Quick Summary:
- Follow “Ground Transportation” signs to the Level 1 rental car counters.
- At Terminal A or B, take the lift down, then walk.
- At Terminal C, go to the C rental car centre.
- Collect paperwork at the desk, then follow signs to your car.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed so most visitors can get from arrivals to a car hire desk without leaving the terminal complex. The main thing to know is which terminal you land in, because the walking route and the location of the rental counters differ between the A and B terminal complex and the newer Terminal C. Once you have that clear, the rest is mostly following the “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars” signs.
This guide maps the typical arrival-to-desk journey for each terminal, what signage to look for, and what happens after the counter, so you know where you are going and why.
First, identify your terminal at MCO
MCO has two main areas travellers talk about: the A and B terminal complex (often called the Main Terminal with Airside satellites), and Terminal C. You may arrive on an international flight, clear immigration and collect bags, then still be within one of these terminal areas.
If you are unsure, check your boarding pass, baggage claim monitors, or ask an airport staff member which terminal you are currently in. The terminal matters because car hire counters for Terminal A and B are in the Main Terminal on Level 1, while Terminal C has its own rental car centre connected to it.
If you are comparing providers and pick-up points for MCO, the Hola Car Rentals pages for Orlando Airport car rental and car hire at Orlando MCO summarise what to expect and which options are commonly available.
Arriving at Terminal A or Terminal B, where you go next
Most passengers landing at Orlando Airport still arrive via Airside gates connected to the A or B terminal complex. After you leave the aircraft you will typically follow “Baggage Claim” signs, take the airport people-mover train (if arriving in an Airside satellite), then head to baggage reclaim in the Main Terminal.
Once you have your bags, the key is to follow signage for “Ground Transportation”. At MCO, the rental car counters for the A and B terminal complex are located in the Main Terminal on Level 1. Many travellers automatically look for a separate building, but for A and B the desks are inside the terminal, which makes the first part of the journey straightforward.
Typical steps from baggage reclaim are:
1) Exit baggage reclaim into the main public area. You will see large overhead signs pointing to Ground Transportation, rental cars, and other options such as taxis and rideshares.
2) Go down to Level 1. Use lifts, escalators, or stairs. If you are managing large suitcases, the lifts are usually the simplest option.
3) Walk to the rental car counter area. At Level 1 you should see a row of branded counters and overhead “Rental Cars” signage. If you are in the A side or B side, stay on that side, the counters are grouped but still separated across the terminal layout.
4) Queue, check in, and collect your agreement. The counter agent will typically confirm your driving licence, payment method, and booking details, then give you directions to the pick-up area.
Time-wise, if baggage reclaim is calm, the walk from bags to counters can be around 5 to 15 minutes. At peak arrival banks it can take longer, mainly due to congestion and counter queues rather than distance.
Arriving at Terminal C, the rental car centre route
Terminal C operates differently. Instead of sending everyone to the Main Terminal counters, Terminal C has its own rental car centre, designed to reduce cross-terminal traffic. After you arrive and collect baggage in Terminal C, follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”.
Typical steps in Terminal C are:
1) From arrivals, follow the rental car signs. Look for consistent iconography and overhead “Rental Cars” wording.
2) Head to the Terminal C rental car centre. The route is usually well signposted and is generally a walk rather than a shuttle, depending on your exact arrival point. If a shuttle is required at the time you travel, airport signage will direct you clearly.
3) Proceed to the counters inside the C facility. As with the Main Terminal, you will find a set of counters together, then directions to the car collection area after you have your paperwork.
If your trip includes driving to the theme park area, it can help to understand your airport-to-resort plan alongside the pick-up process. The Hola Car Rentals page on car hire from Orlando Airport to Disney is useful for setting expectations on timing and the first drive after you pick up the keys.
What signage to follow, and what not to follow
At MCO, the most reliable sign sequence is “Baggage Claim”, then “Ground Transportation”, then “Rental Cars”. If you follow “Hotel Shuttles”, “Resort Transportation”, “Ride App Pick-Up”, or “Taxis”, you can end up outside the flow you want and may need to backtrack.
If you accidentally go the wrong way, do not worry. The terminal layout is built for high volumes, and there are plenty of wayfinding points. Head back towards the central Ground Transportation areas and look for the rental car wording again.
A practical tip, especially after a long flight, is to slow down at each sign junction. The most common mistake is following a crowd to rideshare or coach bays, then realising you have left the internal route to the desks.
Walking, lifts, and accessibility considerations
The arrival-to-desk journey is generally accessible. Lifts are available between levels, and the terminal floors are designed for wheeled luggage. If you need assistance, airport staff can help direct you, and the signage is clear enough that you rarely need to rely on memory.
If you are travelling with children, the simplest approach is to keep everyone together until you reach the counter. Once you leave baggage reclaim, the space opens up and the visual clutter can make it easier for a group to split unintentionally.
From the counter to the car, what happens next
After you finish at the desk, you will be directed to the pick-up area where the vehicles are parked. This can be an attached garage or a nearby parking facility. Follow “Rental Car Pick-Up” signage, and keep your agreement handy, as you may need it at the exit gate.
Typical steps after the desk include:
1) Walk to the assigned parking area. Some companies allocate a specific bay, others send you to a row where you choose from an assigned class.
2) Inspect the vehicle before loading. Check for visible marks, wheel scuffs, and windscreen chips. If you notice anything, report it before you leave the garage or lot.
3) Set up essentials while stationary. Adjust mirrors, pair your phone if permitted, set your sat nav, and locate the fuel type information and return instructions.
4) Exit through the gate. An attendant may scan paperwork and check the driver details, then you will be on your way.
If you are travelling with a larger group or lots of luggage, you might be weighing up a people carrier or van-style option. The Hola Car Rentals page for van hire at Orlando MCO gives context on what is typically available and why collection can take a little longer, mainly due to vehicle location and allocation.
Typical timing, queues, and the best way to avoid surprises
Queue times vary more than walking times. The distance from baggage reclaim to counters is usually predictable, but the wait at the desk can be affected by multiple flights landing close together, staffing levels, and how many drivers need additional checks.
To keep things smooth, have these items ready before you reach the front:
Driving licence, and any additional documentation required for your party.
Payment card in the main driver’s name, as many providers prefer that for deposits.
Booking confirmation details, either printed or on your phone.
Knowledge of your planned route, especially if you are driving after a red-eye and want to minimise time in the garage.
Also, remember that returning the car will involve the reverse journey. Knowing which terminal you need for departure helps, because you can allow time to drop off, take any shuttle if required, and get back to the right check-in area.
Common scenarios: international arrivals and connecting flights
If you are arriving internationally, you may need to clear immigration, collect bags, and potentially re-check luggage depending on your onward plans. The good news is that rental car pick-up is still a post-baggage process, so you do not need to search for counters before you have your belongings.
If you are connecting within the US and your bags are checked through, you might not visit baggage reclaim at MCO. In that case, think of the process as: get to the Main Terminal public areas (or Terminal C public areas), then follow Ground Transportation to rental cars. If you cannot find baggage claim signage, look for directions to the terminal exits and ground transport, as that will still lead you to the car hire facilities.
Choosing the right pick-up plan for your Orlando stay
For most visitors, picking up at the airport is the simplest way to start driving around Orlando, whether you are heading to International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, or further afield. The key is reducing friction: know your terminal, follow Ground Transportation and Rental Cars signs, and keep your documents ready for the desk.
If you want to compare different provider desks and what the pick-up experience is like, the Hola Car Rentals landing pages for car hire at Orlando Airport and the earlier MCO pages can help you orient yourself before you fly, so you are not trying to research the layout while jet-lagged.
FAQ
Q: Are the rental car counters inside Orlando Airport or in a separate building?
A: For Terminal A and Terminal B, the counters are inside the Main Terminal on Level 1. Terminal C uses a dedicated rental car centre connected to Terminal C.
Q: What signs should I follow from baggage reclaim to reach car hire?
A: Follow “Ground Transportation” first, then “Rental Cars”. Avoid following rideshare, taxi, or hotel shuttle signs unless you are intentionally using those services.
Q: How long does it take to walk to the rental car desks at MCO?
A: From baggage reclaim in the A and B terminal complex, it is often 5 to 15 minutes. Terminal C routes are also well signposted, with total time depending on how busy arrivals areas are.
Q: Do I need a shuttle to reach the rental cars after landing?
A: In Terminals A and B, you typically walk within the Main Terminal to the counters and then to the pick-up garage area. In Terminal C, you follow signs to the C rental car centre, which is usually a straightforward walk, with shuttles only if directed by airport operations.
Q: What should I have ready when I reach the counter?
A: Have your driving licence, payment card in the main driver’s name, and booking confirmation details ready. This reduces time at the desk, especially during peak arrival periods.
