How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Orlando?

Orlando is one of the busiest rental markets in the country, and its prices move with the theme-park calendar. Here's what goes into the cost, and the extras families most often forget.

When Orlando rentals cost the most

Demand follows school breaks: Christmas to New Year, spring break, Easter, summer, and Thanksgiving week are the peaks. Quieter periods typically include parts of January after the holidays, September, and early December. Big conventions at the Orange County Convention Center can also tighten supply.

Why family vehicles cost more — and sell out

Minivans and three-row SUVs are the most in-demand classes in Orlando. In peak weeks they can sell out entirely, and the cheapest remaining option may be a much bigger or more premium vehicle. If you need seven or eight seats, book as early as you can with free cancellation.

Airport fees at MCO

Pickup at Orlando International is on-site with no shuttle — see Orlando Airport car rental — but airport rentals include airport fees. Hotel and International Drive rental desks don't charge them, so if you won't need a car on day one, price a later pickup near your hotel.

Florida adds a daily rental car surcharge plus sales tax and county surtax, which show as separate lines in your quote.

Costs after pickup

• Tolls: the main routes out of MCO — SR 528 and SR 417 — are toll roads, largely cashless. The rental company's toll program covers them, usually for a service fee.
• Theme-park parking: the major parks charge for parking per day, and many resort hotels charge nightly. On a week-long park trip, parking can be a significant line in the budget.
• Fuel: distances between parks, hotels and outlets add up. Return the car full on a full-to-full policy.

Budgeting for an Orlando family trip

• Rental total with taxes and fees for your dates
• Toll program fee plus tolls
• Hotel parking per night
• Theme-park parking per park day
• Fuel for the distances you'll drive
• Child seats, if you're renting them rather than bringing your own

How to pay less

• Travel outside school holidays if you can.
• Book family vehicles early and re-check.
• Compare MCO with hotel-area branches.
• Bring your own car seats — most airlines check them free.
• Check your own insurance before accepting counter coverage. See cheap car rental for more ways to cut the total.