What to expect when you rent at MCO
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rental desks in the main terminal building on Level 2, in the area between the A and B sides. You can walk there directly from baggage claim without leaving the building. The major companies operating there are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo — all of them offer cars on-site, so you do not have to take a shuttle to an off-airport lot.
The rental process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes if you have your driver's license, a valid credit card, and a reservation. If you show up without a reservation, you can still rent the same day, but you may pay a higher rate and have fewer vehicle choices. Most people book online or by phone before arriving because prices are usually lower and you can lock in a specific car type.
One thing that catches people off guard: you will pay a facility charge on top of the daily rate. This is a mandatory fee that MCO charges all rental companies, and they pass it to you. The amount varies by company but typically adds $5 to $15 per day to your total bill. It appears as a separate line item on your contract, not hidden in the daily rate.
Key Takeaways
- Rental desks are on Level 2 of the main terminal, between the A and B sides, and you can walk there directly from baggage claim.
- Six major companies operate on-site at MCO, so you do not need a shuttle to reach your car.
- A facility charge of $5 to $15 per day is added to every rental and is set by the airport, not the rental company.
- Booking online before you arrive usually costs less than renting at the counter and guarantees your car type.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage) to complete the rental.
Insurance and what you actually need to bring
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but you have to check your policy first — not all policies do, and some only cover rentals in the United States. Call your insurance company before your trip and ask whether rental cars are included. If they are, ask what the deductible is. That number matters because if you damage the rental car, you will pay that deductible out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
If your personal insurance does not cover rentals, or if you want to avoid the deductible, the rental company will sell you damage coverage at the counter. This is called a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), depending on the company. The cost is usually $15 to $30 per day. When you buy this coverage, you are not responsible for damage to the car — the rental company absorbs the cost. Read the contract carefully, because some waivers have exclusions (for example, they may not cover damage from off-road driving or towing).
Credit cards sometimes include rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard World Elite often do, but the coverage varies widely. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer before you rent. If your card covers it, you typically do not need to buy the rental company's coverage — but you still need to decline it at the counter in writing, or the company may charge you anyway.
Picking up your car and what happens at the counter
When you arrive at the rental desk, have your reservation confirmation, driver's license, and credit card ready. The agent will ask you to verify the dates, the car type, and any add-ons you booked (like GPS, child seats, or extra drivers). They will also ask whether you want to buy damage coverage. This is the moment to say no if your insurance or credit card already covers you — say it clearly and ask them to note it on the contract.
Next, the agent will walk you through the contract. You will see the daily rate, the facility charge, taxes, and any insurance or add-ons. Read the mileage policy: some rentals are unlimited, but some charge per mile after a certain threshold. Ask about the fuel policy too. Most companies let you return the car with any amount of fuel, but some require you to return it full or charge you a premium for fuel they add. These details are on the contract, but asking out loud ensures you understand before you sign.
After you sign, the agent will give you the keys and directions to the lot. At MCO, the lots are a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal. Before you drive away, inspect the car for damage — dents, scratches, or interior stains. If you see any, go back to the desk and ask them to document it on your contract. This protects you because the rental company cannot charge you for damage that was already there.
Returning the car and avoiding surprise charges
Return the car to the same location where you picked it up, or to another MCO lot if the rental company has multiple locations. Check your contract for the return address and hours — most rental lots at MCO are open until midnight or later, but some close earlier. If you return the car after hours, you may not be able to complete the return process, and the company may charge you for an extra day.
Fill the tank before you return it, unless your contract says the company will refuel it for you. If you return it on empty, the company will charge you to fill it — usually at a rate higher than what you would pay at a gas station. Keep your receipt from the gas pump if you fill it yourself, because it proves you returned it full.
When you return the car, the agent will inspect it for damage and check the mileage and fuel level. If there is damage the company says you caused, they will charge your credit card. If you bought damage coverage, the company absorbs the cost. If you did not buy coverage and your insurance does not cover it, you pay the full repair bill. This can be hundreds of dollars for even minor damage, so the damage waiver is worth considering if you are not confident in your driving or the car's condition.
Comparing prices and booking strategies
Prices at MCO vary by company, by season, and by how far in advance you book. Summer and spring break are peak seasons, so rates are higher. Booking two to four weeks ahead usually gets you a better rate than booking the day before. If you are flexible on dates, even shifting your rental by one day can save money.
Use a rental comparison site like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline to see rates from all six companies at once. These sites show the daily rate, taxes, and facility charges, so you can compare the true total cost. Book directly through the rental company's website if their rate is lower than the comparison site — sometimes it is, because companies offer loyalty discounts or corporate codes that do not show up on third-party sites.
Watch out for add-ons that sound optional but are straightforward to miss. GPS rental, fuel pre-purchase, and young driver fees (if you are under 25) all add to your bill. If your phone has a GPS app, you do not need to rent one. If you are comfortable with your phone's battery life and data plan, skip the rental GPS. Young driver fees are mandatory if you are under 25, but the fee varies by company — sometimes it is $15 per day, sometimes $25. Check the contract before you sign.
Special situations: one-way rentals, extra drivers, and vehicle types
If you want to pick up at MCO and drop off at a different city (like Miami or Tampa), you can do that, but it costs more. The rental company charges a one-way fee on top of the daily rate, usually $50 to $200 depending on the distance. Book this in advance because one-way rentals have limited availability, especially during peak season.
If you want to add another driver to the rental, tell the agent at pickup. Most companies allow one additional driver for free, but some charge $10 to $15 per day for a second driver. The additional driver must have a valid license and be present at pickup. You cannot add a driver after you leave the lot.
MCO has economy cars, mid-size sedans, SUVs, and vans available. If you book a specific car type (like "compact car"), the company will try to give you that type or something similar. If they are out of your car type, they may upgrade you to a larger vehicle at no extra charge — this is called a complimentary upgrade and is a bonus. If they downgrade you to a smaller car, ask whether they will reduce your rate; some companies will, some will not.
Getting to and from the rental lot at MCO
The rental car lots at MCO are not in the terminal building. After you pick up your car, you will drive it yourself. When you return it, you have two options: drive it to the lot and take a shuttle back to the terminal, or take a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) from the lot to the terminal if you prefer not to wait for a shuttle. The shuttle is free and runs frequently, usually every 10 to 15 minutes.
If you are returning a rental and need to catch a flight, plan to return the car at least two hours before your flight. This gives you time to complete the return process, take the shuttle back to the terminal, and get through security. If you return it less than an hour before your flight, you risk missing your flight if there is a line at the return desk or if the shuttle is delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but you will pay a young driver fee, usually $15 to $25 per day. This fee is mandatory at most companies. You must have a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Some companies have a minimum age of 18, others 21. Check with the specific company when you book.
What if I need to extend my rental after I pick up the car?
Call the rental company as soon as you know you need extra days. If they have cars available, they will extend your rental and charge you the daily rate for the extra days. If you wait until you return the car, you may have to pay a higher rate or they may not have availability. Extending by phone before your return date is always cheaper.
Do I have to buy a full tank of gas before I return the car?
Check your contract. Most companies let you return the car with any amount of fuel. Some require a full tank or charge you a premium if you do not return it full. If the contract says you must return it full, fill it at a gas station near the rental lot, not at the airport — airport gas is more expensive.
What happens if I return the car late?
If you return it after the time on your contract, the company will charge you for an extra day, usually at the daily rate or sometimes at a higher late-return rate. If you are running late, call the rental company and ask if they can extend your reservation. Some companies will waive the late fee if you call ahead.
Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?
Most rental companies require a credit card because they need to place a hold on your account for potential damage charges. Some companies accept debit cards, but they may require a larger hold or additional documentation. Call the rental company before you book to confirm whether they accept your debit card.