
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has a wide variety of car rental companies, conveniently located at the Terminal Top level of both Terminal A and Terminal B. The major brands—Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty—all have their counters right inside the airport terminal. After you land, simply follow the signs for "Rental Car" to find them. This is the most seamless option for getting on the road quickly.
If you're looking for potentially lower rates, several other companies like Payless, Sixt, and ACE Rent a Car operate from facilities near the airport. These require a short, complimentary shuttle bus ride from the terminal. The shuttles are frequent, but they do add an extra 10-20 minutes to your journey.
Here’s a quick overview of the major on-site providers:
| Rental Company | Counter Location | Contact Number | Shuttle Required? | Estimated Shuttle Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 462-5266 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Avis | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 331-1212 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Budget | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 527-0700 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Dollar | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 800-4000 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Enterprise | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 261-7331 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Hertz | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 654-3131 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| National | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 227-7368 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Thrifty | Terminal Top, Level 1 | (800) 847-4389 | No (On-Airport) | N/A |
| Payless | Off-Airport Lot | (800) 729-5377 | Yes | Every 10-15 minutes |
| Sixt | Off-Airport Lot | (888) 749-8227 | Yes | Every 10-15 minutes |
| ACE Rent a Car | Off-Airport Lot | (888) 532-6565 | Yes | Every 15-20 minutes |
My biggest tip is to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This not only guarantees you a vehicle but often locks in a much better rate. When you book, double-check the pickup location description to confirm if it's listed as "On Airport" or if it requires a shuttle.

You've got all the big names right at the terminal: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Just head upstairs after you get your bags. For cheaper options like Payless or Sixt, you'll hop on a shuttle. It’s a trade-off: save some money but add a little time. Either way, book ahead to avoid the line and get a better deal.

From a frequent traveler's view, the convenience of the on-airport counters is worth the slightly higher price. You upstairs, get your keys, and walk to the garage. No waiting for shuttles after a long flight. The cars are typically newer and better maintained. I always check the rental company's app for deals and skip the counter line by enrolling in their loyalty program. It turns a potential hassle into a five-minute process.

If you're watching your budget, definitely check the off-airport companies. The shuttles are easy to find right outside baggage claim, and the ride is short. I've saved a decent amount going with companies like Payless for a week-long rental. The key is to factor in the extra time. And seriously, decline the pre-paid fuel option—it's almost always cheaper to fill up the tank yourself at a gas station near the airport before you return the car.

Traveling with my family, the main goal is to minimize stress. We stick with the on-airport rentals. We need a minivan or a large SUV, and the major companies at the terminal have a bigger selection. The last thing you want with tired kids is a confusing shuttle ride. We book the car months in advance and often find package deals that include it with the flight. It’s smooth, the cars are clean, and we can start our vacation without any extra steps.


