Quick Summary:
- Terminal A and B, follow Ground Transportation signs to Level 1.
- Terminal C, use the pedestrian walkway to the C parking garage.
- If signs conflict, prioritise Rental Car and Ground Transportation icons.
- For off-airport desks, confirm the correct shuttle stop letter and level.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed to make car hire collection straightforward, but first-time visitors can still get thrown by the airport’s split layout and changing sign directions between levels. The key is knowing which terminal you arrived at, then following the right set of signs for either on-airport rental desks (mainly in the A and B terminal complex) or a pick-up area/shuttle for an off-airport provider.
This guide walks you through step-by-step directions from Terminals A, B and C, and explains what to do when you see different signs pointing to different levels, or when you cannot immediately find the right shuttle stop.
If you want to check typical supplier options used for car hire at MCO, see Orlando MCO car rental and the UK-facing overview at car hire Orlando MCO. For many travellers heading to the theme parks area, the airport and Disney context is covered at car hire from MCO to Disney.
Before you start, identify your terminal and your pick-up type
Step 1, confirm your terminal. Look at the overhead signs and your baggage claim area. At MCO, Terminals A and B share the main terminal complex (North Terminal), while Terminal C is a newer, separate building connected by an elevated walkway.
Step 2, confirm whether you are collecting on-airport or off-airport. On-airport car hire generally means you are walking to rental car counters (or a consolidated facility in the main complex), then collecting your vehicle in an attached garage. Off-airport car hire usually means taking a free courtesy shuttle from a designated shuttle stop in Ground Transportation.
Step 3, decide what you are actually following on signs. At MCO you may see “Rental Car”, “Car Rental”, “Ground Transportation”, “Hotel Shuttles”, and “Courtesy Phones”. When in doubt, follow “Ground Transportation” first, then look for “Rental Car” within that area.
Terminal A directions, from gate to car hire pick-up
Terminal A arrivals feed into the main terminal. The typical flow is: gate, tram (if arriving at an airside concourse), baggage claim, then Ground Transportation and rental car areas.
1) From your gate, go to Baggage Claim. If you are in an airside concourse, take the automated people mover (tram) to the main terminal. Follow signs to “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation”.
2) After collecting luggage, go down to Level 1. Terminal A baggage claim is generally on Level 2. Follow the signs to “Ground Transportation” and use escalators or lifts down to Level 1.
3) Follow “Rental Car” signs on Level 1. On Level 1 you should see clearer directions to rental car counters, the rental car area, or both. Keep an eye out for icons, a car symbol and “Rental Car”. If the sign also lists shuttle types, do not assume you need a shuttle. First confirm whether your provider is on-airport or off-airport.
4) Reach the correct desk or pick-up point. If your provider is on-airport, you will generally walk to the rental car counters and then proceed into the garage to collect your car. If your provider is off-airport, continue to the relevant shuttle loading area shown under Ground Transportation and locate your company name on the stop signage.
5) If you cannot see your company name. Double-check you are in Terminal A, Level 1 Ground Transportation, and scan for a directory board. If still unsure, ask any airport staff member where the courtesy shuttle stops are for off-airport rental cars.
Terminal B directions, from gate to car hire pick-up
Terminal B uses the same main complex as Terminal A, but the walk to Level 1 and the signs can point you through slightly different corridors. The principle stays the same: get to the main terminal, collect luggage, then head to Ground Transportation on Level 1.
1) Take the tram to the main terminal if needed. If you arrive at an airside concourse connected to Terminal B, follow “Tram” then “Baggage Claim”.
2) Collect baggage, then head to Level 1. After baggage claim, locate the nearest lift or escalator. Follow “Ground Transportation” to Level 1. If you see “Ground Transportation Level 1” and “Ticketing Level 3”, choose Level 1.
3) Decide between on-airport counters and shuttle pick-up. Look for “Rental Car” signs that route you to counters and garages. If your car hire is with an on-airport supplier, keep following those directions. If you are using an off-airport supplier, look for the shuttle stop area, sometimes posted alongside hotel shuttles and shared-ride vans.
4) At the shuttle area, confirm the correct stop letter or bay. Shuttle areas can have multiple bays with posted operator lists. Find the operator name, then wait at the marked loading position. If more than one shuttle lane looks plausible, use the posted directory rather than guessing.
For supplier information commonly used at MCO, you can also review specific pages such as Alamo car rental at Disney Orlando MCO or National car rental at Disney Orlando MCO, then match that to the on-airport or shuttle instructions you were given.
Terminal C directions, from gate to car hire pick-up
Terminal C is a separate terminal building with its own parking garage and ground transport zones, connected to the main terminal area by an elevated walkway. The most important step is to follow Terminal C’s own signs first, rather than assuming you must go to Terminals A and B.
1) Proceed to Terminal C baggage claim. After disembarking, follow “Baggage Claim” within Terminal C. This keeps you in the correct building for Terminal C ground transport options.
2) Follow signs to Ground Transportation and the Terminal C parking garage. Terminal C has clear wayfinding to the garage and transport areas. If your car hire collection is located in the Terminal C garage, you will be routed directly there without needing to go to the A and B complex.
3) Use the pedestrian connections where directed. If you are instructed to go to a consolidated rental facility or a specific pick-up zone, follow the overhead signs to the walkway or garage. Stay on the signed path. The walkways are designed for passengers with luggage, with lifts and escalators along the way.
4) If you are told to collect in the main terminal (A and B). Occasionally, your paperwork may reference the main terminal area. In that case, follow signs for the connection to the main terminal via the elevated walkway. Once you arrive in the A and B complex, continue following “Ground Transportation” to Level 1 and then “Rental Car”.
5) If you are looking for an off-airport shuttle from Terminal C. Stay in Terminal C and go to its Ground Transportation shuttle area. Locate the operator list and confirm the correct bay. If you do not see the operator, check whether your provider operates only from the A and B complex, then take the walkway connection and repeat the Level 1 shuttle-stop process there.
What to do when signs point to different levels
Conflicting signs at MCO usually happen because different services live on different floors, and signage is trying to help multiple audiences at once. Use this quick decision process.
1) Trust the service category first, then the company name. If you see “Ground Transportation” on one sign and a company name on another, go to Ground Transportation first. Ground Transportation areas are where rental shuttles, hotel shuttles, ride shares and buses are organised.
2) For Terminals A and B, Level 1 is the default for car hire movement. Ticketing is higher up, baggage claim is typically mid-level, and Ground Transportation is down on Level 1. If you are on Level 2 or 3 and you see “Rental Car Level 1”, go down.
3) If a sign says “Rental Car Returns”, ignore it for pick-up. Returns often route to different ramps or garage entrances. For pick-up, look for “Rental Car” without “Returns”, or “Rental Car Counters”.
4) If you ended up at the wrong level, do not backtrack through security routes. Use the nearest lift or escalator bank to change levels. Stay on the public side of the terminal and keep following “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car”.
5) Use information points for confirmation. If you are carrying family luggage or arriving late, it can be faster to ask an airport staff member, “Where is Level 1 Ground Transportation for rental cars?” than to re-walk long corridors.
What to do if you cannot find the shuttle stop
Shuttle pick-up confusion is common when multiple shuttle services share the same curb, or when you arrive at a quiet time and do not see obvious queues.
1) Confirm you are at the correct terminal’s Ground Transportation zone. If you arrived in Terminal C but walked into the A and B complex, or vice versa, you can waste time searching for a shuttle that is not assigned to that building.
2) Look for a posted operator directory. Many bays have a signboard listing companies served at that stop. Find your operator name and note any stop letter, bay number, or lane reference.
3) Check both sides of the curb within the same level. Some Ground Transportation areas separate hotel shuttles from rental shuttles by a short walk. Stay on Level 1 (A and B) or the signed Ground Transportation level (C) and scan for additional bays.
4) If your paperwork references a courtesy phone. Some off-airport operators ask you to call after landing. If you cannot find a courtesy phone, use your mobile and call the number provided, then ask for the exact stop letter and the terminal-level wording they use.
5) If you see shuttles but none match your operator. Ask a shuttle driver or attendant which bay covers off-airport rental car shuttles. Drivers often know where different operators load, even if they do not work for them.
Timing tips for a smoother car hire pick-up at MCO
Allow extra time for the first attempt. Even with clear directions, allow 20 to 40 minutes from baggage claim to being at the correct pick-up point, especially at busy arrival banks.
Keep your documents accessible. Have your driving licence, payment card, and confirmation details ready before you reach the desk or shuttle. It helps if you need to confirm whether you are meant to be on-airport or using a shuttle.
If travelling with children or lots of bags, use lifts. Lifts can be quicker than escalators when you are managing trolleys. Follow the nearest “Elevator” sign when moving between levels.
Check your vehicle class needs before you reach the garage. If you need space for multiple suitcases, a minivan can reduce the stress of loading at the kerb or in a busy garage. Hola Car Rentals has a dedicated overview at minivan rental Orlando MCO.
FAQ
Q: I landed at Terminal A, which level should I go to for car hire pick-up?
A: In Terminal A, go from baggage claim down to Level 1 and follow “Ground Transportation” then “Rental Car” signs to the counters or shuttle bays.
Q: Is Terminal B different from Terminal A for rental car directions?
A: The steps are essentially the same. From Terminal B, reach baggage claim, then go to Level 1 Ground Transportation and follow “Rental Car” signage to the correct desk or shuttle stop.
Q: I arrived at Terminal C, do I need to go to Terminals A and B?
A: Not always. Start by following Terminal C’s own Ground Transportation and garage signs. Only use the walkway to A and B if your provider specifically instructs you to collect there.
Q: The airport signs send me to different floors, which should I trust?
A: Trust “Ground Transportation” first, then “Rental Car” within that zone. For Terminals A and B, Level 1 is the most common level for rental desks access and shuttle loading.
Q: I cannot find the shuttle for my off-airport car hire, what should I do?
A: Confirm you are at the right terminal Ground Transportation area, then find an operator directory for the bay number or stop letter. If still unclear, call the number on your confirmation and ask for the exact terminal, level and bay.
