Quick Summary:
- Terminal A or B, follow Ground Transportation signs to the tram.
- Take the free Airport People Mover to the Car Rental Center.
- Terminal C arrivals, use the C-side tram straight to rentals.
- Avoid baggage claim exits to kerbside, stay inside for the tram.
Landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and trying to get to your car hire quickly can feel confusing, because MCO is split into different terminals and levels, with multiple exits that look similar. The good news is that the fastest route is nearly always the same: stay inside, follow the Ground Transportation and Rental Car signs, and take the free Airport People Mover (the tram) to the Car Rental Center.
This guide walks you step by step from arrivals in Terminals A, B, and C, points out the quickest transfer options, and flags the common wrong turns that cost the most time. If you want to check suppliers and pick-up details in advance, see car hire options at Orlando MCO or the overview at Orlando MCO car rental information.
Know the layout before you walk
MCO has two main areas for most travellers: the main terminal (split into Terminal A and Terminal B) and the newer Terminal C. Each has its own arrivals flow and signage. The Car Rental Center sits in a separate building connected by the Airport People Mover. That means you do not walk outdoors to reach it, you ride a short tram journey.
For Terminals A and B, you typically arrive, clear immigration (if international), collect bags on Level 2, then go up to Level 3 to access the tram to the Car Rental Center. For Terminal C, you follow C-side signs to the tram connection, which also takes you directly to the Car Rental Center.
Time-wise, the tram ride itself is quick, but delays happen when people exit to the kerb at Ground Transportation, or follow signs for hotel shuttles and rideshares. Staying inside and following the rental car icon is the key to a fast transfer.
Fast route from Terminal A arrivals (main terminal)
Terminal A covers one side of the main terminal complex. The quickest path to the Car Rental Center is fully indoors and signposted, but you must be on the correct level to access the tram.
Step 1: Finish arrivals processing and head to Level 2 baggage claim. If you have checked luggage, you will end up on Level 2. If you are carry-on only and exit earlier, simply follow signs to baggage claim and then continue towards the central atrium area.
Step 2: Look for “Ground Transportation” then “Rental Cars” signs. In Terminal A, these signs guide you towards the centre of the building. The rental car icon is your best cue, because “Ground Transportation” includes many options that branch off.
Step 3: Go up to Level 3 for the Airport People Mover. A common slowdown is staying on Level 2 and walking out towards kerbside. For the fastest transfer, take escalators or lifts to Level 3, then follow signs for the tram to the Car Rental Center.
Step 4: Board the Airport People Mover to the Car Rental Center. Trams run frequently. Once you arrive, follow signs to your specific company counter, then proceed to the garage area where vehicles are picked up.
If you are arranging your Orlando car hire with a specific brand, you can check pick-up expectations in advance, for example Enterprise car hire at Orlando MCO.
Fast route from Terminal B arrivals (main terminal)
Terminal B is the other side of the main terminal. The process mirrors Terminal A, but travellers often get turned around after baggage claim because exits to the kerb are plentiful.
Step 1: From arrivals, proceed to Level 2 baggage claim. After customs and immigration (if applicable), you will funnel into the baggage claim hall. Stay alert for overhead signs pointing to the main atrium.
Step 2: Follow “Rental Cars” signs towards the central atrium. Avoid doors leading outside to passenger pick-up and hotel shuttle bays. Even if you see “Transportation” signs, confirm they also show “Rental Cars” or the rental car icon.
Step 3: Move up to Level 3 to reach the tram. This is the single biggest time saver. The Car Rental Center is not reached from Level 1 or Level 2 exits. Level 3 is where the Airport People Mover platforms are located.
Step 4: Ride the Airport People Mover to the Car Rental Center. When you arrive, use the overhead directory to confirm the correct aisle for your provider, then head to the counter or self-service kiosks depending on your arrangements.
If you are comparing providers for car hire in Orlando, it can help to review a dedicated airport page such as car hire from Orlando airport to Disney, especially if your next stop is Lake Buena Vista or the theme parks.
Fast route from Terminal C arrivals
Terminal C is newer, more open, and designed with a smoother flow. The fastest route is still to stay indoors and follow rental car signage to the tram connection.
Step 1: Exit arrivals and follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”. The signs are modern and consistent, but there are still branches for rideshare, taxis, and shuttles. Keep following “Rental Cars” specifically.
Step 2: Continue to the Airport People Mover for the Car Rental Center. Terminal C uses the same concept: a short tram journey links you to the Car Rental Center building. If you are unsure, ask an airport staff member to point you to the people mover for rental cars.
Step 3: Arrive at the Car Rental Center and locate your provider. Counters are grouped, with clear overhead branding. From there, you will head into the garage to collect your vehicle.
Terminal C can feel deceptively simple, but the most frequent mistake is following the first “Transportation” exit you see. If the sign does not include “Rental Cars”, keep walking inside until it does.
Quickest transfer options, what actually saves time
Use the tram, not the kerb. The Airport People Mover is the designed route. Trying to reach rentals by going outside to the kerb, then looking for a shuttle, is slower and often leads you to hotel and off-site transfer areas instead.
Stay on the correct level. For Terminals A and B, Level 3 is the access level for the people mover. If you stay on Level 2 after baggage claim, you will see plenty of tempting exits that do not help you.
Pack the essentials in your carry-on. If you need to get to car hire fast, keep your driving licence, payment card, and reservation details accessible. Stopping to reorganise bags in a busy concourse slows you down and increases the chance of missing a sign change.
Choose a realistic pick-up time. Flights can arrive early, immigration queues vary, and baggage belts can be slow. A buffer reduces stress and prevents you from rushing into the wrong corridor.
Common wrong turns that slow you down
Wrong turn 1: Exiting to rideshare, taxi, or hotel shuttles. These areas are well-signposted, but once you are outside you may have to backtrack through busy doors. Keep an eye out for “Rental Cars” on the same sign, not just “Ground Transportation”.
Wrong turn 2: Staying on Level 2 in Terminals A and B. Baggage claim is on Level 2, but the rental car tram is on Level 3. If you do not go up, you will likely end up at kerbside pickup lanes.
Wrong turn 3: Following “Parking” signs. Parking garages and the Car Rental Center are different destinations. If the sign says “Parking” only, do not assume it leads to rental counters.
Wrong turn 4: Walking towards the wrong terminal side. In the main terminal, A and B share central areas. If you drift away from the central atrium, you can add extra walking. When in doubt, aim for the main atrium and then go up to Level 3 for the people mover.
What to expect when you reach the Car Rental Center
Once the people mover drops you at the Car Rental Center, the environment is more like a compact shopping concourse with counters, signage, and then the multistorey garage. You typically check in at the counter or kiosk, confirm your details, and then proceed to the level and lane where vehicles are assigned.
Allow a few extra minutes here for queues at peak times, and remember that different companies have slightly different flows. If you are picking up with Alamo, you can review supplier-specific guidance at Alamo car rental at Orlando MCO.
If your party and luggage are large, consider whether a larger vehicle format will speed up loading and departure from the garage. A dedicated page like van rental for Disney and Orlando MCO can help you compare sizes and suitability without scrambling at the counter.
Tips for a smoother exit from the garage
Set up navigation before you drive off. The Car Rental Center exits onto major airport roads, with fast-moving traffic and multiple lane splits. Enter your first destination while parked.
Photograph the vehicle condition at pick-up. A quick walk-around photo set takes seconds and avoids disputes later. Do this in the bay, before you join the exit line.
Know your first toll choice. Orlando roads may involve tolls depending on your route. Ask at the counter what toll option is included, and keep your choice consistent with where you plan to drive first.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to get from MCO arrivals to the Car Rental Center?
A: If you follow the indoor signs and take the Airport People Mover, the transfer is usually around 10 to 20 minutes after you leave baggage claim, plus any queue time at the counter.
Q: Is the Car Rental Center walkable from the terminals?
A: Not in a practical way. The fast, intended route is the free tram (Airport People Mover). Trying to walk outside typically adds distance and confusion.
Q: I am in Terminal A or B, which level should I be on for rental cars?
A: Go to Level 3 for the Airport People Mover to the Car Rental Center. Baggage claim is on Level 2, so you usually need to go up one level.
Q: What is the most common mistake when heading to car hire at MCO?
A: Exiting to the kerb for taxis, rideshare, or shuttles. Stay inside, keep following “Rental Cars”, and head for the tram platforms instead.
Q: Where do I go after the tram arrives at the Car Rental Center?
A: Follow the overhead directory to your provider’s counter or kiosk, then proceed into the garage to the assigned lane for vehicle pick-up.
