What you need to rent a car in Orlando
To rent a car in Orlando, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge an extra daily fee for drivers under 25. You'll also need to show a second form of ID — typically a passport, military ID, or state ID card — and your current address.
If you're renting from the airport, the process is the same, but you'll pay an additional airport facility charge on top of your rental rate. This fee varies by rental company but typically adds $10 to $20 per day. Non-airport locations in downtown Orlando or near theme parks often have lower base rates but may charge separately for parking or other services.
International visitors need a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license. Some rental companies accept only the IDP; others accept both together. Call ahead to confirm what your rental company requires.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance; most companies require you to be at least 21 years old.
- Airport rentals charge an additional facility fee on top of the daily rate, making non-airport locations cheaper if you can reach them.
- Orlando has rental desks at Orlando International Airport (MCO), downtown, and near theme parks; location affects both price and convenience.
- Insurance through your credit card, personal auto policy, or the rental company itself covers different scenarios, so check what you already have before buying the rental company's coverage.
- Peak season (December through April) means higher prices and limited vehicle availability; booking at least one week ahead is common practice.
Where to rent a car in Orlando
The largest rental hub is Orlando International Airport (MCO), where Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo all operate rental desks on the ground level. If you're flying in, this is the most convenient option, though you'll pay the airport facility charge. The drive from MCO to downtown Orlando is about 20 minutes; to the theme parks, 25 to 45 minutes depending on which park.
Downtown Orlando has rental locations on Orange Avenue and nearby streets, typically run by Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget. These locations often have lower daily rates than the airport but require you to arrange your own transportation from the airport or hotel. If you're staying in a downtown hotel or already have ground transportation, this can save you $15 to $30 per day.
Near the theme parks — particularly around International Drive — you'll find Enterprise, Budget, and smaller local companies. These locations are useful if you're staying on International Drive and want to avoid the airport, but rates are often comparable to airport pricing. Parking at these locations is usually free, unlike some downtown spots.
Insurance and what it covers
You likely already have some coverage. Check your personal auto insurance policy first — most cover rental cars at the same level as your own vehicle, including collision and liability. If you have that coverage, you do not need to buy the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW). Call your insurance company before you rent to confirm what's covered and what deductible applies.
Credit card rental protection is common with premium cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and similar). This coverage typically covers collision and theft but not liability or damage to other vehicles. Read your card's terms carefully, because some exclude certain vehicle types (luxury cars, SUVs) or rental locations (airport rentals, international rentals).
If you have neither personal auto insurance nor credit card coverage, or if your coverage has a high deductible, you can buy the rental company's CDW at the counter. This usually costs $15 to $30 per day and covers collision damage to the rental vehicle. Liability coverage (damage you cause to other vehicles or property) is separate and typically required by law; most rental companies include basic liability, but check your contract.
Booking and pricing in Orlando's peak and off seasons
Orlando's rental market has two distinct seasons. From December through April, demand is highest because of winter weather elsewhere and the theme park holiday season. Rates during this period often run $50 to $100 per day for a compact car, and vehicles sell out quickly. Booking at least one week ahead is standard; two weeks is safer.
From May through November, rates drop significantly — often to $25 to $50 per day for the same car — and availability is much easier. September and early October are the cheapest months because of summer heat and the start of hurricane season, though actual storms are rare. If your travel dates are flexible, moving your trip to May, June, or September can cut your rental cost in half.
Book directly with the rental company's website or through aggregators like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline. Aggregators sometimes show lower rates because they have access to corporate discounts, but always check the rental company's site directly before booking — sometimes the company's own website is cheaper. Read the cancellation policy carefully; free cancellation is standard, but some deals charge a fee.
What to expect when you pick up your car
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation time. The rental agent will ask for your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. They'll show you the vehicle, walk you through its condition, and point out any existing damage on a damage report form. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage you didn't.
The agent will explain the fuel policy. Most Orlando rentals use a "full-to-full" model: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it less than full, you'll be charged for fuel at a rate higher than gas station prices — often $6 to $8 per gallon. Some companies offer a "pre-purchase" option where you pay for a full tank upfront; use this only if you're certain you'll use most of it.
Ask about toll roads before you leave. Florida's toll roads (the Turnpike, Beachline Expressway, and others) use electronic toll collection. Most rental companies charge a daily fee ($3 to $5) plus the actual toll cost if you use them. Some companies include tolls in the daily rate; others bill you separately. Confirm this before you drive, because toll violations can result in fines sent to the rental company and then to you.
Returning your car and avoiding extra charges
Return the car on time and with a full fuel tank. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. Most companies give a grace period of 29 minutes to an hour, but do not rely on it. If you're running late, call the rental location when ready.
Fill the tank at a gas station within a few miles of the rental location — not right at the airport or on International Drive, where gas is more expensive. Keep your receipt. When you return the car, the agent will inspect it for damage, check the mileage, and verify the fuel level. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Watch your credit card statement for the next 30 days. Rental companies sometimes charge for damage you didn't cause or for tolls you didn't incur. If you see a charge you don't recognize, contact the rental company within 30 days with your photos or video as evidence. Most companies will reverse the charge if you have documentation.
Driving in Orlando: roads, tolls, and parking
Orlando's main roads are Interstate 4 (I-4), which runs east-west through downtown and toward the theme parks; US Route 17/92, which runs north-south; and the Beachline Expressway, which connects I-4 to the airport. I-4 is heavily congested during rush hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.) and on weekends near the theme parks. Avoid it during these times if you can.
Tolls explore on the Florida Turnpike, Beachline Expressway, and some sections of I-4. Most tolls are collected electronically via Sunpass or license plate recognition; you won't stop at a booth. Your rental company will explain how tolls are handled on your contract. Speed limits are 65 to 70 mph on highways and 25 to 45 mph in residential areas; enforcement is active.
Parking at theme parks costs $15 to $25 per day for standard parking. Downtown Orlando has street parking (often free for the first two hours) and paid lots ($5 to $15 per day). Hotels typically offer free parking for guests. If you're renting a car primarily to visit theme parks, consider whether you actually need it — most parks offer free shuttle service from hotels, and ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft) is often cheaper than parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit and to charge the rental. A few companies accept debit cards, but they typically place a hold of $200 to $500 on your account and may charge higher daily rates. Call the rental company directly to ask about debit card options before you book.
What happens if I get into an accident?
Call the rental company when ready and follow their instructions. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. Take photos of all damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and file a police report if there's injury or significant damage. Your insurance or the rental company's CDW will cover the damage, depending on what coverage you have. Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours.
Can I drive the rental car to another state?
Yes, but tell the rental company before you book. Some companies charge an additional fee for out-of-state travel, and some restrict travel to certain states. Your insurance and the rental company's coverage typically follow you across state lines, but confirm this with both before you leave Florida.
Is it cheaper to rent from the airport or downtown?
Downtown is usually cheaper per day because there's no airport facility charge, but you have to pay for transportation from the airport to the downtown location. If the downtown rate is $20 cheaper per day and you're renting for three days, you save $60 — but an Uber from the airport costs $20 to $30. The break-even point is usually around four days; for shorter rentals, the airport is often simpler and not much more expensive.
What if I need to extend my rental?
Call the rental company as soon as you know you need more time. If the car is available, they'll extend your reservation at the current rate. If it's not available, they may offer you a different vehicle or ask you to return it on time. Extending at the counter on your return date usually costs more than extending before you return, so call ahead.