Sanford Airport's Gates: How Many Are There?

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located in Sanford, Florida and serves as a hub for several major airlines. The airport consists of two main terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, which are within walking distance of each other. Terminal A is the larger of the two and handles international flights, while Terminal B is dedicated to domestic flights. Terminal B has a total of 16 gates, with gates 1-4 located in the east concourse, gates 5-9 centrally located, and gates 10-16 found in the west wing. All gates are equipped with jet bridges for seamless boarding and deplaning. Orlando Sanford International Airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options, retail shops, and essential services such as baggage claim and customer service desks.

Orlando Sanford Airport's terminals and gates

Orlando Sanford International Airport (IATA: SFB) is located in Sanford, Florida, United States, and serves as a base for Allegiant Air. The airport consists of a single building divided into Terminals A and B. Terminal A handles international flights, while Terminal B is for domestic flights.

Terminal A

Terminal A is equipped with gates 1-9, which connect to Terminal B's gates 6-12. It features the Royal Palm Lounge, information counters, an ATM, currency exchange, food and drink options, retail concessions, duty-free shopping, a mailbox, and an observation deck. Opposite Terminal A is the Welcome Center, where you can find car rental services.

Terminal B

Terminal B is the smaller of the two terminals and has gates 6-12, connecting to gates 1-5 in Terminal A. On the lower level, you'll find ticketing desks, baggage claim, and food services, while the upper level houses the security checkpoint, an ATM, and additional food and shopping options.

Getting Around the Airport

The airport's layout is straightforward, with all gates located on the second level. To navigate, follow the clear signage to find your gate quickly. Utilize the information desks and moving walkways to expedite your movement, especially if you have heavy luggage.

Amenities and Services

Both terminals offer free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and ATMs. Restrooms and shower facilities are also available. For dining, Terminal A features a food court with various options, while Terminal B offers a food court with pizza, sandwiches, and Asian cuisine. A variety of shops are located in both terminals, offering gifts, souvenirs, convenience items, and duty-free shopping.

Transport to and from the airport

Orlando Sanford International Airport is located 43.29 km from central Orlando and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Allegiant Air, Flair Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Swoop. The airport is accessible from various locations, and there are different transport options available for travellers to and from the airport.

By Car:

The airport is conveniently located near major interstates and turnpikes, making it easily accessible by car. It is 10-15 minutes east of I-4 (Exit 101), 15-20 minutes east of I-4 (Exit 98), a few minutes northeast of the FL-417, and 45-60 minutes north of the theme parks.

By Taxi:

Taxis are readily available at the airport's ground transportation area during operational hours. The fare for a one-way trip to Orlando city centre is typically around $14, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Taxis can also be hailed on demand through ride-sharing apps like Uber.

By Shuttle:

Shuttle services are available 24/7 at the commercial lane of the airport. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport, and fares may vary depending on the service provider.

By Car Rental:

For travellers who prefer to rent a car, there are several on-site car rental companies to choose from, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Their counters are located across the street from the Terminal in the Welcome Centre.

By Hotel Shuttle:

Some nearby hotels, such as the Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel and Comfort Inn & Suites North Orlando/Sanford, provide complimentary airport shuttle services for their guests. This can be a convenient option for those staying at these hotels.

By Rideshare:

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft also offer pick-up and drop-off options at the airport. The designated pick-up and drop-off area is located across the street from the Terminal and east of the Welcome Centre.

Sleeping arrangements in the airport

Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) is divided into Terminals A and B. While the airport is open 24 hours, there are no 24-hour eateries, so plan ahead if you're staying the night. If you're looking for a place to sleep, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Travellers have reported noise and bright lights, as well as limited comfortable seating options. There are reportedly hundreds of seats airside and upstairs, but these are said to be sagging, ripped, and uncomfortable. For these reasons, many passengers have opted to sleep on the carpeted floor instead. If you choose to sleep on the floor, it's recommended that you bring some extra layers, as it can get cold inside the terminal. A sleep mat could also make your floor sleep more comfortable.

If you've cleared security but need to stay the night, you must return to the landside and re-clear security the next day when it reopens. If you're looking for uninterrupted sleep, there are a few hotels nearby, and some even offer free shuttle services. Here are some options:

• Extended Stay America Select Suites Orlando Sanford Airport
• Budget Inn
• Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel—shuttle available 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Extended Stay America—Orlando—Sanford
• Woodspring Suites Sanford North I-4
• Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sanford—Lake Mary, an IHG Hotel
• SpringHill Suites Orlando North/Sanford
• Hampton Inn DeBary/Deltona
• Travelodge by Wyndham Deltona

For more options and information on rates and traveller reviews, visit Tripadvisor.

Food and shopping options

Orlando Sanford International Airport offers a variety of dining and retail options. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or just wanting to browse, the airport has something for everyone.

Food Options

If you're feeling hungry, there are several dining options available at the airport. For a quick bite, try Sanford Market, located after security, which offers a range of snacks and is open daily from 5 am to 9 pm. If you're after something more substantial, Zaza provides American fare in a relaxed setting, also located after security. For those wanting to unwind with a drink, the Budweiser Tap Room offers a range of spirits in a comfortable environment. Other dining options include Sanford Tap, Jetbox (vending), and Nature's Table (healthy food), which are all coming soon.

If you're looking for a caffeine boost, Cafe Ritazza is the place to go. Located before security, it's perfect for a cup of coffee and a quick snack.

Shopping Options

For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, Orlando Sanford International Airport has a variety of shopping options. From fashion and electronics to souvenirs and books, you're sure to find something to pass the time. Terminal Level 1 has one shopping option, Hudson News, located directly south of the stairs and escalator. Terminal Level 2 offers more choices, including World Duty Free, Indulgences, Gallerie, and Kids Works.

For travellers looking for duty-free options, World Duty Free offers a range of products, including designer fragrances, cosmetics, confectionery, and liquor. Discover Orlando Sanford is a great option for apparel that showcases the spirit of the city, and KidsWorks has a variety of toys, games, and books to keep children entertained during the flight.

Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift, a quick bite to eat, or just browsing, Orlando Sanford International Airport has a range of food and shopping options to suit your needs.

Airport history and ownership

The Orlando Sanford International Airport (IATA: SFB, ICAO: KSFB, FAA LID: SFB) is located in Sanford, Florida, near Orlando. The airport was built as a Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft. It was commissioned on 3 November 1942, and the US Navy used it until 1969. During this time, it served as an important naval airbase and training base for fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft.

In 1946, the City of Sanford took ownership of the airfield and named it Sanford Airfield. However, during the Korean War, the US Navy reacquired the airport and retained ownership until 1968. During this period, the airport expanded to encompass more than 1,600 acres, double its original size. In 1968, the City of Sanford purchased the airport back for just one dollar and soon began commercial flights.

For the next 25 years, the airport was a general aviation facility, hosting civilian and military air shows. In the 1970s, the control tower was reactivated, employing retired Navy air traffic controllers. The airport underwent several name changes, including Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport, before becoming the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the airport underwent significant infrastructure changes, including the demolition of old Navy buildings and the construction of new buildings and hangars. In the mid-1990s, a new passenger terminal was built to accommodate jet airliners, attracting many charter airlines. In 1996, Michael Jackson and his team rehearsed for the HIStory World Tour at the airport.

In 2008, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air entered the airport, resulting in a majority of its passenger traffic becoming domestic. Today, the airport covers 3,000 acres and has four runways. It is owned and operated by the Sanford Airport Authority, with a mission to make air travel efficient, affordable, and comfortable for passengers.

Frequently asked questions