Ruth Haines
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area, covering 11,605 acres. Orlando is a major tourist destination, with many attractions, including theme parks, the largest observation wheel on the East Coast, and LegoLand. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is another airport in Orlando that is about 30 minutes farther out from the city centre. If you're looking for things to do near the airport, Harry P. Leu Gardens and the Leu House Museum are natural and cultural attractions, respectively. If you're staying closer to the airport, there are restaurants, lounges, and shops to visit.
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What You'll Learn
Orlando Airport's history
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. In 2024, it was ranked as the busiest airport in the state and the ninth busiest airport in the United States, serving 57,211,628 passengers. The airport's code, MCO, originates from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation that was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War and the subsequent general military drawdown.
The airfield was originally constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility, and military operations commenced in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to the present-day Orlando Executive Airport, which was then known as Orlando Army Air Base. In January 1943, Orlando Army Air Field #2 was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield. Following World War II, Pinecastle was briefly utilised for unpowered glide tests of the Bell X-1 from B-29 aircraft before the programme relocated to Muroc Army Airfield in California, now known as Edwards Air Force Base, where the world's first supersonic flight occurred.
With the establishment of an independent U.S. Air Force in 1947, the airfield was temporarily placed in caretaker status until it was reactivated during the Korean War as a Strategic Air Command (SAC). In the early 1960s, when jet airline flights arrived in Orlando, the installation evolved into a joint civil-military facility. However, the Orlando Municipal (Executive) Airport's runways were too short to accommodate the new Boeing 707, Convair 880, and Douglas DC-8 jetliners, and its terminal was too small for the increasing number of passengers.
In response, the city of Orlando negotiated an agreement with the United States Air Force in 1962 to utilise one of McCoy Air Force Base's longer runways for airline operations. Two former missile-storage barns near Sand Lake Road were converted into a passenger terminal for Delta, Eastern, and National Airlines, opening in 1964. This temporary solution sufficed until the end of the decade. By 1968, all airline operations had transitioned from the Orlando Municipal Airport to MCO.
In 1971, the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World transformed Orlando into a major tourist destination, causing a surge in air traffic. To accommodate this growth, officials acquired land east of McCoy and planned for two Curvilinear Terminals. However, due to rapid traffic growth and the addition of new carriers, these plans were abandoned in favour of a Landside/Airside Terminal complex, similar to the one at Tampa International Airport. Construction on Orlando International Airport's second passenger terminal began in 1978 and was completed in 1981.
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Nearby attractions
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. The airport is a major international gateway for the region, with over 1,000 daily flights serving over 170 domestic and international destinations. Orlando is a popular tourist destination, with many attractions and amusement parks nearby.
If you're looking for quick entertainment, the airport itself has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied. There is also free public WiFi available, and several lounges for passenger use. The airport also has an official app, which can be useful for frequent flyers or those who want extra guidance.
For those with a longer layover, there are several attractions within easy reach of the airport. International Drive (I-Drive) is a popular tourist destination, with theme parks, the largest observation wheel on the East Coast, and a variety of dining options. ICON Park, home to the Orlando Eye, is also located on I-Drive. Café Tu Tu Tango is a well-known restaurant in the area, offering a unique dining experience.
For nature lovers, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre natural paradise with landscaped gardens, lakes, walking trails, and a butterfly garden. The Leu House Museum, a meticulously restored historic home, is also located within the gardens.
Orlando is also home to world-class theme parks, including Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, and Legoland. These parks offer a range of entertainment, from thrilling rides to shopping and dining. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in particular, has been a significant draw for tourists since its opening in 1971.
With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in North America.
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Dining options
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area. The airport serves as a major gateway to the Florida region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines, serving 170 domestic and international destinations.
Orlando International Airport offers a variety of dining options to suit different preferences and occasions. For those seeking a quick bite or a casual dining experience, fast-food outlets like Chic-Fil-A are available, offering a slightly healthier alternative to traditional fast-food options.
If you're looking for a more relaxed and upscale dining experience, the airport also features sit-down restaurants such as Macaroni Grill, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal before your flight. Additionally, there are several lounges accessible to passengers, providing a quiet space to unwind and grab a drink or appetizer while waiting for your next flight.
For those with a longer layover or looking for a unique dining experience, Café Tu Tu Tango, located a short drive from the airport, might be worth considering. This restaurant has been recommended by locals, who make a special trip to dine there.
If you're near Gates 100-129, Cask & Larder is a farm-to-table restaurant serving Southern-inspired dishes in a charming setting under a tree. It is recommended to explore the dining options within the airport as they are surprisingly good, and it helps pass the time while waiting for your flight.
Orlando International Airport also has an official app available for Android and Apple devices, providing easy access to information about the airport, including dining options and other amenities.
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Transport options
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines and is a popular gateway for travellers to Florida.
Orlando International Airport is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are some transport options to get to and from the airport:
By Car:
The airport is well-connected to the road network, with easy access to major highways such as State Road 528 (the Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway), which provides a direct route to nearby attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral.
By Bus:
Public buses operated by LYNX offer a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from the airport. The LYNX bus network provides connections to various destinations within Orlando and the surrounding areas. You can purchase bus tickets at the airport or online.
By Taxi and Rideshare:
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at the airport. You can find designated pick-up and drop-off areas outside the terminal. These services offer a comfortable and flexible way to travel to your desired location.
By Train:
The SunRail commuter train system provides an efficient way to travel within the Orlando region. The nearest SunRail station to the airport is located about 2 miles away, and you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to reach it. From there, you can connect to various destinations, including downtown Orlando and surrounding suburbs.
Airport Shuttles and Private Transfers:
Several private companies offer shared or exclusive shuttle services to and from the airport. These can be booked in advance and provide a convenient door-to-door transfer option. Some hotels and resorts in the area may also provide complimentary shuttle services for their guests.
It is recommended to allow ample time for travel and to check traffic conditions, especially during peak hours or when travelling during busy seasons.
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Orlando Airport's app
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Florida's airport of choice and the ninth busiest airport in the United States. The airport is located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is another airport that is about 30 minutes further out from the centre of Orlando.
The Orlando Airports app is a great tool for travellers to use when visiting Orlando. The app is available on both Android and Apple devices and provides helpful information for travellers. The app is especially useful for frequent flyers or those who want extra guidance during their travels. For those who do not have access to a smartphone, there are interactive kiosks located around the airport with the same information.
The Orlando Airports app provides users with important information about navigating the airport and getting to their gates. The app also offers suggestions for dining and shopping options within the airport. For travellers with tired children, the app can provide information about nearby hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency, which is located in the centre of the airport.
In addition to the practical information, the Orlando Airports app can also enhance the user's overall travel experience. The app offers suggestions for attractions and things to do in the area, including theme parks, waterparks, and natural landmarks. With so much to see and do in Orlando, the app helps users plan their time efficiently and make the most of their visit.
Overall, the Orlando Airports app is a valuable resource for travellers visiting the area. It provides essential information about the airport and the surrounding attractions, ensuring that users have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando Airport is about 6 miles from downtown Orlando, so it is not recommended to leave the airport if you have less than 5-6 hours to kill. However, if you do have time, you could visit the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, play a game at the nearby Three Points Bowling alley, or check out ICON Park.
Orlando Airport has plenty of shops, restaurants, and lounges to keep you entertained. You can also take advantage of the free public WiFi or visit one of the airport's spas.
Orlando Airport has over 50 eateries, including fast-food outlets like Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle, as well as sit-down restaurants like Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, and Outback Steakhouse.
Yes, there are at least five lounges available for passenger use. Two of these lounges are open to any traveller, regardless of their airline or flight class, but economy class travellers will have to pay to enter.
