Are you planning to take a flight at Orlando International Airport (MCO)? If yes, then parking at the airport can become the first logistical concern that can have a significant impact on both your budget and your travel experience. The airport is among the busiest in the USA and processes more than 57 million passengers annually. Here you will find all details about parking lots at MCO, including different types of garages and economy lots, as well as some offsite alternatives, which you may consider using during your visit.
MCO Terminal & Garage Layout
The airport is run by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and consists of three terminals; each terminal has a corresponding garage:
- Terminal A / Garage A – Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and JetBlue domestic flights.
- Terminal B / Garage B – American, Delta, United, Alaska, and Air Canada.
- Terminal C / Garage C – New MCO terminal providing services for such carriers as British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and JetBlue international flights.
Knowing which terminal your airline operates from (check the boarding pass or the airline confirmation, if not sure) will help you choose the closest garage to park at and save walking or shuttle-riding time. All three parking garages have direct access to their terminal building via a covered walkway; hence, there’s no need for a shuttle ride if parking at your garage.
On-Airport Parking Options
- Parking Garages (Garages A, B, and C). They offer the most convenient way to park, since they provide direct access to the terminals. They are covered, which becomes important during Florida afternoon showers, and they have electric vehicle charging stations. Their rates are calculated incrementally until they reach daily maximums, which usually range from $2 for the first 21–30 minutes of parking to $1 per every 15 minutes of parking, up to a daily maximum. Garage C used to cost somewhat less compared to Garages A and B. As rates and daily maximums may be adjusted by GOAA at any time, it makes sense to check the current rate table at the website flymco.com/parking before the trip.
- Parking at the Terminal Top Level. Located on the roof level of the main terminal building.
- North and South Park Place Economy Lots. These are the budget lots offered by MCO on airside – open-air lots for self-parking where continuous complimentary shuttle transportation services to all terminals are provided 24/7. They are much more affordable than the garages, and since these lots offer access to all three terminals, you won’t have to choose which lot you want to park at in case your terminal changes.
- Valet Parking. MCO provides a curbside valet parking service in the terminals for those travelers who would like to avoid garage walking and shuttle rides. This is the most expensive parking type offered on airside, but it is a convenient choice for travelers with special requirements, tight connections, or numerous bags.
- Cell Phone Waiting Lots. If you are going to pick up someone from MCO, there are two cell phone lots for drivers available for free on the north and south sides of the airport to wait for your arrival and observe flight information before picking you up at curbside.
Off-Site & Third Party Parking
Apart from the parking facilities available at GOAA, there are several private off-site lots available near MCO, where you can park your car for a longer period using self-park, valet services and get picked up to the airport terminals via free shuttles. The off-site parking lots are generally cheaper than on-airport economy parking lots, and most of them provide the facility of booking and cancellations online at no cost. Since there are vast differences in terms of prices, shuttle service, and the condition of off-site lots among various operators, you need to look into these issues while booking. It would be helpful to book an off-site parking lot prior to your trip, particularly during Florida’s tourist season.
Selecting the Proper Option for Your Travel
When looking to get professional recommendations, here are some things to consider before making a booking decision:
- Short travel (1-2 days), heavy baggage, or time-constrained travel: A terminal garage (A, B, or C) compatible with your carrier will provide the shortest distance between your vehicle and the check-in area.
- Extended travel and cost-conscious: For the most affordable and reliable free shuttle service, consider the North and South Park Place Economy Lots.
- Extended, multi-week theme park trip: The off-site lots typically provide the lowest-cost solution for stays of a week or more, but you will pay for it in terms of the distance from your vehicle to the terminal via the free shuttle ride.
- Picking someone up: Consider using one of the free cell phone lots instead of renting an expensive garage while waiting.
- Convenient drop-off regardless of the cost: Valet parking will be the quickest but also the most costly option.
Payment, Accessibility and Helpful Advice
Payment can be made using cash or debit/credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. MCO’s Economy and Garages also accept contactless payments. The E-PASS and SunPASS users can enter via designated lanes without having to purchase a ticket and will have their tolls subtracted automatically upon exiting. There are accessible parking spaces at all of the MCO parking facilities that are located close to the elevator access points and the shuttle bus stops. As per Florida State Law, free parking is provided for vehicles with Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates in the garages and economy lots (but not surface, valet, and reserved lots).
Conclusion
There is no catch-all when it comes to parking at MCO — it really does come down to balancing convenience, cost, and distance. The on-airport garages give you the best access to your gate, but at a premium price; the economy parking lots on the airport grounds provide good value for money, offering complimentary shuttle services to all three terminals; and the off-airport lots generally offer great savings, but usually only for longer trips. It all depends on what you’re planning to bring with you, how long your vacation will be, and how much walking or shuttle time you’re willing to trade off to save money. No matter what your choice, make sure to visit flymco.com/parking for real-time pricing information and reservations about two weeks before your trip during peak tourism seasons like spring break, summer, and the winter holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several ways to park cheaply at MCO, but the most budget-friendly parking options run by the airport are the on-airport North and South Park Place Economy Lots. They provide complimentary shuttle services to all three terminals. The off-airport lots operated privately near the airport tend to be cheaper than the economy lots.
Garage A – Terminal A (Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and JetBlue domestic); Garage B – Terminal B (American, Delta, United, Alaska, Air Canada); Garage C – Terminal C (British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa).
There are no free options of parking at MCO, except the North and South Cell Phone Waiting Lots (free parking for arriving passengers’ pick-up), and free parking in garages and economy lots for disabled veterans (vehicles with DV license plates, according to Florida state laws).
Yes. It is possible to book on-airport parking, even the reserved level of Garage C, right at flymco.com/parking. All off-site private parking lots accept pre-booking via official websites or parking marketplaces. The cancellations are usually free.
Yes. Garages A, B, and C, and Terminal Top Parking, are all covered, which may come in handy because of frequent afternoon thunderstorms in Florida. Only the North and South Park Place economy lots are uncovered/open-air.