A major gateway to the Sunshine State, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Florida’s second-busiest airport (Miami International is busiest) and the 29th busiest in the world. It's not to be confused with Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which also serves the city but is further from the major attractions of Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios Florida. Orlando International is a mere 6 miles (11km) from the downtown area.
Flights to Orlando International Airport arrive from across the US and the Caribbean, South America and major hubs in Europe.
This spacious airport is easy to navigate, has lots of natural light, features loads of shops and restaurants, and is decorated with masses of leafy pot plants and fountains. Staff members are generally pleasant and helpful, and overall, it's a great introduction to sunny Florida.
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There are two terminals – Terminal A and Terminal B. Most international arrivals go through Airside 4 in Terminal B, although each terminal serves both domestic and international carriers. The two terminals are connected to each other via a central lobby area which houses the food court and many shops and restaurants. Four concourses with departure gates radiate from the central lobby.
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Train: There's no train station at the airport, although there are plans to build one as part of the Florida High Speed Rail Project.
Bus: Lynx Buses leave from just outside the Terminal A-side of the main terminal and from the Ground Transportation Center on level 1. Tickets cost $2, and are valid for all trips across the city, including to Disney World, major shopping centers and central landmarks. It'll take 40 minutes to get to downtown Orlando and 75 minutes to get to Disney World. If you're staying at Disney World, you can also book a spot on their complimentary Magic Express.
Taxi: Taxis and limos are plentiful. Approximate taxi rates are $35 to Downtown Orlando and $60 to Disney World. Limo costs run from $50-$90 per hour to all destinations.
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There are lots of parking options to choose from at Orlando International Airport. There's a free cell phone waiting area where drivers picking up passengers can wait until it's time to head to the terminal. Then the Express Pick-up/Drop-off park, directly in front of the terminal, is $1 for the first two hours or $5 for each additional hour. If you plan to stay a while or leave your car for a few days, head for the Terminal Garage and Terminal Top car parks, also very near the terminal entrances, which are free for 20 minutes, $2 for 40 minutes, and $1 for each additional 20 minutes up to a daily maximum of $17 (maximum 60 days). You can also use the Economy Red and Blue lots for long-term parking – these are further away (but with a free shuttle to the terminal) and cost $10 per day.
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Money and communications: ATMs and currency exchange.
Luggage: There are Smarte Carte stations with luggage trolleys throughout the terminals, although they aren't free. Contact one of the information centers if you've lost luggage or possessions within the terminal, otherwise deal directly with the airline involved.
Conference and business: There are two lounges (the Delta Sky Club and the United Airlines Red Carpet Club) in Terminal B. The Hyatt Regency Hotel has a world-class business center in Terminal B, level 3.
Shopping: There's a wealth of shopping opportunities at Orlando International Airport. There are a few Disney memorabilia and toy stores, as well as various branded clothing and accessories stores (Oakley, Harley Davidson, GUESS, Sketchers, Swatch, among others). Bookstores and newsagents (Hudson News), general stores, and DVD, music and electronics stores are plentiful.
Food and drink: There's a great selection of sit-down restaurants, fast-food joints, coffee shops and snack vendors in all areas of the airport. Head for the central food court on level 3 in the main lobby, where you'll find McDonald's, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Chili’s Too, Fox Sports Bar and the Macaroni Grill, among others. There are also lots of eateries and coffee stores near the departure gates.
Other facilities: Post boxes, shoeshine, pharmacy, and a police station.
Wi-Fi: There's free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals, as well as Internet kiosks throughout the airport.
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