Car Rental at Orlando Airport
The busiest airport in Florida and the tenth-busiest airport in the United States, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 10 km southeast of the city center. In 2019, it served over 50 million passengers. MCO is an important hub for JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Silver Airways, and Spirit Airlines and these carriers connect Orlando to more than 130 domestic and international destinations.
If you’d like to rent a car at Orlando Airport for a stress-free trip to ‘O-Town,’ you will find the counters of various car rental agencies inside the terminals: sides A and B on Level 1: Ground Transportation. The agencies serving Orland Airport are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
On arrival, simply walk up to the counter of the agency you have chosen, and their representative will provide assistance and escort you to your car. Many car rental companies provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Renting a car at the airport might just be the fastest and cost-effective (as the cost of multiple taxis can add up!) way to start exploring all that Orlando and the state of Florida have to offer. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to downtown Orlando from the airport.
Downtown Car Rental in Florida
If you decide to hold off on renting a car until after reaching downtown Orlando, that’s perfectly fine too. There are numerous Orlando car rental agencies spread across the city and you’re bound to find one near you if you change your mind and decide to go on a road trip or want more comfort and flexibility getting around the city. If you plan to stay in the city for an extended period, we recommend booking a long-term rental as it often works out to be more cost-effective. There are different categories of car rentals you can choose from. For instance, you can rent a minivan if you are traveling with family or opt for something more compact and economical if you’re in town for a short work trip. Compact vehicles are also perfect for moving through the Orlando traffic jams.
Driving in Florida
Orlando has a robust road network with interstates and highways that connect to neighboring cities and states. You may experience traffic congestion during rush hour, which spans from 7.30-9.30 am. in the morning and 4.30-6.30 pm in the evening. We recommend taking the toll roads to avoid delays. Most car rental companies provide the EZ Pass that you need to pass through private roads without needing to stop at toll booths.
These are some driving tips to help you drive in Orlando:
● Within the cities, the speed limits can range between 20-50 mph and 45-70 mph on the freeways.
● Keep the headlights on in rain and fog. And between dusk and dawn.
● Wearing seatbelts is mandatory.
● Drinking and driving are prohibited.
● Check the speed limits posted on the right side of the roads.
● Children should be secured with seat belts at the rear seat.
● If you notice any emergency vehicle on your way, you need to pull over to the side of the road so that the vehicle can pass.
There are many parking garages and surface lots throughout the city. The charge for parking ranges between $3 and $18 per hour.
Car Rental Agencies in Orlando
Major car rental agencies that serve Orlando are Hertz, Enterprise, Dollar, Alamo, and Budget. Once booked, you just need to swing by your chosen pick-up point, complete simple paperwork, and drive out in your car to explore the city. Booking in advance ensures that you get the best deals and discounts available.
Top Road Trips from Florida
If you have visited all the attractions in Downtown Orlando already, a road trip is calling your name.
Lose yourself in nature at Everglades National Park, an approximately 4 hours’ drive from Orlando. This is a renowned nature reserve that covers 1.5 million acres and there is so much to explore here, such as pine woods, mangrove swamps, and saltwater marshes. You can also go kayaking or air boating to watch the wetlands, where you will be able to witness several exotic birds. Make sure to take a pair of binoculars with you to indulge your inner ornithophile.
If you want to visit the oldest European settlement in the United States, take a two-hour drive to reach St. Augustine. If you are a history buff, this town is a must-see. Check out the local museums or go for a walk along the cobblestone streets. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum both offer prime city views and are perfect for a casual afternoon date or an outing with friends. Make sure to also swing by Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 17th-century fortress. There are several gift shops and boutiques here for your retail therapy.
Beach lovers must drive to Miami, a 3.5 hours drive from Orlando. Visit the legendary Miami Beach to get a suntan or visit Jungle Island, a beloved eco-adventure park and a popular tourist attraction in Miami. Go shopping at the Bayside Market, home to over 150 restaurants, cafes, and shops. Watch a show at the Miami Seaquarium that displays whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Miami is the ideal weekend getaway whether you want to relax or go on an adventure.
A scenic 235-mile road trip from Orlando brings you to Cape Coral. There are more than 400 miles of canals, in which you can go boating, fishing, and indulge in water sports. If you are traveling with kids, take them to Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park for a really fun outing with your little ones. They have go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and carnival rides. There are also beautiful nature preserves surrounding Cape Coral where you can bicycle or go for a relaxing walk.
FAQS about Orlando car rental
Q: Cost of renting a car in Orlando?
A: The average cost per day of renting a car in Orlando is just $37.48 USD.
Q: What’s the cheapest car rental in Orlando?
A: Prices for Orlando car rentals start from just $11.29 USD when booking in advance with our partners Enjoy Travel.
Q: What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Orlando?
A: To rent a car in Orlando you must be at least 21.
Q: Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Orlando?
A: Additional drivers can be added to your Orlando car rental agreement upon request.
Q: What’s the best car for getting around Orlando?
A: Orlando is quite an easy city to drive in but there may be some traffic, so you should rent an economy-size vehicle such as a Honda Insight.
Tips, Help & Resources
iFly.com strives to ensure that your travel experience is seamless and hassle-free, from flight booking to navigating airport security and beyond. Here are some useful pointers to assist you on your journey, tailored specifically to MCO airport:
- If you find that rental cars are unavailable at the airport upon your arrival, consider taking one of Orlando's airport shuttles or taxi service to your destination. Alternatively, you can use local public transportation. Airport help desk staff can help you find the right option.
- Refer to the flight Orlando arrivals information boards within the airport to determine which baggage carousel your flight has been assigned to.
- If you are arriving from an international destination and need to exchange pounds or euros, locate the in-terminal currency exchangers or MCO's automated teller machines.
- Before you depart Orlando (MCO) airport's terminal and pickup your car, be sure to get specific directions back to the exact location where you need to drop your car off. Some rental car agencies might have different pickup and drop-off locations.