Orlando Sanford: The Best Airport For Port Canaveral Cruises

what airport for port canaveral cruise

If you're planning a cruise from Port Canaveral, it's important to plan your transportation to the port in advance. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport to Port Canaveral, situated about 45 miles west of the port. It is one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving over 43 million passengers each year. With its convenient location and wide range of flight options, it is a popular choice for travellers. Other airports near Port Canaveral include Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB), Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB), and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB). Travellers can choose from various transportation options to get from the airport to the port, including rental cars, hotel shuttles, shared shuttle buses, rideshare apps, and taxis.

Characteristics Values
Airports near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB), and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB)
Distance from Port Canaveral Melbourne Orlando Airport (27-30 miles), Orlando International Airport (44-45.3 miles), Orlando Sanford Airport (58-64 miles), and Daytona Beach Airport (70-71 miles)
Travel time to Port Canaveral Melbourne Orlando Airport (50 minutes to 1 hour), Orlando International Airport (40 minutes to 1 hour), Orlando Sanford Airport (1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes), and Daytona Beach Airport (1-2 hours)
Transport options to Port Canaveral Shared shuttle bus, Uber/Lyft, rental car, taxi, or hotel shuttle service
Shuttle bus cost $20-30 per person, per way (third-party), $37.99 per person, one-way (Carnival), $30 per person, per way (Go Port), $59.98 per person, round-trip (Go Port)
Uber cost $56-62 (UberX), $70-90 (UberXL), $92 (larger UberXL)
Taxi cost Likely more expensive than Uber

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Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport to Port Canaveral

The airport services nearly four dozen airlines, providing flights to over 140 destinations in 27 countries. Travellers can choose from a wide range of domestic and international carriers, ensuring convenient travel options. Orlando International Airport also boasts a vast selection of shops and restaurants across its four gate areas, enhancing the overall airport experience.

When travelling from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral, there are several transportation options available. Shared shuttle buses, offered by companies like Airport Canaveral, Go Port, and Carnival, provide an affordable and convenient choice. These shuttles typically cost around $20 to $30 per person, each way, and offer a comfortable and stress-free journey to the cruise terminal.

Alternatively, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. The average route price from MCO to Port Canaveral for UberX is $68, while UberXL starts at $90. These prices are subject to change and can vary based on demand and other factors. For those travelling in larger groups, UberXL or a regular taxi may be more suitable.

It is recommended to plan transportation to Port Canaveral in advance, especially considering the potential for rush-hour traffic in the Orlando area. Arriving at least a day before the cruise is advisable to avoid any delays or cancellations that could cause a missed departure. Orlando International Airport's proximity to Port Canaveral, along with its extensive flight options and convenient transportation choices, makes it a preferred choice for travellers embarking on cruises from Port Canaveral.

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Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, located about 30 miles or 40 minutes away. The airport is situated 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of downtown Melbourne, in Brevard County, Florida, and 50 miles southeast of Orlando, Florida. It is also known as Orlando Melbourne International Airport and is located on central Florida's Space Coast.

MLB offers a range of shopping and dining options, from donuts and quick bites to restaurants serving local brews. The airport provides convenient on-site rental car services from major companies, with a rental car area easily accessible from the baggage claim. Additionally, MLB's parking is conveniently located near the ticketing and security checkpoint.

The airport recently underwent a $72 million renovation and expansion project, adding over 86,000 square feet of new and improved facilities and amenities. These improvements include a welcome center and new passenger boarding bridges. According to a 2023 study, MLB and its tenants contribute significantly to the local economy, generating over $3 billion annually for the Space Coast's economy.

When travelling from MLB to Port Canaveral, it is recommended to budget at least one hour of travel time, excluding time for check-in and security. Transportation options include airport taxi and shuttle services, as well as luxury vans and town cars.

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Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a cheaper alternative to Orlando International Airport

Orlando Sanford International Airport, on the other hand, is a smaller, more economical option. The airport is dominated by the budget carrier Allegiant Airlines, which offers non-stop flights to over 60 destinations. The airline focuses on flying passengers from smaller markets around the US to leisure destinations like Orlando. By using Orlando Sanford International Airport, Allegiant Airlines can offer more slots and non-stop flights to more destinations.

In addition to being a cheaper option, Orlando Sanford International Airport is also a great choice for those who want to fly non-stop from smaller cities. The airport is located approximately 30 miles north of Orlando, and while it is further from Port Canaveral, it can still be a convenient option.

When considering which airport to choose, it is important to keep in mind the transportation options available. For those travelling to Port Canaveral, there are various options for getting from Orlando International Airport to the cruise terminal, including renting a car, using a hotel shuttle, or booking a rideshare. However, these options can be pricey and may not accommodate all your cruise luggage. An alternative is to use a shuttle service like Go Port, which offers transportation directly to your cruise from Port Canaveral.

Overall, while Orlando International Airport is the closest and largest airport to Port Canaveral, offering the most flight options, Orlando Sanford International Airport is a cheaper and more laid-back alternative.

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Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is the furthest airport from Port Canaveral

There is no direct public transportation available between DAB and Port Canaveral. The best public transport option is to take multiple buses, which takes approximately 6 hours and 23 minutes and costs $95 to $130.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the largest airport near Port Canaveral, with the most flight options and direct highway access to the port. It is located about 45 miles from Port Canaveral, and it takes about an hour to travel between the two locations.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a smaller, less crowded, and more economical alternative to MCO. It is located about 60 miles from Port Canaveral and can be reached in about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, located just under 30 miles away.

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Getting from the airport to the cruise terminal: ridesharing, shuttles, taxis, or rental cars

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular airport for travellers cruising from Port Canaveral. It is located 45.3 miles west of Port Canaveral and offers direct highway access, making it the fastest travel route to the ship terminals.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available for transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. The price for these services can vary, with some budgeting about $100 for the trip. However, for a group of four, Uber/Lyft may be the most convenient and cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $50-75 for the whole car, plus tip.

Shuttles

Shuttle services such as Go Port offer transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral for as low as $29.99 per person. These shuttles run regularly between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm and will drop you off directly at your ship. You can also book a round-trip option, which includes transportation from Port Canaveral back to the airport after your cruise.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside the baggage claim area at Orlando Airport. However, it is worth noting that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft may be cheaper than a traditional taxi fare.

Rental Cars

You can rent a car from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral, with companies such as Enterprise, Budget, and Avis offering rental car drop-off locations at Canaveral. This option may be more practical for larger groups, but it can also lead to longer wait times and may not accommodate all of your cruise luggage.

Frequently asked questions

Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, at just under 30 miles away.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular airport for cruisers, thanks to its direct highway access and the fastest travel time to the ship terminals. It is located 45.3 miles west of Port Canaveral.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) are two further airport options. Orlando Sanford is approximately 60-64 miles from Port Canaveral, and Daytona Beach Airport is about 70 miles away.

There are several options for getting to Port Canaveral from the airport, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Booking a shuttle transfer in advance is a stress-free way to get to the port, as it offers a door-to-door service.

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