Orlando Sanford Airport: Serving Port Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral, a major cruise port in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is served by several airports. The closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is situated about 45 miles west of Port Canaveral and is the busiest airport in the area. Orlando International Airport is a hub for AirTran Airways and a focus city for JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights and has various transportation options to Port Canaveral, including rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services. Other airports that serve Port Canaveral include Sanford International Airport (SFB), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB). These airports offer varying advantages and disadvantages in terms of flight options, travel time, and transportation costs.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

MCO has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, each with several levels: the Ground Transportation Level, Ticketing/Check-in Level, Concourse Level, and Baggage Claim Level. The terminals offer various amenities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. The airport also provides a range of transportation options, including rental cars, shuttle services, taxis, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The estimated driving time from MCO to Port Canaveral is about one hour, but the direct highway route allows for a smooth and fast trip.

For travellers who want to sightsee in Orlando or visit nearby attractions like Disney World or Universal Studios, MCO is a convenient option. The airport is also a hub for AirTran Airways and a focus city for JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines. MCO offers plenty of flight options, accommodating various airlines and flight time preferences. Lounge options are available for those with access, including The Club MCO, American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club.

When considering transportation to Port Canaveral from MCO, there are a few options. Renting a car at the airport is possible, with several major rental companies having locations there. Shuttle services, such as Port Canaveral Connection, are also available and can provide transportation directly to the cruise terminals. Additionally, taxi services and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are accessible, offering flexibility and convenience. It is important to note that travelling directly from MCO to Port Canaveral on the same day can be stressful due to the risk of flight delays or traffic jams. Therefore, considering a hotel stay the day before your cruise and shuttle transportation to the terminal is recommended to ensure a seamless and stress-free start to your trip.

Sanford Airport (SFB)

The airport initially served as a Naval Air Station during World War II and was used by the U.S. Navy until 1969. After the City of Sanford assumed control, it was renamed Sanford Airport and served as a general aviation facility for the next 25 years. During this period, it hosted civilian and military air shows and static displays. The airport underwent several name changes over the years, including Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport, before settling on its current name.

In terms of transportation to Port Canaveral, Go Port offers a shuttle service from Sanford Airport directly to your cruise terminal for $$59.99 per person, one-way. They also offer a round-trip package for added convenience. Alternatively, you can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, which typically ranges from $$65 to $90, or book a shared shuttle like Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle, which offers transfers for $$40 one-way or $80 round-trip.

The primary airline operating out of Sanford Airport is Allegiant, a budget airline. In 2023, the airport served over 2.8 million domestic and international passengers, with the majority of its traffic being domestic. The airport is known for its fast and affordable travel options, efficient security lines, and convenient navigation.

Melbourne Airport (MLB)

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral. It is located 44 miles to the west of Port Canaveral. MLB is considerably smaller than Orlando International Airport (MCO), serving less than one million passengers annually. MLB Airport handles around 2,000 passengers daily and has around 50 daily flights.

MLB is especially popular with tourists due to its proximity to famous tourist destinations such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. The airport is also well-liked by travellers going on a cruise from Port Canaveral, as it is the closest airport to the cruise terminals.

There are various transportation options for passengers travelling from MLB to Port Canaveral. A rideshare service from MLB to Port Canaveral costs around $55 to $70. A ride can also be secured through the Melbourne Airport Express.

The airport offers nonstop flights to destinations within the United States, including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Philadelphia. The two major airlines that fly in and out of MLB are Delta Airlines and American Airlines.

Daytona Beach Airport (DAB)

The history of the airport dates back to the 1920s and 1930s when the beach was used as a runway due to its smooth, hard, and relatively clean surface. Pilots found the compact sand ideal for landing aircraft, and hangars were built later to provide aircraft service. The airport was first known as Sholtz Field, named after the then-Governor of Florida, who was from Daytona Beach. It started with two gravel runways, one 1,800 feet long and the other 2,100 feet long. The airport's name later changed to Daytona Beach Municipal Airport.

Over time, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements. In 1958, a new passenger terminal and a control tower were constructed on the north side of the airport. Jet flights began operating in 1967, with Eastern Airlines using Boeing 727s and National Airlines offering nonstop flights to several destinations. The runway was extended to 7,500 feet in 1969, and the airport continued to grow and modernize.

Today, Daytona Beach Airport provides convenient travel options for passengers in the region. It is served by major airlines, offering comfortable and efficient transportation to and from various destinations. The airport has received positive reviews for its facilities and services, with prices for flights starting at $97 for a one-way trip and $193 for a round trip, according to Expedia.com.

Transportation options to Port Canaveral

There are three main airports near Port Canaveral: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Sanford Airport (SFB), and Melbourne Airport (MLB). Here are some transportation options for getting to Port Canaveral from these airports:

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Shared shuttle services: Go Port offers shared shuttle services from MCO to Port Canaveral for $29.99 per person. Cruise Control Transportation provides a similar service for $25 per person.
• Private shuttle services: Cruise Control Transportation also offers private shuttle rides from MCO to Port Canaveral for an undisclosed price.
• Ridesharing: You can use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. The average route price from MCO to Port Canaveral for UberX is $68, and $90 for UberXL.
• Taxi: Mears Taxi offers taxi services from anywhere in Orlando to Port Canaveral.
• Car rental: You can rent a car from MCO and drive to Port Canaveral.

Sanford Airport (SFB)

• Shuttle services: Go Port offers a shared shuttle service from SFB to Port Canaveral for $59.99 per person, or $119.98 for a round trip. Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle offers a similar service for $40 one-way or $80 for a round trip.
• Ridesharing: Uber or Lyft services are available but tend to be more expensive, ranging from $65 to $90.
• Car rental: You can rent a car from SFB and drive to Port Canaveral.

Melbourne Airport (MLB)

• Shuttle services: Melbourne Airport Express provides shuttle services to Port Canaveral, but there are fewer options due to the smaller number of passengers.
• Ridesharing: You can use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, with prices ranging from $55 to $70.
• Car rental: Renting a car is also an option from MLB.

Frequently asked questions