Tips/suggestions for flying in and out of Orlando MCO

[AMB444]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!

[Malsua]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!

I've flown in and out of MCO at least 50 times in the past 12 years, probably more.

Depending on how long of a trip you will be gone, short trips, I'd just park at MCO. The break even comes about day 4 and for me, anything 6 days or less, I just drive and park in the daily.

7 days or more, I get a car service, door to door both directions. There are a number of them, I use Wheels up. I've tried the other services(Groome, Village airport van, etc.) and they will all get you there, but the hassle and cost savings isn't enough of an advantage as far as I'm concerned.

As far as getting to the airport in a car, use Waze(my choice) or google maps. Either will get you there and route you around traffic if possible.

Essentially you take 301, 27/441 or Meggison to the turnpike, some miles to 528 and follow the signs to Jeff Fuqua blvd into the terminals.

[ThirdOfFive]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!
Groome shuttle service is reliable and relatively ($45 one way, I think) inexpensive. Plus it saves you the hassle of driving and fighting traffic on the expressway, and parking spots/fees once you get to MCO. They're doing a lot of construction on the expressway (widening it) so traffic is often backed up because of that. Groome picks up at LSL and Brownwood at scheduled intervals. You can arrange for pickup at your home ($15) on a Groome feeder shuttle which will take you to LSL or Brownwood pickup points. For spur-of-the-moment trips there are private shuttles but they are spendy; $100 - $125 one way though if there are two of you the second person usually rides for maybe 20% or so of the single ticket. I'd recommend Joe Byers (Blue Line Services); quick and reliable. Either Groome or Joe will drop you off at the appropriate terminal.

In general I'd recommend getting to MCO earlier rather than later. Considering the traffic and possible delays I'd plan on leaving so that in normal traffic you'd get to MCO about 3 hours before your flight. That gives you time to weather traffic snarls and sometimes-impossibly long lines at Security.

[Freehiker]

I’ve logged hundreds of flights in and out of MCO over the years and I’ll say it’s really not a bad experience. If you aren’t comfortable in traffic, parking, maybe a shuttle or even a tram….etc, then don’t do it. I taken a few shuttles over there, but drive myself 99% of the time. It’s not a bad drive and I prefer to be on my own schedule.

The security lines at MCO can be insane some days due to the tourists. TSA PreCheck is absolutely worth the cost (CLEAR used to be a great option, but not anymore).

If you’re going to eat, there are plenty of options but some concourses have much better options than others, so you may want to do your research before taking the tram out to your gates. Check out Eating and drinking | Orlando NON OFFICIAL (https://orlandomco.com/food-beverages).

[Altavia]

You can sometimes avoid congestion during busy season by coming in from the south side.

We prefer flying from Terminal C at MCO when possible (JetBlue, + ???).

Tampa is another option, nicer, than MCO (A/B), a little bit longer drive but much less families/crowded so faster/easier to get to your gate.

[biker1]

For us, a lot of the decision on how we get to Orlando's airport is based on how long we will be gone. For a 3 week or longer trip, we are taking a shuttle such as Villages Airport Vans or a private car service. For 2 weeks or less, we are typically driving ourselves. It is an easy drive to the airport if you use a navigation app on your phone. Villages Airport Vans is about $180 roundtrip for the two of us. A private car service is about $280, YMMV. Parking when we drive ourselves is typically $10 per day and tolls are about $12 round trip. We use the off-site Park and Go lot and it is perfectly safe with frequent buses back and forth to the terminals. We typically arrange to be at the airport pretty early and go to one of the airport lounges. As mentioned already, I would invest in TSA Pre-Check. If you travel outside the country then you may want to look at Global Entry (which includes TSA Pre-Check).

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!

[LeRoySmith]

It's a little of topic (I know, no chance I'd stray from the OPs topic).

Has anyone tried Gainesville? Orlando and Tampa are pretty congested and I prefer the little regional type airports.

[bruce213]

We've been flying out of Tampa lately. A 20 min extra drive, but way less hastle and fewer screaming kids.

[Ecuadog]

This link will take you to the webpage that explains all of MCO's on-site parking. NOTE... that there are little green & red tags that tell you which parking facitities are presently "Open" or "Full".

Click here... (https://www.orlandoairports.net/parking-transportation/parking/)

[npwalters]

We have used Groome lately IF it's just one of us. They are convenient and reasonable for the trip to MCO. The rub is the return trip.

If your plane is delayed and you miss your scheduled bus to TV they will not move your reservation to the next available bus.

So, if it's only one of us we take Groome there and use our car for the pick up and return trip. If we are traveling together we drive and park. BTW, MCO had jacked up their onsite parking rates. A car service may be cheaper for a long (think 2 weeks or more) trip.

[justjim]

It's a little of topic (I know, no chance I'd stray from the OPs topic).

Has anyone tried Gainesville? Orlando and Tampa are pretty congested and I prefer the little regional type airports.

Have not tried Gainesville. A few years ago I took a glance at Gainesville but couldn’t get to Illinois from there without transferring too much. However, Sanford has been useful using Allegiant Airlines. We still like to drive by taking our time 6 - 8 hours a day and a nice place for overnight and dinner. Sometimes do a little site seeing along the way too.

[asianthree]

Tampa would always be first choice. Easy parking, easy to navigate airport.
Fair warning NEVER fly into Tampa last day of January February March, and if there is a storm evac, get off of I75 parking lot. We even flew in at 10pm on 3/31. Took us 4 hours and 48 minutes to get to TV.

[Dusty_Star]

It's a little of topic (I know, no chance I'd stray from the OPs topic).

Has anyone tried Gainesville? Orlando and Tampa are pretty congested and I prefer the little regional type airports.

I looked at Gainesville for the reasons you cited, but the cost of the flights were high compared to Orlando & Tampa. You should check & see if you see any you would like to take.

[Altavia]

Have not tried Gainesville. A few years ago I took a glance at Gainesville but couldn’t get to Illinois from there without transferring too much. However, Sanford has been useful using Allegiant Airlines. We still like to drive by taking our time 6 - 8 hours a day and a nice place for overnight and dinner. Sometimes do a little site seeing along the way too.

St Pete has Allegent also.

[Stu from NYC]

We have used Groome lately IF it's just one of us. They are convenient and reasonable for the trip to MCO. The rub is the return trip.

If your plane is delayed and you miss your scheduled bus to TV they will not move your reservation to the next available bus.

So, if it's only one of us we take Groome there and use our car for the pick up and return trip. If we are traveling together we drive and park. BTW, MCO had jacked up their onsite parking rates. A car service may be cheaper for a long (think 2 weeks or more) trip.

If flight is delayed and missed scheduled Groome connection, what do they expect you to do walk home?

[REDCART]

For two or more, driving to and from MCO makes good sense. We’ve been using and very happy with Park ‘N Go. 6100 S. Semoran Blvd Orlando, FL 32822

There are several similar offsite parking options but this one had the best reviews.

Park ‘N Go is about 2 miles from the airport. They take the luggage from your car, and the shuttle is right there. It goes without saying, reservations during holidays is strongly suggested. We usually make a reservation at the time we book our flights.

[FloridaGuy66]

If flight is delayed and missed scheduled Groome connection, what do they expect you to do walk home?

This happens all the time. Fortunately Groome usually runs hourly so you can usually just get on the next one. Conversely, I've had times when I was early and they let me on the earlier Groome shuttle.

[FloridaGuy66]

TPA is a better option if you can do it. Much better airport to navigate, less congested, and much less screaming kids on the actual flights.

[AMB444]

If flight is delayed and missed scheduled Groome connection, what do they expect you to do walk home?

Yes this is what I've heard about "Groome". That they don't have another plan if your flight is delayed. You're left to wait in the airport for hours and hours.

[AMB444]

Thank you all for your replies!!!

[skippy05]

MCO takes an extra long time at baggage claim. Only use carry on luggage unless you are OK adding over an hour upon arrival waiting for checked bags on that conveyor belt

[arbajeda]

For more than one person look at renting a car from Enterprise at Lake Sumter one-way. It leaves when you want, you control the itinerary and just drop it at the airport and be on your way. Same for the return.

[Susan1717]

My tip when driving to the airport, the parking lot lit signs will always tell you the first floor lot which takes you to the main door is full. Don’t believe it. I always still pull in and have always found a parking spot very close to the door.

[Marmaduke]

It's a little of topic (I know, no chance I'd stray from the OPs topic).

Has anyone tried Gainesville? Orlando and Tampa are pretty congested and I prefer the little regional type airports.
Yes. GAINESVILLE is very nice, but no "direct flights" to/from your destination. Charlotte is the stopover for our Pa trips. Limited carriers. Sometimes higher ticket prices, sometimes lower. Days of the week matter.

[Marmaduke]

Yes. GAINESVILLE is very nice, but no "direct flights" to/from your destination. Charlotte is the stopover for our Pa trips. Limited carriers. Sometimes higher ticket prices, sometimes lower. Days of the week matter.
As an example- I just booked a (November 6-12) round trip to PIttsburgh, using American Airlines. Quick/EZ layovers in Charlotte going and coming. $250.

[MandoMan]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!

I always park at Park’n’Go on Semoran Blvd. Very safe and best prices. I pay in advance, online, by PayPal. Good discounts that way.

It usually takes me 1 hr 15 min. from my house innThe Villages to the parking area. However, last drive, I aimed at getting there two hours before my flight, and as I have Clear and TSA PreCheck, that should give me an hour at the airport before boarding. But there were two accidents on the Florida Turnpike that stopped traffic, and it rained, so people had to drive slower, and it took me THREE HOURS and 15 min! The airport approach was also very busy. I reached the airport—before security—just as my flight was closing its doors. So I had to drive home and fly out the next morning. So I allowed an extra hour and arrived at the gate about three hours earlier. (Fortunately, I’m a United Club member.)

In short, the airport isn’t far away, but construction delays, accidents, and rain can slow or stop traffic for an hour on occasion, and that happens too often, just as it does on I-75.

If I had taken a bus, I would have been on the bus, I probably would have still missed my flight. I get about 50 mph with my Prius, so gas is less than $10 per trip. Parking, I think, is around $70 for a week. I don’t enjoy the drive, but I like not having to wait an hour or two for a bus.

[westernrider75]

[QUOTE=npwalters;2354817]We have used Groome lately IF it's just one of us. They are convenient and reasonable for the trip to MCO. The rub is the return trip.

If your plane is delayed and you miss your scheduled bus to TV they will not move your reservation to the next available bus.

So, if it's only one of us we take Groome there and use our car for the pick up and return trip. If we are traveling together we drive and park. BTW, MCO had jacked up their onsite parking rates. A car service may be cheaper for a long (think 2 weeks or more) trip.

When my neighbor is delayed coming home she just gets the next Groome shuttle, says it’s never been a problem.

[MasterChief]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!
For car service call Tom (410) 371-9290.

[Gerrys]

We park through cheapairportparking.com. For Orlando we choose the Marriott. It is usually $10 per day. The Marriott runs a free shuttle 7 days a week 24 hours a day every half hour. Outside larking is safe.

[cphubbell@aol.com]

TSA precheck works at all airports not just MCO so it is good to have. MCO has appointment times for regular TSA screening available through their website.

Consider using the Park Sleep Fly website to find hotels with parking and shuttles if you have a very early morning flight. Use curbside checkin if your airline has it available if you are using a larger bag.

Expect the possibility of a delay if you are returning in the later afternoon/ evening during the rainy period. Ground stops are common for lightning in the area.

Enjoy your trip!

[Skip]

Groome bought out Workman's Airport Shuttle AND Village Airport Van Service. Now only one shuttle service to the airport. Expect higher prices soon.

Skip

[Bhighley]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!


The biggest and most useful tip for flying into MCO is don't do it. Take the extra 15 minutes and drive to TPA for your flights.

[nn0wheremann]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!
Use Sanford, Clearwater, or Tampa. Same drive time, less hassle.

[dougawhite]

The daily cost for MCO Economy Lots is now $14. It had been just $10, so that's a big jump!

[biker1]

We are typically paying $10 per day, sometimes a bit less, for off airport lots.


The daily cost for MCO Economy Lots is now $14. It had been just $10, so that's a big jump!

[Just jimmy]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!

We use fast park and relax. Under cover. Great service. Very secure lot. Have been using 2 1/2 years. No issues. You get points for every stay and can redeem for free parking.

[Villagesgal]

I use the Villages Airport Van service, have since they began service. Easy and convenient. They do door to door and check your flights so if there is a delay landing they put you on their next shuttle. I always arrive 3 hours early in case of backup on the interstate and then use a lounge at mco. Round trip is $90.00 each person, so if you're away more than 8 days, it cheaper to use their shuttle.

[yporter]

It's a little of topic (I know, no chance I'd stray from the OPs topic).

Has anyone tried Gainesville? Orlando and Tampa are pretty congested and I prefer the little regional type airports.

Yes, we flew Gainesville a couple of years ago, very good experience. At that time, only United and Delta were there, no crowds, long term parking was $7/day, only downside was that it's a feeder so you probably have to transfer somewhere to get to your destination. Since then, have been using Sanford for the cheap Allegiant flights since they are direct for us. But I do check Gainesville (and Tampa) when pricing, just in case.

[JMintzer]

Yes this is what I've heard about "Groome". That they don't have another plan if your flight is delayed. You're left to wait in the airport for hours and hours.

Well, when my flight was delayed, I simple called Groome and they told me to wait at the pickup site for the next shuttle. I wound up getting home about an hour later...

[Keninches]

If flight is delayed and missed scheduled Groome connection, what do they expect you to do walk home?
They always let you take the next bus been doing it for 21 years.

[Plutoqueen]

Fast Park and Relax at MCO is a great parking lot and I never wait for a shuttle. They are always right there and pull my luggage from my trunk!

[RoboVil]

Anything helpful you'd like to share please?

Is there a reliable shuttle from TV to MCO?

Any highway tips to/from TV to MCO. Exits to avoid? Tangled intersections of highway where you might miss an important turn off?

Park and fly lots. Any that you recommend? Are they safe or is it worth it to park at the airport? Any tips or suggestions for parking?

Anything else you'd like to recommend for a trip to MCO?

Thanks!!

I use the hotels and their shuttles. Right now I am using Sheraton. Nice restrooms on arrival, not required to spend the night, don't have to deal with airport traffic, and save money. They provide a phone number for the shuttle to pick you up when you arrive.

[gorillarick]

3 weeks ago, flew into Atlanta on an international flight to learn my flight to MCO was delayed and I'd miss the last dang bus to LSL (midnight - I had a reservation).
Called Groome from ATL, No Problema, they put me on a door to door shuttle to my front door for the same price.

Thank you Groome !

If flying for over a week, Groome's $40 online price each way is a stressless alternative to driving, parking, parking lot shuttle, , ,
Stops at all three squares (SS, LSL, and Brownwood-Brownwood Hotel)

[Gfnorris]

It's a little of topic (I know, no chance I'd stray from the OPs topic).

Has anyone tried Gainesville? Orlando and Tampa are pretty congested and I prefer the little regional type airports.

We have had friends fly in and out from Gainesville. It is easy to pick them up/drop off. They say it is a breeze to get checked in.

[armywrestle]

Yes this is what I've heard about "Groome". That they don't have another plan if your flight is delayed. You're left to wait in the airport for hours and hours.

Last Sunday I flew into MCO from Charlotte and was delayed missing Groome's last scheduled shuttle Express. I called Groome to see what options were available. The gentlemen advised that there was another van that offered door to door service. I was booked on this option. Even though this was door to door they did not charge me to additional.

A shout out to Mary, our van driver, she was great. I could not give Groome a higher recommendation.

:a040: