Renting a car at Orlando International Airport is straightforward if you know where the rental counters are and what documents to bring
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rental car counters in the main terminal building on the ground level, in the area between Baggage Claim 1 and Baggage Claim 9. All the major rental companies operate there: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo. You walk out of security, collect your luggage, and the rental desks are directly ahead. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes if you have a reservation and your documents ready.
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Your own car insurance often covers rental vehicles, but check your policy before you arrive—if it does not, you can buy coverage from the rental company at the counter. Some credit cards also include rental coverage; call your card issuer to confirm. Bring all three documents with you; rental companies will not complete a transaction without them.
If you reserved a car online or by phone, your confirmation number will speed up check-in. If you did not reserve in advance, you can rent on the spot, though availability and prices vary by season. Orlando is busiest in summer and around holidays, so walk-up rates are higher during those times.
Key Takeaways
- Rental car counters are on the ground level of the main terminal between Baggage Claim 1 and Baggage Claim 9, and the major companies all operate there.
- Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or be prepared to buy coverage at the counter.
- A reservation speeds up the process, but you can rent without one if you are willing to accept available inventory and current pricing.
- Prices are higher during peak travel seasons (summer and holidays), so booking ahead often saves money.
- The rental process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter with your documents.
What to expect at the rental counter
When you reach the counter, the agent will ask for your driver's license and credit card. They will verify your reservation if you have one, or show you available vehicles and rates if you do not. They will then explain the insurance options: decline your own coverage, buy the rental company's collision damage waiver, or show proof that your personal policy covers rentals. This conversation takes a few minutes and is where most delays happen, because many renters are unsure about their insurance.
Once insurance is settled, you will sign a rental agreement that lists the vehicle's condition, mileage, fuel level, and your responsibilities. Read it before signing. The agent will give you the keys and direct you to the rental car lot, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal. You will inspect the car, note any existing damage, and drive off.
The entire transaction—from handing over your license to driving away—usually takes 15 to 25 minutes. If you are in a hurry, some companies offer mobile check-in through their app, which can shorten this time, though you still need to inspect the vehicle in person before leaving the lot.
Fuel and return procedures at MCO
Most rental companies at MCO offer a full-to-full fuel option: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. You pay for fuel at local gas station prices, which is usually cheaper than the rental company's fuel surcharge. There is a Shell station and other gas stations within a few miles of the airport, so fill up before you return the car.
When you return the vehicle, drive to the rental car return area near the terminal. An agent will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your return. If the tank is not full, they will charge you for fuel at a premium rate—often $6 to $8 per gallon depending on the company. Returning with a full tank avoids this charge.
The return process takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive a final receipt and can then head to the terminal or your next destination. If you rented through a credit card that offers rental coverage, keep your receipt and any damage documentation for your card issuer's records.
Reservation options and how to book
You can reserve a car through the rental company's website, a travel booking site like Kayak or Expedia, or by calling the company directly. Booking online usually shows you the lowest available rate and lets you lock in a price before you travel. Travel sites often have discount codes or bundle deals if you are also booking a hotel or flight.
When you book, you will choose a car class (economy, midsize, SUV, and so on) rather than a specific vehicle. The rental company assigns your actual car at check-in based on availability. If you need a specific feature—extra seats, all-wheel drive, or a particular brand—mention it in the reservation notes, but understand that the company cannot may provide it.
Cancellation policies vary. Most companies allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your rental date, but some charge a fee. Read the terms when you book. If your travel plans change, cancel early rather than keeping a reservation you will not use, because no-shows are charged in full.
Insurance and damage coverage explained
Rental car insurance is the most confusing part of renting, so understand your options before you reach the counter. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental vehicles, but only if you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own car. Call your insurer before your trip and ask: "Does my policy cover rental cars? Is there a deductible? Are there any exclusions?" Write down the answer and bring it with you.
If your personal insurance does not cover rentals, or if you want to lower your deductible, you can buy the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) at the counter. This typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the rental car. It does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or property—that is covered by liability insurance, which is included in your rental agreement and required by Florida law.
Some credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard all offer this, but the coverage varies by card and issuer. Call your credit card company before your trip to confirm what is covered and what is not. If your card covers rentals, you can decline the rental company's CDW and save money.
Peak seasons and pricing at Orlando airport
Orlando is a year-round destination, but rental prices spike during summer (June through August) and around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break). During these periods, walk-up rates can be 50 to 100 percent higher than off-season rates, and availability is limited. If you are traveling during peak season, book at least two to three weeks in advance to find a lower rate and your preferred car class.
Off-season travel (September through May, excluding holidays) usually offers lower rates and more availability. If your travel dates are flexible, shifting your trip by a week or two can save you significantly on the rental.
Prices also vary by day of the week. Rentals picked up on Friday or Saturday are often more expensive than those picked up on a weekday. If you are renting for a short trip, consider whether you actually need the car for every day, or whether using rideshare for some trips might be cheaper.
Getting to the rental lot and returning the car
After you collect your luggage and complete the rental agreement, the agent will direct you to the rental car lot. Most companies operate a shared lot near the terminal, and you will either walk there (about 5 to 10 minutes) or take a free shuttle bus. Follow the signs or ask the agent which shuttle to board. The shuttle runs continuously, so you will not wait long.
When you return the car, follow signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach the airport. The return area is separate from the main terminal. Drive into the return lot, park in a designated spot, and an agent will meet you. They will inspect the car, check the fuel level and mileage, and process your return. Keep your receipt for your records.
If you are returning the car after hours, some companies have after-hours return procedures. You park the car in a designated spot, leave the keys in a drop box, and receive a receipt. Confirm your company's after-hours policy when you book, because not all companies offer this option at MCO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to rent a car at MCO?
Yes. Rental companies require a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and as a security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted. The card does not need to have a high credit limit, but it must be valid and in your name.
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but most companies charge an additional daily fee (typically $15 to $25) for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require 25. Check the rental company's age policy when you book, because it varies.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged by the hour or day, depending on the company's policy. If you are more than an hour late, you may be charged for an extra full day. Call the rental company as soon as you know you will be late; some will waive a small overage if you notify them in advance.
Can I pick up a car at MCO and return it at a different location?
Yes. Most major rental companies allow one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee that varies by destination. Returning a car to a different location is usually more expensive than a round-trip rental from the same location, so compare prices when you book.
Is there a gas station near the rental car return area?
There are gas stations within a few miles of MCO, but not directly at the return lot. Fill up your tank before you return the car to avoid the rental company's fuel surcharge. Plan an extra 15 to 20 minutes for a fuel stop if you are returning the car on a tight schedule.