Quick Summary:
- Follow “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars” signs from baggage claim.
- Use the airport tram or walkways to reach the on-site Rental Car Center.
- Bring licence, card and reservation details, then find your assigned desk.
- After paperwork, follow garage signs to your bay and exit lanes.
If you have arrived at Orlando International Airport, MCO, and you are wondering how to get to the rental cars, the good news is that the airport is designed to make it straightforward. Most major car hire desks and pick-up bays are located in the on-site Rental Car Center, connected to the main terminal complex by clear signage, walkways, and (for many arrivals) a short automated people-mover ride.
This guide explains exactly where to go from your arrival gate, what signs to follow, how the terminal layout affects your route, and what to expect once you reach the desks and parking garages. It also includes practical tips that can save time if you are arriving late, travelling with children, or collecting lots of luggage.
Understand MCO’s layout before you set off
MCO is split into terminal areas that can affect your route to car hire. The main building is the Terminal A and Terminal B complex, often called the North Terminal, with a central landside hall (check-in and ticketing) and airside concourses reached by tram. Many travellers arrive into an Airside concourse, collect bags in the landside area, and then continue to ground transport and car rental services.
The Rental Car Center (RCC) is on airport property and is linked to the main terminal by the Airport Tram (an automated people mover). This is the most common route for passengers arriving into Terminals A and B. If you are arriving into Terminal C, there is also a direct connection to the rental facilities, with clear “Rental Car” wayfinding throughout the terminal.
Even if you do not know which terminal you will come through, the key is to ignore the temptation to head straight outside. First, find the airport’s “Rental Cars” signs, which are typically grouped with “Ground Transportation”. Those signs guide you to the correct level and the correct connection point.
Step-by-step: from arrivals to the Rental Car Center
1) Deplane and follow signs to baggage claim. After landing, you will leave your aircraft into the airport concourse. Follow the standard “Baggage Claim” signs. If you have checked bags, collect them before heading to the Rental Car Center, because the car hire desks are not in the baggage reclaim hall itself.
2) Look for “Ground Transportation” then “Rental Cars”. Once you are in the landside area, signage becomes very direct. You should see overhead signs pointing to “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”. Follow these rather than generic “Exit” signs. This keeps you inside the correct corridor and avoids detours to taxi ranks or ride-share pick-up zones.
3) Take the Airport Tram to the Rental Car Center (most common). For many passengers, the route includes a short ride on the automated tram. The platform is well signposted. Trams run frequently, the ride is brief, and the car rental stop is clearly announced. If you are travelling with children or multiple suitcases, this is the easiest option, because the route is designed for luggage trolleys.
4) Arrive inside the Rental Car Center and choose your company desk. The tram delivers you into the RCC, where the main car hire counters are grouped together. Check overhead boards and counter signage to locate your brand. If you arranged your rental through an aggregator, your paperwork should still name the actual rental company operating the vehicle.
5) Complete the desk process, then head to the garage level for pick-up. After the desk issues your agreement and directs you to a bay, you will walk into the adjacent garage area. There will be aisle markers and zone signs. Some companies operate “choose any car” rows for certain categories, others allocate a specific bay or space number.
6) Inspect the vehicle, load up, then follow the exit signs. Before you drive off, check fuel level, mileage, and note any existing marks. Once you are ready, follow the “Exit” lanes from the garage. Staff may check your paperwork at the barrier, so keep the agreement handy.
If you are arriving at Terminal C
Terminal C at MCO has its own wayfinding for rental cars, and the route can feel different from the older A and B areas. After baggage claim, follow the “Rental Cars” signs. You will be guided through the designated corridors to the rental facilities connection. Allow extra time if it is your first visit, mainly because Terminal C is newer and more spacious, so distances can feel longer even when the route is simple.
If you are unsure at any point, use the airport information points or ask staff. At MCO, employees are used to directing travellers to the Rental Car Center and can confirm whether the tram is the best option from your exact location.
What to have ready at the counter
Even when the walk is quick, queues can form at peak hours. Having your essentials ready makes the handover smoother. Bring your driving licence, the payment card you intend to use, and your reservation details. If you are an international traveller, check whether you need additional documentation, such as a passport alongside your licence, depending on the rental company’s policy.
Also think about practicalities. If you will be sharing driving, confirm whether additional drivers must be present at the desk. If you need a child seat, it is best to confirm availability in advance, then allow a few extra minutes at pick-up to fit it properly before leaving the garage.
If you are comparing locations for future trips, it can help to see how other airport pick-ups are organised. For instance, Hola Car Rentals also covers major hubs like Houston IAH and Newark EWR, where signage and shuttle arrangements can differ from Orlando.
How long does it take to reach the rental cars at MCO?
Timing depends on your arrival gate, whether you checked baggage, and how busy the desks are, but you can plan it in logical stages. From the moment you enter the landside area, reaching the Rental Car Center via tram is usually quick. Add time for baggage claim, which can vary, then add desk time, which can increase significantly during school holidays and late afternoons.
A practical approach is to assume you will spend a short period travelling to the RCC, then budget additional time for the counter and vehicle pick-up. If you arrive late at night, the journey itself is often faster because corridors are quieter, but you should still check operating hours and after-hours procedures for your chosen provider.
Tips to make your car hire pick-up at MCO easier
Prioritise the right signs. “Rental Cars” is the key phrase, and it is usually paired with “Ground Transportation”. If you follow those, you will not need to step outside until you are at the correct building.
Keep your group together. MCO can be busy, and the transition from baggage claim to the tram area can be crowded. Choose a meeting point by a sign or pillar number if anyone gets separated.
Take a photo of your bay or row. In a large garage, it is easy to forget exactly where you parked while loading luggage or sorting sat-nav settings. A quick photo helps if you need to return to the desk or swap a vehicle.
Confirm toll options before leaving. Orlando roads include toll sections, and rental companies offer different toll programmes. It is easier to decide at the counter than at the first toll plaza.
Check the fuel policy. “Full-to-full” is common, but not universal. Knowing your terms avoids surprises when you return the car.
If your trip continues beyond Orlando, you might also be considering different vehicle types. Hola also lists options like van hire in Coral Gables, which can be useful if you need extra space for passengers and luggage.
Common mistakes travellers make at MCO
Heading straight to ride-share pick-up. Ride-share areas are well signposted, and first-time visitors sometimes follow those signs by mistake. If you see “Ride Share” or “App-Based Rides”, double-check you are still on the “Rental Cars” route.
Assuming there is an off-site shuttle for all companies. At MCO, the main Rental Car Center is on-site and connected by tram, so you may not need a separate shuttle. However, some specialist operators can be off-site. Always follow your confirmation instructions, but start by looking for the official “Rental Cars” signage, because that is where most travellers need to go.
Not checking your vehicle before exiting. It is much simpler to note any pre-existing damage while you are still in the pick-up bay, with staff nearby. Do a quick walkaround, check the windscreen, and verify the fuel gauge.
Forgetting which level you parked on. The garage is designed for flow, but levels can look similar. Take a moment to orient yourself before you drive to the exit lane.
How this fits into planning your overall trip
Knowing how to get to the rental cars is only one part of planning a smooth arrival day. If you are travelling with family, it can help to pre-assign roles: one person handles documents, another manages luggage, and another keeps an eye on children. If you are travelling for business, keep your reservation details accessible on your phone, but also have a backup screenshot in case signal is weak inside the building.
Because this article focuses on MCO, you may also find it helpful to compare how other airports work when you travel elsewhere in the US. Even within the same provider, procedures vary. For example, travellers often see different desk layouts at New Jersey airport EWR, and different branding options like Alamo in Atlanta ATL.
FAQ
Where are the rental cars located at MCO? Most rental cars are in the on-site Rental Car Center, connected to the terminal areas by clear wayfinding and an automated tram for many arrivals.
Do I need a shuttle bus to reach car hire at Orlando MCO? Typically no. The main Rental Car Center is on airport property and is reached via the Airport Tram or signed walkways, depending on your terminal.
How do I find the right car hire desk once I arrive? Inside the Rental Car Center, counters are grouped together with large overhead signs. Match the company name on your reservation to the desk signage, then queue for assistance.
How long should I allow from landing to driving away? Allow time for deplaning, baggage claim, the short trip to the Rental Car Center, plus desk and vehicle pick-up. Peak holiday periods can add significant queue time.
What should I check before leaving the rental car garage? Confirm fuel level and mileage, note any existing damage, set up navigation, and keep your agreement accessible for the exit barrier check.
