Orlando Sanford: Closest Airport To Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is a bustling cruise port located on the eastern coast of Florida, serving over 4 million cruise passengers annually. While the port itself doesn't have direct airport access, there are several airports nearby that travellers can fly into. These include Orlando International Airport (MCO), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), Sanford International Airport (SFB), and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). Each airport has its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks, ranging from proximity to the port, flight options, and transportation costs.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular choice

Firstly, MCO provides direct highway access to Port Canaveral, making it the fastest route to the cruise terminals. This direct route ensures a smooth trip for travellers, allowing them to begin their vacation promptly. The airport also services a large number of airlines, offering flights to numerous destinations worldwide. This vast selection of airline carriers ensures that travellers have plenty of flight options to choose from, reducing the risk of missing departure times at Port Canaveral.

Another advantage of Orlando International Airport is its proximity to entertainment and leisure options. For those interested in theme parks, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are just a short distance away. Additionally, the airport boasts a wide range of dining and retail options, with over 150 shops and restaurants across its four gate areas. This makes it a convenient and attractive choice for travellers who want to maximise their vacation experience.

To get from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral, travellers can opt for various transportation options, including renting a car, using a hotel shuttle, or booking a rideshare service. However, it is important to consider that these options can be pricey and may not always accommodate all the luggage requirements of cruise travellers. Alternatively, specialised cruise transportation services, such as luxury coach buses, offer a comfortable and spacious journey to the cruise terminal.

In summary, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the preferred choice for many cruisers due to its convenient location, direct highway access, vast selection of airlines and destinations, and proximity to popular attractions. Its popularity, combined with efficient transportation options, makes it a top choice for travellers looking for a seamless and enjoyable start to their cruise vacation from Port Canaveral.

Sanford Airport (SFB) is the furthest airport from Port Canaveral

Although it is the furthest airport from Port Canaveral, Sanford Airport is a popular choice for those looking for a quieter, more economical airport experience. The airport is smaller and less crowded than other airports in the area, such as Orlando International Airport (MCO). Sanford Airport also offers some of the cheapest airfares, with budget-friendly fares offered by Allegiant Airlines.

However, due to the distance from the cruise terminals, transportation costs from Sanford Airport to Port Canaveral can be high. Rental cars, taxis, and shuttles may be significantly more expensive than at other airports. Therefore, it is important to consider transportation costs when flying into Sanford Airport and compare them with the savings on flight costs.

There are a few transportation options available when travelling from Sanford Airport to Port Canaveral. Driving or taking a town car are the fastest and most affordable options, with estimated costs of $12 to $18 and a travel time of around 1 hour and 12 to 13 minutes. Taking a town car is also a convenient option if you don't have access to a car, but it is more expensive, with estimated costs of $180 to $260.

Additionally, Sanford Airport's website offers a list of transportation providers, including shuttle services, that can be used to get to Port Canaveral. It is recommended to check with your cruise line about transportation options, as some cruise lines may provide transfers from the airport to the port.

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

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral. It is located 25 to 27.5 miles south of the cruise terminals, with a travel time of 40 to 50 minutes. MLB is the smallest of the three main airports near Port Canaveral, servicing only five domestic airlines: American Airlines, Avelo, Allegiant, Delta Airlines, and Sun Country.

Despite being the closest airport to Port Canaveral, the commute from MLB to Port Canaveral might take longer than from Orlando Airport due to frequent high traffic conditions. However, travellers will appreciate the beautiful coastal views along the scenic route to their ship. The airport is also less crowded, and the small size means less time spent at security and check-in.

For those looking to save money and time, Melbourne International offers charter flights and is a good option for local travellers. The airport also has a Fly Snooze Cruise package, which includes hotel accommodations and transportation to the cruise terminals.

Overall, Melbourne Orlando International Airport is a convenient option for travellers looking for a scenic and stress-free journey to Port Canaveral.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is the furthest airport on this list

Daytona Beach International Airport primarily offers domestic flights with Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo Airlines. When it comes to transportation from the airport to Port Canaveral, there are a limited number of options. There are no shared shuttle services available, so your best option is to use a rideshare app. The cost of these rides can vary significantly, with Uber rides starting at $100 and sometimes reaching as high as $150 or even $200, depending on factors such as time of day and driver availability.

While DAB is the furthest airport from Port Canaveral, it may still be a viable option for those looking for a smaller, less crowded airport. The airport's domestic flight offerings and relatively limited transportation options to the port may appeal to travellers seeking a more relaxed and economical experience.

Compared to the other airports on the list, DAB is quite distant from Port Canaveral. Orlando International Airport (MCO), located about 45 miles away, is the closest and most popular choice for cruisers. MCO offers a wide range of dining and retail options and provides direct highway access to Port Canaveral, making it a convenient and attractive option for many travellers.

Another option is Sanford International Airport (SFB), situated 60.6 miles from Port Canaveral. SFB offers cheaper flight options and is ideal for those looking for a quieter and more economical experience. However, travellers should be mindful of the additional transportation costs associated with the greater distance from the port.

The closest airport to Port Canaveral in terms of distance is Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), located just 27.5 miles away. However, due to frequent traffic conditions, the travel time from MLB to Port Canaveral can be longer than expected, taking up to 50 minutes. MLB is served by a small number of airlines, including Delta and American Airlines, and its idyllic coastal location offers travellers a scenic drive up the coast to Port Canaveral.

Orlando/Sanford International Airport (SFB) offers discount flight options

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) offers discount flight options and is a great option for those looking for a quieter, more economical airport experience before their cruise from Port Canaveral. Located 60.6 miles northwest of Port Canaveral, it is the farthest airport from the cruise terminals but offers some of the cheapest airfare.

The airport is served by Allegiant Airlines, which offers budget-friendly fares, as well as Flair Airlines, Surinam Airways, and Swoop. SFB is a smaller, less crowded alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO), making it ideal for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a larger airport.

One thing to keep in mind when considering SFB is the transportation cost to Port Canaveral. While rental car prices are similar to those at Orlando International Airport, one-way or round-trip taxis and shuttles can be more expensive due to the distance from the cruise terminals. However, SFB offers direct flights and a less overwhelming experience, making it a convenient choice for many travellers.

For those looking to save money on flights and don't mind a slightly longer travel time to Port Canaveral, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a great option. With its convenient location in central Florida, the airport provides easy access to popular destinations, family-fun attractions, and amusement parks.

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