What to expect when you rent at MCO

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rental desks for most major companies in the main terminal, but the actual car lots are off-site. When you arrive, you'll pick up your reservation at the counter, then take a shuttle to the lot where you collect your vehicle. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes after you clear baggage claim, depending on how busy the counter is and whether your paperwork is ready.

MCO charges a facility fee on top of your daily rental rate — this is a per-day airport tax that applies to all rentals picked up there. The fee varies by company but usually runs $3 to $5 per day. You'll also pay Florida's 6.5% sales tax plus any county surcharges, which add another 1% to 2% depending on whether you're renting in Orange County or nearby areas.

If you want to avoid the airport facility fee entirely, you can rent from an off-airport location instead — there are rental offices on International Drive and in downtown Orlando, typically 10 to 20 minutes from MCO by car or rideshare. This works only if you have another way to get there first, or if someone can drop you off.

Key Takeaways

  • MCO rental desks are in the terminal, but you take a shuttle to an off-site lot to pick up your car, adding 15 to 30 minutes to your arrival time.
  • All rentals at MCO include a daily facility fee ($3 to $5 per day) on top of your base rate, plus Florida sales tax and county surcharges.
  • You 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.
  • Booking online in advance locks in your rate and lets you add extras like GPS or additional drivers before you arrive, avoiding counter delays.
  • Off-airport rental locations on International Drive or downtown avoid the facility fee but require you to arrange separate transportation from MCO first.

Documents and insurance you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license — a U.S. state license, military ID, or passport with a valid visa all work. If your license is from outside the U.S., bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license; some companies require it, others don't, but having it eliminates the question at the counter.

You'll need a credit card in your own name to complete the rental. The company will place a hold on the card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit (usually $200 to $500). Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but policies vary — call ahead if you plan to use one, because some companies won't rent to you with a debit card alone.

For insurance, you have three options. You can use your own auto insurance if it covers rental cars (check your policy or call your insurer before you arrive). You can purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which typically costs $15 to $30 per day. Or you can use a credit card's rental car coverage if your card offers it — American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard Premium often do, but coverage limits and exclusions vary widely, so verify with your card issuer first.

Which rental companies operate at MCO

The major companies with desks in the terminal are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Alamo also operates there. Each has its own shuttle and lot, though some share facilities. Smaller companies like Fox Rent A Car and Advantage operate at MCO as well, usually with lower base rates but fewer vehicle options and less flexible policies.

Rates and vehicle availability change daily based on demand. During peak season (December through March and summer school breaks), prices rise and inventory tightens. Booking a week or two ahead locks in your rate and guarantees a car category. If you book the day before or day of arrival, you may pay more or find that your preferred vehicle type is unavailable.

Each company's counter is clearly marked in the terminal. If you're unsure which one you booked with, check your confirmation email — it will list the company name and your reservation number. You can also call the MCO ground transportation information line at 407-825-2001 to confirm which counter to visit.

How to book and what to add before arrival

Booking online through the rental company's website or through a travel site like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash typically gives you the lowest rate. Compare the same car type and dates across multiple sites, because prices vary. Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup location, and estimated cost.

Before you arrive, log into your reservation and add any extras you know you'll need. Additional drivers cost $10 to $15 per person per day at most companies; adding them online is cheaper than adding them at the counter. GPS rental runs $10 to $15 per day, but if you have a smartphone, using Google Maps or Apple Maps is free and works just as well. Child car seats cost $10 to $15 per day if you need one.

Check the fuel policy in your confirmation. Most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank or pay a refueling fee (usually $5 to $8 per gallon, which is much higher than gas station prices). Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price; this is worth it only if you'll return the car nearly empty. If you're unsure, plan to return it full — it's the safest option.

Pickup and return procedures at MCO

When you arrive at MCO, follow signs to the rental car counters in the main terminal. Have your driver's license, credit card, and confirmation number ready. The agent will verify your reservation, review the insurance options, and hand you a shuttle pass. The shuttle will take you to the lot (usually 5 to 10 minutes away) where you'll inspect the car with an agent, note any existing damage on the contract, and drive off.

Before you leave the lot, walk around the car and take photos of any dents, scratches, or damage you see. The agent will have already documented damage on the contract, but photos protect you if there's a dispute later. Check that the fuel gauge reads full, the lights work, and the windshield wipers function.

When you return, drive to the MCO rental lot (not the terminal). An agent will meet you, inspect the car, and confirm the mileage and fuel level. If you return it with less than a full tank, you'll be charged for refueling. The agent will give you a receipt and direct you back to the terminal via shuttle. The whole return process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Avoiding common rental mistakes at MCO

Don't assume your personal auto insurance covers rentals — many policies exclude them or limit coverage to the U.S. only. Call your insurer before you arrive to confirm. If it doesn't cover rentals, buy the rental company's damage waiver or use your credit card's coverage (if available).

Don't book a compact car if you're traveling with luggage for more than two people. MCO is a major hub and compact cars fill up fast. Book a mid-size sedan or SUV if you have any doubt about space.

Don't ignore the fuel policy. Returning a car on empty triggers a refueling charge that's two to three times the pump price. Fill up at a gas station near the airport (there are several on International Drive) before you return the car.

Don't add a second driver at the counter if you can add them online beforehand — it costs more and takes longer. The same applies to GPS and child seats.

Off-airport rental alternatives near MCO

If you want to avoid the MCO facility fee, rental offices on International Drive (about 3 miles from the airport) and in downtown Orlando offer the same companies at lower daily rates. The trade-off is that you need to get there first — either by rideshare (Uber or Lyft, typically $12 to $18), by rental car shuttle from certain hotels, or by having someone pick you up.

This option makes sense only if you're staying at a hotel that offers a free shuttle to an off-airport rental location, or if you're willing to spend $15 to $25 on rideshare to save $3 to $5 per day on the facility fee. For a three-day rental, you'd save $9 to $15 total — less than the rideshare cost.

If you're renting for a week or longer, the math changes. A week-long rental at MCO costs $21 to $35 in facility fees alone. An off-airport location could save you that much or more, making the rideshare cost worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge a young driver fee ($15 to $30 per day) for drivers under 25. Some companies set a minimum age of 21; a few require 25. Check the rental company's policy when you book — the age restriction will be listed in the terms.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late fees vary by company but typically run $30 to $50 for each hour or partial hour past your return time. Some companies charge a flat daily rate if you're more than a few hours late. Call the rental lot as soon as you realize you'll be late — some companies waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance.

Do I have to buy the rental company's insurance?

No. If your personal auto insurance covers rentals, or if your credit card offers rental car coverage, you can decline the rental company's damage waiver. Just confirm your coverage before you arrive, because you can't add it later if something goes wrong.

Can I rent a car with an international driver's license?

Yes, but you'll also need your home country's driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required — policies vary by company. Bring both documents to avoid delays at the counter.

What if the car breaks down while I'm driving?

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement and key tag. They'll send a tow truck or arrange a replacement vehicle. You're not responsible for mechanical breakdowns if the car was in good condition when you picked it up.