Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is not merely a transit hub, but a true gateway to a world of entertainment, where the holiday feeling embraces passengers immediately upon landing. From the very first minutes, visitors to Florida are welcomed by spacious, light-filled atriums featuring live palms, artificial water features, and a signature design that creates a relaxed resort atmosphere. As one of the busiest airports in the USA, it surprisingly combines the scale of a technological hub with cosiness, preparing travellers for their encounter with legendary theme parks.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Orlando International Airport is renowned for its unique "The Orlando Experience" concept, which prioritises passenger comfort and visual aesthetics.

• Theme Park Atmosphere: This is perhaps the only airport in the world where you can purchase souvenirs from all major theme parks — Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld — at official shops right inside the terminal. If you forgot to buy a gift, it is easily rectified before departure.
• Convenient Navigation and Transport: The main terminal is connected to the departure zones (airsides) by automated people movers (APM), a ride on which offers panoramic views of the grounds. Additionally, the Brightline high-speed train station adjoins the airport, connecting Orlando with Miami.
• Comfort and Relaxation: Located directly inside the main terminal is the Hyatt Regency hotel, featuring a pool and views of the runway, which is ideal for passengers with long layovers.
• Innovative Terminal C: The new southern terminal complex (Terminal C) offers a high-tech experience with biometric boarding, giant multimedia screens broadcasting Florida landscapes, and automated baggage screening systems.

Below you will find useful contact details for Orlando International Airport (MCO) to help you plan your trip and navigate upon arrival.

• Official Website: www.orlandoairports.net — here you can find up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Service Phone: +1 (407) 825-2001.
• Address: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, USA.
• Email: For most enquiries, it is recommended to use the dedicated contact forms available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on X (formerly Twitter) — @MCO and Facebook — @MCOorlando.
• Lost & Found Information: If you have left items in the terminal, contact the airport's Lost & Found service via the form on the website. For baggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance with general questions, you can call the main number or approach staff at the information desks within the terminals.

Getting to Orlando International Airport (MCO), the main air hub of Orlando in the USA, is possible via several methods suitable for any budget and travel plan. The journey from the city centre or major tourist districts, such as International Drive, usually takes 20 to 40 minutes excluding traffic.

The most economical way is to use the Lynx city buses. Routes 11, 51, 111, 407, and 436S connect the airport with the city centre, Florida Mall, and the International Drive area. The fare is only about $2, but be prepared for the journey to take longer — from 40 to 75 minutes. This is an excellent choice for travellers on a budget with light luggage.

For those arriving from other Florida cities, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the ideal option is the Brightline high-speed train, the station for which is located directly in Terminal C of the airport. Although the SunRail commuter train does not have a direct stop at MCO, you can travel to the Sand Lake Road station and transfer to a Lynx bus (route 111) which will take you to the airport.

Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft services, are the fastest and most convenient way to reach the airport. A trip from the centre of Orlando or major theme parks will cost approximately $35-65. Shared-ride shuttles are also popular, offering a lower price by sharing the journey with other passengers. Be sure to check if your hotel offers a complimentary shuttle — many hotels in the airport area provide this service.

If you plan to move actively around the region, car rental is the best choice. All major rental companies have counters directly in Terminals A and B, making it easy to pick up or drop off a car. For those driving their own vehicle, the airport offers several parking options: convenient but pricier multi-level garages (Garage A, B, C) and more budget-friendly economy parking lots (North and South Park Place), from where free shuttles run to the terminals.

Although MCO is the region's primary international hub, it is worth noting that some budget airlines operate flights from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), located approximately 45 minutes drive north of the city centre. Always check the arrival and departure airport on your ticket to plan your route correctly.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) features a unique and well-thought-out structure that helps efficiently distribute huge passenger flows. It consists of one main terminal complex, divided into two parts (Terminal A and Terminal B), and a separate, newer Terminal C.

The Main Terminal Complex (Terminals A and B) operates on a "hub and spoke" principle. The complex itself is the "hub" — this is the landside zone where check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, arrival areas, food courts, and shops are located. After passing security control in the main building, passengers board an automated people mover (APM or tram) that delivers them to one of the four satellite terminal gates ("spokes"), from where boarding takes place. Terminal A is in the northern part of the building, and Terminal B is in the southern part. The distribution of airlines between sides A and B can change, so always check your flight information in advance.

Terminal C is a modern, standalone terminal complex opened in 2022. It has its own access roads, parking, check-in counters, security zone, and gates. Terminal C serves both domestic and international flights and is notably a hub for JetBlue. A free automated train (Terminal Link) runs between Terminal C and the main complex (A/B), with the journey taking about 5 minutes.

Navigation in the airport is intuitive thanks to a clear signage system. Departure and check-in zones are on the upper level (Level 3), while arrival and baggage claim zones are on the lower level (Level 2). To move between the main terminal and the satellite gates (Airsides 1-4), fast and convenient trams are used, with the ride taking just 1-2 minutes. It is important to remember that these trams are in the "secure" zone, meaning after passing security screening.

When planning your time, consider that MCO is one of the busiest airports in the USA. It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During peak seasons (holidays, summer vacations), it is worth allowing extra time, as queues for check-in and security can be significant. Before travelling to the airport, be sure to verify from which terminal — A, B, or C — your flight departs to properly plan your route.

The history of Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a fascinating journey from a military airbase to one of the busiest passenger hubs in the USA and the world. Its roots go back to the 1940s when the Pinecastle Army Airfield was established on this site, later renamed McCoy Air Force Base in honour of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy. The airport owes its code — MCO — to this name, which was retained even after the full transition to civil aviation.

A key impetus for the airport's development as a civilian facility was the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971, which sparked a tourism boom in the region. In 1975, the airbase was officially transferred to the city, and by 1976 it received its modern name — Orlando International Airport. A real breakthrough was the opening of a new terminal in 1981 with a concept innovative for that time: Landside/Airside. The main terminal (Landside) was connected to the boarding galleries (Airside) via automated people movers (APM), which significantly sped up passenger movement.

Since then, the airport has continuously expanded to cope with the growing flow of tourists. New satellite terminals (Airsides) were gradually added, and runways were modernised to accommodate the largest aircraft. The most significant project of recent years was the construction and opening in 2022 of the South Terminal Complex (Terminal C). This ultra-modern complex, equipped with the latest technologies, set a new standard for comfort and efficiency, confirming MCO's status as a gateway to one of the world's major tourism centres.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. The terminals house over 100 shops, restaurants, and cafes. Here you can find everything from fast-food outlets and coffee shops to full-service restaurants offering American and international cuisine. Additionally, travellers have access to numerous shops, including souvenir stalls, boutiques of famous brands, and, of course, Duty Free outlets.

For those wishing to relax in a quieter environment, the airport has several premium lounges, including The Club MCO and Delta Sky Club. Passengers can utilise free Wi-Fi throughout the airport territory. For charging electronic devices, there are numerous free stations conveniently located at boarding gates and in rest areas.

Financial services are represented by bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points located in the main terminal. In case of necessity, there are first aid stations in the airport. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are provided where one can hold a meeting or work in silence.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with children: there are special play areas and nursing rooms. For passengers with reduced mobility, escort services, wheelchair rentals, and specially equipped restrooms are available. Located directly within the central terminal building is the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport hotel, making it an ideal choice for transit passengers or those with an early departure.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a wide selection of venues for every taste and budget, from a quick snack to a full dinner. Most restaurants and cafes are concentrated in the main terminal (before security) and in the departure zones (after security), which are called Airsides here.

In the main terminal (Landside), there is a large food court where you can find popular fast-food chains such as Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and Sbarro. This is an ideal place if you are meeting or seeing off passengers, or if you have plenty of time before passing security control. Coffee shops, such as Starbucks, and snack shops are also located here. Prices at the food court are generally more affordable.

The main variety awaits you after passing security (Airside). Each of the four departure zones (Airsides 1-4) has its own set of restaurants and cafes. Here you can find both famous American chains and venues with local flair. For example, look out for Cask & Larder, which serves Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh Florida produce — a great option to get acquainted with local gastronomy before departure. For those preferring a full lunch or dinner, full-service restaurants operate, such as the Hemisphere Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency hotel, which offers a panoramic view of the runways.

MCO also offers solutions for passengers with special dietary needs. Many restaurants indicate gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu. In most coffee shops, you can request plant-based milk. To find halal dishes, it is advisable to check information on the airport website in advance or inquire with the staff at the specific establishment. The operating hours of most cafes and restaurants are tied to the flight schedule: many open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) can be simple and comfortable if you prepare for it in advance. Given that this is one of the busiest airports in the USA due to the popularity of local theme parks, we recommend arriving at least 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international ones. During peak seasons, such as school holidays and festive periods, it is better to allow even more time.

To save time, always complete online check-in for your flight and save the boarding pass on your phone. Security checkpoints at MCO can be crowded. If you travel frequently, consider participating in the TSA PreCheck programme, which allows you to pass screening via an expedited procedure. Standard rules require removing laptops and other large electronic devices from hand luggage. Remember the liquids rule: containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

For passengers with transfers, it is important to know that the airport consists of one main terminal (North Terminal) with two sides (A and B), which are connected to four satellite terminals (Airsides) via automated people movers (APM). Immediately upon arrival, check the information board for your next gate number and estimate the travel time — the train ride and walking may take 15-20 minutes. For international transfers, you will need to pass customs and border control. To speed up this process, use the Global Entry programme or the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) mobile app.

To save money, book parking online in advance — this is often cheaper than paying on-site. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security at special fountains. Regarding seat selection on the plane, when departing from or landing in Orlando on a clear day, a window seat sometimes offers views of the coastline or even the theme parks.

In case of a flight delay, do not panic. First, contact your airline representative to find out about rebooking options or possible compensation. Follow updates via the carrier's mobile app. Orlando Airport offers many shops, restaurants, and rest areas. For long delays or overnight connections, you can use the services of the Hyatt Regency hotel, which is located directly within the main terminal building.