There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Orlando into a quick city adventure. From MCO, the LYNX Bus / SunRail can get you into town in around 100 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside MCO
Three things to verify before you walk out of MCO:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 100-minute journey each way by LYNX Bus / SunRail, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Orlando International Airport into town:
- LYNX Bus / SunRail: About 100 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 120 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
What to Budget for Your Orlando Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Orlando, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Orlando, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at MCO aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Orlando itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Orlando, two standouts are:
- Lake Eola Park — Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
- ICON Park — A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside MCO — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Hyatt Regency MCO Pool & Gym
- The Club MCO
Eating Well on a Orlando Layover
In Orlando
If you make it into town, The Boheme Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant & Bar.
Inside MCO
If you’re staying in the terminal, Hemisphere Restaurant is your main option. McCoy’s Bar & Grill works too if you want something quick.
Sleep & Lounge Options at MCO
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MCO, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
WiFi at MCO should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United States and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Orlando exploring the streets or relaxing at MCO, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.