MCO · Orlando, FL · Major Hub

Orlando International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Orlando International Airport (MCO), every figure cited to the airport's own data.

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 2 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
  • Minimum connection time: 45 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
  • Arrive: 2 hr before domestic, 3 hr before international
  • To Orlando: about 25 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes

Terminals & connections

Orlando International Airport has 2 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA. Airsides are reached from the main landside building via people mover. T-A/B and T-C are separate landside facilities; transfer between them requires shuttle or APM.

Terminal A/B (North)

9 airlines: Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and more

Main terminal with airsides 1, 2, 3, 4.

Terminal C (South)

4 airlines: JetBlue, Aer Lingus, Emirates, Avianca

Newer terminal opened 2022; served by Brightline intercity rail.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
45 min
Domestic to international
1 hr
International to domestic
1 hr 30 min
International to international
1 hr 30 min
Transfer system
Automated people mover within each terminal; shuttle between terminals landside
Airside connected
No

Layover helper

Interactive tool

Enter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave MCO.

Security & TSA

Typical TSA wait at MCO is 30 minutes at peak and 10 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 2 hr before a domestic flight and 3 hr before international.

TSA PreCheck
Available
CLEAR
Available
Global Entry
Available

Spring break and holidays can push waits over 45 min; MCO has added Innovation Lanes.

Lounges

1 notable lounge at MCO, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.

The Club MCO

Airside 4

Priority Pass

Access: Priority Pass, day pass

Amenities: Bar, Showers

Amenities

5 of 7 core amenities available at MCO: showers, free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.

Showers

Available

The Club MCO

Sleep pods

Not available

WiFi

Free (good)

Nursing rooms

Available

All airsides and terminals

Chapel

Available

Main Terminal, level 3

Pet relief areas

Available

Pet relief areas

Dining highlights

Airside 4: McCoy's Bar & Grill, Outback Steakhouse

Ground transport to Orlando

MCO is about 25 min from downtown Orlando by the fastest transit option.

Option Cost Time
Brightline
Train
Brightline serves T-C with service to Miami (3-4 hr) and Tampa (planned). Not to downtown Orlando.
 $19-$79 30-210 min
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare
Disney World is 25-35 min.
 $30-$55 20-40 min
Mears Connect / Disney
Shuttle
Shared shuttle to theme park hotels.
 $16-$32 30-60 min

Parking

MCO parking ranges from $10/day economy to $24/day short-term.

Short-term
$24/day
Long-term
$17/day
Economy
$10/day
Valet
$38/day

Can I leave MCO during a layover?

With a 3-hour layover, stay inside MCO. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Orlando. Round-trip to the city center is about 50 min plus re-screening on return.

Disney Springs is 25-30 min by rideshare. Most MCO layovers stay inside; the Hyatt inside the terminal is a good reset for long connections.

Overnight layover hotels

  • Hyatt Regency Orlando International
    On-airport
    $$$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at MCO?

Arrive at least 120 minutes before a domestic flight from MCO, and 180 minutes before an international flight. Peak-time TSA waits at MCO can hit 30+ minutes, so add buffer.

What is the minimum connection time at MCO?

MCO requires at least 45 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. MCO terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: Automated people mover within each terminal; shuttle between terminals landside.

How long does it take to get between terminals at MCO?

Budget 15 min for same-terminal transfers and 30 min for different-terminal transfers at MCO via Automated people mover within each terminal; shuttle between terminals landside. Airsides are reached from the main landside building via people mover. T-A/B and T-C are separate landside facilities; transfer between them requires shuttle or APM.

Can I leave MCO during a 6-hour layover?

With 3 hours you should stay inside MCO. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. Round-trip to the city center is about 50 minutes plus re-screening. Disney Springs is 25-30 min by rideshare. Most MCO layovers stay inside; the Hyatt inside the terminal is a good reset for long connections.

Does MCO have showers?

Yes, MCO has showers at The Club MCO.

Does MCO have sleep pods?

MCO does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.

Is WiFi free at MCO?

Yes. MCO offers free WiFi throughout the airport.

What is the cheapest way to get from MCO to Orlando?

The cheapest option is typically Mears Connect / Disney at $16-$32, taking 30-60 minutes. Shared shuttle to theme park hotels.

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at MCO?

MCO supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 30 minutes. Spring break and holidays can push waits over 45 min; MCO has added Innovation Lanes.

Where should I eat at MCO during a layover?

Notable dining at MCO includes McCoy's Bar & Grill (Airside 4), Outback Steakhouse (Airside 4).

How much does parking cost at MCO?

MCO parking rates: $24/day short-term, $17/day long-term, $10/day economy, $38/day valet. Book online in advance for significant discounts vs. drive-up rates.

Is there a hotel at MCO for overnight layovers?

Yes. Hyatt Regency Orlando International is on-airport (On-airport) in the $$$ price band. This is the easiest option for overnight layovers or early-morning departures since you can reach the terminal on foot without a shuttle or rideshare.

Which terminal does my airline use at MCO?

MCO has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal A/B (North): Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines; Terminal C (South): JetBlue, Aer Lingus, Emirates. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.

Are there pet relief areas at MCO?

Yes. Pet relief areas.

Is there a chapel or prayer room at MCO?

Yes. Main Terminal, level 3.

Compare MCO to other airports

See how MCO ranks against the other 69 airports in our dataset.

Best for layovers MCO is workable for 6h+ layovers With sleep pods See which airports offer capsule hotels and nap rooms Shortest MCT MCO dom-to-dom: 45 min · intl-to-dom: 1 hr 30 min

Airlines operating at MCO

Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of MCO.

Pack for your Orlando trip

Destination packing lists for cities served by MCO.

Compare other airports

Sources & verification

Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Orlando International Airport before flying.