Traveling into Orlando FL by Air
Navigate Orlando International Airport Like a Florida Native
Follow these helpful tips to get from the arrival gate at Orlando International Airport to the appropriate airport exit like a Florida native.
Want to navigate Orlando International Airport (MCO) like a Florida native? Here are some handy tips to make your arrival at the airport as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
Arriving at the Airport
There are two terminals at Orlando International Airport, A and B. The A side is keyed to the color orange; B is green. Whichever side of the airport is the arrival side, one will have to take a shuttle to the main terminal for baggage claim and ground transportation.
There are two shuttles on each side (total of four) that run very frequently. If one misses the first shuttle, don’t worry, the next shuttle will be arriving within two minutes. One stands while riding the shuttle - there is very limited seating. The shuttles run directly from the A or B side to the main terminal.
Enter the shuttle from the main hallway running down the middle of the two shuttles, exit from the opposite side. The ride to the main terminal takes less than 3 minutes.When exiting the shuttle at the main terminal, one will be on the third level of the airport.
Baggage Claim
Baggage claim is usually to the left as one departs the shuttle. However, signs will clearly mark the correct way to go. Baggage claim is on the second level of the airport, there are stairs, escalators and elevators to go down to the second level.
A board is located at the bottom of the stairs/escalators (and close to the elevators) that lists the correct baggage carrousel for each recently arriving flight. How long, does it take for bags to come up? Hard to say – it depends on the airline. SmarteCartes are available to help wrangle the luggage around the airport, as are porters.
Worse possible scenario - missing a bag or two? Each airline has a kiosk in this area to help the traveler handle that situation.
Ground Transportation
If a friend or family member is doing the airport pickup, one can be picked up on the third, second or first level of the airport. All ground transportation is on the first level of Orlando International Airport, which is also accessible by stairs, escalators and elevators from baggage claim.
If one is renting a car and using a major agency like Budget, the good news is that the rental cars are picked up in a garage attached to the main terminal, eliminating the bus ride to an offsite facility. It is clearly marked on the first floor where one is to go the get a taxi, hotel shuttle or rental (both onsite and offsite).
Exiting the Airport in a Rental Car
There are a few different ways to leave Orlando International Airport:
- State Road 436 Northbound - signage states this road goes to downtown Orlando. That's like saying all roads lead to China. 436 doesn't directly go into downtown Orlando.
- Toll 417 - at the airport this toll road goes north to Sanford, FL and west to the University of Central Florida.
- Toll 528 (also known as the Bee Line or Beachline Expressway) - head east to the Atlantic coast or west to the attractions.
Run a map for exact directions to the hotel or final destination. Most toll plazas on the 528 are manned; many on that section of 417 aren't. Just in case, have some coinage ready for the basket.
Now, drive safely to the destination of choice and enjoy all the great attractions Central Florida has to offer!
