Quick Summary:
- Follow Ground Transportation signs, then Rental Cars, down to Level 1.
- Take the people mover to the Rental Car Center in minutes.
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes from gate to counter.
- Collect your car in the garage, then follow exit signs out.
If you are landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and arriving into Terminals A or B, getting to the rental car centre is straightforward once you know which signs to follow. Both terminals connect to the same main terminal complex, and both use the same automated train, commonly called the people mover, to reach the on-airport Rental Car Center (RCC). This guide walks you through the route in practical, step-by-step detail, including typical timings, and what to do if you are arriving with luggage, children, or accessibility needs.
For an overview of car hire options and how collection works at MCO, see car hire in Orlando MCO. If you are heading straight to the theme parks after landing, the airport-to-parks context on Orlando airport to Disney car hire can help with planning your first drive.
Know what “Terminals A and B” means at MCO
At MCO, Terminals A and B sit inside the same main terminal building. Most flights arrive into an “Airside” (gates area) connected to the main terminal by an automated people mover. After you exit the aircraft, you will use the people mover once to reach the main terminal for baggage claim. Then, to reach the Rental Car Center, you will use a second people mover from the main terminal across to the RCC.
In other words, it is normal to take two short train rides: one from gates to the main terminal, then another from the main terminal to the rental car centre. The signage is good, and the route is indoors until you reach the RCC.
Step-by-step: from your gate (Airside) to the main terminal
1) Follow the “Baggage Claim” signs. After leaving the aircraft, look for overhead signs pointing to “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation.” These direct you to the people mover for your Airside. You cannot walk to the main terminal from the gates, you must take the train.
2) Take the people mover to the main terminal. The ride is quick, typically around 1 to 2 minutes, plus a short wait on the platform. If you are travelling with a pushchair, mobility aids, or lots of bags, lifts and wide entry gates are available.
3) Walk to baggage claim. Once you arrive at the main terminal side, follow signs to baggage claim. Walking time from the people mover exit to the baggage hall is usually 3 to 8 minutes, depending on how busy it is and where your flight arrives.
Typical time so far: 10 to 25 minutes from aircraft door to baggage claim, depending on how quickly you disembark and any queueing for the train.
Step-by-step: baggage claim in Terminals A/B to the Rental Car Center train
4) Collect luggage, then look for “Rental Cars” signage. In the baggage claim area, overhead signs will point you to “Rental Cars.” At MCO, rental cars are not picked up in the terminal curbside lanes, you go to the dedicated Rental Car Center via a separate people mover.
5) Head towards Level 1, Ground Transportation. The route typically leads you along the edges of the baggage hall and into corridors with clear wayfinding. If you are unsure, airport staff can confirm the direction to “Rental Cars” and the “Rental Car Center.”
6) Use lifts or escalators as needed. The airport layout can feel like multiple levels, but you do not need to go outside. Follow the same “Rental Cars” signs, and use lifts if you have trolleys, wheelchairs, or bulky luggage.
Step-by-step: ride the people mover to the rental car centre
7) Board the “Rental Car Center” people mover. Platforms are clearly marked, and trains run frequently. You will see signs for “Rental Car Center” and “Rental Cars.” During peak times you might wait a few minutes, but service is continuous.
8) Ride time and what to expect. The ride is usually about 3 minutes. You will arrive inside the RCC building, where the rental company counters are located. The whole transfer from baggage claim to RCC, including walking and the train, is often 10 to 20 minutes.
Practical timing tip: If your party is splitting tasks, one person can queue at the counter while another gathers luggage and meets them at the RCC, but only do this if everyone is comfortable navigating and you have a clear plan for meeting.
At the Rental Car Center: counters, documents, and the walk to your vehicle
9) Find your car hire counter. Inside the rental car centre, counters are grouped together. Look for the brand you are collecting from, and have your documents ready, typically a driving licence, passport or ID, and the payment card used for the booking.
10) Allow for counter and queue time. Queue time varies by arrival bank. In quieter periods, you may be out in 10 to 20 minutes. At busy times, it can be 30 to 60 minutes. If you are aiming for a specific departure time, factor this in, especially with children or after a long-haul flight.
11) Walk to the garage level to pick up your vehicle. After paperwork, you will follow signs to the pick-up area, typically a short walk of 2 to 6 minutes. You may be directed to an aisle or bay number. Do a quick walkaround, check the fuel policy, and set up navigation before you leave the bay.
If you are choosing a vehicle type suited to family luggage and theme-park runs, browse guidance for minivan rental at Orlando MCO or SUV rental at Orlando MCO. For supplier-specific pickup expectations, Payless at Orlando MCO outlines what to look for at the rental car centre.
Expected transfer times: realistic door-to-car planning
Every flight and family setup is different, but these are realistic planning ranges for Terminals A and B:
Gate to baggage claim: 10 to 25 minutes (includes first people mover).
Baggage claim to RCC platform: 5 to 12 minutes walking.
Wait for RCC train plus ride: 5 to 10 minutes total.
Counter time: 10 to 60 minutes depending on queues.
Counter to vehicle bay and departure: 5 to 15 minutes (finding car, checks, loading).
Overall: 35 minutes on a quiet run, 60 to 120 minutes if you hit heavy queues or delayed bags. If you have a tight schedule, plan on the longer end so your car hire handover does not feel rushed.
FAQ
Do I need a shuttle from Terminals A and B to the rental car centre? No. You use the airport’s automated people mover to the Rental Car Center, following “Rental Cars” signs.
How long does it take from baggage claim to the rental car centre? Typically 10 to 20 minutes, including walking, waiting, and the 3-minute people mover ride.
Is the route to the rental car centre indoors? Yes. From Terminals A and B you stay indoors, using corridors and people movers until you reach the RCC.
Where do I go after I reach the Rental Car Center? Go to your car hire company counter first, then follow signs to the garage level for vehicle pickup.
What if I accidentally follow signs to ride share or hotel shuttles? Turn back to the baggage claim corridors and look for “Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Center” overhead signage.
