Orlando, Florida, a global tourism hub, boasts several airports catering to the massive influx of visitors. Choosing the right airport depends heavily on your destination within the Orlando area, your budget, and your travel style. This comprehensive guide compares Orlando's major airports to help you make an informed decision.
Which Airport is Closest to Orlando?
While all Orlando airports serve the greater Orlando area, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is generally considered the closest to the heart of the city and its major attractions. Its central location makes it a convenient choice for most travelers. However, "closest" is relative and depends on your specific destination within the vast Orlando region.
What are the Different Airports in Orlando?
Orlando offers three primary airport options:
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): This is the largest and busiest airport, serving international and domestic flights. It's well-equipped with amenities and offers a wide range of airlines and destinations.
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): Located approximately 30 miles northeast of Orlando, SFB is significantly smaller than MCO and primarily serves budget airlines. It's often a more affordable option, but it requires a longer travel time to reach central Orlando.
- Orlando Executive Airport (ORL): This is a smaller, general aviation airport primarily used for private and corporate flights. It's not suitable for most leisure travelers.
What is the Cheapest Airport to Fly into Orlando?
Generally, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) offers cheaper flight options. Budget airlines frequently operate from this airport, resulting in lower fares compared to MCO. However, remember to factor in the additional cost of transportation to your final destination in Orlando, which can offset some of the savings.
Which Airport is Best for International Flights?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the only viable option for most international travelers. It offers a wide array of international flights and is equipped to handle the customs and immigration processes efficiently.
Which Airport is Best for Disney World?
While both MCO and SFB offer transportation options to Disney World, MCO's proximity makes it the more convenient choice. Many transportation services, including taxis, ride-sharing apps, and airport shuttles, offer direct routes to Disney resorts from MCO, making the travel time shorter and more convenient.
What are the Transportation Options from Each Airport?
- MCO: Offers extensive transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, rental cars, shuttles to hotels and resorts, and even a LYNX bus service.
- SFB: Has fewer transportation options compared to MCO. Rental cars are readily available, and taxis and ride-sharing services operate from the airport, but the range of choices is more limited. This often leads to higher transport costs.
How Far is Each Airport from the Theme Parks?
The distance to the theme parks varies significantly:
- MCO: Roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic and the specific park.
- SFB: Approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and the specific park.
Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip:
Selecting the best airport depends on your priorities. If convenience and a wide range of flight and transportation options are crucial, MCO is your best bet. However, if budget is your top priority, and you're willing to compromise on convenience, SFB might be a better choice. Remember to factor in the cost of transportation from the airport to your final destination when comparing prices. Careful consideration of these factors ensures a smooth and enjoyable start to your Orlando vacation.
