Orlando Airport Car Rentals | AirportVanRental

Welcome to Orlando, Florida, Theme Park Capital of the World! If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), renting a car is hands-down the best way to experience all that central Florida offers. From Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to exploring the Space Coast or cruising to Clearwater Beach, a car gives you the freedom to go anywhere on your schedule. This page is your complete guide to renting a car at MCO, with tips on snagging the best deal and making your rental experience smooth. With AirportVanRental, you’ll get great prices (some as low as $19 a day), plus free cancellation and no hidden fees, so you can book your Orlando car with confidence and focus on the fun ahead.

Orlando (MCO) Car Rental Quick Info:

• Car Types Available: A full range, Economy and Compact cars (budget-friendly and easy to park), Intermediate and Full-size sedans (great for comfort), SUVs of all sizes (for families or groups with luggage), Minivans & Passenger Vans (7-15 seaters for larger parties), plus Convertibles and Luxury vehicles for that Florida sunshine experience.
• Starting Rates: You can often find rentals from ~$19/day for an economy car at MCO during off-peak times. Average rates hover around $25-$40/day for standard cars, Orlando is known for reasonable rental prices due to lots of competition!
• Rental Companies at MCO: All major companies operate here. This includes Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, plus others like Sixt, Fox, Payless, and more. In total, around 18-20 rental agencies have a presence at Orlando International ensuring plenty of choice. Many are located on-airport in the terminal rental car center, and a few are off-site with shuttles (we’ll note details below).

Tips for Renting a Car at Orlando International

• On-Airport vs Off-Airport Rentals: Orlando International Airport has rental car counters right inside the Terminals (A and B) on the Ground Transportation Level. Major brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, etc., have their cars in the on-site parking garages reachable by walking from baggage claim, super convenient. Some other companies (for example, certain discount or local agencies) operate shuttles to off-site lots. When booking, our site will tell you if a company is on-airport or requires a shuttle. On-airport pickups are quickest, but if an off-site agency has a much better price, their shuttles are usually quick (5-10 min ride). Either way, MCO is well-organized for rentals, just follow the signs to “Rental Cars” in the terminal.
• Picking Up Your Car: If your reservation is with a major brand at MCO, after you get your luggage just head to the car rental center in that terminal (A or B). You’ll either go to a counter or directly to the garage (for brands with “skip the counter” service if you’re a member). The parking garages are across the street via pedestrian bridges, very easy to reach. At the garage, you’ll find clearly marked rental car pickup areas. With some companies (like Alamo, Enterprise), you often can go straight to the row of cars in your category and choose your vehicle, then show your paperwork/ID at the exit booth. If you booked with a company that’s off-site (like Fox or Economy Rent-a-Car), exit baggage claim and look for the shuttle pick-up area (commercial lane) for rental shuttles; they run frequently.
• Rental Car Center (Terminal C): Orlando’s new Terminal C (for some international flights) is separate from the main A/B terminals. It also has a rental car facility, currently housing a few of the big agencies. If you arrive in Terminal C, you can get your car there if renting from those agencies, or take a terminal shuttle to A/B for others. Pay attention to the pickup instructions on your reservation voucher; it will specify Terminal A, B, or C. Don’t worry, MCO provides inter-terminal shuttles/trams, and staff can direct you to the right place.
• Free Cancellation and Changes: One great thing about booking with us (and many rentals at MCO) is flexibility. Plans changing because you’re adding Disney days or shifting schedules? Most bookings offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, and even beyond that many can be canceled without penalty (especially pay-at-pickup bookings). If you need to change your car type or dates, it’s usually easy to modify your reservation (subject to availability and price changes). This means you can confidently book early to secure a low rate, knowing you’re not locked in if something comes up.
• Driving Tips, Theme Parks & Traffic: Orlando’s road network is generally modern and well-marked. Key routes include SR 528 (Beachline Expressway) and SR 417 (Central FL Greenway) which are toll roads (more on tolls below), and I-4 which is the main interstate through Orlando. Traffic can get heavy, especially on I-4 near downtown and the attractions area around Disney (Lake Buena Vista). Typical rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) see slowdowns, and I-4 near theme parks can be busy late morning (when tourists head out) and evenings (when fireworks end). Plan some extra time if you’re driving to catch a show or flight during these periods. Also, watch your speed, law enforcement is active around tourist areas to keep roads safe.
• Toll Roads & SunPass: Orlando has several toll roads. If you’re heading to Kennedy Space Center, the beach, or even around the city, you might encounter tolls (for example, the Beachline Expressway to Cape Canaveral, or the 417 beltway). Rental cars in Florida often come with an optional toll transponder or program. You can usually drive through electronic toll lanes and the charges will be billed to you by the rental company (often with a small daily fee when used). Alternatively, you can pay cash at toll plazas on some roads (have some quarters and small bills handy), though note that some newer toll roads are cashless (all-electronic). We recommend asking at the rental counter about their toll policy. If you plan to drive a lot on toll roads, it might be worth opting into their SunPass program for convenience. Otherwise, you can avoid most tolls by sticking to non-toll routes, but sometimes the toll road is much faster. It’s your call, just don’t blow through a toll without paying, as the rental company will charge a hefty admin fee if that happens.
• Fuel Options: When renting at MCO, you’ll typically get the car with a full tank and need to return it full. Gas near the airport: be cautious around MCO property, one gas station right by the airport had infamously high prices (often double the normal rate). Instead, drive a bit farther from the airport for fair prices. For example, there are reasonably priced gas stations on Conway Road or Semoran Blvd (north of the airport). A popular tip: there’s a 7-Eleven and Wawa on Semoran Blvd about 2 miles north of MCO that usually have good prices. Fill up there on your way back to avoid the gouge. If you forget, don’t opt for the pre-paid fuel unless you’re sure you’ll return truly empty, it’s usually not cost-effective unless you have no time or will use the full tank.
• Family Rentals, Car Seats: Orlando = family travel for many. If you have little ones, you can rent child car seats from all the rental companies (Florida law requires car seats for kids aged 5 and under). However, availability can be limited during peak seasons. Reserving a car seat in advance is a must. The typical cost is about $10/day per seat, with a maximum cap. You may consider bringing your own to save money (airlines often allow a free checked car seat or you can carry it on). If you do rent one, when you pick up the car, double-check its condition and installation. The rental staff can assist with installation if needed, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure it’s secure. Safety first before you hit those Orlando highways!