Renting a car at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is straightforward: you pick up your vehicle at one of the on-site rental counters after you collect your luggage, or you arrange a shuttle to an off-airport location. Most travelers rent directly at the airport for convenience, though off-airport locations sometimes offer lower daily rates.
Orlando International Airport has rental counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty in the ground transportation level. You'll find them after exiting baggage claim. If you've already reserved a car online, you can go straight to your company's counter with your confirmation number and driver's license. If you haven't reserved yet, you can rent on the spot, though prices are usually higher than advance bookings.
The entire process—from counter to driving off the lot—typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if you've pre-booked and have all your documents ready. If you're renting without a reservation or need to resolve any issues, add another 15 to 45 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Book your rental car before you arrive at MCO; advance reservations cost significantly less than walk-up rates at the airport counter.
- Bring your driver's license, a valid credit card in your name, and proof of insurance if you're declining the rental company's coverage.
- The rental counters are located on the ground transportation level after baggage claim; no shuttle is needed if you rent at the airport.
- Off-airport locations in downtown Orlando or near the theme parks may have lower daily rates, but you'll need to arrange your own transportation to reach them.
- Damage waivers and additional insurance offered at the counter are optional; check your personal auto policy and credit card coverage before declining.
What documents you need to rent a car at MCO
You must have a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or your home country. International visitors should bring their passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. The rental company will scan your license and verify your identity before handing over keys.
You also need a credit card in your name—not a debit card, not someone else's card. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class. The hold is released when you return the car undamaged. Some companies accept debit cards with restrictions, but this varies by location and company, so confirm when you book.
If you're declining the rental company's damage waiver and relying on your own auto insurance or credit card coverage instead, bring a copy of your policy or a letter from your insurer stating what's covered. Many credit cards cover rental car damage, but you must decline the company's waiver to set up your card's coverage—accepting both means you pay twice.
Booking in advance versus renting at the counter
Booking online through the rental company's website, a travel site like Kayak or Expedia, or an aggregator like Autoslash typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than walking up to the counter without a reservation. Prices fluctuate based on demand, so booking two to four weeks ahead usually locks in the lowest rate. If you find a cheaper rate later, most companies allow you to rebook at the new price without penalty.
When you book online, you'll select your car class (economy, midsize, SUV, etc.), but the specific vehicle is assigned at pickup. You can request an upgrade at the counter, though it's not may provide and may cost extra. Prepaid rates are usually non-refundable, but you can often modify the rental dates or return location for a fee.
Walk-up rentals at the airport counter are available but expensive. Use this option only if your plans changed after you arrived or if you didn't anticipate needing a car. Expect to pay 50 to 100 percent more than an advance booking for the same vehicle class.
Understanding damage waivers and insurance at pickup
At the counter, the rental agent will offer a damage waiver (also called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that costs $15 to $30 per day. This waiver means you won't pay for damage to the rental car if you're in an accident or hit something. Without it, you're liable for all damage up to the full value of the vehicle.
Before you decline the waiver, check what your own auto insurance covers. Most personal policies extend to rental cars, but some exclude them or limit coverage to a certain amount. Call your insurer before your trip to confirm. Many credit cards also cover rental car damage if you decline the company's waiver and charge the entire rental to that card—but you must decline the waiver to set up the card's coverage.
If you have no other coverage and can't afford to pay for damage out of pocket, buy the waiver. If you're covered by insurance or a credit card, declining the waiver saves you $100 to $200 over a week-long rental. Document the car's condition with photos before you leave the lot so you have proof if a pre-existing scratch is later disputed.
Off-airport rental locations and when they make sense
Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have off-airport locations in downtown Orlando, near the theme parks, and in surrounding areas. Daily rates at these locations are sometimes $10 to $20 cheaper than the airport, which adds up over a week-long rental. However, you'll need to arrange transportation from MCO to the off-airport lot—either a rideshare, taxi, or hotel shuttle—which costs $15 to $40 and takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on location.
An off-airport rental makes financial sense only if the daily savings exceed your transportation cost. For example, if you save $15 per day over a five-day rental ($75 total) but spend $30 on a rideshare to the location, you break even. For longer rentals of seven days or more, the savings usually justify the trip. For short rentals of two or three days, the airport counter is almost always cheaper when you factor in transportation.
If you're staying at a hotel with a free airport shuttle, ask whether the shuttle stops at a rental location near your hotel. Some hotels partner with rental companies, allowing you to pick up a car without an extra trip.
Returning your rental car at MCO
Return your car to the rental facility on the ground transportation level, the same place you picked it up. Most companies have separate return lanes marked by their brand. Drive to the designated spot, turn off the engine, and an agent will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage, and verify the fuel level. This inspection takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If you rented with a full tank and return with a full tank, there's no fuel charge. If you return with less fuel, the company will charge you for a refill at a rate of $5 to $8 per gallon—significantly more than a gas station. To avoid this, fill the tank at a gas station near the airport before returning the car. Most rental agreements require you to return the car with the same fuel level you picked it up with.
Keep your receipt and any documentation of damage or disputes. If the company later charges you for damage you didn't cause, you'll need proof that the car was in good condition when you returned it. Photos taken at pickup and return are your best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?
Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; a few require 25. Check the rental company's policy when you book. You'll still need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name.
What if I need to return the car early or keep it longer?
Contact the rental company as soon as your plans change. If you return early, you'll get a refund for the unused days if you booked a prepaid rate; some non-prepaid rates charge a penalty for early return. If you need to extend, you can usually add days at the counter or by phone, though the daily rate may be higher than your original booking.
Do I need to buy a toll pass for driving in Orlando?
Orlando has toll roads, primarily the Florida's Turnpike and SunPass toll roads. Some rental companies offer a prepaid toll pass for $5 to $10 per day, or you can get a temporary SunPass at a service plaza. Ask the rental agent about toll options when you pick up your car. If you use tolls without a pass, you'll be charged a processing fee on top of the toll amount.
What happens if I get a speeding ticket or parking violation in the rental car?
The rental company will be notified and will charge your credit card for the ticket, plus an administrative fee of $15 to $50. You're responsible for all traffic violations and parking tickets incurred during your rental, regardless of who was driving. Pay any ticket promptly to avoid additional fees.
Can I rent a car one-way, returning it at a different location?
Yes. You can rent at MCO and return at another Florida airport or city location. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the car back. When you book, specify your return location, and the system will show you the one-way price before you confirm.