MCO Arrivals: Navigate Orlando Int'l Airport

Sunil Shrestha
4 hours ago
3 min read

Orlando International airport arrivals

Navigating Orlando International Airport (MCO) after a flight can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your arrival, getting you from the gate to your ground transportation stress-free. Your first step is always a short, mandatory train ride.

After deplaning, all passengers must take a free shuttle train from the gate area to the Main Terminal to reach baggage claim and all transportation. Simply follow the overhead signs for “Main Terminal / Baggage Claim.” The ride is quick—only 60 to 90 seconds—and it's the required first step for everyone, regardless of your airline.

Domestic vs. International: Finding Your Path

MCO Arrivals: Navigate Orlando Int'l Airport

The shuttle train arrives on Level 3 of the Main Terminal. Your next step depends on where your flight began:

If you flew from a U.S. city: Go directly downstairs to Level 2 to find the baggage claim.
If you flew from another country: Stay on Level 3 and follow the signs for "Immigration." You must clear this passport checkpoint before you can collect any bags.

How to Find Your Luggage at Baggage Claim

For all domestic flights, baggage claim is on Level 2, directly below where the shuttle train dropped you off. This large hall is split between the A-Side and B-Side, but large overhead signs will guide you to your airline’s carousels.

To find your specific carousel, check your flight number on the information screens throughout the hall. If your bags are missing, each airline has its own Baggage Service Office located right in the claim area to assist you.

For International Travelers: Clearing Immigration and Customs

If your flight originated from outside the United States, your first stop is the dedicated Immigration hall on Level 3. Here, an officer will check your passport. After you are cleared, you will collect your checked bags from a dedicated international carousel and proceed to Customs to declare any goods.

To significantly reduce wait times, use the airport's self-service options. Look for signs to the Global Entry kiosks or use the free Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks if you are eligible. These can get you through the passport check in just a couple of minutes.

Finding Ground Transportation on Level 1

With your luggage in hand from Level 2, your final step is to head down one more floor to Level 1, where you’ll find all ground transportation. The terminal is split into an A-Side and B-Side; your airline determines which side you are on, so there's no need to switch.

Once on Level 1, follow the signs for your ride:

Rental Cars: All major rental car counters are located directly on Level 1 for both the A-Side and B-Side.
Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/Lyft): Follow the signs to the designated "Ride App Pickup" zones at the far ends of the arrival curbs.
Hotel Shuttles & Buses: These vehicles pick up at specific, numbered spaces along the Level 1 curb.
Brightline Train: The station is adjacent to Terminal C. To get there from the Main Terminal (A/B), take the free airport shuttle called the Terminal Link.

For Greeters: How to Pick Someone Up From MCO

Picking someone up is easiest using the free Cell Phone Lot. Wait there until your traveler has their bags and calls you. To avoid waiting, track their flight status online by searching the airline and flight number (e.g., "Delta 567 status").

The least stressful meeting point is inside the Main Terminal on Level 2, at their assigned baggage carousel. This allows you to meet them in a calm spot before heading to the exit, avoiding the hectic Level 1 curbside traffic.

Your MCO Arrival Quick Guide

Here is your step-by-step path through MCO:

Ride the shuttle train to the Main Terminal (arriving on Level 3).
Go to Level 2 (Domestic Baggage Claim) or stay on Level 3 for Immigration (International).
Find your baggage carousel on Level 2.
Head down to Level 1 for your rental car, Uber, or shuttle.