Quick Summary:
- Follow Terminal A or B signs to Rental Cars and the train.
- Use lifts to Level 3, then take the Automated People Mover.
- Keep essentials accessible, trolleys may not go onto the train.
- At the Rental Car Center, collect keys, then head to your garage lane.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed so you can reach the rental car centre without leaving the airport footprint, but it helps to know the exact sequence of levels, lifts, and signs, especially when you have suitcases, pushchairs, or a tired family. The Rental Car Center is connected to the main terminals by an Automated People Mover (APM) train, and most travellers can do the whole route indoors with smooth floors and step-free access.
If you are arranging car hire for Orlando, it is worth bookmarking the airport-specific information pages, as they often summarise where desks are located and what to expect on arrival. For a broad overview of options at MCO, see car rental at Orlando Airport or Orlando MCO car rental.
Step-by-step: from arrivals to the Rental Car Center
Step 1, confirm where you are in the airport. Orlando Airport has two main terminal sides, Terminal A and Terminal B, served by the same central terminal complex. After you clear immigration and baggage reclaim, look for overhead signs showing Terminal A or Terminal B, plus directions for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars. If you are travelling domestically, you will still follow the same “Rental Cars” wayfinding once you have your checked luggage.
Step 2, collect bags and consider a trolley strategy. Pick up your checked bags first, then decide whether you want a luggage trolley for the walk. In MCO the biggest pinch point is that trolleys are useful in the terminal, but may not be permitted onto the APM train. Plan as if you may need to carry or wheel your own suitcases onto the train. If you have heavy cases, keep one person free-handed to handle doors, lift buttons, and any travel documents.
Step 3, head to the APM station on Level 3. The train to the Rental Car Center departs from Level 3. From baggage reclaim, follow signs to “Rental Cars” or “Train to Rental Car Center”. You can reach Level 3 via escalators, but with luggage, buggies, or mobility needs, use the lifts. If you are in a busy wave of arrivals, do not be surprised if you need to wait for the next lift car, it is normal at peak times.
Step 4, board the Automated People Mover (train). The APM ride is short and frequent. Position your bags so they are stable and not blocking the door area. If you are with children, keep them on the inside of your group rather than nearest the platform edge. Once onboard, stand clear of the doors and keep hold of smaller bags, as sudden stops can shift loose items.
Step 5, arrive at the Rental Car Center and follow signage to your company. When you exit the train, you will be inside the Rental Car Center. Look for overhead boards listing rental companies and desk locations. This building combines service counters and the multi-storey garages, so you may have a short indoor walk to the desk and then another walk to the pick-up lanes.
Step 6, paperwork and car seat considerations at the desk. Have your driving licence, payment card, and booking confirmation ready, and keep them in a pocket or small pouch you can access one-handed. If you need child seats, clarify whether they are collected at the counter or at the vehicle. If you have multiple suitcases, ask where the closest lift is for reaching the correct garage level after you have your paperwork.
Step 7, reach the car park level and find your vehicle row. The garages are connected by lifts and ramps, with clear lane signage. Take the lift if you have a trolley or heavy cases. Once you locate your vehicle, do a quick walk-around for any existing marks and confirm the boot space before loading. A practical trick for families is to load the largest case first, then add pushchairs and smaller bags around it to avoid repeated lifting.
Accessibility and mobility: step-free routes and quieter pacing
Orlando Airport provides step-free access throughout the route, including lifts to Level 3 and level boarding for the APM. If you are travelling with a wheelchair, heavy medical equipment, or simply prefer a slower pace, follow the same “Rental Cars” signage and allow extra time for lift waits. If you need extra assistance, airport staff can direct you to the nearest accessible route from your exact arrivals door.
If you are planning a larger vehicle for comfort, luggage, or accessibility reasons, browsing options such as SUV rental at Orlando MCO can help you visualise boot space and seating. For bigger families, a people-carrier can reduce luggage stacking and make car seat fitting easier, see minivan hire near Orlando MCO.
Timing and expectations for the whole transfer
From baggage reclaim to the Rental Car Center, many travellers can complete the journey in roughly 15 to 30 minutes, depending on lift waits, crowd levels, and whether you stop for toilets or snacks. The APM itself is quick, so most delays come from baggage collection and counter queues rather than the transfer route. If you land in the evening, factor in that families and long-haul flights often arrive in clusters, which can make lifts and counters busier.
For travellers comparing car hire providers and pick-up details, the UK-facing page car hire at Orlando MCO can be a helpful reference when you want a single page to revisit before you fly.
FAQ
Do I need to go outside to reach the rental car centre at Orlando Airport? Usually no. Follow the “Rental Cars” signs to Level 3 and take the Automated People Mover train to the Rental Car Center.
Can I take a luggage trolley onto the train to the Rental Car Center? Policies can vary, so plan as if you may not be able to. It is safest to have suitcases you can roll or carry onto the train yourself.
Are there lifts on the way from arrivals to the rental car centre? Yes. You can use lifts to reach Level 3 for the train, and there are also lifts within the Rental Car Center garages for different parking levels.
How long does it take to get from baggage claim to the car hire desks? Many travellers do it in 15 to 30 minutes, but it depends on baggage delivery, lift queues, and counter wait times.
What is the easiest way to handle car seats and lots of bags as a family? Keep documents and essentials in a small day bag, use lifts, and once at the vehicle install car seats first, then load the boot in a planned order.
