Trams At Mco Airport: What You Need To Know

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy airport, serving over 50 million passengers annually. The airport has 1 main terminal building, split into an A and B side, and a separate Terminal C, which opened in September 2022. MCO offers a variety of transportation options to and from the airport, including buses, ride-shares, shuttles, taxis, and trains.

One notable feature of MCO's transportation system is the use of automated people movers (APMs) or trams. These trams provide efficient transportation between the main terminal and the departure concourses, with 2 lines serving each side of the airport. The trams are located within the secure area, and passengers are required to ride them to reach the departure gates.

In addition to the intra-terminal transportation, MCO also offers a free shuttle bus that operates 24 hours a day, connecting Terminals A, B, and C. This shuttle provides convenience and ease of navigation for passengers travelling through the different terminals.

With its central location in Florida and proximity to major attractions, MCO is a popular choice for both domestic and international travellers. The airport continues to undergo projects and upgrades to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate the growing demand for travel.

Terminal C's pedestrian bridge to the Intermodal Terminal

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is undergoing a series of upgrades and expansions to accommodate growing passenger numbers. As part of these improvements, a pedestrian bridge is being constructed to connect Terminal C directly to the Intermodal Terminal. This bridge will provide passengers with direct access to the MCO terminal trams and Brightline trains, eliminating the need to walk through the parking garage.

The pedestrian bridge is part of the ongoing enhancements to Terminal C, which was opened in 2022 to relieve pressure on Terminals A and B. Terminal C is the largest expansion project in the airport's history, designed to accommodate up to 10 million annual passengers. However, in its first year, it hosted around 6.4 million passengers on 48,300 flights.

The construction of the pedestrian bridge will allow for a more seamless travel experience for passengers using Terminal C. They will no longer need to walk through the parking garage to access the trams and trains, making it more convenient and efficient to navigate the airport.

In addition to the pedestrian bridge, moving walkways will also be installed within the bridge itself and throughout Terminal C. These moving walkways will further enhance the travel experience, especially for passengers with connecting flights or those who need to cover longer distances within the terminal.

The Intermodal Terminal at MCO houses a people mover station that connects passengers to the north terminal and parking garage C. Additionally, it serves as a hub for regional rail systems, including the SunRail and Virgin Trains USA services. The intermodal facility also provides additional ground transportation options such as public buses, shuttles, and taxis.

The completion of the pedestrian bridge and moving walkways is expected to be completed in 2024, further enhancing the accessibility and convenience of MCO for travellers.

Terminal C's moving walkways

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is undergoing a series of upgrades to improve the overall airport experience for travellers. Terminal C, which opened in September 2022, is currently being retrofitted with moving walkways to assist with walking distances. These walkways will be installed within the pedestrian bridge that connects Terminal C to the Intermodal Terminal, allowing passengers to avoid walking through the parking garage. The addition of moving walkways is part of MCO's efforts to enhance the "Orlando Experience" and create a seamless and memorable journey for its visitors.

The pedestrian bridge and moving walkways are expected to be completed by 2024, providing a more convenient connection to the MCO terminal trams and Brightline trains. Terminal C itself has 15 gates, some capable of accommodating the largest passenger aircraft, including the A380. With a capacity to handle up to 10 million passengers, Terminal C is a significant addition to MCO's infrastructure.

In addition to the walkways, MCO is also constructing eight narrow-body gates that were part of the original plans for Terminal C. These additional gates are expected to be operational by the end of 2025, further expanding the terminal's capacity by 3-5 million passengers.

Long-term expansion plans for Terminal C include Phase II expansions with the addition of 16 to 24 more gates. MCO's short-term and long-term planning focus on staying ahead of the growing demand for air travel and ensuring a positive experience for travellers.

The upgrades are not limited to Terminal C alone. MCO leaders are also preparing for renovations and upgrades to the original Terminals A and B, which date back more than 40 years. These terminals have already undergone tweaks to increase capacity, such as expanding the security screening area. Future renovations for Terminals A and B are currently in the planning phase, taking inspiration from the region's theme parks and attractions to create a unique and memorable airport experience.

Terminals A and B's upgrades

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been undergoing a series of upgrades to accommodate record travel numbers. Terminal C, which opened in September 2022, is currently being upgraded with the addition of moving walkways and a pedestrian bridge that will connect it directly to the Intermodal Terminal. The pedestrian bridge and moving walkways are expected to be completed in 2024.

While upgrades to Terminals A and B are still in the planning phase, there is a clear need to increase their capacity. CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Kevin Thibault, has stated that these terminals, which were built in 1981, were designed for smaller aircraft and fewer flights. As such, common areas like restrooms are too small for the larger aircraft and increased number of flights that the airport now serves.

Upgrades to Terminals A and B will focus on increasing capacity and improving the overall experience for travellers. Thibault has stated that they are drawing inspiration from the region's theme parks and attractions, such as EPCOT and Universal, to create an "Orlando Experience". While specific details about the upgrades are not yet available, Thibault has mentioned that they are considering adding more seating, interior landscaping, and trees.

Terminal C's additional 8 narrow body gates

Orlando International Airport (MCO) features 1 main terminal building, split into the A and B sides, with a total of 4 airside concourses. In addition to this, there is also the newly constructed Terminal C, which focuses on international flights. Terminal C is a new, 15-gate terminal, capable of handling aircraft ranging from narrow-bodied to superjumbos. It also features a new Plaza Premium Lounge.

The new terminal is part of a larger construction project, which includes the building of a large intermodal facility. This facility houses a people mover station that connects passengers to the north terminal and parking garage C. The intermodal facility will also accommodate regional rail systems for the SunRail and Virgin Trains USA services, as well as additional ground transportation options such as public buses, shuttles, and taxis.

The construction of Terminal C has come at an opportune time, as MCO's passenger numbers have been growing, with the airport now serving over 50 million passengers annually. While Terminal C was completed in September 2022, passengers are still awaiting the new train station that will provide a direct connection to south Florida via Brightline services. These train services are expected to be operational in 2023, with future expansion plans also connecting the airport to Tampa Bay.

Terminal C's Phase II expansions

Orlando International Airport's Terminal C is undergoing Phase II expansions to accommodate the airport's growing number of passengers. The airport is already witnessing a robust business phase, with predictions pointing to almost 58 million passengers by the end of the year—a groundbreaking figure.

The Phase 2 Program aims to extend Terminal C, incorporating 16 to 24 aircraft gates. This will more than double the existing gates of the south terminal. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has endorsed a $1.09 million contract with Ricondo & Associates to outline the development trajectory for the terminal’s forthcoming phase.

The airport's CEO, Kevin Thibault, has stated that the short-term and long-term planning is focused on keeping up with growth. The master plan includes the potential for a Terminal D, mirroring Terminal C, to handle future growth without impacting Terminals A and B.

In addition to the Terminal C expansions, the airport is also constructing a pedestrian bridge that will connect Terminal C directly to the Intermodal Terminal. This will allow passengers to connect to MCO terminal trams and Brightline trains without having to walk through the parking garage. Moving walkways will also be installed within the pedestrian bridge and throughout Terminal C.

The airport is also undergoing various other upgrades, including the Automated People Mover systems and rehabilitation initiatives for assorted taxiways.

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