Orlando Airport Car Rentals: Everything You Need To Know

can you rent a car at orlando airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a popular entry point for travellers visiting Orlando, Florida, which is known for its mix of family entertainment, outdoor recreation, and immersive experiences. The airport has on-site car rental services, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Alamo Rent A Car, which offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs. Off-site rental options are also available, but travellers should be aware of potential inconveniences such as longer wait times and the need for shuttle services. When renting a car at Orlando International Airport, it is recommended to compare prices, read reviews, and consider the convenience of on-site rental agencies.

Characteristics Values
Car rental companies Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt
Terminals A, B, C
Enterprise location Level 1 in Terminals A and B, Level 4 in Terminal C
Alamo location Level 1 in Terminals A and B, Level 4 in Terminal C
Additional drivers $15 per day for each additional authorized driver (Enterprise)
Insurance Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) offered at an additional daily charge (Enterprise)
Damage Waiver $29.99-$49.99 per day depending on the vehicle (Enterprise)
Online reservation Available for Alamo, Enterprise
Fastbreak Membership Available for Budget

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Car rental companies at Orlando Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary entry point for visitors to Orlando, Florida, serving over 57 million passengers annually. The airport offers car rental services from several companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, and Budget.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers a wide range of clean and sanitized vehicles for rent at Orlando International Airport. The company is located at Level 1 in Terminals A and B and Level 4 in Terminal C. Upon arrival, renters must proceed to the Enterprise counter to obtain their rental agreement. Enterprise vehicles are located on the first floor of the parking garage across from Terminals A, B, and C and are within walking distance. The company offers additional drivers at a charge of $15 per day, with an exception for a renter's spouse or domestic partner, who can be added as an authorized driver at no extra cost.

Alamo Rent A Car

Alamo Rent A Car also provides car rental services at Orlando International Airport, with a variety of cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks available. Alamo is located at Level 1 in Terminals A and B and Level 4 in Terminal C. Similar to Enterprise, renters must proceed to the Alamo counter upon arrival to obtain their rental agreement. Alamo vehicles are also located on the first floor of the parking garage across from the terminals and are within walking distance. Alamo offers a convenient touch-screen kiosk check-in option, allowing renters to skip the counter lines.

Budget

Budget offers cheap car rental options at Orlando International Airport, with counters in Terminals A, B, and C open 24 hours. They emphasize the importance of adding your flight number to your reservation to ensure your vehicle is ready at the proper terminal. Budget provides detailed instructions for vehicle retrieval, depending on the terminal and whether you are a local renter or a Brightline train passenger. They also offer a Fastbreak Membership to skip the line at the rental counter.

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On-site vs off-site rental agencies

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving as the primary entry point for the city of Orlando, which welcomed over 74 million visitors in 2023. The airport is located within a short driving distance of famous attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, making a rental car a convenient option for many travellers.

Several car rental companies operate at Orlando International Airport, with desks located on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1) of Terminals A and B, and Level 4 of Terminal C. Some of the on-site rental agencies available include Alamo, Enterprise, and Budget. These on-site agencies offer a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, vans, trucks, and luxury cars, to meet the diverse needs of travellers. An additional charge of $12.50 (excluding tax) may be applicable for on-site rentals, and some companies may offer priority service lines or super-fast services for added convenience.

Off-site rental agencies, such as Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, and Dollar, also serve Orlando International Airport. These companies typically provide free shuttle services to and from the airport terminals. While off-site depots may have older and more used vehicles, they can still offer competitive rates and convenient pick-up and drop-off options. It is important to note that off-airport rental locations usually cannot provide pick-up services at the airport if they share a location with an on-site branch.

When deciding between on-site and off-site rental agencies at Orlando International Airport, factors such as convenience, vehicle selection, and cost should be considered. On-site agencies offer the advantage of direct access to vehicles within the airport premises, saving time and providing a seamless experience. In contrast, off-site agencies may require additional transportation arrangements but could potentially offer more competitive rates or special deals. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and the specific needs of each traveller or group.

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How to skip the rental counter lines

Yes, you can rent a car at Orlando International Airport. Here are some ways to skip the rental counter lines:

Budget Fastbreak Membership

If you have a Fastbreak Membership with Budget, you can skip the line at the rental counter. After collecting your luggage, proceed directly to the Budget Fastbreak counter in Terminals A and B, or to the garage on Level 2 in Terminal C.

Alamo Accelerated Check-in

Alamo Rent A Car offers an optional free service called Accelerated Check-in, which allows you to skip the counter lines and check-in directly at their touch-screen kiosk. To take advantage of this service, you must first activate Accelerated Check-in online and choose the 'Skip the Counter' option. Once you've checked in at the kiosk, you'll receive a receipt-sized rental agreement. You can then proceed directly to your rental car on the lot. At the exit booth, simply show the booth agent your rental agreement and driver's license, and you're ready to go.

Alamo Skip the Counter

Alamo also offers a service called Skip the Counter, which allows you to bypass the counter and go straight to your vehicle. To use this service, you must activate Accelerated Check-in online, submit your payment, and accept the rental agreement. When exiting the lot, be prepared to show the gate agent your Skip the Counter ticket, driver's license, and credit card.

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Additional authorised drivers

When renting a car at Orlando Airport, additional authorised drivers must be present at the time of rental and meet the same age and driver's license requirements as the renter. These requirements include being 21 or older, having a valid driver's license, and possessing a major credit card or debit card in their name. An underage surcharge of $25 per day applies to drivers between 21 and 24 years old.

If you are renting a large passenger van, all renters and additional drivers must have liability insurance that transfers to this type of vehicle. A commercial auto policy with a minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 is required for the renter/driver. Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) is also offered at the time of rental for an additional daily charge. PEC insures the personal effects of the renter, additional drivers, and any individuals travelling with them against loss or damage.

At Enterprise Rent-A-Car, an additional charge of $15 per day is applied for each additional authorised driver, unless other contractual conditions apply. A spouse or domestic partner is the only permitted additional driver on a rental secured with a debit card.

When renting a car in certain states, such as New York, Vermont, and Newark Airport, a major credit card is required for the deposit. Renters should contact the branch prior to making a reservation to confirm payment requirements and any specific state regulations.

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Insurance and waivers

When renting a car at Orlando Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding insurance and waivers. Here is some information to help you navigate these aspects of car rental:

Insurance Requirements:

Most car rental companies at Orlando Airport require renters and any additional drivers to have liability insurance that covers the rental vehicle. This is particularly important when renting large passenger vans or specialty vehicles. It is recommended that renters contact their insurance provider before renting a car to ensure they have the necessary coverage.

Credit Card Insurance:

Some credit cards offer insurance coverage as a benefit when used to rent vehicles. It is important to contact the card issuer before renting to understand the extent of this coverage and any limitations. This can potentially save you money on additional insurance purchases.

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC):

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) is an optional add-on offered by some rental companies, such as Enterprise and Alamo, for an additional daily charge. PEC insures the personal belongings of the renter, additional drivers, and any individuals travelling with them against loss or damage. This coverage may be useful, especially when transporting valuable items.

Damage Waiver (DW):

Damage Waiver (DW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is another optional add-on offered by companies like Enterprise. DW/CDW reduces or waives the renter's responsibility for damage to or loss of the rental vehicle. The cost of DW/CDW varies depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle, typically ranging from $29.99 to $49.99 per day. It is important to note that DW/CDW is not insurance, and renters should carefully review their existing coverage to avoid duplicate protection.

Underage Surcharge:

Young renters between the ages of 21 and 24 may be subject to an underage surcharge, typically around $25 per day, when renting from companies like Alamo. This surcharge is implemented due to the increased risk associated with younger drivers.

Additional Driver Fees:

Most rental companies, including Enterprise, charge an additional fee for authorised drivers other than the primary renter. This fee is typically around $15 per day for each additional driver, and they must meet the same age and driver's license requirements as the primary renter.

In summary, it is important to carefully consider your insurance options and any applicable waivers when renting a car at Orlando Airport. Review your existing coverage, understand the requirements of the rental company, and make informed decisions about optional add-ons to ensure a smooth and worry-free rental experience.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has several on-site car rental companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Sixt.

The rental car companies are located in Terminals A, B, and C. Alamo and Enterprise are located on Level 1 in Terminals A and B, and Level 4 in Terminal C. Budget is also available in all three terminals.

Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the rental car counter of your chosen company to obtain your rental agreement. You can then collect your vehicle from the parking garage across the street from the terminals.

Yes, you can reserve a car without providing your credit card details. It is recommended to reserve multiple cars from different companies and then select the shortest line upon arrival at the airport.

Yes, there may be additional charges such as airport fees, damage waivers, and insurance. Additionally, there may be charges for additional authorized drivers, which vary depending on the rental company.

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