EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire offers at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Compare rates and book in one place. Choose from 10 on-airport suppliers with 24/7 pick-up in the terminal garages, or compare off-airport deals to reduce MCO surcharges. See vehicle availability, skip-the-counter options and tips on the Visitor Toll Pass and driving times to Disney, Universal and the Space Coast.
MCO has 10 on-site hire companies in its airport garages, so you don't need a shuttle.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MCO Airport | • Immediate vehicle access upon arrival • 10 major companies on-site • 24/7 operation • Extensive vehicle selection • Loyalty programme benefits |
• Higher airport fees (approximately $150/week in surcharges) • Long wait times during peak periods • More congested |
| Off-Airport Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Often shorter lines • Personalised service |
• Requires transportation to location • Limited operating hours • Additional travel time |
| Disney/Resort Areas | • Convenient if staying on property • Avoiding initial city driving |
• Limited hours • May have limited selection • Often requires advance reservations |
On average, car rentals at Orlando International Airport cost around USD $50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $6 per day.
Compare MCO vs off-airport pickups: Off-airport locations avoid airport surcharges, often saving about $150 on a weeklong hire. Factor in shuttle time and business hours.
Time your booking to the season: For Spring Break and December, book 3+ months ahead; for summer, 2-3 months. In fall and January, monitor prices and rebook if rates drop. Apply coupon codes in slower periods.
Use our filters to test car sizes and durations: For 5+ days, weekly rates can beat daily totals. A compact often works fine in Orlando unless you need the space.
Grab the free Visitor Toll Pass at MCO: Get the lowest toll rates with no daily fees, instead of using hire company toll programmes.
Refuel off-airport before return: Stations along McCoy Rd near MCO are cheaper than airport pumps.
Join free loyalty programmes: Skip the counter at many agencies and sometimes get upgrades. Early morning or late-night pickups usually mean shorter lines.
| Location | Cost | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Parks | Paid | Valid at all parks with receipt; trams to entrance |
| Universal Orlando | Paid | Multi-storey car parks with moving walkways |
| Downtown Orlando | Paid | City car parks; street options |
| International Drive | Varies | Many free car parks for customers |
| Outlet Malls/Shopping | Free | Mall at Millenia, Orlando Premium Outlets |
| Disney Springs | Free | Good option for Disney resort access |
Right-hand driving plus right turn on red allowed after complete stop (unless prohibited)
Speed limits: 70 mph on interstates, 55-65 mph on highways, 30-45 mph on city streets, 25 mph in residential areas
School zones: 15-20 mph during active times (strictly enforced)
Toll roads: Electronic and cash systems (hire companies charge daily fees for toll service)
Mobile phones: Texting whilst driving prohibited; hands-free required in school/construction zones
Seat belts: Mandatory for all front-seat occupants and passengers under 18
Hire a car to get to:
Downtown Orlando – 12 miles, SR-528 to I-4 or SR-408
Kennedy Space Center – 55 miles, SR-528 E
Is it better to hire a car at MCO or off-airport?
Hiring at MCO is very convenient, but you'll pay more because of airport fees (about $150 a week in extra charges). You'll need to get a ride to off-airport locations, but they often have lower prices and shorter lines.
How long should I expect to wait to pick up my hire car?
You could wait anywhere from 15 minutes during quiet times to 1-2 hours when it's busy. You'll find the longest waits on Friday to Sunday afternoons and during holiday periods.
How do I avoid the long lines at MCO hire counters?
You can join the hire company's free loyalty programme to use their express service. You should also check in online before you arrive and try to get there early in the morning or late at night.
What's the best way to handle toll roads in Orlando?
You can get the free Visitor Toll Pass at MCO to pay the lowest toll rates without daily fees. Many toll roads also still let you pay cash, or you can use the toll programme from your hire company (around $4-6 for each day you use it).
Do I need an SUV or is a compact car sufficient?
The roads in Orlando are flat and in good condition. A compact car is fine if you're a couple or travelling alone. Families or groups might want an SUV or minivan for more room for luggage and souvenirs.
How much are the airport fees at MCO for car hires?
You'll pay a Customer Facility Charge of $6 per day (for up to 7 days) and a concession recovery fee of about 11.1% of the hire cost. All up, this adds around $75 to $100 to a week-long hire, depending on the car's base price.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support