Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of America's busiest airports — handling over 40 million passengers annually, primarily driven by Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, and the Central Florida tourism industry. It can be intimidating for first-time visitors, but with the right preparation, MCO is actually well-organized.
MCO Airport Layout
MCO has a distinctive hub-and-spoke design with a central airside hub connecting to two remote terminals (A and B) via an automated people mover (SkyConnect train). A third terminal (Terminal C) opened in 2022 for certain international and domestic carriers.
Terminal A (Gates 1-59)
Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and some international carriers operate primarily from Terminal A.
Terminal B (Gates 60-129)
American Airlines, Delta, United, and most other major carriers operate from Terminal B.
Terminal C (New Terminal)
Terminal C is the newest, handling Disney Wish Cruise Line connections and certain airlines. It connects to the main complex via the Brightline Orlando station.
Navigating MCO
- Exit aircraft into airside hub (A or B)
- Take SkyConnect automated train to main terminal
- Baggage claim is on Level 2 of the main terminal
- Ground transportation (rideshare, private car, buses) is on Level 1
Ground Transportation from MCO
Private Car Service
- MCO to Walt Disney World: 20-25 minutes, from $55
- MCO to Universal Studios: 20-25 minutes, from $55
- MCO to Tampa: 80-95 minutes, from $90
- MCO to Clearwater: 100-115 minutes, from $110
Brightline Train
Brightline's new high-speed rail connects MCO to downtown Miami (3 hours) and downtown Orlando. For Tampa Bay visitors, the train is not yet useful for direct connections.
MCO Tips for Theme Park Visitors
- Disney's Magical Express ended in 2022 — pre-book private transfers
- MCO is among the slowest large airports for baggage claim — allow extra time
- Rideshare pickup is Level 1, Center Core — follow signs carefully
- Private car pickups: meet in baggage claim with name sign