Orlando has 2 major commercial airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). If you count smaller regional and general aviation fields nearby, the answer to how many airports are in Orlando Florida grows to 5.
The majority of travellers just need to be aware of MCO and SFB. The other three are mostly important for flying schools, business aircraft, and individual pilots. We’ll go over each of the five below, along with how to choose the best one for your vacation.
The 2 Main Commercial Airports Serving Orlando
When someone asks how many airports Orlando has for a typical vacation or business trip, they are referring to commercial airports. There are two.
Almost all domestic and international flights are handled by Orlando International Airport (MCO). According to the Airports Council International North America, it handled 57,675,573 passengers in 2025, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the US.
Smaller in size, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) primarily serves domestic leisure flights. Although it only handles a small portion of MCO’s business, it is effective for low-cost airline passengers.
Here are the basics for both airports in Orlando Florida:
- MCO (IATA code: MCO) – southeast Orlando, primary gateway for the region
- SFB (IATA code: SFB) – Sanford, Florida, secondary gateway northeast of the city
If you want airport transfer service contact Signature Luxury Transportation.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is located roughly 13 miles south-east of Orlando’s downtown. On the location of the former McCoy Air Force Base, it began commercial operations in 1961, which is why some longtime residents still refer to it as “McCoy.”
Two buildings house the airport’s four terminals. The newest terminal, Terminal C, is handling an increasing number of foreign flights, including the 2025 debut of new nonstop connections to Paris, Madrid, and Munich. Most domestic carriers, including South-west and Frontier, are served by Terminal A. Airlines including Delta, American, and United operate both local and international flights out of Terminal B.
The attractions that draw the majority of visitors are near to MCO. It is roughly 10 miles from Universal Orlando Resort and 16 miles from Walt Disney World. In the absence of severe traffic, most trips to either park take 20 to 30 minutes.
It’s simple to get to and from the airport. SunRail provides train connections between MCO and several locations within the city. The Lynx bus network is more affordable and serves a larger area. Certain kerbside zones are also used for pickup and drop-off by ridesharing applications, taxis, and private vehicle services.
In the outlying lots, onsite parking starts at about $10 per day; the closer you park near the terminals, the more expensive the garage. For travellers who choose to spend the night close to their gate before an early flight, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is located inside the terminal complex.
MCO is moving forward. “Elevating MCO & ORL: The Vision Forward” is a long-term plan that was adopted by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority in late 2025. By 2030, some 8,000 extra public parking spots will be added, while terminal improvements intended to accommodate an increasing number of foreign flights will continue.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
SFB is located roughly 27 miles north-east of Orlando’s downtown in Sanford, Florida. Prior to being converted to civilian use, it was a Naval Air Station in the 1940s.
There are a total of 16 gates and two terminals at the airport. The majority of flights here are operated by Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, with a lesser international presence. Departures are located on the second floor, while baggage claim and ticketing are located on the main floor.
Public transportation is not available in SFB. The terminal is not served by a city bus or train service. To get in and out, travellers use ridesharing apps, taxis, or a prearranged vehicle service.
A quicker, more tranquil airport experience is the price paid for forgoing public transportation. Because SFB’s terminal is smaller than MCO’s, there is less walking between check-in and your gate, and security lines there typically move more quickly.
SFB’s onsite parking costs range from $13 to $17 per day, which is a little more than MCO’s. The majority of spaces are accessible by foot from the terminal, and for those who would rather not walk with their bags, a shuttle service is available to the economy and long-term lots.
MCO vs. SFB: Quick Comparison
| Feature | MCO (Orlando International) | SFB (Orlando Sanford) |
| Distance from Downtown Orlando | ~13 miles | ~27 miles |
| Typical Drive Time | 20-30 minutes | 35-45 minutes |
| Main Airlines | Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue | Allegiant Air, Sun Country |
| Best For | International flights, major airlines, theme park access | Budget domestic flights, lighter crowds |
| Public Transit | SunRail, Lynx bus | None |
| Starting Parking Rate | About $10/day | About $13-17/day |
Other Airports Near Orlando
Smaller fields that don’t handle frequent passenger flights are sometimes included in search keywords like “airports near Orlando” or “how many airports are there in Orlando”? This completes the list.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) sits southeast of the city near the Space Coast. It handles a small amount of commercial traffic and works well if you are headed to the beaches around Cocoa or Melbourne rather than the theme park corridor.
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) sits close to downtown Orlando but does not serve commercial airline passengers. It handles private jets, corporate flights, and flight training. It opened in 1928 as Orlando’s first commercial airport before MCO took over that role.
Orlando Apopka Airport (X04) is a small general aviation field northwest of the city. It serves private pilots and local flight schools, not commercial travelers.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) sits outside the immediate Orlando area but comes up often in airport searches for Central Florida. It offers a smaller, quieter alternative if your trip includes the Atlantic coast.
Which Orlando Airport Should You Fly Into?
Your answer depends on where you are headed and what matters most to you.
Fly into MCO if you’re going to Disney World or Universal Studios. It offers more nonstop travel options and is located closer to both parks.
MCO is also a better option if you need to take numerous flights on big carriers for business trips. It offers greater connectivity to other cities and more daily departures.
SFB can save you money on flights if you are a low-cost traveller flying Allegiant or Sun Country and don’t mind making a longer commute. Since there is no public transportation alternative, just make plans for a vehicle service or ridesharing.
Compared to flying into MCO and travelling east, MLB may actually save you driving time if your trip focuses on the beaches close to Cocoa or Melbourne.
Getting To and From Orlando’s Airports
The more difficult question is usually how to travel from the runway to your hotel or the parks, regardless of how many airports Orlando, Florida has for your trip.
For MCO travellers on a tight budget who don’t mind transfers and set schedules, SunRail and Lynx bus services are effective. Although ridesharing apps provide greater flexibility, charges can be unpredictable due to surge pricing during periods of high arrival.
Airport transportation in Orlando via a licensed car service eliminates uncertainty for a dependable, fixed-cost mode of transportation. After a lengthy travel, you don’t have to wait in a rideshare line since a driver follows your aircraft, meets you at baggage claim, and drives you directly to your destination.
For business travellers, wedding parties, and families visiting the parks, Signature Luxury Transportation offers escorted airport transfers to and from MCO and SFB. Prior to your next trip, reserve your Orlando airport transfer with Signature Luxury Transportation if you want a seamless, pleasant transport waiting for you as soon as you land.
Final Thoughts
As you read about Orlando, Florida airports, two of them are commercial, and the others are private airports. If you are a tourist and want to visit Disney, then Orlando International Airport is the best option for you. You can also select the airport of your choice according to your location, budget, and place of attraction. If you need reliable airport transfer service, contact us at Signature Luxury Transportation today!
FAQs
Best airport to visit Walt Disney World?
Orlando International Airport is the best place to visit Disney. It is 10 miles away from downtown, with multiple flight options.
Can I fly to Orlando Executive Airport?
Yes, you can if you have a private it. Orlando Executive Airport is not a commercial airport.
How many public airports in Orlando?
There are two major public airports in Orlando, MCO and SFB.
Is MCO the same as Orlando International Airport?
Yes. MCO is the airport code for Orlando International Airport. Both names refer to the same airport.
