Orlando International Airport: Gateway To Disney World

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located 16.8 to 25 miles away. It is one of the busiest airports in Florida, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually. The drive from the airport to Disney World takes between 18 and 23 minutes with good traffic. There are several other airports within reach of Disney World, including Orlando Sanford International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Melbourne International Airport.

Orlando International Airport: 17-23 miles away

Orlando International Airport (MCO or KMCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located 17-23 miles away in the southeast of central Orlando. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in Florida, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually. The airport features an expansive lobby area, a convention space, several bars, and two restaurants, including a signature restaurant on the top level overlooking the runways.

The airport is a typical hub for visitors to Disney World and other Orlando theme parks. The drive from MCO to Disney World takes between 18 and 23 minutes, or between 16 and 22 miles, depending on the route taken. The main route, and the quickest route, is the FL-528 E, which takes you through the city of Orlando. A good alternative route is the FL-417, which has tolls and runs around the outside of the main sections of Orlando, passing by Gatorland.

If you are staying at the Walt Disney Resort, you can use Disney's Magical Express, a complimentary service that requires a reservation before arrival at Orlando International Airport. If you are staying at one of the resorts near Disney, you can use the resort's free transportation to the theme parks. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi or transfer to and from the airport, or look into car hire for the duration of your visit.

Orlando Sanford International Airport: 43-50 miles away

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located 43-50 miles from Disney World. It is situated to the north of Orlando and is around a 43-50-minute drive through the city to the Disney Parks.

Orlando Sanford International Airport is a good option for those looking to fly to Disney World on a budget. Airlines such as Allegiant, Spirit, Sun Country, and United fly into this airport. The airport is also easily accessible by car, and there are two main routes to choose from. The FL-528 E is the main route and the quickest option, taking you through the heart of Orlando. This route is perfect if you want to get to your destination as soon as possible, and you can catch glimpses of the city on either side. The alternative route is the FL-417, which has tolls. This route runs around the outside of the main sections of Orlando and passes by Gatorland if you fancy a stop en route to your destination.

Orlando Sanford International Airport is a smaller airport compared to others in the region, such as Orlando International Airport, which is the closest and largest airport to Disney World. However, Orlando Sanford International Airport still offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience. The airport features several restaurants and bars, as well as a spacious lobby area for travellers to wait for their flights. It also has a convention space for meetings and events.

When travelling to Disney World, it is important to consider the proximity of the airport to your destination. While Orlando Sanford International Airport is a further distance from Disney World than other airports, it can still be a convenient option, especially if you can find a cheap flight or prefer a smaller airport experience.

Tampa International Airport: 65.6 miles away

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located in Tampa, Florida, and is the fourth-closest major airport to Disney World. At 65.6 miles away, it is nearly three times further from Disney World than the closest airport, Orlando International Airport (MCO). However, Tampa International Airport is still a viable option for those travelling to Disney World.

Tampa International Airport is 78 miles from Disney World, according to Travelmath, or 72 miles away, according to Nerdwallet. Both sources agree that it is the third-closest major airport to Disney World, and the closest after Orlando International and Orlando Sanford International.

Tampa International Airport is located in the southwest of Orlando. The most direct route to Disney World takes just over an hour, though the exact time will depend on traffic.

Tampa International Airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. It is likely that, due to the airport's relatively small size and fewer airlines, fares may be higher than at Orlando International.

Tampa International Airport is a good option for those who can find cheap flights or who are looking for an airport with a more limited number of passengers. Around 40 million passengers travel through Orlando International Airport each year, whereas Tampa International Airport sees far fewer passengers.

Daytona Beach International Airport: 74 miles away

Daytona Beach International Airport is a convenient option for travellers looking to visit Disney World, as it is located just 74 miles from the famous theme park. While it may not be the closest airport to Disney World, Daytona Beach International Airport offers a great alternative for those looking to avoid the busier airports in Orlando.

The airport is served by a number of major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, and United, offering direct flights to destinations across the United States. For international visitors, connecting flights via major hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, or Chicago, can be a convenient way to reach Daytona Beach. Upon arrival, the airport offers a range of ground transportation options, including rental car services, taxis, and ride-sharing apps, making the journey to Disney World straightforward and stress-free.

The drive from Daytona Beach International Airport to Disney World typically takes around one hour and thirty minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route takes travellers through some of Florida's scenic landscapes, offering a pleasant journey to start their vacation. Along the way, there are also a number of towns and rest stops where travellers can take a break, grab a bite to eat, or stock up on any last-minute supplies before arriving at their final destination.

For those looking to make the most of their time in the area, Daytona Beach itself is a popular destination, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. With a range of accommodation options, from beachfront resorts to family-friendly hotels, visitors can enjoy a relaxing beach vacation before or after their trip to Disney World. Additionally, the area offers a variety of attractions, including the Daytona International Speedway, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, and the Marine Science Center, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

Melbourne International Airport: 81 miles away

Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is a good option for those travelling to Disney World. It is located on the coast close to Palm Bay, towards the southeast of Orlando. The airport is 81 miles away from Disney World, with the drive taking around an hour and twenty minutes in good traffic.

MLB is a convenient choice for those looking for a range of flight options, as it is served by several airlines. These include Allegiant, Spirit, Sun Country, and United.

For those travelling to Disney World, it is worth considering the distance and travel time from the airport to the resort. MLB is a further distance from Disney World than other airports in the area, such as Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). The additional travel time may be a factor for those looking to minimise their journey time.

However, MLB can still be a good option for those visiting Disney World, especially if convenient flight options are available. It is important to consider the overall travel plans and preferences when choosing the best airport for your journey to Disney World.

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