Quick Summary:
- Check your terminal letter and follow signs for Ground Transportation.
- From Terminals A or B, take the tram to Rental Car Center.
- From Terminal C, follow the indoor walkway to the rental hall.
- At the counter, show ID, licence, and confirmation to collect keys.
If you have not used Orlando International Airport (MCO) before, the moment after baggage claim can feel hectic, especially when you are trying to find your car hire pick-up without wasting time. The good news is that MCO is set up for a predictable flow. Once you know which terminal you are in, the route to the Rental Car Center is straightforward, with consistent signage.
This guide walks you step by step from baggage claim to the point where you either reach the rental counters or are directed to the correct pick-up area. The aim is simple, you should know exactly what to look for before you arrive, and what to do if your flight lands in Terminal A, Terminal B, or Terminal C.
Step 1: Confirm which terminal you have arrived in
At Orlando Airport, baggage claim areas connect to specific terminal sections. Most flights arrive into Terminal A or Terminal B, which share the same main complex but have different sides. Terminal C is newer and operates a little differently, although it is also well signed.
As soon as you reach baggage claim, check nearby overhead signs for terminal identifiers (A, B, or C). If you are unsure, look at the monitors, ask an airport ambassador, or check your flight details on the airport screens. This matters because Terminal A and B passengers typically take a tram to the Rental Car Center, while Terminal C passengers usually walk to the rental hall within the terminal area.
If you want to review the overall Orlando MCO car hire set-up in advance, this page can help you orient yourself: car hire at Orlando MCO.
Step 2: Leave baggage claim and follow Ground Transportation signs
Once you have collected all bags, including any oversized items, do a quick check before you move on. Confirm you have passports, phone, wallet, and any child seats or special baggage. It is easier to resolve missing luggage at the carousel than after you have travelled to another building.
From the baggage claim hall, follow overhead signs that typically read “Ground Transportation”, “Rental Cars”, or “Tram to Rental Car Center”. The signage is frequent and designed for arriving passengers, so you should not need to go back upstairs to Departures.
A practical tip for Orlando is to keep your documents accessible. You may not need them until the counter, but you will move faster if your driving licence and credit card are easy to reach when you arrive at the desk.
Step 3: If you arrive in Terminal A or Terminal B, take the tram to the Rental Car Center
For Terminal A and Terminal B arrivals, the typical route is: baggage claim, walk towards Ground Transportation, then board the airport tram that takes you to the Rental Car Center. You will see signs directing you to the tram platform. Trams run frequently, and you do not need a ticket for this internal airport transfer.
When you step onto the tram, stay with your party and keep luggage close. The ride is short, and you will disembark into the Rental Car Center building where most on-airport car hire desks are located. After you exit the tram, follow the crowd into the hall, then look up for the list of rental company counters and wayfinding signs.
If your plans include Disney area driving and you want a quick overview of airport-to-Disney rental considerations, this resource may be useful: Orlando Airport to Disney car rental.
Step 4: If you arrive in Terminal C, walk to the Rental Car Center area
Terminal C is designed so that car hire desks are accessible within the terminal complex, rather than requiring the same tram transfer used by Terminals A and B. After baggage claim in Terminal C, follow the overhead signs for “Rental Cars”. The walk is indoors and well marked, and you will be guided into the rental hall area.
Because Terminal C is newer, the layout can feel more open and spread out. Allow a few extra minutes for walking if you are travelling with children, prams, or multiple suitcases. If you are meeting other travellers landing in A or B, agree a meeting point at the Rental Car Center rather than in baggage claim, as the terminal-to-terminal route can take longer than expected.
Step 5: Find the correct counter and have your documents ready
When you reach the Rental Car Center hall (from either the tram in A/B or the walk in C), you will see a row of car hire counters. Overhead boards usually show which companies are located where. Locate the desk your reservation is with, then join the appropriate queue.
If you are comparing options at MCO and want to understand how different desks sit within the same Rental Car Center environment, these pages provide helpful context: National at Orlando MCO and Enterprise at Orlando MCO.
Step 6: Follow directions to the pick-up area and choose your vehicle bay
After your paperwork is complete, the agent will tell you where to go next. At Orlando Airport, the pick-up process often involves heading from the counters into the adjacent garage area. You may be given a slip, directed to a specific aisle, or guided to a section where a staff member assigns a vehicle.
Read any printed instructions before you leave the desk area. If you are uncertain, ask one clear question while you are still at the counter, such as “Which level and which aisle do I go to for pick-up?” This is far easier than returning with luggage later.
Once you have the keys, set up your phone navigation while stationary. Orlando roads can be busy, and it helps to have your first destination loaded before you join traffic.
Step 7: What to do if you cannot find the desk or signs
If you feel stuck after baggage claim, do not keep walking in circles. Use one of these quick fixes. Look up for overhead signs, ask an airport ambassador, and aim for “Ground Transportation” or “Rental Cars” rather than a specific company name at first. If you still feel uncertain, re-check your terminal letter before continuing.
Once you reach the Rental Car Center hall, it becomes much easier to find the correct counter because the companies are clearly listed.
FAQ
Q: After baggage claim at Orlando Airport, where do I go for Hola car hire?
A: Follow signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars. From Terminal A or B, take the tram to the Rental Car Center. From Terminal C, follow the indoor walkway to the rental hall.
Q: Is the Rental Car Center the same for Terminal A and Terminal B?
A: Yes. Arrivals in Terminals A and B typically use the same tram system to reach the shared Rental Car Center where most car hire counters are located.
Q: Do I need to take a shuttle bus to collect my car hire at MCO?
A: For most on-airport rentals, no. Terminal A and B use the tram to the Rental Car Center, and Terminal C is walkable. Some off-airport providers may use shuttles, so check your confirmation details.
Q: What should I have ready at the counter?
A: Have the main driver’s driving licence, identification, and payment card ready, plus your reservation confirmation on your phone. This speeds up the handover, especially during busy arrival periods.
Q: I am in the wrong area after baggage claim, how do I get back on track?
A: Stop and look for overhead signs for Rental Cars or Ground Transportation. If you cannot see them, ask airport staff to point you to the tram platform (A/B) or the rental car corridor (C).
