Quick Summary:
- Terminal C rental cars are in the same building, no tram needed.
- From baggage claim, follow “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car” signs downstairs.
- Allow 10–20 minutes from arrivals to the car hire counters.
- At peak times, queues add 20–45 minutes, plan extra buffer.
If you are arriving into Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal C and wondering whether you need to take a tram to reach the rental cars, the practical answer is usually no. Terminal C was designed so that the main car hire facility is integrated into the terminal complex, meaning you can typically walk from arrivals to the rental car counters without boarding the automated people mover.
What can confuse first timers is that MCO has more than one way to reach transport options. Some routes use the terminal’s train system, some use moving walkways and lifts, and signage can mention “APM” (automated people mover) in other contexts. This guide focuses on the quickest route from arrivals in Terminal C, what is walkable, and how long you should allow when the airport is busy.
Do you need the tram from Terminal C to rental cars?
For most passengers arriving in Terminal C, you do not need the tram to get to the on site rental car counters. The car hire area serving Terminal C is within the terminal building, so your route is a walk using escalators or lifts.
The tram at MCO is mainly used to connect the terminal complex with gates in certain airside areas, and to connect different terminal areas. If you have already landed and you are in the arrivals, baggage claim, or ground transportation level of Terminal C, the rental car counters are reached by following signs, not by riding a train.
If you are collecting a car booked through Hola Car Rentals, it helps to know that MCO hosts multiple brands and desks in the same general rental car area, so the key is getting to the correct level first. For an overview of Orlando airport car hire options, you can compare the Terminal C friendly setup on Orlando MCO car rental.
Fastest walking route from Terminal C arrivals to car hire
Terminal C is laid out to keep the arrival flow simple. The fastest route is the most obvious one, follow the main passenger stream from the gates down to baggage claim, then continue to the level signed for ground transportation and rental cars.
In practical terms, your steps usually look like this:
1) Arrive and head to baggage claim. After disembarking, follow the “Baggage Claim” signs. In most cases you will use escalators or lifts down from the arrivals corridor to the baggage hall.
2) Collect bags, then follow “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car”. The signage is consistent and designed to funnel you in the right direction. If you see signs for ride share, taxis, or hotel shuttles, you are in the right zone, keep going towards rental cars.
3) Go to the rental car counters. Terminal C’s rental car area is accessed from inside the building. You are looking for the main counters and service desks, where you will present your driving licence and payment card and complete any final checks.
4) Continue to the garage to pick up your vehicle. After the counter process, you will follow signs to the assigned bay area, where staff may direct you to a specific aisle or vehicle row depending on supplier.
Hola Car Rentals has dedicated pages for Terminal C and MCO pickups, including what to expect for different supplier desks. If you want to read MCO specific guidance before you travel, see car hire in Orlando MCO.
What’s walkable, and what tends to slow people down
From Terminal C arrivals, the walk to car hire is straightforward, but “walkable” does not always mean “fast”. The distance is reasonable, yet there are a few common pinch points that add time.
Walkable parts: the route from baggage claim to the rental car counters, and then onwards to the pickup garage, is typically all indoors, signed, and accessible by lift or escalator. You will not be asked to board a shuttle bus for the main on site rental car facility when arriving into Terminal C.
What slows you down:
First, baggage delivery can be the biggest variable. If your bags are last off, it can add 15 minutes quickly. Second, peak arrival banks create surges at the counters. Even if you are only a few minutes away on foot, a busy queue can make it feel much longer. Third, family groups with pushchairs, lots of cases, or a need to stop for toilets or snacks may find the last stretch to the garage slower than expected.
If you are travelling with a larger party or lots of luggage, you might also be considering a bigger vehicle category. Hola Car Rentals lists options suitable for groups at MCO on van hire in Orlando MCO.
How long should you allow from arrivals at busy times?
Timing at Orlando can vary by season, day of week, and whether multiple long haul flights land close together. A useful way to plan is to separate “walking time” from “process time”. Walking time is fairly consistent, process time is not.
Typical timing, carry on only: If you are not waiting for checked bags and you already have the necessary documents ready, you might reach the car hire counters about 10 to 15 minutes after leaving the aircraft, depending on how quickly you can exit the arrivals flow and get down to the correct level.
Typical timing, with checked bags: Add the baggage wait. On a smooth day that could be another 10 to 25 minutes. If your flight is delayed and several flights arrive at once, the wait can stretch longer.
Counter queue and paperwork: On quieter periods, counter service might take 10 to 20 minutes. At peak times, queueing and processing can push that to 30 to 60 minutes, especially if you need to discuss additional drivers, toll options, or insurance excess arrangements.
Total planning window: A sensible allowance from wheels down to driving out is often 45 to 90 minutes. In very busy holiday periods, planning for up to two hours can prevent stress, particularly if you must reach a timed check in, dinner reservation, or a theme park plan.
If your trip includes Disney area hotels, you may prefer to compare airport pickup details specifically aimed at that corridor. Hola Car Rentals summarises Orlando airport car hire for Disney trips here: car hire from MCO for Disney.
Terminal C arrivals tips for a quicker handover
You cannot control how busy Orlando is, but you can reduce friction during the handover. Small preparations often save more time than trying to speed walk through the terminal.
Keep documents accessible. Have your driving licence, passport, and payment card easy to reach. If you have multiple drivers, make sure each driver has their licence on them, not in a checked bag.
Know your supplier name and confirmation details. MCO has many desks, and it is easy to lose time by joining the wrong queue. If you booked car hire via Hola Car Rentals with a specific partner, head for that brand’s counter.
Be realistic about arrival waves. Orlando is a family heavy destination. Weekend afternoons and school holiday peaks often mean longer lines. If you are arriving then, build time for the counter, not just the walk.
Plan for the garage pickup step. Even after the paperwork is done, you may have a short wait for a vehicle to be brought up, inspected, or assigned, especially for larger categories or if you need a specific feature.
Consider toll planning early. Central Florida roads often involve tolls, and visitors may be offered different toll programme options at the counter. Decide in advance how you prefer to handle tolls so you are not weighing it up under pressure.
What if you land in another terminal, or need to get to Terminal C?
The key point for this article is that once you are in Terminal C arrivals, you can usually walk to the rental cars without using the tram. However, some travellers arrive into a different terminal area, then travel through the airport to meet family, to reach a specific pickup point, or because they misread their terminal.
If you are not in Terminal C, the tram may become relevant for moving between certain areas of MCO. The airport uses automated people movers to connect different parts of the complex, and signage will direct you to APM stations when needed. In those cases, the tram is not “to rental cars from Terminal C”, it is “to get to the right terminal area first”.
When in doubt, follow the overhead signs for “Terminal C” or ask an airport ambassador. Once you arrive at Terminal C’s main landside area, the rental car route becomes a walk again.
Picking the right car for Orlando after you leave the garage
After you have collected keys and found your vehicle, your next time saver is having a simple first drive plan. Orlando’s road network can be fast moving, with toll roads and multiple lane changes near the airport exits.
If you are heading towards International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, or the theme parks, you may hit congestion at peak commuting times. Allow a few minutes in the garage to set up navigation and check mirrors, lights, and child seat fit if relevant, rather than pulling out and stopping immediately in a less convenient spot.
For travellers comparing supplier options at MCO, Hola Car Rentals maintains pages for common brands, which can help you understand where to go and what desk you are looking for. For example, see Dollar car rental at Orlando MCO.
FAQ
Do I need to take the tram from Terminal C to the rental car counters? No, if you are already in Terminal C arrivals, the rental car counters are typically reached on foot using escalators or lifts.
How long does it take to walk from Terminal C baggage claim to car hire? On most days, allow about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the counters, depending on your pace and how direct your route is.
What time should I allow at Orlando MCO during busy periods? Build in extra time for queues, 20 to 45 minutes is common at peaks, and two hours total from landing to driving out is a safe buffer in holiday seasons.
Is the rental car pickup area indoors and accessible with luggage? Yes, the route is designed for passengers with cases and includes lifts and escalators, so it is walkable without needing a shuttle bus.
If my flight arrives late, will I still be able to collect my car? Usually yes, but desk hours and policies vary by supplier, so it helps to have your booking details and monitor any late arrival guidance.
