already thought about size categories before you reach the desk. For travellers planning Disney-area driving, these pages may be useful background reading: van rental near Disney from MCO and budget-friendly car rental for Disney from MCO.
FAQ
Q: Is the Rental Car Center inside Terminal A at Orlando Airport?
A: No. From Terminal A you travel to a separate Rental Car Center building using the automated people mover, following “Rental Cars” signage.
Q: Which level do I go to from Terminal A arrivals to reach rental cars?
A: Follow signs from arrivals and baggage claim towards Ground Transportation, then go to Level 1 for the people mover to the Rental Car Center.
Q: How long does it take to get from Terminal A baggage claim to the rental desks?
A: Typically 10 to 20 minutes after baggage claim, depending on crowds, lift waits, and how quickly you navigate to the tram.
Q: Are there clear signs for rental cars, and what should I look for?
A: Yes. Look for overhead signs reading “Ground Transportation”, then “Rental Cars” and “Rental Car Center”, which guide you to the people mover.
Q: What if I accidentally follow rideshare or taxi signs instead?
A: Head back inside to the central corridor, then re-check overhead boards and follow “Rental Cars” to Level 1 and the people mover.
