Orlando International: Gateway To Disney World

Planning a trip to Disney World? The closest airport to the park is the Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is located in the southeast of central Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in the state, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually. Orlando International Airport is approximately 17-20 miles or a 20-25-minute drive from Disney World, making it the most convenient option for travellers.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World

Orlando International Airport is accessible through numerous airlines, both domestic and international, and has various transportation options available to get you to Disney World. These include ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, shuttle bus services, rental cars, taxis, and private car services. The airport itself has several amenities, including an expansive lobby area, a convention space, bars, and restaurants.

The best route from MCO to Disney World is the FL-528 E, which takes you directly through Orlando and offers glimpses of the city on either side. Alternatively, you can take the FL-417, which has tolls and runs around the outside of Orlando's main sections.

While there are other airports within reaching distance of Disney World, such as Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), and Tampa International Airport (TPA), Orlando International Airport's proximity to the parks and the wide range of transportation options available make it the most convenient choice for travellers.

Alternative airports include Orlando Sanford, Tampa, and Daytona Beach

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located only 16.8 to 20 miles away. However, there are several alternative airports within reaching distance of the Disney World parks. These include:

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Located 32.7 miles from Disney World, Orlando Sanford International Airport is situated to the north of Orlando. It is between a 43 and 60-minute drive through Orlando to reach the Disney Parks. Transportation options include Uber/Lyft, taxi, rental car, or private shuttle/limo.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Tampa International Airport is located in Tampa, southwest of Orlando. It is approximately 65.6 miles from Disney World and takes just over an hour to reach the parks via the most direct route. Transportation options include Uber/Lyft, taxi, rental car, or private shuttle/limo.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

Daytona Beach International Airport is located on the coast, north of Orlando. It is around 70 miles from Disney World and can take up to an hour and 15 minutes to drive to the parks in good traffic. Transportation options include Uber/Lyft, taxi, rental car, or private shuttle/limo.

While these alternative airports offer viable options for travel to Disney World, it is important to consider the additional transportation costs and time involved. Orlando International Airport remains the top pick for its proximity and convenient access to the theme parks and resorts.

The cheapest way to get from nearby airports is $4, and the quickest way takes 59 minutes

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the nearest airport to Disney World. There are several options for travelling from the airport to Disney World, each varying in price and convenience.

The cheapest way to get from the airport to Disney World is by shuttle bus. Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer are two shuttle services that offer transportation from the airport to select hotels. The one-way fare for an adult is $19.50, and $13.50 for children aged 3-9. This option is best for those who are happy to share a bus with other passengers and don't mind multiple stops along the way.

Another option is to use a ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft. The cost of a standard Uber or Lyft ranges from $36.93 to $42.79, which is typically cheaper than a taxi, which will cost between $35 to $45, plus a tip. This option is ideal for those who want to travel privately and directly to their destination, but be aware that prices can surge during peak times.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, private car services are also available. This option offers convenience and can accommodate car seat requests, but it comes at a higher price, ranging from $75 to $150 one-way.

Finally, renting a car is another possibility, although it is not the most cost-effective choice if you only need transportation from the airport to Disney World. The average cost of renting a standard sedan for a week is $481, and you will also need to budget for parking fees if you're staying off-site.

So, to summarise, the cheapest way to get from Orlando International Airport to Disney World is by using a shuttle bus service, which costs as little as $13.50 for children and $19.50 for adults. The quickest way to get to Disney World is by using a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft, which offers direct transportation with a typical pickup time of just a few minutes.

The best airports for Disney World include those with the closest proximity and the most transportation choices

When planning a trip to Disney World, choosing the most convenient airport is essential. The best airports offer a combination of close proximity and multiple transportation options to get you to your destination quickly and smoothly. Here are the top airports that fit the bill for a magical vacation:

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Located in the southeast of central Orlando, Orlando International Airport is the closest major airport to Disney World, situated just 16.8 to 20 miles away. As one of the largest and busiest airports in Florida, it handles a massive volume of daily flights, with around 40 million passengers passing through its terminals annually. With its proximity to Disney World, travellers can typically reach Disney property within 30 to 60 minutes of landing. The airport is accessible through numerous airlines, both domestic and international, and offers a range of transportation options:

• Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient and affordable, with an average fare of $35-50 for a direct trip.
• Shuttle bus services, such as Mears Connect, offer scheduled routes to Disney hotels at a cost of around $20 per adult.
• Rental cars provide flexibility and independence but come with additional costs for rental and parking fees.
• Private car services, including luxury sedans, vans, and SUVs, are ideal for large groups and special occasions but come with a higher price tag of $80-$150 per trip.
• Traditional taxi services are available 24/7 at the airport taxi stands, with a premium cost of around $70 per trip.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Although further away, located about 43-50 miles from Disney World, Orlando Sanford International Airport is another option. It offers transportation choices such as Uber, Lyft, taxi, rental car, and private shuttle/limo services. However, the drive to Disney World will take between 43 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Tampa International Airport is approximately 72-73 miles from Disney World, with a drive time of around 75 minutes in good traffic. Transportation options include Uber, Lyft, taxi, rental car, and private shuttle/limo services. While Tampa may offer cheaper flights at times, consider whether the additional transportation costs and longer travel time align with your plans and budget.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

Located about 75 miles from Disney World, Melbourne Orlando International Airport is a similar distance to Tampa. The drive will take around 75 minutes without traffic. Transportation options include Uber, Lyft, taxi, rental car, and private shuttle/limo services. Like Tampa, consider the trade-off between potentially lower airfares and the increased time and cost of ground transportation.

Tips for navigating the Orlando area airports include allowing extra time to get through security and checking in

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in Florida, with around 40-55 million passengers travelling through its terminals each year. With this in mind, here are some tips for navigating the airport:

Allow Extra Time

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight. This will give you ample time to check any bags, get through security, and find your gate. Security checkpoint lines can be long, especially during peak season, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Download the MCO App

MCO is a sprawling airport—it's 21 square miles and has three terminals split between two buildings. The MCO app can help you navigate the airport, provide estimated security wait times and updates on your flight, and offer information on shopping, dining, and ground transportation options.

Know Your Terminal and Gate

Each terminal can only be accessed via one of the airport's Automatic People Movers (APMs). Boarding the wrong APM will result in backtracking and may require you to go through security again. As soon as you arrive at the airport, verify your terminal and gate information on the airport display system, then use the MCO app to navigate to the correct location.

Pack Souvenirs Wisely

If you plan to do some shopping in Orlando, keep in mind that certain items must be packed in checked luggage. The TSA's 3-1-1 rule states that you can bring a single 1-quart bag of liquid goods on the plane, with each item in that bag being 3.4 ounces or less. This includes perfumes, wine, bottled water, and certain gels like deodorant and fruit preserves. Other items, such as toy weapons, may need to be checked.

Eat at the Airport

MCO has a variety of dining options, ranging from familiar fast-food chains to local favourites. Eating at the airport can save you time and give you something to do if you arrive early for your flight.

Frequently asked questions