Quick Summary:
- Follow ‘Ground Transportation’ signs from Terminal B to Level 1.
- Use the free airport shuttle to the Rental Car Centre.
- Allow 45 to 75 minutes from landing to car hire counter.
- Take photos of bay numbers, then walk to your company’s aisle.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed around two main terminals, A and B, with a separate Rental Car Centre (RCC) on airport property. If you land at Terminal B, you will not usually collect your vehicle in the terminal itself, you will travel to the RCC using the airport’s dedicated ground transport system. The route is straightforward once you know which level to aim for and which signs to follow.
This guide gives you a pre-arrival plan you can picture step by step, plus realistic timings from touchdown to reaching the car hire counter, and what to do if your flight arrives late, you have children, or you are travelling with lots of luggage.
Understand the layout before you land
At MCO, Terminal B is connected to Airside concourses by an automated people mover, and the terminal levels are numbered for different functions. After your flight parks at the gate, you will make your way into the main terminal area for baggage claim and ground transport. The Rental Car Centre is a separate building, reached by a free shuttle service from the terminal complex.
If you have arranged car hire through Hola Car Rentals, it helps to know which brand you are collecting from and whether you need to visit a counter or can go straight to the garage area. You can browse practical pickup notes on Hola’s Orlando pages such as car hire at Orlando Airport (MCO) and Orlando MCO car rental options.
Step-by-step route from Terminal B to the Rental Car Centre
1) From the gate to the main terminal
After landing, follow the overhead signs for “Terminal” or “Baggage Claim.” If you arrive at an Airside gate, you will take the automated people mover back to the terminal building. This ride is short, but you should still budget a few minutes for the queue if multiple flights arrive together.
2) Go to Baggage Claim (Level 2) and then down to Ground Transportation (Level 1)
Once in the Terminal B main building, follow signs for baggage claim. If you are checking luggage, this is your first timing variable. After collecting bags, look for signs for “Ground Transportation” and head down one level to Level 1. You are aiming for the area where shuttles and buses depart.
3) Follow the signs for Rental Cars, then the RCC shuttle
In Ground Transportation, there will be clear wayfinding for rental cars. At MCO, the typical process is to take the free shuttle to the Rental Car Centre. Staff and signage usually direct you to the correct kerbside loading area. If you are unsure, ask any airport staff member, “Where is the shuttle to the Rental Car Center?”
4) Ride the free shuttle to the Rental Car Centre
The shuttle ride itself is usually quick, but waiting time depends on time of day. During busy arrival banks, you might queue, especially if several widebody flights unload at once. Keep your booking details handy, and if you are travelling as a family, agree a simple plan, one adult manages the luggage trolley while another watches the children.
5) At the RCC, locate your brand and decide counter versus direct-to-car
On arrival, you will enter the RCC building and follow signs to your rental brand’s counter or to a preferred or express area if eligible. If you are travelling with more luggage or need a larger vehicle, it can be useful to pre-check vehicle category choices, for example minivan hire at Orlando MCO for family-friendly space.
6) After the counter, head to the garage, then note your bay and exit route
Once you have keys or a vehicle assignment, follow the signs to the garage pick-up area. Before you drive off, take a moment to set up your phone navigation, adjust mirrors, and identify which exit lane to use. A quick photo of the bay location and fuel level can save hassle later.
Realistic timings from landing to the car hire counter
Timings at Orlando can vary widely, mainly due to immigration, baggage, and peak periods. Use the ranges below as a practical planning tool rather than a promise.
Typical total time: 45 to 75 minutes
This is a reasonable average for many travellers who clear formalities smoothly and collect luggage without delays.
Fast case: 30 to 45 minutes
Possible when you land at a quieter time, have no checked bags, and lines are short. You still need time to reach Ground Transportation and wait for the RCC shuttle.
Busy case: 75 to 120 minutes
Expect this if you arrive during peak afternoon and evening waves, have multiple bags, or travel in school holiday periods. Immigration and baggage delivery are often the biggest unknowns, and a full shuttle may add another wait cycle.
To reduce stress, aim to have your essentials accessible before leaving the aircraft, passport, driving licence, payment card, booking reference, and any required documents. If you are comparing suppliers and desk locations in advance, Hola’s MCO information pages can help, for instance Alamo car rental at Orlando MCO or Payless car rental at Orlando MCO.
Wayfinding tips that make Terminal B easier
Stick to the big signs first
At airports, it is easy to overthink. Your first targets are “Baggage Claim” and then “Ground Transportation.” Once you are in the correct zone, you can narrow down to “Rental Car Center” or “Rental Cars.”
Do not assume rental desks are in Terminal B
Many first-time visitors expect the desks to be beside baggage reclaim. At MCO, the main car hire operation is concentrated in the RCC, so plan to shuttle across.
Build in a buffer if you must be on the road at a set time
If you have dining reservations, theme park check-in windows, or a long drive after landing, add 30 minutes of contingency. Orlando traffic can be intense on I-4 and around the attractions corridor, and the extra buffer makes the start of the trip calmer.
Consider your party’s pace
Families with prams, travellers with mobility needs, and larger groups naturally move slower. If that is you, it is sensible to plan on the upper end of the timing range and treat anything quicker as a bonus.
Transport options if you decide not to use the RCC shuttle
For most travellers, the free shuttle to the Rental Car Centre is the correct choice for collecting a vehicle. If your plans change, Ground Transportation at Level 1 is also the hub for alternatives like taxis and rideshare pickup areas, though locations and procedures can vary by airport policy and time of day.
If you choose to delay car hire until later in your trip, it may still be worth checking your collection rules and hours in advance. Some travellers prefer to spend the first night near the airport and collect a vehicle the next morning, when queues can feel easier to manage.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Mixing up terminals and airsides
If someone in your group is meeting you, confirm they are waiting at Terminal B and the correct level. The label “B” is meaningful, but many visitors describe their location as “Orlando airport” without specifying terminal or level.
Forgetting to check counter hours and late arrivals
If your flight is delayed, you may arrive after your supplier’s counter hours. Keep your confirmation details available and know what the late-arrival procedure is for your provider. If you are unsure, it is safer to clarify before travel.
Not factoring in child seats and extra equipment
If you need child seats, a booster, or mobility equipment, the desk interaction may take longer. Build a few extra minutes into your plan, and check what you will collect at the counter versus at the vehicle bay.
FAQ
Is the Rental Car Centre walkable from Terminal B at Orlando Airport?
It is not a practical walk with luggage. The standard route is to go to Ground Transportation and use the free shuttle to the Rental Car Centre.
Where do I go in Terminal B to catch the rental car shuttle?
After baggage claim, go down to Level 1 and follow signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars. You will find the RCC shuttle loading area there.
How long should I allow from landing to reaching the car hire counter?
Plan for 45 to 75 minutes in many cases. During busy periods or with checked luggage and long queues, it can take up to two hours.
What if I have no checked luggage?
You can often save time by heading straight from the people mover to Ground Transportation. Even then, allow time for the shuttle and any queue at the counter.
Do all car hire companies at MCO use the same Rental Car Centre?
Many major providers operate from the Rental Car Centre, but procedures can differ by company. Check your confirmation for the exact pickup instructions and desk location.
