Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest and most traveler-friendly airports in the United States, welcoming tens of millions of passengers each year. As a gateway to Central Florida’s major attractions—including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center—MCO plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Whether you’re flying for business, vacation, or a quick layover, understanding the MCO terminal layout can make your journey much more efficient and less stressful. This guide provides a full breakdown of the Orlando Airport terminal map, navigation tips, and everything you need to know to get from check-in to takeoff with ease.
Orlando International Airport Overview
Orlando International Airport is located approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Orlando and is designated by the airport code MCO, which stands for McCoy Air Force Base, the airport’s former name.
MCO serves over 50 million passengers annually and is a major hub for both domestic and international travel. The airport features:
- Multiple terminals
- A central hub layout
- Dozens of airline counters
- Robust ground transportation
- Family-friendly amenities
Unlike some large airports with completely separate terminal buildings, MCO has a centralized layout that simplifies navigation.
Terminal Structure at MCO
MCO is organized into a main terminal (Terminal A/B) and a newer Terminal C. Each area houses multiple gates and supports different airlines and destinations.
Main Terminal (A & B Sides)
The Main Terminal is divided into two sides:
- Terminal A (North side)
- Terminal B (South side)
Each side is connected to Airside Concourses (Gates 1–129) via automated people movers. Here’s how it works:
- You check in, go through security, and then take a shuttle to your gate at the airside terminal.
- Both Terminal A and Terminal B serve different airlines and destinations.
Terminal C
Terminal C is a state-of-the-art facility located separately from Terminals A and B. It opened in 2022 and features sleek design, modern technology, and direct access gates for international arrivals and departures.
Airside Concourses
There are four airside concourses at MCO, each serving a different set of airlines and gates.
Airside 1 (Gates 1–29)
- Connected via Terminal B
- Serves Southwest Airlines
- Domestic flights
Airside 2 (Gates 100–129)
- Connected via Terminal A
- Primarily used by Delta and Air Canada
- Domestic and international flights
Airside 3 (Gates 30–59)
- Connected via Terminal B
- Serves American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit
- Mix of domestic and international flights
Airside 4 (Gates 70–99)
- Connected via Terminal A
- Used by international carriers: British Airways, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus
- Equipped with customs and immigration
Terminal C (Gates 230–249)
- Separate, modern terminal
- Serves JetBlue, international carriers like Emirates and Lufthansa
- Direct access to gates, no shuttle required
How to Navigate Between Terminals
Automated People Movers (APMs)
For Terminals A and B:
- After check-in and security, travelers are transported by automated trains to their designated airside concourse.
- Travel time is under 5 minutes.
- Trains run continuously every few minutes.
Walking
- You can walk between Terminal A and Terminal B without leaving the secured area.
- Walking distance is minimal and aided by clear signs and moving walkways.
Terminal C
- Not directly connected to A/B; you must exit and use ground transportation.
- Shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services are available.
- Terminal Link Train (under construction) will eventually improve direct connectivity.
Airline Directory by Terminal
Terminal A
- Alaska Airlines
- Air Canada
- Avianca
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue (some flights)
- United Airlines
Terminal B
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
Terminal C
- JetBlue (select flights)
- Emirates
- LATAM
- Lufthansa
- Caribbean Airlines
- Gol Linhas Aéreas
Always confirm your airline’s terminal and gate before arrival, especially if you’re flying on JetBlue, as it uses both Terminal A and Terminal C.
Security and Checkpoints
Each terminal (A, B, and C) has its own TSA checkpoint, usually located near the ticketing counters. Wait times vary depending on:
- Time of day
- Season
- Domestic vs. international travel
Tips:
- Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR lanes if eligible
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international
- Monitor live security wait times on MCO’s official website
Baggage Claim and Arrivals
After landing, passengers are transported back to the main terminal (A/B) from their airside concourse, then proceed to the appropriate baggage claim area.
- Terminal A Arrivals: Baggage carousels 1–16
- Terminal B Arrivals: Baggage carousels 20–32
- Terminal C Arrivals: Direct access to baggage claim and customs
International passengers in Terminal C go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the same facility.
Ground Transportation Options
Orlando International Airport offers a wide range of ground transportation from all terminals.
Rental Cars
- Rental car counters are available on the A and B side Level 1 (Ground Transportation).
- Terminal C also has a designated rental car facility.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft)
- Pickup zones are clearly marked:
- Terminal A: Level 2, curbside
- Terminal B: Level 2, curbside
- Terminal C: Ground Level
Taxis and Shuttles
- Available curbside on Level 1 for all terminals
- Shared ride vans and private services also available
Public Transit
- Lynx bus service available at Terminal A, Level 1
- Brightline train service available from Terminal C to Miami and West Palm Beach
Dining, Shopping, and Lounges
MCO offers an impressive range of dining and shopping options for travelers.
Food & Beverage
- Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse, Cask & Larder, McDonald’s
- Terminal C includes premium restaurants and quick-bite options
Shopping
- Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld stores
- Hudson News, Brookstone, tech and gift shops
Airport Lounges
- The Club MCO: Located in Airsides 1 and 4
- Delta Sky Club: Airside 4
- United Club: Airside 3
- American Airlines Admirals Club: Airside 3
- Lufthansa Lounge: Terminal C
Day passes may be available for select lounges via LoungeBuddy or Priority Pass.
Family and Accessibility Services
MCO is designed to be accessible and family-friendly.
Family Features
- Nursing rooms in each terminal
- Children’s play areas in select airside terminals
- Ample seating and stroller access
Accessibility
- Elevators, escalators, and wheelchair assistance
- TTY phones and service animal relief areas
- Visual paging and accessible restrooms
Notify your airline in advance if special assistance is needed.
Travel Tips for Navigating MCO
- Download the MCO Airport App for real-time gate, baggage, and flight info
- Print or screenshot the terminal map before arriving
- Follow colored signs (A-side is red, B-side is blue)
- Keep boarding pass handy—it tells you which gate and concourse to head to
- Use moving walkways and escalators to speed up your trip
- Arrive early during holidays and peak seasons—MCO can get crowded
- Ask for help—airport staff wear uniforms and are happy to assist
Conclusion
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is designed with convenience and clarity in mind, but with multiple terminals and airside concourses, having a detailed map and navigation guide can save you time and confusion. Whether you’re flying domestically, arriving internationally, or making a quick connection, understanding the terminal layout gives you the confidence to move efficiently through one of America’s busiest travel hubs.
