MCO decoded: Orlando airport code, meaning, terminals & travel guide
Use the correct airport code to book and travel smoothly through Orlando International Airport. Find KMCO ICAO, why MCO stands for McCoy Air Force Base, Terminals A, B, and C, theme park transport, and parking tips.
What is the Orlando airport code and why is it MCO?
MCO is the standard three-letter passenger (IATA) code for Orlando International Airport, the busiest airport in Florida and a major global gateway for vacationers visiting Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. For pilots, aviation tracking, and flight simulators like MSFS, the 4-letter ICAO code is KMCO.
Why is the code MCO? The letters stand for McCoy Air Force Base. The airfield was originally a Strategic Air Command installation named after Colonel Michael N.W. McCoy before it transitioned into commercial aviation and closed as a military base in 1975.
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Used for flight planning, air traffic control, and flight simulators.
Located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida.
Serving over 57 million annual passengers as the 9th busiest in the US.
Named after the historical military installation on site.
Five MCO details that prevent common airport mistakes
1. North vs. South Terminal Split
MCO is divided into the North Terminal Complex (Terminals A and B) and the South Terminal Complex (Terminal C). They are separated structures; verify your terminal before arriving.
2. Airsides Require Tram Rides
In Terminals A and B, gates are grouped into “Airsides” (Zones 1 through 4) connected by automated people mover (APM) tramways. Terminal C is a modern walk-through facility.
3. Use MCO Reserve
Travelers can book a free time slot online through “MCO Reserve” to access dedicated security screening lanes and skip regular queues.
MCO Terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C
Orlando International Airport is organized into three main terminal areas with distinct airside gates:
- Terminal A (North Complex): Houses Airside 1 (Gates 1–29) and Airside 2 (Gates 100–129). Served by airlines such as JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and select Southwest flights.
- Terminal B (North Complex): Houses Airside 3 (Gates 30–59) and Airside 4 (Gates 70–99). Served by major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
- Terminal C (South Complex): Features Gates 230–245. A state-of-the-art facility handling international arrivals and select domestic carriers, featuring streamlined custom processing.
Transportation from MCO to Disney World, Universal, and Downtown
MCO is positioned centrally for Central Florida tourism. Ground transport options include:
- Rideshare (Uber / Lyft): Pickups and drop-offs are coordinated seamlessly at the Departures and Arrivals curbs of Terminals A, B, and C.
- Taxis & Private Shuttles: Official taxi stands are positioned on Level 1 outside baggage claim across all terminals. Pre-arranged shuttle services offer direct hotel transfers.
- Public Transit (Lynx Bus): Lynx bus services operate from Terminal A (Level 1), connecting travelers to local routes and the Sand Lake Road SunRail station.
- Car Rentals: On-site car rental counters are embedded directly within the terminal buildings (Terminals A, B, and C), featuring over 10 major rental brands.
MCO Parking: Terminal Top, Garages A/B/C, and Economy Lots
MCO offers massive parking capacity with real-time space tracking across multiple facilities:
- Terminal Top & Garages A, B, C: Multi-level structures positioned directly above or adjacent to the terminals, ideal for short trips or quick passenger pickups (capped at $24 per day).
- Economy Lots: Budget-friendly lots situated north and south of the terminal complex, connected by dedicated shuttle buses (capped at $14 per day).
- Valet Parking: Curbside valet services are available at each terminal daily, with a daily maximum of $35.
Top 5 FAQs about Orlando airport code
What is the Orlando airport code?
Why is the Orlando airport code MCO?
What is the 4-letter ICAO code for MCO?
How many terminals does MCO have?
How far is MCO airport from Disney World and Universal?
Official sources and update policy
This page prioritizes data from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). Official links guide you directly to verified airport-managed resources.