Orlando International (MCO) Airport Guide

Located around ten kilometres from the city's central business district, Orlando International Airport is the main gateway to the Sunshine State and is currently served by over 50 airlines. The airport comprises terminals A and B, as well as four smaller airside areas.

As the third-largest airport in the US, Orlando handles over 37 million passengers annually and has scooped several awards in recent years. In 2004 the airport was named by USA Today as one of the top ten great places to hang out during a lengthy stopover.

Orlando International Airport Amenities

Orlando International Airport is home to over 100 shops and restaurants, so anyone passing through is in no danger of going hungry.

The airport has numerous Disney shops, as well as SeaWorld store, Universal Studio outlet and even a Kennedy Space Centre shop. In fact, anyone with the inclination to do so could successfully convince their family and friends that they have visited every attraction in the state without setting foot outside the airport.

Other stores include Guess, Harley Davidson, Lush, Oakley and the Ron Jon Surf Shop.

As well as the usual suspects, such as McDonalds and Starbucks, the airport is home to the upscale Hemispheres Restaurant, which offers spectacular views of the runway and is a prime celebrity spotting location. Passengers will find a range of fine cuisine on offer at Hemispheres, with the restaurant specialising in steaks and seafood.

The airport has a number of information centres and internet access is available from kiosks dotted around the terminal buildings. Passengers will also find a shoe-shining service, walk-in clinic, banking services and even a departure spa, which offers luxury treatments such as anti-ageing facials, massages, manicures and waxing.

When it comes to accommodation, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International is located within the terminal building and ideal for passengers seeking a convenient and comfortable overnight stay. Other hotels in the vicinity include the Crowne Plaza Orlando Airport and the AmeriSuites Northeast Hotel.

Terminals at Orlando International

The airline is home to two main terminal areas and four smaller airside sections.

Carriers operating from Terminal A include Virgin, JetBlue, Continental, American Airlines and Air Canada, while those operating from Terminal B include British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta and Aer Lingus.

Orlando International Transport Links

There are several options available to passengers travelling to the city centre. Major car hire companies operating from the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget and Dollar, all of which operate from level 1 of Terminal A and Terminal B.

A Lynx bus service operates regularly from the airport and, as well as the city centre, it serves Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista and International Drive.

Taxis are also available, with a trip to Downtown Orlando costing around $35 and a journey to Walt Disney World typically costing $60.