Budget Car Hire
Orlando

You can pick up your Budget hire car directly inside the main terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The rental counters are conveniently located on the Ground Transportation Level, which is Level 1. After you collect your luggage from baggage reclaim on Level 2, simply take a lift or escalator down one floor. The cars themselves are parked in the adjacent garage, just a short walk from the counter, so no shuttle bus is required.

After clearing immigration and customs, you will exit into the main arrivals hall on Level 3 of the terminal. From there, proceed to baggage reclaim on Level 2 to collect your checked luggage. Once you have your bags, take the nearest escalator or lift down to Level 1, the Ground Transportation Level. You will find the Budget rental counters located on this level, ready to assist you before you head to the garage.

Budget Car Rental operates counters on both the A-Side and the B-Side of the main terminal at MCO. This set-up is designed for your convenience, so you don’t need to cross the entire airport. After collecting your luggage, simply head to the rental car area on your side of the terminal. Both locations are on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) and offer the same services, allowing you to use the closest one.

A great meeting spot is the large seating area in the main atrium on Level 3, located between the A- and B-Side security checkpoints. This central location is easy for everyone to find regardless of their arrival gate. Once your whole party has gathered there with their luggage, you can all proceed down to the Budget counter on Level 1 together. This avoids confusion and ensures the lead driver is present to complete the hire process.

During peak weekend periods, travellers should plan for the entire process to take roughly 45 to 75 minutes. This includes waiting for your luggage, walking to the rental counter on Level 1, completing the pick-up process, and then locating your vehicle in the garage. Queues at the counter can be longer during these busy times, so building this buffer into your schedule helps ensure a smooth start to your Orlando trip. Having your reservation details ready can help speed things up at the counter.

While the airport is generally quieter late at night, a few factors can still cause delays. If several flights arrive at once, you may still encounter a queue at the rental counter with fewer agents on duty. Walking through a quieter terminal and finding your specific car in a large, dimly lit parking garage can also take a bit longer than during the day. It helps to double-check your car’s location details before leaving the counter to make the process smoother.

The most effective approach is to use a team strategy to manage your family and luggage. One adult can stay with the children and bags in a designated spot near the lifts on Level 1 while the other adult completes the rental process at the Budget counter. Once the paperwork is done, the driver can collect the car from the garage and drive it to a passenger pick-up area to load the family and luggage. This reduces how far you have to move everything at once and helps keep the kids settled.

Once you locate your hire car in the MCO parking garage, it’s best to pull the vehicle fully into the assigned parking bay. This gives you plenty of room behind and beside the car to organise luggage and fit child seats without blocking traffic in the driving lanes. Many families take a few extra minutes in the bay to get everything set up comfortably before setting off. This helps ensure a safer, more relaxed departure from the airport.

As you exit the rental car garage, follow the signs for the South Exit towards SR-417 and SR-528. Stay in the middle or right-hand lanes and look for the large green overhead signs pointing specifically to SR-528 West for the theme parks or SR-528 East for the coast. The slip roads come up quickly after you merge on to the main airport boulevard, so it’s important to choose your lane early. Following the South Exit signs is the key first step.

For a less stressful drive, consider taking SR-417 (Central Florida GreeneWay) south from the airport. While it is a toll road, it typically has significantly less traffic and fewer complex interchanges than I-4. You can take SR-417 South directly to the exit for World Center Drive (Exit 6), which brings you right into the heart of the Walt Disney World and Lake Buena Vista area. This route is often preferred by visitors looking for a more relaxed, straightforward journey.

When heading to Universal or International Drive, you’ll likely take SR-528 West to I-4 East. The most critical part is merging on to I-4, because the exits for these destinations appear very quickly afterwards. The exit for Universal Orlando (Exit 75) and the main exit for International Drive (Exit 74A) are close together. First-time drivers should move to the right-hand lanes as soon as they safely merge on to I-4 to avoid a last-second lane change.

The most straightforward route to Lake Buena Vista is to use SR-417 South (Central Florida GreeneWay) from the airport’s South Exit. This toll road lets you bypass the often-congested I-4 corridor. You can take Exit 6 for World Center Drive or Exit 3 for Osceola Parkway, both of which provide easy access to hotels and resorts across the Lake Buena Vista area. The signage is clear and traffic is generally lighter than on the main interstate.

Driving on I-4 through the theme-park corridor can feel intense for first-timers. Expect heavy, fast-moving traffic at almost all hours, with frequent and sudden lane changes from other drivers aiming for their exits. The road features numerous lanes and complex interchanges, so it’s crucial to know your exit number in advance. Staying in the centre lanes until your exit is about a mile or two away can help you avoid the chaos of cars merging on and off the motorway.

To minimise time on I-4, many travellers prefer using SR-417 (Central Florida GreeneWay). This toll road runs parallel to I-4 for part of the way and offers direct exits to Disney World and Lake Buena Vista areas with much less congestion. For destinations along International Drive, some drivers exit SR-528 on to surface roads such as Universal Boulevard or John Young Parkway. These routes may have traffic lights but can be a calmer alternative to the interstate.

The most frequent mistake is getting into the wrong lane immediately after leaving the rental car garage. Drivers often accidentally follow signs for the North Exit (SR-436/Semoran Blvd) when they intend to go to the theme parks via the South Exit (SR-417/SR-528). Another common error is missing the turn for the rental car exit and ending up in the terminal arrivals loop. Paying close attention to the large overhead signs for the South Exit is the best way to avoid this initial confusion.

Toll roads are integral to getting around Orlando efficiently, as the main routes from MCO—SR-528 (Beachline Expressway) and SR-417 (GreeneWay)—both require tolls. Visitors are often caught off guard by how quickly the first toll plaza appears after joining the motorway from the airport. These plazas are often cashless, so it’s important to be prepared for electronic tolling. Planning your route with tolls in mind is a key part of a smooth Orlando driving experience.

A simple plan is to take the airport’s North Exit towards SR-436 (Semoran Boulevard). Within a mile or two, you’ll find several large shopping centres with major grocery stores such as Publix and Target. This route takes you directly away from the complex airport road system and into a commercial area with easy-to-access car parks. After shopping, you can easily rejoin main roads like SR-528 to head towards your hotel or holiday rental.

If you have time to spare, consider a visit to The Florida Mall, located just a few miles from the airport. It offers vast, free car parks, making it easy to find a space, and provides an indoor, air-conditioned area to walk around, grab a meal, or do some shopping. Another option is the Lake Nona Town Center, a modern outdoor shopping and dining area also a short drive from MCO with convenient garage parking. Both options are secure and used to travellers.

Driving to Magic Kingdom involves a multi-step arrival process after you park. You will park in one of the large lots named after Disney characters and then board a tram to the Transportation and Ticket Centre (TTC). From the TTC, you must take either the monorail or a ferry boat to reach the actual park entrance. You should allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for this whole process from parking your car to scanning your ticket at the gate.

As you approach the EPCOT entrance, the roadway splits into multiple lanes that can be confusing for newcomers. The right-hand lanes typically lead to the general guest parking toll plaza, while the left lanes are often designated for resort buses, ride-sharing, or guests with special parking permits. Be sure to read the large overhead signs carefully and stay in the lanes marked for "EPCOT Guest Parking" to avoid having to make a last-minute correction.

On a busy morning, traffic queues for Disney’s Hollywood Studios typically begin well before the parking toll booths. Congestion often starts on the main approach roads, such as Osceola Parkway or World Drive, as cars merge towards the park entrance. The slowdown can begin as far as half a mile out, so it’s wise to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes of driving time on park-opening days to account for this final approach traffic.

To ensure a smooth arrival at Animal Kingdom, plan to arrive about 45 to 60 minutes before the official park opening time. This allows you to get ahead of the main wave of guests that arrives right at opening. Once you turn off Osceola Parkway towards the park, follow the directions of the parking attendants closely. They are trained to fill the massive car park efficiently, and trying to find your own "better" space will usually only add stress and time to your morning.

Evening is peak time for Disney Springs, so expect heavy traffic on surrounding roads like Buena Vista Drive. The key to easier parking is to use the free multi-storey parking garages, specifically the Orange and Lime garages. Pay close attention to the electronic signs at the garage entrances, which show the number of available spaces on each level. Driving straight to a level with open spaces will save you from aimlessly circling crowded floors.

The easiest way to navigate Walt Disney World property is to trust the official road signs over your sat nav. Disney has an extensive, well-marked road network with large, colour-coded signs (purple for parks, red for resorts) designed specifically to guide visitors. Sat nav systems can sometimes get confused by the unique road layouts, so following the overhead and roadside signs is often the most reliable and least stressful way to get around.

A mid-size SUV is often the ideal choice for an Orlando holiday. It provides ample cargo space for luggage, a pushchair, and souvenirs without feeling too bulky for city driving. This size is large enough for family comfort and gear, but still manoeuvrable enough for the sometimes tight corners and lower clearances found in hotel and theme park parking garages. It strikes a great balance between capacity and convenience for a typical Orlando trip.

Before leaving the MCO rental garage, it’s wise to do a quick "test pack" of your luggage and gear. Check how your largest items, such as a pushchair or big suitcases, fit in the boot. This is also the time to decide where daypacks or a cool box might need to go on the back seat. Working out the best configuration before you hit the road prevents the frustration of discovering your packing plan doesn’t work when you’re tired at your hotel.

The most common surprise is underestimating the awkward shapes of essential Orlando gear. A folded pushchair or a hard-sided cool box often takes up more floor space in the boot than a standard rectangular suitcase, disrupting neat packing plans. This can force you to place some items in the cabin, reducing passenger legroom. Hiring a vehicle one size larger than you think you need, such as a people carrier or large SUV, can be a wise choice for groups with bulky items.

First-time visitors should be prepared for abrupt driving manoeuvres, especially on I-4 near the major theme park exits. Many drivers are fellow tourists who may be unfamiliar with the roads, leading to sudden, late lane changes as they spot their exit sign. It’s crucial to keep a safe following distance and stay highly aware of your surroundings. Assuming other cars may make unexpected moves is the best defensive driving strategy in the tourist corridor.

Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms arrive quickly and can dramatically change driving conditions. Expect sudden, torrential downpours that may reduce visibility to just a few feet and make roads extremely slippery due to oil build-up. The safest response is to slow down significantly, turn on your headlights (not your hazard lights), and increase your following distance. If conditions become too severe, pulling over somewhere safe until the worst passes is a sensible choice.

The most direct route is to take State Road 528 (the Beachline Expressway) east from the MCO area for about 45 miles. The drive is very straightforward, with clear signs directing you to Kennedy Space Center. As you get closer to the coast, you will drive over several causeways and bridges, such as the Indian River Bridge. These stretches can be breezy and offer beautiful water views, but be mindful of potential crosswinds.

The easiest and most direct plan to Cocoa Beach is to take SR-528 (Beachline Expressway) east all the way to the coast. To avoid the worst traffic, try to leave the Orlando area before 9:00 AM, especially at weekends. The main bottleneck can occur on the return in the late afternoon as beachgoers and commuters merge. Leaving the beach before 3:00 PM or after 6:00 PM can help you miss the heaviest congestion back towards Orlando.

A day trip to Daytona Beach is very realistic and a popular choice from Orlando. The drive typically takes about 75 to 90 minutes each way via I-4 East. If you leave Orlando by mid-morning, you’ll have plenty of time to find parking, enjoy the beach, walk the pier, and perhaps visit the Daytona International Speedway. You can easily head back in the late afternoon and return to the Orlando area well before dark, making for a full but manageable day.

The biggest timing pitfall is underestimating traffic on SR-528 East, particularly on weekend cruise departure days. While the drive can be as short as 45 minutes, it’s wise to allow at least 90 minutes to account for potential congestion, especially around the airport and as you approach the port. Another possible delay is the final stretch near the cruise terminals, where traffic can back up. Leaving MCO with a generous time buffer is the best way to ensure a low-stress start to your cruise.

There are several convenient petrol stations just outside the airport perimeter, making refuelling simple. One popular area is along Semoran Boulevard (SR-436), accessible from the airport’s North Exit. Another excellent option is the cluster of stations on McCoy Road, just west of the airport. Both locations allow you to refuel and then get back to the rental car return entrance in just a few minutes without navigating complex roads.

As you approach the airport, move into the right-hand lanes and look for the large overhead signs marked "Rental Car Return". These signs appear well before the exit ramps for the main passenger terminals. Following this dedicated signage will guide you directly to the entrances of the rental car return garages for both Terminal A and B. This helps you avoid getting caught in the busy arrivals and departures loops.

For a low-stress early morning departure, plan to arrive near the airport about three hours before your flight. Allow 15–20 minutes to refuel at a nearby petrol station. The car return process is usually quick, taking about 10–15 minutes, including the walk from the garage back to the terminal. This leaves you with a comfortable two-plus hours to check in bags and clear security without feeling rushed.

The most efficient order is to drop off passengers first. Follow the signs for "Departures" (Level 3) and drop your passengers and their luggage at the kerb for their airline. After they are on their way, stay on the airport road and follow the signs that loop you back towards "Rental Car Return". This is much faster than returning the car first and having everyone take luggage from the garage to the terminal.

Don’t worry if you miss the entrance, as the MCO road system is designed as a continuous loop. If you pass the rental car return turn-off, continue along the main airport roadway as if you were heading to the terminals. The road will automatically take you past arrivals and departures and bring you back round to the start of the loop. On your second pass, stay in the correct lane and you’ll see the "Rental Car Return" signs again.

For a quick, low-risk final stop, consider one of the casual restaurants or coffee shops along Semoran Boulevard (SR-436), just north of the airport. This area is only a 5–10 minute drive from the rental return and has predictable traffic patterns. Another easy option is a brief visit to a nearby park such as Airport Lakes Park for one last bit of Florida sunshine. Avoid destinations that require major motorways to reduce the risk of unexpected delays.

The biggest surprise during morning commuter hours (roughly 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) is the sheer volume of employee and local traffic heading towards the airport and surrounding businesses. The main routes into MCO, such as SR-528 and SR-417, can become quite congested with inbound traffic. This can add 15 to 25 minutes to your drive time compared with other times of day, so it’s essential to build in that extra buffer to avoid a stressful return.