Orlando International Airport (MCO), the busiest airport in Florida, handles over 57 million passengers annually, serving as the primary gateway to Central Florida’s theme parks and beyond. Located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, MCO connects to 160 destinations worldwide with airlines like Southwest, Delta, and JetBlue.
The passenger experience at MCO is designed for efficiency, with clear signage and digital flight screens guiding travellers through check-in, security, and boarding. Staff at Service Centres assist with queries, and the MCO app provides real-time updates on wait times and gate assignments. Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance and nursing pods on the B-side of the main terminal. The airport’s modern design, enhanced by the 2022 opening of Terminal C, ensures a smooth journey, though its size requires planning.
Accessing MCO is straightforward, with a 15-minute drive from downtown via State Road 408. Parking options include Terminal Top Parking (£20/day) and Economy Lots (£12/day), with valet services at Terminals A, B, and C. The Lynx bus (Route 42, £1.60) connects to downtown in 17 minutes, while SunRail and Brightline trains link to Miami and West Palm Beach from the Intermodal Terminal, accessible via a free people mover.
Taxis cost £25-£35, and rideshares like Uber operate from Level 3 (Terminals A/B) and Level 2 (Terminal C). Car hire from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise is available at the Ground Transportation Curb.
The airport’s layout features a North Terminal Complex (Terminals A and B) with four airside concourses (Gates 1-129) and a South Terminal Complex (Terminal C) for international flights. Terminals A and B handle check-in, baggage claim, and security on three levels, connected to concourses via automated people movers. Terminal C, with 15 gates, has its own security and customs facilities. Walking times can reach 20 minutes, but shuttle trains run every few minutes. International arrivals process through Terminal C’s customs area, with Global Entry kiosks.
Delays can occur during peak hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM) or holiday seasons, with security waits reaching 30 minutes. Weather, particularly thunderstorms, and high traffic in Florida’s airspace may cause disruptions. Travellers should arrive three hours early for domestic and four for international flights, checking status via FlightAware or the MCO website. Construction for Brightline expansions may affect road access.
Dining options reflect Orlando’s culinary scene, with Terminal A offering Chick-fil-A and Cask & Larder, Terminal B featuring Ruby Tuesday, and Terminal C showcasing Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith and 4Rivers Smokehouse. Retail includes duty-free stores in Terminals A and C, Disney and Universal shops landside, and Hudson News for essentials. Terminal C’s Plaza Premium Lounge doubles as a dining destination open to non-passengers via a visitor pass.
Facilities are comprehensive, with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and lounges like Delta Sky Club (Terminal B) and The Club at MCO (Terminal A). A children’s play area, pet relief zones, and a chapel are available, alongside the on-site Hyatt Regency with a rooftop pool. Lost and found services operate in Terminal A, and baggage storage costs €14 per bag.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Southwest, the largest carrier, maintaining consistent schedules. The airport’s four runways handle over 850 daily flights, though weather can cause delays. Connections are efficient, with 60-minute minimums for domestic and 90-minute minimums for international transfers, aided by shuttle trains. Passengers should confirm gate assignments to avoid confusion.Potential delays may stem from summer storms, peak-season crowds, or construction around the Intermodal Terminal. Travellers can mitigate risks by using TSA PreCheck (£62) or CLEAR lanes and avoiding peak hours.
