Orlando Airport Parking for Terminal A: 2026 Rates & Tips

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Orlando Airport parking for Terminal A is served directly by Parking Garage A, a covered multi-level structure connected to Terminal A's Airsides 1 and 2 at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Garage A costs $24/day maximum (checked October 2026), making it the most convenient, but not the cheapest, option for Terminal A travelers. Off-site lots on Triply start at about $4/day, with shuttles to the terminals.

• Garage A rate: first 20 minutes free, $2 for 21-30 minutes, then $1 per 15 minutes, capped at $24/day
• Economy alternative: North Park Place and West Park charge $14/day with free 24/7 shuttles to Terminal A (South Park Place's shuttle serves Terminals B and C)
• Off-site savings: Best Rate Airport Parking starts at about $4/day, about 84% less than Garage A
• Terminal A airlines: Allegiant Air, Avelo, Frontier, JetBlue (select domestic), Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country
• 2026 construction note: The Gate Link tram replacement (Airside 2, Dec 2025 to Dec 2026) may slow transit from Garage A to your gate, so allow extra time
• Accessible parking: Vehicles with disabled veteran plates or Florida toll exemption permits park free in all MCO garages

What Is Orlando Airport Terminal A Parking Garage and Where Is It Located?

Parking Garage A is the dedicated on-airport parking structure for Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. It sits directly adjacent to Terminal A, which serves Airsides 1 and 2. The garage is accessible from Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, the main airport access road off SR-528 (Beachline Expressway). Signage from both SR-528 and SR-417 (Central Florida GreeneWay) directs drivers to Garage A.

MCO's total parking system holds approximately 20,000 vehicles across all facilities, per the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). Garage A is one of three main terminal garages, alongside Garage B (Terminal B) and Garage C (Terminal C). If you're flying Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant, you're at Terminal A — and Garage A is your closest parking option.

Before you drive, check real-time traffic on Waze — SR-528 can back up during morning peak hours and theme park event weekends. Building in an extra 15-20 minutes during busy periods is smart, especially now that construction is active around the airport complex.

How Much Does Terminal A Parking at MCO Cost? (Hourly, Daily & Weekly Rates)

Garage A gives you the first 20 minutes free, then charges $2 for 21-30 minutes and $1 per 15 minutes after that, with a daily maximum of $24. There is no discounted weekly rate: the $24/day cap applies to each 24-hour period. For a 7-day trip, expect to pay around $168 total at Garage A (based on current GOAA rates).

If you need to pick someone up quickly, the North and South Cell Phone Waiting Areas are both free. They are for waiting, not for leaving a car overnight. Use them for short pickups rather than parking in Garage A for a 20-minute wait.

Valet parking at MCO costs $4 for the first 20 minutes, then $1 per additional 20 minutes up to 3 hours, with a maximum of $35/day. Valet is at the Terminal A, B and C departure curbs from 6 AM to 11 PM. That's $11 more per day than Garage A self-park. For most travelers, self-parking in Garage A makes more sense unless you need the convenience of valet at departure.

For a full breakdown of every on-airport and off-site rate, see our MCO car parking rates 2026 comparison — it covers every lot and price side by side.

Compare off-site parking near MCO Terminal A from about $4/day on Triply: search available off-site lots near Orlando International Airport now.

How Do You Get from Garage A to Terminal A? (Walking Distance & Directions)

Garage A connects directly to Terminal A via a covered walkway — no shuttle needed. After parking, follow the pedestrian signs toward the terminal. The walk to the check-in counters takes just a few minutes depending on which floor you parked on.

Once inside Terminal A, you'll access Airsides 1 and 2 via the automated Gate Link tram. Important for 2026 travelers: GOAA's $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project is actively underway. Phase 1 covers Airside 2 from December 2025 through December 2026. Single-tram operation is in effect at Airside 2 during this period. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes to reach your gate if you're departing from Airside 2.

Review TSA security screening guidelines before you arrive. Terminal A has standard security checkpoints, and lanes can fill quickly during morning bank departures. If you hold TSA PreCheck, dedicated lanes at Terminal A move significantly faster — especially during spring break and holiday travel peaks.

Payment at Garage A gates accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and contactless payment. SunPass and E-PASS transponders also work at MCO garage entry lanes, making toll-road commuters' exit process seamless. For full details on using your transponder at MCO, see our guide on MCO airport parking SunPass.

What Are the Best Cheap Parking Alternatives Near MCO Terminal A?

The cheapest options for Terminal A travelers are the off-site lots on Triply, from about $4/day at Best Rate Airport Parking, with Gold Park at about $6/day and Omni at about $7/day. Off-site lots Triply sells cost about 54% to 84% less than Garage A's $24/day rate, and all four are cheaper per day than the $14/day economy lots (Holiday Inn Orlando Airport, at about $11/day, by only about $3). The trade-off is a shuttle ride, and Best Rate's shuttle does not run from 10 PM to 4 AM, while the economy shuttles run 24/7. Off-site rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date.

Gold Park Orlando Airport is especially well-suited for Terminal A flyers. Its 24/7 on-demand shuttle picks up at Level 1 Ground Transportation, A34 to A37, on the Terminal A side, with typical waits of about 10-15 minutes (longer at peak times). The lot is fully gated and fenced, with staff on site 24/7. Rates are about $6/day, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

The on-airport economy lots charge $14/day. Free 24/7 shuttles run from North Park Place to Terminal A, from West Park to Terminals A and C, and from South Park Place to Terminals B and C. For Terminal A, North Park Place or West Park is the better pick. These lots are great for budget travelers who want to stay on GOAA property. The economy lots are popular during school holidays, so they fill up fast.

Omni Airport Parking (about $7/day) runs a complimentary shuttle 24/7, every 20 minutes or less, picking up at A12 for Terminal A. Staff guide you to a space and help with luggage, and there's no extra charge for full-size vans, pickups and large SUVs. Holiday Inn Orlando Airport (about $11/day) runs a 24/7 shuttle every 30 minutes and sits near the Brightline station. None of the off-site lots Triply sells near MCO is described as covered, so if covered parking matters, Garage A is the option. For a full comparison of budget off-site options, see our cheap Orlando airport parking with shuttle guide.

What Airlines Fly Out of Terminal A at Orlando International Airport?

Terminal A at MCO serves seven airlines across Airsides 1 and 2. If your carrier is listed below, Garage A is your closest parking option. Airlines at other terminals use Garage B or Garage C instead.

• Allegiant Air — Terminal A
• Avelo Airlines — Terminal A
• Frontier Airlines — Terminal A
• JetBlue Airways — Terminal A (select domestic routes only; international JetBlue flights use Terminal C)
• Southwest Airlines — Terminal A
• Spirit Airlines — Terminal A
• Sun Country Airlines — Terminal A

If you're flying American, Delta, United, or Alaska, you're at Terminal B — Garage B is your best bet. See our Orlando Airport Parking Terminal B guide for those options. International travelers using Emirates, British Airways, or Lufthansa are at Terminal C.

How to Reserve Orlando Airport Parking for Terminal A in Advance

Pre-booking MCO parking is strongly recommended during peak travel seasons. Orlando serves Central Florida's $75 billion tourism industry, and airport parking fills up fast around spring break, summer, and major theme park events. GOAA economy lots can reach capacity during holiday weekends.

You have two main reservation paths. For on-airport parking (Garage A, economy lots, valet), book directly through the official MCO parking page. For off-site lots, use Triply's MCO parking search to compare Best Rate Airport Parking, Gold Park, Omni Airport Parking and Holiday Inn Orlando Airport side by side. Off-site bookings on Triply come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in. Best Rate collects part of its price at the lot and needs a 2-day minimum booking.

Booking 7-14 days out during busy periods is a sensible habit. Check the total for your exact dates on Triply before you book.

Tips for Parking at MCO Terminal A During Peak Travel Seasons

Terminal A handles some of MCO's busiest airlines — Southwest alone is a top-volume carrier at this airport. That means Garage A fills faster than you might expect during school holidays and Orlando event weekends. Here's how to stay ahead of it.

• Book early for spring break and summer: Orlando theme parks drive enormous traffic March through August. Economy lots and Garage A fill quickly. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead.
• Add 15-20 minutes for 2026 Gate Link construction: Airside 2 tram service is reduced during the replacement project. Factor in extra walking or waiting time at the gate connection.
• Pick a 24/7 shuttle for very early or late flights: Gold Park (on demand, pickup A34 to A37) and Omni (every 20 minutes or less, pickup A12) run around the clock. Best Rate's shuttle runs only from 4 AM to 10 PM.
• Check the MCO garage status board before you go: GOAA posts real-time availability on their website. Our MCO parking garage status guide explains how to read it.
• Use the North Cell Phone Lot for free pickup waits: If you're picking someone up from a Terminal A arrival, the North Cell Phone Lot is completely free. Wait there until your passenger texts you, then pull around to the terminal.
• Consider EV charging needs: Garage A has EV charging available. The off-site lots Triply sells near MCO don't list EV charging, so plan your charging stop if you're driving an electric vehicle.
• Accessible parking is free for qualifying vehicles: Florida disabled veteran plates and toll exemption permits qualify for free parking in all MCO garages, per GOAA policy.

MCO is currently midway through a $6 billion, 10-year capital improvement plan — the largest in the airport's history. While all terminals remain fully operational, construction activity is visible and can affect wayfinding. Stick to posted signage and allow extra buffer time at security. Review current Elevating MCO project updates before your trip for the latest status.

Ready to lock in your parking for MCO Terminal A? Compare off-site parking near Orlando International Airport on Triply from about $4/day, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in. Off-site lots Triply sells near Orlando International cost about 54% to 84% less per day than the $24/day terminal garages.