Orlando Airport Terminal Guide: Terminals A, B, C & Brightline
Navigating Orlando International Airport (MCO) can feel overwhelming due to its massive layout, multi-level complexes, and separate train systems. MCO is divided into two main terminal areas: the North Terminal Complex (Terminals A and B) and the state-of-the-art South Terminal Complex (Terminal C & Train Station).
Whether you are arriving for a Florida vacation, connecting to a flight, or catching the Brightline train to South Florida, this comprehensive guide breaks down each terminal, gate concourse, ground transportation level, and inter-terminal shuttle route.
Quick MCO Terminal & Gate Overview
| Terminal Complex | Associated Gates | Primary Airlines | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal A (North Side) | Gates 1–29 & 30–59 | Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, WestJet | Ground Transport, Rental Desks, Baggage Claim |
| Terminal B (South Side) | Gates 70–89 & 90–129 | American, Delta, United, Air Canada | Hyatt Regency Hotel, Main Atrium Dining |
| Terminal C (South Complex) | Gates 230–245 | JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates | Palm Court, Automated Baggage, Brightline Link |
| Train Station (South) | Intermodal Center | Brightline High-Speed Rail | Direct Access to Terminal C, Parking Garage C |
1. Terminals A & B (The North Terminal Complex)
Terminals A and B are located in a single, massive main building separated by a central atrium. Your terminal side (A or B) depends on your airline, but both sides share the central hub.
- Level 1 (Ground Transportation): Car rental desks, taxis, rideshare pickups (Uber/Lyft), off-site hotel shuttles, and local Lynx bus stops.
- Level 2 (Baggage Claim): Carousel belts for arriving flights (Carousel 1–16 on Side A; Carousel 20–32 on Side B).
- Level 3 (Ticketing & Security Checkpoints): Airline check-in counters, main security checkpoints leading to gates, central food court, and the in-terminal Hyatt Regency Hotel entrance.
- Gates & APM Trains: Automated People Mover (APM) monorail trains run continuously from Level 3 past security to four separate gate concourses (Gates 1–29, 30–59, 70–89, and 90–129).
2. Terminal C (The South Terminal Complex)
Opened in late 2022, Terminal C is MCO’s newest multi-level facility designed specifically for international carriers and modern domestic travel. It features high ceilings, natural light, digital art displays, and facial recognition boarding gates.
- Key Carriers: JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, and Azul.
- Level 1: Ground transportation, rental car pickup, cruise line transfer buses, and ground shuttle loading zones.
- Level 2: Arrival hall, facial recognition customs/immigration clearance, and baggage claim with automated tote delivery.
- Level 4: Pedestrian bridge linking directly to Parking Garage C and the Brightline Train Station.
- Palm Court Area: A major dining and shopping concourse post-security featuring local Central Florida dining spots and modern lounges.
3. Brightline Train Station at MCO
The Brightline Orlando Station connects MCO directly to South Florida (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami) via high-speed passenger rail.
- Location: Directly attached to the South Terminal Complex next to Terminal C and Garage C.
- How to Reach from Terminal C: Follow the internal signs on Level 4 across the covered pedestrian walkway (a 3–5 minute walk).
- How to Reach from Terminals A & B: Take the free 24/7 **Terminal Link APM train** from the Level 3 main building directly to the Train Station / Terminal C hub (approx. 4-minute ride).
- Station Amenities: Mary Mary Bar, premium lounges, touchless check-in kiosks, and luggage storage options.
How to Transfer Between Terminals A/B and Terminal C
If you land in Terminal A or B and need to transfer to Terminal C (or catch the Brightline train), moving between the complexes is simple and free:
- Terminal Link APM (Train): Located on Level 3 of the main A/B building (B-side end). The automated train runs every few minutes and takes about 4 minutes to arrive at the Train Station / Terminal C hub.
- Shuttle Bus Alternative: Free airport shuttle buses also run between Level 1 of Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C 24 hours a day.
- Connecting Flights Tip: Terminals A/B and Terminal C are on separate security footprints. If transferring between A/B and C, you must exit security, take the Terminal Link train, and re-clear TSA at your destination terminal.