Navigating Orlando International Airport requires knowing where to park before you arrive on the airport access road. Whether you're flying out of Terminals A, B, or C, picking the right spot saves you money and time.
On-site options at Orlando International Airport range from terminal-adjacent garages charging $24 per day to budget economy lots priced at $14 per day. Off-site lots further cut down costs if you don't mind a short shuttle ride. Let's break down the actual rates, lot locations, and logistics so you can secure a spot without stress.
On-Site Parking Options and Current Rates
Orlando International Airport structures its parking ecosystem around proximity to the terminals. The closer you park to your departure gate, the higher the daily rate.
Terminal Garages and Top Parking
Garages A, B, and C, alongside Terminal Top Parking, sit directly adjacent to the main terminal buildings.
- Daily Rate: $24 per 24-hour period.
- Short Stays: The first 20 minutes are free, followed by $2 for the next 10 minutes, and $1 for every 15 minutes after that.
- Features: Garages A and B serve Terminals A and B, while Garage C links directly to Terminal C and the Brightline rail station. Garage C also features a reserved section on Level 4 for $32 a day.
Economy Surface Lots
If you want to spend less and don't mind a brief shuttle ride, the airport runs dedicated surface economy lots: North Park Place, South Park Place, and West Park.
- Daily Rate: $14 per 24-hour period.
- Short Stays: The first 10 minutes are free, with a $5 charge for stays between 11 minutes and 3 hours.
- Shuttle Service: Free 24/7 shuttles run between these lots and the respective terminals. North Park Place generally serves Terminal A, South Park Place serves Terminals B and C, and West Park services Terminals A and C.
Valet Parking
For maximum convenience, valet drop-off is available on the departures curbs of Terminals A, B, and C.
- Daily Rate: $35 per day.
- Short Stays: $4 for the first 20 minutes, then $1 for each additional 20 minutes up to 3 hours.
For official updates on space availability and real-time lot closures, check the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority before you leave home.
Off-Site Parking Alternatives
If on-site economy lots fill up—which happens frequently during holiday rushes and spring break—off-site facilities provide reliable overflow capacity. Private lots located a few miles from the airport perimeter typically charge between $4 and $12 per day.
Most off-site providers operate private shuttle buses that run on demand or on fixed schedules to drop you off right at your terminal departures curb. Always factor an extra 20 to 30 minutes into your timeline when using off-site lots to account for the shuttle transfer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Parking at a major hub like MCO comes with a few predictable pitfalls. Avoid these errors to keep your trip smooth:
- Matching the wrong garage to your airline: Parking in Garage A when your airline flies out of Terminal C means a long walk across the entire complex. Check your airline terminal assignment before entering the airport plaza.
- Ignoring digital availability signs: The overhead electronic signs on airport approach roads tell you if garages are full. Don't waste 15 minutes hunting for a spot in a packed garage; pivot immediately to the economy lots or an off-site alternative if garages show full status.
- Miscalculating grace periods: The free grace periods are meant for quick drop-offs or pickups. If you linger past the 10-minute or 20-minute mark, hourly rates kick in retroactively or add up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve an Orlando airport parking space in advance?
Yes, MCO allows reservations for specific areas, such as the reserved spaces on Level 4 of Garage C. Standard terminal garages and economy lots operate on a first-come, first-served drive-up basis without advance booking.
Where are the free cell phone lots located?
MCO provides North and South Cell Phone Lots where drivers can wait for free while incoming passengers collect their luggage. You must remain with your vehicle at all times, and overnight parking is strictly prohibited.
What payment methods do the parking facilities accept?
Major credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted across all terminal garages and valet stands. For certain electronic surface lots, automated lanes accept toll tags like E-PASS or SunPass Plus.
How early should I arrive if I'm parking in an economy lot?
Give yourself an extra 30 to 45 minutes if you plan to use the North or South Park Place economy lots. You need time to park, walk to the shelter, board the shuttle, and ride to the terminal.
