Quick Summary:
- Collect bags, then follow Ground Transportation signs towards Level 1.
- In Terminals A and B, walk to the rental car counters.
- From Terminal C, take the people mover to Terminal A/B.
- Allow 10 to 25 minutes, plus extra time for queues.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed so most travellers can reach the car hire centre on foot, once you know which terminal you are in and which signs to follow. The key is to treat it as a short wayfinding exercise: get to the correct level, head towards Ground Transportation, then follow “Rental Cars” and “Car Rental” signage. Below is a step-by-step route from baggage claim to the rental car area, including what changes if you arrive at Terminal C, plus time-saving tips for families, first-time visitors, and anyone arriving late.
Step-by-step route from baggage claim (Terminals A and B)
If your flight arrives into Terminal A or Terminal B, you are already in the main terminal complex where the on-airport rental car counters are located. In most cases, you will not need a shuttle bus.
Step 1: Confirm your terminal and gather everything at the carousel. After you exit customs or the arrivals corridor, check the overhead signs for “Baggage Claim A” or “Baggage Claim B”. Before you move off, do a quick count of bags, buggies, and small items, because repacking later in the queue wastes time.
Step 2: Look for the “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars” signs. From the baggage claim hall, you generally head towards the Ground Transportation area. At MCO, wayfinding is consistent: overhead boards and wall signs point to Rental Cars, Ground Transportation, and Hotel Shuttles. Follow “Rental Cars” when you see it, but “Ground Transportation” is also a reliable intermediate sign if you are unsure.
Step 3: Move to the correct level. Most routes from baggage claim to car hire involve Level 1 in the main terminal (Terminals A and B). If you find yourself on a different level, take the nearest lift or escalator down, then re-check signage for Rental Cars.
Step 4: Walk to the on-airport rental car counters. Continue following “Rental Cars” into the main terminal’s Ground Transportation side. The rental car counters are clustered together, so once you reach the correct area you will see multiple brands and queue lines. If you arranged car hire through Hola Car Rentals for Orlando Airport, this is the point where you match your voucher instructions to the appropriate counter or desk location. You can review the airport-specific overview on Hola Car Rentals at Orlando MCO.
Step 5: After the counter, follow signs to pick-up and the garage. Once paperwork is done, staff will direct you to the correct aisle, lift, or walkway for vehicle collection. At MCO this is typically a short walk into the adjoining parking structure. Watch for overhead bay numbers, row letters, and “Exit” arrows.
Step-by-step route if you arrive at Terminal C
Terminal C is connected to the main terminal area by an automated people mover (APM). If you land at Terminal C, you should expect one extra transfer before you reach the main rental car counters.
Step 1: Collect luggage at Terminal C baggage claim. After baggage claim, look for signs indicating connections to Terminal A/B. Do not follow hotel shuttle or rideshare signs if your goal is the on-airport rental car centre in the main terminal.
Step 2: Follow signs to the automated people mover for Terminal A/B. The signage typically references Terminal A and Terminal B as the destination. Once on the APM platform, confirm you are boarding in the correct direction.
Step 3: Arrive at Terminal A/B and follow “Rental Cars”. When you exit the APM into the main terminal complex, switch your attention to “Rental Cars” signage and head towards the Ground Transportation side. From here the route matches the Terminal A/B instructions above.
If you want a single page that keeps all the Orlando Airport car hire context together, including airport naming and pick-up basics, see car hire in Orlando MCO.
Wayfinding tips that save time (and stress)
Use the right sign language. At MCO you will see “Rental Cars”, “Car Rental”, and “Ground Transportation”. If you lose the trail, backtrack to the last big overhead sign, then reorient by aiming for Ground Transportation and looking for the next “Rental Cars” pointer.
Keep IDs and documents accessible. Have driving licences, passports, and payment card in an easy pocket. Searching through checked bags at the desk is one of the biggest delays, especially when you have jet lag.
Choose the right vehicle type for your luggage. Orlando trips often involve multiple suitcases, pushchairs, and shopping. Picking a vehicle category that actually fits your bags can prevent a return to the counter for an exchange. If you are planning theme park days or travelling in a larger party, you may find SUV hire at Disney Orlando MCO a helpful reference for space expectations.
How long does it take from baggage claim to the car hire centre?
For Terminals A and B, a typical walk from baggage claim to the rental car counter area is often around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on which carousel you are at, how busy the terminal is, and how quickly your group moves with luggage. From Terminal C, plan closer to 15 to 25 minutes because you add the people mover step and extra walking.
Queue time is separate from walking time. If you arrive during peak holiday periods, evening arrival waves, or after weather delays, lines at the counters can extend your total time substantially. If you are comparing providers or want to understand how different supplier desks may work at the airport, this overview can help: National car hire at Disney Orlando MCO.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mistake 1: Following rideshare or shuttle signage. Those routes can take you away from the rental car counters. If you spot words like “Rideshare”, “TNC”, “Hotel Shuttles”, or “Buses”, pause and look again for “Rental Cars”.
Mistake 2: Assuming there is always a shuttle bus. Many airports use shuttles to off-site lots, but at MCO the main rental car counters are integrated into the terminal complex for Terminals A and B. This is good news, but only if you commit to the walking route.
Mistake 3: Splitting up without a plan. If one person goes ahead to find the desk while others wait with bags, agree a specific landmark and a time to reconnect. The Ground Transportation area has multiple similar-looking entrances, so “near the escalator” can be too vague.
FAQ
Q: Is the car hire centre at Orlando Airport walkable from baggage claim?
A: Yes for Terminals A and B, you can walk by following “Rental Cars” and “Ground Transportation” signs. Terminal C usually requires the automated people mover to Terminal A/B first.
Q: Do I need to take a shuttle from Orlando Airport to the rental car counters?
A: Typically no for Terminals A and B because the rental car counters are on-airport in the main terminal complex. From Terminal C, you use the people mover rather than a road shuttle.
Q: How do I know whether I arrived at Terminal A, B, or C?
A: The baggage claim area signage will show the terminal letter, and the overhead boards in arrivals corridors reference A, B, or C. If you see directions to the people mover to A/B, you are likely in Terminal C.
Q: How much time should I allow from baggage claim to picking up my car?
A: Allow 10 to 15 minutes walking time from baggage claim to the counters in Terminals A/B, and 15 to 25 minutes from Terminal C. Add extra time for queues, paperwork, and finding the correct pick-up aisle.
Q: What is the fastest way to avoid getting lost on the way to car hire?
A: Follow the “Rental Cars” signs whenever they appear, and use “Ground Transportation” as a backup directional cue. If you miss a turn, return to the last large overhead sign and restart from there.
