Orlando International Airport is the main gateway for the passengers traveling to the Walt Disney World, Central Florida, and its theme parks, which attracts approximately 50 million passengers every year. The Orlando airport code is still MCO, continuing from its days of McCoy Air Force Base. It is just 6 miles from the southeast of downtown Orlando and serves more than 170 destinations worldwide with 40 airlines.
Unlike most airports, the security checkpoints or check-in and the gate are not located in the same building at Orlando Airport. The airport security screening, baggage claim, and check-in happen in the main terminal, and then you need to take the automated people mover to reach a different airside concourse to catch your flight. And this is not it; Terminal C has a completely separate building with its own check-in hall, security checkpoints, and custom area.
This layout often creates confusion among the travelers, and they move to a wrong terminal or they lineup at the wrong security checkpoint. Not just that, people also misjudge the parking area and find themselves in complete chaos.
I have been through all of these and understand it can feel like a maze to the first-timer. Therefore, I have come up with this guide to help the travelers who are planning a trip to or from Orlando Airport. It covers everything from the terminal to the gates and the locations. By the end, you will actually know where to go and what to skip.
Pre-Flight Preparation
Apps to download
The official Orlando MCO app. The app is easily available on the Play Store and the Apple App Store. Get quick flight updates, indoor navigation, live Orlando International Airport security wait time, and more.
Your airline's app. The flight details will be updated on the airline’s app first. Get your airline’s app to know the live status of your flight, departure gate, estimated & actual arrival time, and more.
Your mobile wallet. You must save your boarding pass before you head to the airport, because several parts of the airport have weak signals.
Maps to download
Download the Orlando International Airport map to your phone gallery or files, which allows you to access the map instantly without an internet connection. You should get the parking map. The parking page carries a current parking map. These maps are easily available on the official flyMCO website. Additionally, download the offline map of the airport area and the access road to navigate the airport properly even if the signal drops.
How early to arrive
Domestic flight: You must arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight is scheduled for departure.
International flight: You will have to reach the airport in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure.
Peak periods (spring break, summer, Thanksgiving to New Year): Add another 30 to 45 minutes.
Good to know: The Orlando Airport MCO is currently replacing the terminal trams, and thus, you must add at least 30 extra minutes to your travel time for ground transportation or rental cars.
International travel document checklist
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Items | What to check |
| Passport | The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel. |
| Visa or electronic authorization | ESTA, eTA, or a visa, depending on your nationality and destination. |
| Boarding pass | Digital or Printed |
| Onward or return ticket | The immigration officer might ask you to show the return ticket. |
| Accommodation address | You must have the receipts of the hotel booking or proof of accommodation |
| Travel insurance details | Keep the policy number handy |
| Trusted traveler number | TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, if you have one |
For domestic flights, you will have to show a REAL ID-compliant driver license or another acceptable ID such as a passport.
Pro-tip: You must check the airline’s gate range before leaving for the airport, as the MCO terminal letter and the gate ranges do not always match. Once you know the gate range of your booked flight, you know which side of the airport you have to move.
MCO Terminals Explained
Orlando International Airport is split into two different terminal complexes—the North Terminal Complex and the South Terminal Complex.
North Terminal Complex
The Orlando International Airport has Terminals A & B located within the same building. There are four airside concourses in the North Terminal complex, which can be accessed through the people mover system. In this building, the ticketing happens on Level 3, baggage claim is on Level 2, and ground transportation is available on Level 1.
Terminal A: The Orlando International Airport Terminal A is situated on the north side and will take you to Airside 1 (gates 1-29) and Airside 2 (gates 100-129).
Terminal B: The Orlando International Airport Terminal B is located on the south side of the building. You will have access to Airside 3 (gates 30–59) and Airside 4 (gates 70–99) from Terminal B.
South Terminal Complex
The south terminal complex is completely dedicated to Terminal C. It has its own security checkpoints, baggage claim, and ground transportation. Unlike Terimals A & B, the boarding gates, TSA, and check-in are all available in the same building. Its gates are numbered C230 to C245.
Good to Know: The shops and restaurants in Terminal C are located post-security, and thus, you will require to get your boarding pass first to access them.
Find Your Flight: Airline Terminal Assignments
Terminal A
Terminal A primarily handles domestic flights.
Air Transat: Gates 70–99
Avelo Airlines: Gates 1–29
Frontier Airlines: Gates 1–29 & 70–99
Southwest Airlines: Gates 70–99 & 100–129
Terminal B
It is mainly used by the legacy carriers for its domestic operations along with some international flights.
Air Canada / Air Canada Rouge: Gates 70–99
Alaska Airlines: Gates 30–39
Allegiant Air: Gates 30–59
American Airlines: Gates 30–59
Bahamasair: Gates 70–99
BermudAir: Gates 70–99
Breeze Airways: Gates 1–29
Delta Air Lines: Gates 70–99
Flair Airlines: Gates 70–99
LATAM Airlines (Brasil / Colombia): Gates 70–99
Sun Country Airlines: Gates 70–99
United Airlines: Gates 30–59
Viva: Gates 70–99
Volaris / Volaris Costa Rica: Gates 70–99
WestJet: Gates 70–99
Terminal C
It is primarily used by airlines for its international flights and selected domestic routes.
Aer Lingus: Gates C240–C245
Aeromexico: Gates C240–C245
Air France: Gates C240–C245
Avianca: Gates C240–C245
Azul: Gates C240–C245
British Airways: Gates C240–C245
Caribbean Airlines: Gates C240–C245
Copa Airlines: Gates C240–C245
Discover Airlines: Gates C240–C245
Emirates: Gates C240–C245
GOL: Gates C240–C245
Iberia: Gates C240–C245
Icelandair: Gates C240–C245
JetBlue: Gates C230–C238
Norse Atlantic UK: Gates C240–C245
Porter Airlines: Gates C230–C245
TAP Air Portugal: Gates TBD (Terminal C)
Virgin Atlantic: Gates C238–C245
Zipair: Gates C240–C245
How to Transfer Between Terminals
There are two different kinds of people moving systems at Orlando International Airport, which will be used by you, depending on whether you are moving within the North Terminal Complex or heading towards the South Terminal.
Gate Link (main terminal to your airside): It transfers the passenger from the main terminal to the gate areas. It operates 24/7 every two minutes and hardly takes one and a half minutes to take the travelers to their designated airside. The Airside 1 & 3 can be reached via the west security checkpoint, whereas Airside 2 & 4 is accessible through the east security.
Terminal Link (main terminal to Terminal C): The terminal link connects Terminal C to Terminals A & B and the train station. It remains operational for 24 hours a day and runs every 4 minutes. Also, there is also a pedestrian bridge that connects Terminal C to MCO Intermodal Train Station.
Gate Link construction: what to expect right now
In December 2025, Orlando International Airport has begun a $253 million gate link replacement project that is expected to complete by 2027. It covers the airside 2 & 4 between the gates 70 and 129. Due to this construction, there is only one tram operating right now instead of two. Therefore, as of now, shuttle bus is the primary transportation to use to move between airsides and the main terminal. If your departure is scheduled at gates 70 to 129 and you want to use the tram, then you must add an extra 30 minutes to your travel time.
Food and Restaurants at MCO
If you leave with plenty of time before departure, the MCO has ample restaurants lined up to cheer your taste buds.
Main Terminal (Terminals A & B)
The terminals A & B share a central food court, and you can reach them before passing through security. The food and restaurants are available on Level 3; each airside has plenty of dining options available past the security checkpoints.
McCoy's Bar & Grill (Hyatt Regency, before security): It is located on the Hyatt’s lobby level and remains open 11AM-12:30AM. The entree cost is $11-32.
Hemisphere (Hyatt Regency): It is a full-service dining option with a clear view of the runway. The food is fresh and includes a local touch of the culinary art. The entree would cost you between $24 and $40.
Zaza Cuban Cafe (Airside 3): Taste the Cuban-style pastries, cocktails, and espresso. It opens at 4:30 am, so it's perfect to have breakfast before your early morning flight.
Burger King—Gates 70-99: It opens at 4:30 am and closes late at night. Thus, it is one of the best options for a meal before and after your early morning or late-night flight.
Bahama Breeze Island Grille (Airside 4): This food outlet features the Caribbean-style burgers and cocktails.
Chick-fil-A: It serves classic chicken sandwiches at a reasonable price.
Cask & Larder (Airside 2): It serves the southern comfort food with crafted beer.
Le Grand Comptoir (gates 1-29): It opens daily at 7:30 am and closes after the last flight departs from the airport. It serves premium wines and bistro.
Lobby Bar (East Hall): It opens daily at 5PM-1AM. During the football season, the timing is 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Terminal C
Terminal C has a wide range of food options available post-security in the palm food court area. So, if you have cleared the TSA quickly, sit down at a restaurant and give yourself a treat before boarding the flight.
Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith - Gates C230-C245: It remains open throughout the day and serves the main course and breakfast.
Wine Bar George - CGates C230-C254: It serves premium wines and some of the best cocktails.
Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon - CGates C230-C254: It serves breakfast and beverages and opens at 4:30 am and closes after the departure of the last flight.
Wine Bar George - near gate C241: Get over 75 varieties of wines and also the charcuterie and small plates.
Cask & Larder: The menu includes smoked chicken meats and crafted beer. And you can grab the box and go to eat the food later.
Where to Shop at Orlando International Airport?
If you are returning from Orlando and have not got enough time to shop, then here is good news for you. Orlando International Airport is a paradise for the shoppers. It features numerous brands and local names across the terminals. Also remember, the Airside 2 & 4 are where the duty-free shops are located inside the main terminal.
Main Terminal (Terminals A & B)
Magic of Disney. South Walk. The main Disney shop before the security checkpoint, where you can shop merchandise, toys, and apparel.
Disney's Earport. East Hall. Another Disney shop, but smaller than the first one with a pin-trading station and character photo spots. So, shop and get pics with your favorite Disney character.
Universal Orlando Store. East Hall and West Hall (two locations). Harry Potter and Universal Studios merchandise.
SeaWorld Store. East Hall. If you want to get gifts at the last minute for your loved ones, this shop features Park-branded gifts and plush toys.
Natalie's Candy Jar. Main Terminal. It has more than 400 candy varieties and handmade chocolates.
InMotion Entertainment. Main Terminal. Electronics, headphones, chargers, and travel tech from Apple, Bose, Beats, and Sony.
Hudson News. Multiple locations across the terminal. It has newspapers, magazines, snacks, and travel essentials.
Sunglass Hut. Main Terminal. Sunglasses and eyewear brands.
Terminal C
Walt Disney World Store. Palm Court (past security). It is a newly opened shop in Terminal C, which is larger than other shops of Disney and has its own castle display.
Universal Studios Store. Palm Court. Wizarding World and Universal merchandise.
City Arts Market. Palm Court. It features the craft work of local artists.
3Sixty Duty Free. Palm Court. It has duty-free liquor, cosmetics, and perfume; however, you will require the boarding pass.
Sunglass Hut & Brighton. Palm Court. Shop the designed sunglasses paired with the Brighton's jewelry and accessories.
Note: All the shops inside Terminal C are located past security. Therefore, you will require the boarding pass to shop at Terminal C.
Where Do I Park My Vehicle at MCO Airport?
If you have brought your own vehicle, you might be looking for parking space. MCO Airport has one of the best parking scenes, with parking space available for every type of traveler, from quick visits to extended getaways.
Here is a table showing the parking options and their rate at Orlando International Airport in 2026.
| Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Top, Garage A, Garage B | $24/day (maximum stay period is 45 days) | Terminal A & B are located within walking distance, and Terminal C is accessible via a 4-minute Terminal Link (APM) ride |
| Garage C (drive-up) | $24/day (maximum stay period is 45 days) | Terminal C is located within walking distance, and Terminal A & B can be reached via Tram. |
| Garage C Level 4 (reserved) | $32/day (maximum stay period is 45 days) | Same Garage C (drive-up) |
| Economy Lots | $14/day (maximum stay period is 90 days) | Free shuttle to Terminal A; pick up from ground transportation (Level 1) and drop at departures (Level 3) |
| Surface Lots | $20/day (maximum stay period is 45 days) | Within walking distance of the train station |
| Cell Phone Waiting Area | Free | It is located a mile from Terminal A, 2 mile from Terminal B, and 2.5 miles from Terminal C |
Here are a few details that you must know about the Orlando Airport parking rates:
Most spaces at Garage C are covered, and it does not accommodate vehicles above 7 feet.
If you have brought an oversized vehicle, you can park it inside the South Park Place lot.
You have 20 minutes of grace period for the garage and 10 minutes for the economy, where no charges are imposed.
Disabled veterans can park their vehicle for free in economy and garages at Orlando Airport.
Commercial and unattended vehicles are not allowed in the cell phone lot, and also passengers cannot park overnight.
Pro-tip: If you have an E-PASS or SunPass, you should use the marked toll lanes at the entry and exit of garages and economy. The fee will be directly deducted from the toll account, and you do not require a ticket separately. However, make sure you have fund in your account.
Hotels Near and Inside the Airport
Looking for a space between the layover! There are plenty of hotels inside and nearby Orlando International Airport. Let’s find out the perfect place for you to sleep that is close to the airport and fit within your budget.
Inside the airport
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is the only airport in the North Terminal complex. It is located above the security checkpoints for gates 70-129. This is, however, not the cheapest option available, but it is the most convenient option for travelers looking for space just minutes away from the security checkpoints and check-in counter. You are close to the shops, restaurants, and the local nightlife of Orlando City.
Nearby Hotels with the Cheapest Rate
Spending too much for a one-night sleep is not a wiser decision. Right! If you think like this, then the best option for you lies outside the airport. There are several hotels close to the Orlando Airport that provide free shuttles. Here is a table showing the option of the cheapest hotels near the Orlando Airport.
| Hotels | Price | Distance from Airport | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando Airport | $75 - $85/night | 2 Miles | Yes |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Airport at Gateway Village | $90 - $105/night | 1.8 Miles | Yes |
| Extended Stay America Select Suites | $63 night | 1.8 Miles | No |
| HomeTowne Studios Orlando South | $52/night | 6 Miles | No |
| OYO Hotel Orlando Airport | $44 - $50/night | 7.9 Miles | No |
Tips for Passengers
Know your side of the building. If you have a flight from the main terminal, you must check the side of the security checkpoint your gate range uses. The distance between Terminal A and Terminal can exceed a mile, and knowing which side to move will save your time.
Check parking status before you leave. The parking space fills up quickly, especially during the peak season; therefore, you must check the parking map to check the availability.
Park at the terminal you're flying from. Parking at the Orlando Airport is close to the terminals, so always park at your departure terminal. Otherwise, you will have to take a 4-minute extra terminal link ride.
Pack light on the tram. Trams get really crowded during the peak season; therefore, you must pack light if you are using a tram.
Use the pet relief areas. The pet relief areas are located on both sides of Terminal A & Terminal B after crossing the security.
Find the chapel. The interfaith chapel is located after the western security checkpoint inside the main terminal.
Enjoy the extras. The main terminal of MCO offers several things to do for free, including the music, face painting, and magic shows. It happens on Level 3, near the central Food Court and Atrium area.
Don't smoke or vape inside. MCO terminals are smoke-free. However, there is designated space available outside the terminal for smoking and vaping.
Conclusion
After traveling through the Orlando International Airport, I realized how important it is to get an idea of the airport's layout. The separate terminal complexes, security checkpoints and airside connections may be confusing to first-time visitors. I have personally seen how missteps, as simple as selecting the wrong side of the building or parking area, can be costly in precious time. Therefore, I have shared the essential information, such as the location of the terminals, gates, food courts, airline terminal assignment, and hotels nearby. A little preparation before taking a flight from Orlando will ease your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Orlando and MCO are the same airport. MCO is the official IATA code of the Orlando International Airport.
Orlando International Airport is widely known as MCO, which is the IATA code of the airport. The airport has the former airport code McCoy Air Force Base.
On average, TSA wait times at Orlando International Airport take just 5 to 15 minutes. However, it can raise up to 30 to 45 minutes during the peak season and peak hours.
Disney World is approximately 17 to 22 miles from the Orlando International Airport, depending on the specific resort and theme park you are standing at.
A five-hour layover is too tight to explore the Universal Studios and major theme parks considering the security lines and transportation. However, you have plenty of options inside the airport. Move to Level 3, where you will find a free music concert, magic shows, and an art exhibition for free.
Early morning hours between 7:00 am and 10:00 am and evening between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm are the busiest hours at the Orlando Airport.
The parking at Orlando Airport typically ranges between $14 and $35, depending on the parking lot.
Orlando provides a wide variety of food choices, from family-friendly dining options to adult bars, sit-down restaurants, and celebrity chef food.
