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 cars are in an off-site facility you reach by shuttle. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes from landing to driving away, depending on how busy the rental counter is and whether you've pre-booked. You'll 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).
The rental companies at MCO include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo. Each has its own counter in the terminal, but they all use the same consolidated rental facility about 3 miles away. After you complete paperwork at the counter, you take a shuttle bus to the lot, inspect your car, and drive out. Return works the same way in reverse — you drive to the facility, park, take a shuttle back to the terminal.
Prices at airport locations run 20 to 40 percent higher than off-airport branches because of facility fees and taxes. A compact car might cost $35 to $50 per day at an airport counter versus $25 to $35 at a location on International Drive or downtown. If you're staying more than three days, picking up from a non-airport location can save you $50 to $150 depending on the car class.
Key Takeaways
- MCO has rental desks in the terminal, but the cars are at an off-site facility reached by included shuttle service.
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent.
- Airport rental rates are typically 20 to 40 percent higher than off-airport locations because of facility and tax charges.
- Booking online in advance usually locks in a lower rate than walking up to the counter, and you can often modify or cancel without penalty.
- If you're renting for more than three days, comparing an off-airport pickup location can save you $50 to $150 or more.
How to book and what documents you need
Book directly through the rental company's website or through a travel site like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash. Booking online typically shows you the rate before you commit, and most companies let you cancel or modify free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup. When you book, you'll enter your driver's license number, the dates and times you need the car, and your credit card details. The confirmation email will include a reservation number — save this because you'll need it at the counter.
Bring your driver's license, the credit card you booked with, and proof of insurance. Your own auto insurance policy (the declarations page) or a rental car coverage card from your credit card both work. If you don't have either, you can buy the rental company's collision damage waiver at the counter, which typically costs $15 to $25 per day. Some credit cards include rental coverage automatically — check your card's benefits before you book so you know whether you need to buy the company's insurance.
If you're under 25, most companies charge an additional daily fee (usually $15 to $30) and may restrict the car types you can rent. Some companies have a minimum age of 21 with the underage fee; others require 25 with no exceptions. Check the rental company's age policy when you book because the fee doesn't always show up until you're at the counter.
Comparing rental companies at MCO
| Company | Counter location | Typical daily rate (compact) | Underage fee | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Terminal, Level 2 | $40–$55 | $15–$20/day under 25 | Frequent discounts, flexible cancellation |
| Hertz | Terminal, Level 2 | $45–$60 | $25–$30/day under 25 | Gold Plus loyalty program, newer fleet |
| Budget | Terminal, Level 2 | $35–$50 | $15–$25/day under 25 | Lower base rates, frequent promotions |
| Avis | Terminal, Level 2 | $45–$60 | $25/day under 25 | Preferred Plus program, premium service |
| National | Terminal, Level 2 | $40–$55 | $20–$25/day under 25 | Emerald Club loyalty, car selection at lot |
| Alamo | Terminal, Level 2 | $35–$50 | $15–$20/day under 25 | Budget-friendly, straightforward pricing |
Rates vary by season and demand. Summer (June through August) and holidays (Christmas, spring break) are peak times when even compact cars can run $60 to $80 per day. Winter weekdays (January through March, excluding holidays) are cheapest, often $25 to $40 for a compact. Check the specific dates you need before deciding which company offers the best price for your trip.
Enterprise and Budget typically have the lowest base rates at MCO. Hertz and Avis position themselves as premium options with newer cars and more frequent loyalty rewards. National and Alamo fall in the middle. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive company for the same car on the same dates can be $10 to $20 per day, so comparing all six is worth the five minutes it takes.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if you get in an accident
Your own auto insurance usually covers rental cars, but check your policy or call your insurer before you travel. Some policies exclude rentals, and some have a higher deductible for rentals than for your own car. If your policy doesn't cover rentals, or if the deductible is high, you have two options: buy the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) at the counter, or use a credit card that includes rental coverage.
The rental company's CDW typically costs $15 to $25 per day and removes your liability for damage to the car (except for things like tires, glass, and undercarriage). If you decline the CDW and damage the car, you'll be charged for repairs. Even minor damage like a dent or scratch can cost $500 to $2,000 depending on the car and the damage. Credit card rental coverage usually has the same effect as a CDW — it covers collision and theft — but you have to file a claim with the credit card company after the fact, not at the rental counter.
If you get in an accident, call the rental company when ready. They'll tell you whether to call police (required in Florida if there's injury or significant damage) and where to take the car for inspection. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and get a police report number if police respond. The rental company will assess the damage and either charge your credit card or submit a claim to your insurance, depending on what coverage you have.
Picking up your car and what to check before you drive
After you finish at the rental counter, follow signs to the shuttle bus area. Shuttles run every 5 to 10 minutes during the day and every 15 to 20 minutes late at night. The ride to the rental facility takes about 10 minutes. When you arrive, an agent will direct you to your assigned car in the lot. Walk around the car before you accept it and check for dents, scratches, broken lights, and tire damage. Take photos or video of any damage you see and point it out to the agent — they'll note it on your contract so you're not charged for pre-existing damage when you return.
Check that the gas tank is full (it should be), test the air conditioning and wipers, and make sure all doors and windows lock and unlock. If anything doesn't work, tell the agent before you leave the lot. Once you drive away, you're responsible for the car, so catching problems now saves you money and hassle later.
The rental facility is about 3 miles from the terminal, and the drive to downtown Orlando or the theme parks takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. I-4 is the main route to most destinations, but it's often congested during rush hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.). If you're arriving during those times, budget extra time or use a GPS app to check traffic before you leave the lot.
Returning your car and avoiding late fees
Return the car to the same facility where you picked it up. The rental company's website or your confirmation email will have the address and hours. Most companies have a grace period of 29 minutes past your return time before they charge you for an extra day, but don't rely on it — return on time to avoid the charge. If you're running late, call the rental company as soon as you know; some will extend your reservation without penalty if you call ahead.
Fill the gas tank before you return the car. If you return it empty or partially full, the rental company will charge you for a fill-up at their pump, which costs $6 to $8 per gallon — significantly more than a gas station. Some companies offer a prepaid fuel option when you book, which locks in a lower per-gallon rate if you know you'll return the car on empty. This option makes sense only if you're confident you'll use most of the tank.
Drive to the rental facility, park in the return area, and go inside. An agent will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and print your final receipt. This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Keep your receipt — it shows what you were charged and serves as proof if there's a dispute later. After you finish, take the shuttle back to the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?
No. All rental companies at MCO require a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and to cover any damage or late fees. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you won't be able to rent from any of the major companies at the airport.
What if I need to return the car early or keep it longer than I booked?
Call the rental company as soon as you know your plans have changed. If you're returning early, you'll get a refund for the unused days (assuming you booked directly and not through a third-party site with non-refundable rates). If you need to keep the car longer, the company will extend your reservation if the car is available, usually at the same daily rate you booked. Extending at the counter on return day may result in a higher rate.
Is there a toll road from MCO to downtown Orlando or the theme parks?
Yes. The Beachline Expressway (State Road 528) and Florida's Turnpike both have tolls. You can pay cash at toll booths, but most rental cars come with a Sunpass transponder that charges tolls to your rental agreement. Ask the rental agent whether the car has one and whether you'll be charged per toll or a flat fee. Tolls typically run $2 to $5 per trip depending on the route.
What happens if I get a speeding ticket or parking ticket while I have the rental car?
The ticket goes to the rental company, and they'll charge your credit card a processing fee (usually $15 to $25) plus the fine amount. Pay the ticket promptly to avoid additional fees. If you believe the ticket is wrong, you can contest it through the court system, but the rental company will still charge you the processing fee.
Can I add another driver to my rental?
Yes. Additional drivers must have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old (or meet the company's minimum age requirement). There's usually no charge to add a spouse or family member, but some companies charge $10 to $15 per day for unrelated drivers. Tell the rental agent at pickup who will be driving, and make sure all drivers are listed on the contract.