Hassle-Free Travel: How to Get to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Hassle-Free Travel: How to Get To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Imagine your flight touches down, you grab your bags, try some of the best food at Orlando Airport, and then you breeze through the terminal without a single hitch. In no time, you’re at your hotel or resort, ready to try all the fun things to do in Orlando for adults and kids.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, it isn’t.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) sees over 100 million passengers per year, so yes, it can be crowded, especially during the spring and summer.
But with the right guide, you’ll be able to get to and from MCO to anywhere in Central Orlando without the struggle, making the start and end of your vacation a dream.
What's the best way to get to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
You have options when it comes to getting to and from the airport, whether you plan to drive, take a shuttle, rideshare, or taxi. The most affordable transportation method is to take the bus on Line 11, but if you’re looking for a fast and efficient way, taxis or rideshare are the ways to go. And if you’re staying in town a little longer, consider a rental car. It’s by far the most convenient option to getting around the city.
Rental Cars
With a rental car, you can take day trips to the amazing small towns near Orlando, plus you have total control over when and how you get around the area.
1 | Enterprise Rent-a-Car at MCO | You can find Enterprise rental kiosks at Orlando International Airports in Terminals A, B, and C. A and B locations are on level 1, and the Terminal C Enterprise is on level 4.
With this easy rental car company, you can find a sedan or family-friendly SUV to suit your needs, then get cruising down the road at your own speed!
There are plenty of add-on coverages available, as well as additions to help you customize your rental plan.
WHERE: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827 | WHO: (844) 951-0601
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2 | National Car Rental | National Car Rental is also located on level 1 in Terminals A and B and on level 4 in Terminal C.
Here, you can score 20% off during National’s Airport Weekends, get exclusive last-minute specials, or enroll in the free Emerald Club rewards program.
The diverse fleet makes it easy to find the right ride for groups of all sizes, whether you want an eco-friendly compact vehicle or a roomy SUV or van for the whole family.
WHERE: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827 | WHO: (844) 370-3165
3 | Alamo Rent-a-Car | You can rent a car from Alamo at MCO on level 1 in Terminals A and B or level 4 in Terminal C.
You can book online and then complete your agreement at the counter to pick up your keys.
The self-service touchscreen kiosk makes it even easier to get going. Simply check in with your details, get your printed rental agreement, and receive directions to your vehicle.
Be sure to take advantage of discounts and deals, like military discounts, AARP discounted rates and free rental car upgrades.
WHERE: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827 | WHO: (844) 370-3164
Here are a few tips to help make booking a rental car easier:
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Book in advance: Since rental cars in Orlando are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons, booking early is a great way to secure the best rates possible.
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Choose the right car rental company: At MCO, there are multiple car rental companies, such as Alamo and National Car Rental, located near Terminal A and Terminal B. Before settling on a decision, compare each company’s rates for the best deal possible.
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Plan for tolls: Orlando has several toll roads, such as Florida’s Turnpike, 408, and 417, and the cost can stack up. Most rental cars come with SunPass transponders, which automatically pay the fee. You’ll need to check with the company’s toll policies before renting a vehicle, of course.
Rideshare Services
1 | Uber | Uber is one of the world’s leading rideshare services that lets you book a ride to or from the airport with a freelance driver.
Uber offers flexible ridesharing options, including private and shared rides such as:
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UberX is an affordable, private option
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UberX Share gives you a ride with one co-rider
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UberXL features a larger vehicle for up to six passengers
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Uber Comfort features newer models with additional legroom
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Uber Black offers premium rides in luxury vehicles
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Uber Green uses eco-friendly vehicles for a positive environmental impact
2 | Lyft | Lyft can carry up to four passengers and their bags from Orlando International Airport to Disney, Universal, or surrounding areas in Orlando.
The rides are similar to Uber in that you are assigned a private driver who uses their own vehicle to carry passengers from the airport.
Rates are different in that there is a base fare for the vehicle and rideshare type, plus additional charges per mile, airport fees, and costs per minute.
The types of Lyft available include:
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Private Lyft: $1.18 base fare
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Lyft Extra Comfort: $2.71 base fare
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Lyft XL: $4.71 base fare
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Lyft Lux Black: $7.71 base fare
There is also an additional surcharge on all rides from MCO, as well as additional costs, like driver bonuses, that may be added to your trip.
While Uber can be less expensive than Lyft, many travelers like Lyft’s bright interface, user-friendly design, and community feel since the company is more focused on the U.S. and Canada versus Uber’s global market.
On average, expect a Lyft from MCO into Orlando to cost around $50.
Here’s how you can start using Uber and Lyft and how they differ from each other:
How to Take Uber to and From MCO
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Download the free Uber app from the Apple or Google Play store.
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Create an account.
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Set your destination.
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Choose the type of vehicle you want, such as Uber X, Uber XL, Uber Comfort, Uber Share, or Uber Exec.
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Wait to be matched with a reputable driver.
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Check the details of the driver, such as license plate number and car model.
How to Take Lyft to and From MCO
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Download the free Lyft app from the Apple or Google Play store.
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Create an account.
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Set your destination.
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Choose the type of ride you want, such as Standard, Wait & Save, Priority Pickup, and Green.
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Wait to be matched with an available driver.
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Check the details to make sure you’re getting in the right car.
The choice of which is better is ultimately up to you. Uber is usually the go-to as it has more options and highly-rated drivers across the board. Lyft is a more community-based service where it considers the standards of each passenger.
It should be noted that Uber is usually more affordable than Lyft, but the price depends on the length of the trip as well as the local laws.
Taxis
If you prefer not to use ridesharing apps and don’t want to book your transportation in advance, you can always take a taxi. Taxis are the classic way of getting around Orlando and are always available at MCO.
1 | Mears Orlando Taxi Service | Mears Orlando Taxi Service is one of the most trusted taxi services in the city.
Aside from taxi rides, Mears offers a wide array of services, such as shared shuttles and luxury vehicles.
You’ll find Mears taxi cabs outside Terminal A and Terminal B. It’s also available 24/7, so you’ll always have a ride to your destination.
WHERE: 324 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806 | WHO: (407) 422-4561
2 | Orlando Taxi 24 | Orlando Taxi 24 is a company that specializes in airport transportation and is known for its outstanding customer service.
Orlando Taxi 24 is especially popular among travelers looking for a personalized ride and competitive rates.
Travelers can choose from a standard-sized taxi or large vans for friends and families. You can book your ride through a phone call, their mobile app, or online.
WHERE: 7624 Boreas Dr, Orlando, FL 32822 | WHO: (407) 529-4848
3 | Sixt Ride | Sixt Ride is a premium transportation service that offers a broad range of vehicles, such as regular taxis to luxury cars.
Sixt Rides is best known for the amenities that each vehicle in its fleet offers, including multilingual drivers, free WiFi, and booster seats for children.
It’s important to keep in mind that the price depends on the type of vehicle you choose. Standard vehicles are comparable to regular taxis, while luxury cars have a higher price.
You can book your vehicle through Sixt Ride’s website or mobile app and customize it to meet your specific needs.
WHERE: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827 | WHO: (888) 749-8227
Shuttle Services
Many hotels and resorts throughout the area offer free shuttle services to MCO. Here are a couple of reputable shuttle services:
1 | Mears Transportation | Mears Transportation is one of the top airport shuttle services in Orlando. It offers a broad range of services, such as taxis, bus charters, and black cars.
If you’re staying in one of Disney’s resorts, Mears Connect is the only one that offers 24/7 shuttle services to Disney Springs and Walt Disney Resort!
WHERE: 324 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806 | WHO: (407) 422-4561
2 | Port Canaveral Shuttle Service | Port Canaveral Shuttle Service provides the best private transportation from the Orlando area airport, hotels, and resorts to Port Canaveral cruise ships.
It provides friendly and professional transportation services to the Disney Cruise Line ships, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise. The luxe service offers private transportation, meaning direct, non-stop service, as well as your own driver and vehicle just for your party. Plus you choose your pick-up times.
WHERE: Orlando, FL 32822 | WHO: (407) 301-7390
Public Transportation
For travelers who are looking for a more cost-effective way to get to and from MCO, public transportation is never a bad idea. However, it should be noted that it will require some patience and careful planning.
This is because public transportation isn’t the fastest option around. Plus, with other more convenient options, using a public bus is most peoples’ last option.
Orlando uses the Lynx bus service, and it has plenty of routes from MCO to various parts of Orlando, which include popular attractions, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
Here are three routes to help you plan your itinerary:
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Route 111: Route 111 connects MCO to popular spots such as the Florida Mall and SeaWorld, making it the ideal path for tourists.
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Route 407: Route 407 is connected to Lake Nona and nearby neighborhoods, such as Fell’s Landing and Eagle Creek.
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Route 42: For people looking for a convenient, one-size-fits-all route, Route 42 is the best path to take. This route is connected to International Drive, which is home to many hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Use Our Handy Map to Find Your Way Around!
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Getting Around Orlando: The Best Transportation Options to and From the Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport offers a variety of convenient transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs.
Whether you prefer the affordability of public transportation or the comfort of a private car service, there is a solution that fits everyone’s schedule and budget.
By planning your transportation in advance, you’ll get to enjoy a smooth journey to and from MCO!
For more tips on getting around Orlando, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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