Tag: port canaveral rental cars

  • Orlando Airport Parking Rates, Lots & Car Rentals

    Orlando Airport Parking Rates, Lots & Car Rentals Guide

    Planning to park your car at Orlando International Airport (MCO) or renting a vehicle upon arrival? Understanding the layout, rates, and pickup locations can save you both time and money. MCO offers a variety of parking solutions ranging from convenient terminal garages to budget economy shuttle lots, alongside an expansive on-site Rental Car Center.

    Whether you need short-term terminal parking, long-term cruise vacation storage, or a seamless car rental pickup, this guide breaks down all current options, official drive-up rates, and pickup procedures across Terminals A, B, and C.

    MCO Official Parking Options & Daily Rates

    Parking FacilityLocation / DistanceDaily Max RateBest For
    Terminal Garages A & BAdjacent to Main Terminal$24 / dayShort trips, ultimate convenience
    Terminal Garage CAttached to Terminal C$24 / dayJetBlue & Terminal C passengers
    Top Value LotNear Terminal C & Train Hub$20 / dayCovered walking access to Terminal C
    Economy Shuttle LotsNorth & South Outer Lots$14 / dayBudget long-term vacation parking
    Valet ParkingTerminals A & B Top Decks$35 / dayFast drop-off & premium service

    1. On-Site Official Airport Parking Lots

    Orlando International Airport operates several parking garages and surface shuttle lots directly on airport grounds:

    • Terminal Garages A & B: Covered parking structures attached directly to the main terminal building. Walking distance to check-in desks and baggage claim. Rates start with a grace period for quick pickups ($2 for 21-30 mins) up to a $24 daily maximum.
    • Terminal Garage C: Directly connected to Terminal C and the Brightline Train Station via covered pedestrian bridges on Level 4. $24 daily maximum.
    • Economy Shuttle Lots (North & South): Located a short drive from the terminals. Free airport shuttle buses run continuously 24 hours a day to drop passengers off at Terminals A, B, and C. The $14 daily rate makes this the most economical official option for week-long trips.
    • Cell Phone Waiting Lots: Free waiting areas (North Cell Phone Lot on Jeff Fuqua Blvd N & South Cell Phone Lot near Terminal C) where drivers can wait in their vehicles until arriving passengers have collected their luggage.

    2. On-Site vs. Off-Site Car Rentals at MCO

    Orlando is one of the largest car rental markets in the world. Knowing where your agency operates will streamline your arrival experience.

    On-Site Rental Car Center (No Shuttle Required)

    Major rental agencies operate directly inside the airport, allowing you to walk straight from baggage claim to the rental counter and vehicle lot without taking a shuttle bus.

    • On-Site Brands: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, Payless, and Thrifty.
    • Terminal A & B Counters: Located on **Level 1 (Ground Transportation)** on both Side A and Side B.
    • Terminal C Pickup: Located on **Level 4** of the Terminal C Garage structure.

    Off-Site Rental Agencies (Shuttle Required)

    Independent rental brands (like Fox, Ace, Green Motion, and Priceless) operate facilities just outside airport grounds along Semoran Boulevard or McCoy Road. Shuttle buses pick up passengers at Level 1 Ground Transportation (Bays A11-A13 on Side A and Bays B11-B13 on Side B).

    Renting a Car for Port Canaveral Cruises

    Taking a one-way rental car from MCO to Port Canaveral is one of the most flexible options for cruise passengers. Keep these key tips in mind:

    • Drop-Off Offices: Pick up your vehicle on Level 1 at MCO and drop it off at the rental agency’s local branch in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach (located ~45 miles east down SR-528).
    • Free Port Shuttles: Major agencies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz) operate complimentary shuttle vans from their Cape Canaveral drop-off desks straight to the cruise ship piers.
    • Toll Pre-Payments: The Beachline Expressway (SR-528) uses electronic toll collection. Check with your rental counter regarding SunPass daily rental rates versus using your own portable transponder.