Orlando Airport (MCO) Flights & Flight Status

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the US, with more than 55 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually. MCO is a major hub for both domestic and international travellers thanks to its proximity to such popular tourist destinations as Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios and Port Canaveral, a cruise port. While it primarily serves the Orlando metropolitan area, it's also the main airport for the Central Florida region overall.

Terminals at MCO

MCO has two main terminal complexes. The North Terminal, also known as the Main Terminal, comprises Terminals A and B. The South Terminal Complex is where you'll find Terminal C and the Train Station. Both North and South Terminals are connected landside (pre-security) by the Terminal Link people mover (intra-airport train) and shuttle buses, but they're not connected airside (post-security). If you're connecting between terminals, you'll have to re-enter security.

North Terminal (Terminals A and B)

The North Terminal's main building is split in half into Terminals A and B. This is where you'll find ticketing, baggage claim and security, and there's a landside food court, shopping and an in-terminal hotel here as well. Once you go through security, you'll take Gate Link people movers (formerly called the Automated People Mover, or APM) to one of the departure concourses, where you'll find the gates.

Pay close attention to your gate number when you board the Gate Link people movers, as there are different tracks for different gates. If you mistakenly board the wrong Gate Link people mover, you'll have to return to the main terminal to catch the correct one. The satellite concourses are not connected to one another; they're only connected to the main terminal. (Picture a wheel hub with spokes.)

That said, if you have lots of time before your flight, you can check out the other concourse on your side of the North Terminal to peruse its shopping and dining options. The Gate Link trains run every few minutes, so it doesn't take much time to get between the concourses.

South Terminal Complex (Terminal C)

Terminal C in the South Terminal Complex opened in 2022, and it primarily serves international airlines, but also JetBlue. It's designed not only as a transportation hub but also as a dining and shopping destination in its own right. My favourite aspect of this terminal is all the natural light that pours in through the windows, making it more pleasant to spend time here.

Terminal C is also open to the non-flying public through its Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program. If you're interested in dining or shopping at MCO's Terminal C, or seeing a loved one off on their travels, you can apply online for the free pass up to seven days before your visit. You'll still need to go through airport security screening as usual.

Everything you need to know about ground transportation at MCO

If you're flying into Orlando, you're likely here for the region's theme parks, especially Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Studios, or the cruise port of Port Canaveral. Here's what you need to know about getting to these destinations, as well as to other destinations in Greater Orlando and even as far away as South Florida.

The best way to get between the airport and Walt Disney World® Resort

The Walt Disney World® Resort has partnered with Mears Destination Services to provide buses (for a fee) between MCO and the resort's numerous hotels. The Mears Connect buses run 24/7, and you can choose between shared shuttle services that stop at multiple hotels and express ones that only stop at your selected hotel. You can also book a hire car or take a taxi or rideshare.

In my experience, the shared shuttle service can be a very long ride if your hotel is one of the last on the route. It might be worth paying extra for the express service if you've already had a long travel day. All that said, it's likely cheaper to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft if you're travelling as a party of two or larger.

The best way to get between the airport and Universal Studios

Universal Studios operates the Universal SuperStar Shuttle (for a fee) to transport guests between MCO and the Universal Studios hotels. Each shuttle visits multiple hotels, so as with the Mears Connect service, you might be in for a long ride if your hotel is last.

The best way to get between the airport and Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is located about 45 miles east of MCO, on Florida's Space Coast. Most cruise lines that sail from Port Canaveral offer their own shuttles, but there are also third-party shuttle operators that might be cheaper. Taxis and rideshares are available, too, but they can be far more expensive than the shuttles, depending on how many people you're travelling with.

The downside of the shuttles is that you could end up waiting a long time for them. My last experience with a Port Canaveral shuttle had me sitting around and waiting for more than an hour. If you're travelling in a group of four or more people, it might be cheaper to split an Uber or Lyft than take a shuttle.

Other transportation options at MCO

Orlando is not a public transportation-friendly city. It is extremely spread out, so most people drive or take taxis or rideshares, of which there is plenty of availability. The only public transportation is the LYNX bus network, and while it does cover a fair bit of territory, including MCO, there can be long waiting times between buses. On the plus side, the buses are cheap.

Besides the shuttle buses, taxis and rideshares, the most notable transportation option at MCO is the Brightline train. This high-speed rail connects Orlando with the South Florida cities of West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The station is connected via a walkway to Terminal C and via the Terminal Link to Terminals A and B.

How long are the security queues at MCO?

Long! Very, very long! Or at least they can be. MCO has some of the longest security queues I've ever experienced, with people wrapping all around the terminal and taking an hour or two to get through. There are periods of calm, though. On my last trip through MCO, there was no queue for security, and I was shocked.

To expedite your security experience, you can book MCO Reserve for free. This service allows you to reserve a timeslot in an expedited security queue, which can be booked up to seven days before your flight. Spots are limited, so it’s a good idea to book early. If you're entering the US through Orlando, Global Entry is also available to speed up clearance through Customs.

Alternative airports to MCO

Because MCO is so crowded, you might want to consider alternative airports. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is the closest, located about 30 miles north of MCO, or about a 30-minute drive without traffic. It has very few flights, though; your only airline options are Allegiant and Sun Country.

The next best options are Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), located 60 and 70 miles from MCO, respectively, or about an hour's drive. They, too, have more limited flights, but not as limited as Sanford. These airports are ideal if you're travelling to Central Florida's eastern beaches, as they're both located on the Atlantic side of the state.

The biggest nearby airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), located on Florida's Gulf Coast. At 90 miles away from MCO, it's about a 90-minute drive, so it's not necessarily the most convenient airport for the Orlando area. But it's definitely a better choice if you're travelling to the Gulf Coast.

How to spend a layover at MCO

MCO is more often a final destination than it is a layover airport, but some airlines, including Southwest, do have transfers here. Given how spread out Orlando is, how bad the traffic is and how long the security queues can be at MCO, it's not really feasible to leave the airport during a layover. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recommends you arrive three hours before your flight, whether domestic or international.

That said, there's plenty to do within the airport itself. The major theme parks have shops on the landside part of the North Terminal, while the dining options are excellent airside in Terminal C. You can book a Day Stay at the in-terminal hotel to nap, shower or go for a swim in the rooftop pool.