Car Rental Orlando Airport (MCO)

Parking in Orlando

• Capital Plaza Garage (32801) has 1,200 spaces and is situated close to Downtown and Lake Eola Park. It also enjoys fantastic access to I-4.
• City Commons Parking Garage (32801) can be found in the Central Business District. It contains more than 2,100 spaces and is also nearby Lake Lucerne Park.
• Universal Studios Orlando (32819) has an enclosed parking garage for the main park, which provides spots for visitors to the park – with optional valet parking available.

Key roads in Orlando

• Interstate 4 (I-4) travels through Downtown Orlando, passing the Griffin Park Historic District. It’s also the main route when driving southwest to Tampa and northeast to Daytona Beach.
• U.S. State Route 408 (SR-408), also known as the Central Florida Expressway, runs through central Orlando, connecting the east and west sides of the city.
• Interstate 95 (I-95) is the longest north-south interstate in the US and runs along the East Coast, from Miami through to Jacksonville and beyond. Reach it from Orlando by taking Route 408 and 50 east.

How to get from Orlando International Airport to Downtown

It takes fewer than 30 minutes to make the 13-mile drive from Orlando Airport to Downtown.

1. Leave the Hertz rental lot via Jeff Fuqua Boulevard.
2. Staying on S Semoran Boulevard for around six miles.
3. Merge onto FL-408 W, using the right lane to take the Downtown/Orlando slip road.
4. Stay left at the fork, remaining on FL-408 W for less than three miles.
5. Take the right lane at exit 10B for I-4 E and merge right at the fork.
6. Use Exit 84A for Amelia Street and continue on to arrive.

How to get from Orlando to Miami 

Miami is 236 miles south of Orlando, around a three-hour, 45-minute drive away. Follow Florida’s Turnpike south to arrive in the center or take the scenic I-95 drive into Magic City.

Best hotels in Orlando

Rosen Shingle Creek

9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32819

Rosen Shingle Creek is away from the tourist hustle and bustle, but close to Walt Disney Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and Orlando Airport – all around 10 minutes’ drive away. Enjoy a round of golf on its world-class course and relax in the spa during your stay.

Florida Hotel & Conference Center

1500 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL, 32809

One of Orlando’s most unique hotels, the Florida Hotel & Conference Center is connected to the Florida Mall. Alongside King-size and Double Queen rooms, you’re also close to major retailers. Plus, there’s a 24-hour fitness center and open-air swimming pool to enjoy.

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827

If you’re traveling into the city on business or are on an overnight layover at MCO, the Hyatt Regency in the Orlando Airport main terminal is perfect for you. Fully soundproofed rooms allow a comfortable nights sleep, even among the hustle and bustle of the airport. Plus, you’re only a short escalator ride away from security check-in.

Best restaurants in Orlando

Melting Pot

7549 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL, 32819

When you dine at Melting Pot near Spring Lake, you’re getting exactly that – a mixture of delicious flavors, with fondue sharer dishes. Savor bacon and brie, Wisconsin Trio or a Classic Alpine fondue for mains and finish with a delectable chocolate fondue for dessert.

Victoria & Albert’s

4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL, 32830

Looking for an elegant dining experience to celebrate a special occasion? Victoria & Albert’s – part of Disney World Resort - offers delectable dishes in a grandiose setting. Choose from over 700 wines and enjoy succulent dishes, including caviar, truffles and Maine lobster.

Café Tu Tu Tango

8625 International Dr, Orlando, FL, 32819

Reserve a table at this quirky tapas joint, found on Orlando’s iconic International Drive – an 11-mile stretch of theme parks, shops, attractions and restaurants. There’s live entertainment on offer, complimenting the wide range of Spanish and Mediterranean bites, and even artists creating artworks in the background.

Best attractions in Orlando

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando, FL, 32836

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and Walt Disney World Resort is its largest, with four parks and two water parks. Enjoy fairytale fun at Magic Kingdom, marvel at the Spaceship Earth sphere at Epcot, go behind-the-scenes action at Hollywood Studios and try nature conservation at Animal Kingdom. On-site parking is available at a cost.

Kennedy Space Center

FL, 32899

A 45-minute drive east of Orlando, on Merritt Island, Kennedy Space Center is the home of space shuttle launches in the US. There are several Mission Zones to explore while you’re here. Take a behind-the-scenes tour around the launch sites, getting access to restricted areas where you can find out how launches happen. Check out the Visitor Complex, to experience a shuttle launch for yourself.

Universal Orlando Resort

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Orlando’s second-biggest theme park offers triple the fun, with three different parks. First, there’s Universal Studios Florida, packed with movie-themed attractions to make you feel like you’re on set. Island Adventure features seven ride-filled movie islands, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Finally, Volcano Bay water park, with its collection of white-knuckle rides and slides.