Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as the primary gateway to Central Florida, a major global leisure and business destination. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, it facilitates travel for millions of visitors annually. Its airport code, MCO, is a legacy of its past as McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation. The facility began its transition to a civil airport in the 1960s and was officially designated Orlando International Airport in 1976, growing in tandem with the region's burgeoning tourism industry.

Located approximately six miles southeast of downtown Orlando, the airport is well-connected to the region's major arteries, including State Road 528 (the Beachline Expressway) and State Road 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay). These highways provide direct routes to the city, International Drive, and the area's famous theme parks. The airport handles extensive domestic and international traffic, serving as a focus city for airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier, while also hosting major carriers such as Delta, American, and United. It consistently ranks among the top ten busiest airports in the U.S. by passenger volume, processing over 57 million travelers in 2023.

The airport’s design features a main landside terminal building, which is split into A-side and B-side terminals. From here, passengers use an Automated People Mover (APM) system to reach four separate airside satellite concourses where the gates are located. A newer, state-of-the-art Terminal C operates separately with its own integrated international and domestic facilities. The main terminal complex contains a wide array of amenities, including numerous shops, diverse restaurants, airline lounges, and a Hyatt Regency hotel located directly within the building, offering convenience for travelers with early flights or long layovers.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure, allowing extra time during peak holiday and school break periods when security lines can be lengthy. Ground transportation is plentiful, with options including rental car facilities, ride-sharing services, hotel shuttles, and public buses. The airport also features an integrated Brightline train station, providing high-speed rail service to and from cities in South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.