MCO works best when you plan by zones rather than distance.
Choose your toll route early
Use SR 528 for International Drive, Universal, and Cape Canaveral, or SR 417 for Kissimmee and southern resort areas.
Keep theme-park parking in mind
Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld routes can be simple, but parking entrances and exit traffic may add time.
Save coastal trips for full days
For Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, or Port Canaveral, leave early and keep the return drive flexible.
What cars can I hire at Orlando International Airport
The best vehicle for Orlando depends on how your trip is built. A short city stay needs a different setup from a two-week family holiday with park bags, outlet shopping, child seats, and resort transfers.
Vehicle availability can vary by date and booking window, but Hertz may offer options such as:
- Compact and economy cars good for couples or solo travellers staying near Downtown Orlando, Lake Nona, or International Drive with lighter luggage.
- Sedans a balanced choice for airport transfers, business trips, and daily drives between hotels, restaurants, and meeting areas.
- SUVs helpful for families, larger suitcases, stroller space, golf bags, and longer routes toward beaches, theme parks, or cruise terminals.
- MPVs useful when passengers need more cabin room across busy park days and resort transfers.
- Vans built for larger groups who want to keep everyone and their luggage in one vehicle.
- Premium vehicles suited to travellers who prefer a more comfortable drive for resort stays, client visits, or longer Florida road trips.
Electric car rental at Orlando International Airport
If you plan to hire a car at Orlando International Airport and stay around Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, or Kissimmee, renting an electric vehicle can work well with basic planning.
For longer EV routes, plan charging before leaving the airport. Drives to Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Tampa, or Daytona Beach are easier when you map charging stops around toll roads, hotel parking, and return timing.
Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience
Orlando trips often involve more moving parts than a simple airport-to-hotel drive. Hertz optional extras can help you prepare for family travel, toll-heavy routes, theme park days, and longer drives across Central Florida.
Available VAS products include:
- Loss Damage Waiver: Lowers your financial exposure for covered rental car damage, theft, or accident costs.
- Liability Insurance Supplement: Provides added liability protection for eligible third-party claims during your rental.
- Infant seats: A suitable seating add-on for babies who need a rear-facing travel restraint.
- Child seats: Designed for younger children who need their own secured car seat during the journey.
- Booster seats: Helps older children sit at the right height for the standard seat belt.
- Personal Protection Package: Adds protection for accidental injury, medical expenses, personal belongings, and in some cases, death benefits as well.
Explore places within 30 miles of Orlando International Airport
Lake Eola Park and Downtown Orlando
- 12 miles from Orlando International Airport by road (approx)
- Parking spaces available nearby at Library Garage (approx)
- 2 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 6 AM to 12 AM
Lake Eola Park is a good first stop if you want a slower look at Downtown Orlando before heading into the resort areas. The park has a lakeside walking path, swan boats, green space, and nearby dining, while Library Garage offers 24/7 parking close to the downtown core.
ICON Park and International Drive
- 12 miles from Orlando International Airport by road (approx)
- 1,600 parking spaces available (approx)
- 6 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, hours vary by attraction
ICON Park works well if your first Orlando stop is International Drive, The Orlando Eye, restaurants, family attractions, or evening entertainment. It also offers a multi-storey garage, giving you a clear parking base before walking through the surrounding attractions and dining areas.
Disney Springs
- 18 miles from Orlando International Airport by road (approx)
- 6,200 parking spaces available (approx)
- 13 EV charging spaces nearby (approx)
- Open Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM to 11 PM
Disney Springs is a convenient drive if you want dining, shopping, entertainment, and a Disney-area stop without entering a theme park. Parking is available in surface lots and three garages, while EV charging spaces are spread across as well.
FAQs
1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at Orlando International Airport?
Yes. Hertz operates at Orlando International Airport, with rental car pick-up areas linked to Terminals A, B, and C. Check your arrival terminal first, then follow the airport’s Rental Cars signs to the correct level.
2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from Orlando International Airport?
Yes, one-way rentals can usually be arranged during booking. This is useful if you are flying into Orlando but finishing your trip in Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, or another Hertz location.
3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my Orlando International Airport reservation?
Yes. You can usually update your Hertz booking before collection. Review the terms attached to your rate, especially if changing dates, vehicle type, pickup time, or return location.
4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the Orlando International Airport branch?
For car hire at Orlando International Airport, the main driver should carry a valid driving licence, passport for identification, and a payment card in their own name for the security deposit. Australian travellers should check that their licence is valid, easy to read, and matches the details used in the booking. If the licence is not in English, they should also bring an International Driving Permit along with their national licence.
5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?
Yes, but the different return point should be added to your booking or rental agreement first. If your plans change after pickup, contact Hertz before drop-off so any one-way fee or branch change is confirmed.