MCO is the airport code for Orlando International Airport, a major gateway in Central Florida. It is among the top 10 busiest airports in the United States by passenger traffic and offers flights to over 170 destinations worldwide. In this guide, “What does MCO stand for, and what airport is it?” We break down everything about the airport, from terminal details to insider travel tips.
What airport is MCO?
MCO is the IATA code for Orlando International Airport, in Orange County, Florida. Originally, the airport was called McCoy Air Force Base. Whether flying domestically or internationally, MCO is a convenient stopping point for travelers throughout the Southeast.
Intro & history of MCO Airport
The predecessor to MCO, Orlando Municipal Airport, was established in 1928. It was a small airfield near downtown, mostly used for military training flights. As commercial aviation expanded in the 1950s, the airport’s limitations became obvious. It was too small to handle the increased traffic, and its central location made expansion impossible.
In response to these problems, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority was created to oversee the construction of a new airport. The new airport, known as the Orlando Jetport at McCoy, was built on a former Air Force installation in the city’s Southeast. In 1976, its name was changed to Orlando International Airport.
MCO is now one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the world. Many awards have been bestowed upon it for its design, amenities, and customer service. MCO is located 12 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, making it easily accessible to the city and its surrounding areas. Today, MCO boasts four concourses, over 150 shops, and other services catering to travelers.
MCO is the fourth-largest in the United States by land area. It has four runways and one helipad and spans across 53.83 km² (20.8 square miles).
MCO Airport Terminals
The main terminal building at MCO Airport is massive and has north and south sides. It also has four airside concourses with 93 gates, accessible by elevated people movers. Airside 4 handles most international arrivals, but Airside 1 and Terminal C also handle some.
- Terminal A is in the northern half of the main terminal. From there, you can take a tram to Airside 1 (Gates 1 to 29) and Airside 2 (Gates 100 to 129).
- Terminal B is in the southern half of the main terminal. From there, you can take a tram to Airside 3 (Gates 30 – 59) and Airside 4 (Gates 70 – 99).
- Terminal C consists of the South terminal complex, which has gates 230 to 245, and a tramway that goes to Terminals A and B before security.
What airlines fly out of MCO?
| Main Terminal A | Main Terminal B | Terminal C |
| Air Transat | Air Canada | Aer Lingus |
| Avelo Airlines | Air Canada Rouge | AeroMexico |
| Frontier Airlines | Alaska Airlines | Avianca Airlines |
| Southwest | Allegiant | Azul |
| Virgin Atlantic | American Airlines | British Airways |
| Bahamasair | Caribbean Airlines | |
| BermudAir | Copa Airlines | |
| Breeze | Discover Airlines | |
| Delta | Emirates | |
| Flair Airlines | Gol Airlines | |
| LATAM Airlines | Iberia | |
| Sun Country Airlines | Icelandair | |
| United | JetBlue | |
| Viva Aerobus | Norse | |
| Volaris | Porter | |
| WestJet | Zipair | |
| Air France |
Security wait times at Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Security wait times at Orlando Airport typically range from approximately 12 to 40 minutes and can reach 40 to 60 minutes on weekends. It’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights. If you’re driving, be sure to factor in parking time.
Typically, the wait time at MCO is
- Gates 1-59: 34-38 minutes
- Gates 70-129: 5-9 minutes
- Gates C230-C245: 8-12 minutes
MCO Airport amenities
Orlando International Airport offers a range of services and amenities to make sure travelers have a comfortable travel experience. A USO lounge, airline club lounges, family restrooms, and nursing rooms are among the amenities. There is also a fitness center, as well as other dedicated spots throughout the airport for quiet reflection and prayer. When it comes to dining and shopping, MCO has a range of restaurants, quick-service options, duty-free retailers, specialty retail shops, and more. Here’s a breakdown:
- Restaurants and cafes: MCO has more than 70 restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve American, Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine, among others.
- Duty-free shopping: At the international terminal, passengers can shop duty-free for a variety of luxury goods, cosmetics, and alcohol.
- Retail stores: MCO has more than 90 stores for clothing, gifts, and electronics.
- Lounges: The Delta Sky Club, the United Club, and the American Airlines Admirals Club are some of the lounges at MCO.
- Spa services: At Be Relax Spa, guests can relax with massages, facials, or other spa treatments.
- Services for families: The airport has play areas for kids, family bathrooms, and changing areas for babies.
- WiFi: All terminal buildings at the airport offer free WiFi.
- Pet relief: The airport has 7 pet relief areas, 4 indoors after security and 3 outdoors.
- Therapy animals: MCO Paw Pilots, the airport’s therapy dog program, helps ease travel-related stress by letting you pet some very good dogs.
Other services
- Lost & Found: Lost & Found is available at Terminal A and Terminal C, Level 1.
- Currency Exchange: This service is available at Terminal A, level 3, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- The Orlando Police Department: This is on Level 1 of Terminal C.
How to get to Orlando (MCO) Airport
The MCO Airport is 12 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. These are some routes to get to the airport:
- From North (Option 1): Take I-4 West to the 408 East. To reach State Road 436 (Semoran Boulevard), head east on State Road 408 (East-West Expressway). Go south on Semoran Boulevard, State Road 436, to the airport.
- From North (Option 2): Go west on I-4 to the Beachline Expressway (State Road 528), which is close to International Drive and SeaWorld. To get to the airport, take State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) east and exit at 11B.
- From South / West (Option 1): Go east on I-4 to the Beachline Expressway (State Road 528), which is close to SeaWorld and International Drive. To get to the airport, take State Road 528 (Beeline Expressway) east and exit at 11B.
- From South / West (Option 2): Drive toward Lake Buena Vista on State Road 417 (Greeneway) after taking I-4 east to exit 24E. To get to Boggy Creek Road, head north on State Road 417 (Greeneway). To reach the South Entrance Road, head north on Boggy Creek Road. Head north on South Entrance Road to get to the airport.
- From East: Go to the Beeline Expressway (State Road 528) at Cape Canaveral via I-95. To get to the airport, use State Road 528 (Beeline Expressway) west (exit 11B).
- From the Florida Turnpike: Exit the Turnpike at State Road 528, sometimes known as the Beeline Expressway. To get to the airport, take State Road 528 (Beeline Expressway) east and exit 11B.
Transportation from MCO Airport to Disney World
This route is popular among tourists and has various transportation options, including ridesharing, shuttles, and buses.
- Shuttle service from MCO Airport to Disney World: Mears Connect provides 24/7 shuttle service between MCO Airport, Disney World, Disney Springs, and nearby Disney hotels. They have two options, Standard and Express. Standard service costs about $17 per adult and $14 per child (one way). Express, a direct service with minimal wait time, costs about $250 round-trip for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $55 for each extra passenger.
- Uber/Lyft from MCO Airport to Disney World: Uber and Lyft are convenient options, with pickups usually taking only a few minutes, except during late-night hours. While a typical Uber ride from MCO to Disney World averages approximately $40, during peak times, fares may surge to $60, $75, or even $100 in rare cases.
- Taxi from MCO Airport to Disney World: A taxi is a convenient way to travel and will typically cost between $60 and $80 for a ride, excluding tips.
- Taxi services at Orlando International Airport are on the Ground Transportation Curb of Terminal A on Level 1 (spaces A22-A25), Terminal B on Level 1 (spaces B30-B34), and Terminal C (Arrivals Curb, Level 6).
- Note: Please use only the authorized taxi service. Diamond Cab Company, Quick Cab, and Town & Country Transport are some of the authorized cab services.
Other services
- Private Car Service from MCO Airport to Disney World: Booking a private car is extremely convenient, but it comes at a price. You will have to pay somewhere between $80 and $150 for a one-way trip.
- Rental Car from MCO Airport to Disney World: For those who need to move around frequently and want the convenience of having a vehicle readily available, renting a car might be practical. Always consider your parking options when renting a car.
Hotels near MCO Airport
Here are some good hotels near the airport:
- Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport
Popular places to visit in Orlando
Here are some of the places that are worth seeing while in Orlando:
- Disney Springs
- Epcot
- Fun Spot America
- Magic Kingdom Park
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
- Universal Islands of Adventure
- Universal Studios Florida
- Walt Disney World Resort
Essential travel tips for MCO flyers
To ensure your trip to and from MCO is smooth and stress-free, here are a few essential travel tips:
Arrive early: MCO, like any big airport, can have long lineups and delays, particularly during peak travel hours. Arrive at MCO at least two hours before your scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours before your scheduled departure for international flights.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR: If you travel frequently or want to skip long security lines, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. These services allow you to travel through security in a dedicated lane while keeping your shoes, belts, and jackets on.
Prebook MCO airport parking: If you’re driving to the airport, don’t risk driving up without a reservation to find out the lots are full. Book an offsite MCO parking lot ahead and fly with peace of mind.
Check your flight status: Before you arrive at the airport, check your MCO flight status and TSA wait times at MCO to ensure there are no delays or cancellations.
Eat and drink well: Carry an empty water bottle to fill up after security, as staying hydrated is critical during air travel. MCO airport boasts a variety of dining options, so make sure you eat before your journey.
Keep travel docs handy: When you approach security and the gate, make sure you have your boarding card and ID handy. This can help you save time and avoid delays.
Find an MCO hotel for longer layovers: If your layover is long, it’s best to book a room at any of the hotels near Orlando Airport.
Fun facts about MCO Airport
The central atrium of MCO Airport is unusual for an airport, featuring a water fountain, palm trees, high ceilings, and abundant natural light.
The airport’s food court features a 3,000-gallon aquarium filled with marine life native to Florida, including stingrays and sharks.
The airport has an on-site hotel, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, which offers guests direct access to the main terminal.
MCO Airport has an on-site wildlife control team that helps prevent bird strikes and other aircraft hazards.
The airport has some of the most colorful art installations in America, with the airside carpet and terrazzo welcome mat being major focal points.
Orlando International Airport is known for its dedication to sustainability, including using renewable energy from a solar farm and a scheme to recycle spent cooking oil from restaurants in and near the airport into biodiesel fuel for airport vehicles.
FAQs
Are MCO and SFB the same airport?
No, MCO is Orlando International Airport, while SFB is Orlando Sanford International Airport.
Is MCO closest to Disney World?
Yes, MCO is the closest airport to the Disney Parks in Orlando.
What airport is MCO in Florida?
MCO is the IATA code for Orlando International Airport in Florida. The airport serves Greater Orlando, which consists of Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford.
What airport is MCO an abbreviation for?
MCO Airport was abbreviated from McCoy Air Force Base. The site where the Orlando Airport is located was formerly McCoy Air Force Base. The airport is named after Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy.
What county is MCO Airport in?
MCO Airport is in Orange County.
What airport is close to MCO?
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is the closest airport to MCO (approx. 10 miles), followed by SFB (approx. 30 miles).
Are MCO and ORL at the same airport?
No, they are not the same airport. MCO Airport is Orlando International Airport, and ORL Airport is Orlando Executive Airport. These two airports are 10 miles apart.
Does Orlando have two airports?
Yes, Orlando has two airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
How far apart are Miami and Orlando?
Miami and Orlando are 242 miles apart, and Miami Airport (MIA) and Orlando Airport (MCO) are 194 miles apart.
Fanny Dorris is an author with four years of experience in travel and automotive topics. She provides readers with clear guidance on airport navigation, travel planning, and vehicle ownership.
