Best Airports For A Magical Trip To Disney World

If you're planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you'll want to know which airport to fly into to make your journey as smooth as possible. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located just 17-20 miles away, and is the best option for quick and easy transportation to the theme park. However, there are several other airports within reach of Disney World, including Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). Flying into Orlando from other cities in the US can vary greatly in price depending on the season and the flexibility of your travel dates.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

MCO has one main terminal building with two sides (A and B) and a separate Terminal C. The facilities span three floors, with airline ticketing on level 3, baggage claim on levels 2 and 3, and ground transportation and parking on level 1. Same-day or multiple-day luggage storage can be found on the west side of Terminal B, level 1.

The airport offers a range of amenities, including an expansive lobby area, a convention space, several bars, and two restaurants, including a signature restaurant on the top level overlooking the airfield. MCO also provides various ground transportation options, such as car rental services, taxi services, and public bus services, making it convenient for passengers to travel to their desired destinations.

For those visiting Disney World, there are two main routes from MCO. The first is the FL-528 E, which is the quickest route, taking you through the city of Orlando. The other option is the FL-417, a toll road that runs around the outskirts of Orlando and offers a more scenic drive. Additionally, Disney's Magical Express provides a complimentary service for guests staying at the Walt Disney Resort.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

The distance between Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) and Walt Disney World is around 50 miles, and the road distance is 49.8 miles. The fastest and cheapest way to get from the airport to Disney World is by car, which takes approximately 59 minutes and costs $9-$14.

If you don't have access to a car, you can take a taxi, which will cost $130-$160 and also takes around 59 minutes. Alternatively, you could consider a limousine service, although these can be expensive.

There are also ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft available, but these can be costly.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located in the southeast of central Orlando. However, if you are flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA), there are several ways to get to Disney World.

Tampa is located about 66 miles west and south of Walt Disney World, with most of the journey taking place on Interstate 4. The driving distance between Tampa Airport (TPA) and Disney World is about 79 miles, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes under normal traffic conditions. You can also use an app like Google Maps or Waze to navigate and find the best route, especially since traffic can be heavy during rush hour and on holiday weekends. The journey can take up to two hours in heavy traffic, so it is important to plan accordingly.

If you are not driving, there are several other options to get to Disney World. Flixbus USA offers a bus service from Tampa Bus Station to Orlando twice daily, with tickets costing between $10 and $50, and the journey taking about two hours and 55 minutes. You can also take a train, with Amtrak offering train services between Tampa and Orlando.

Additionally, several shuttle services operate from Tampa International Airport, which can be booked to hotels in and around Disney World. These include Express Transportation, which offers a direct shuttle service, and Blue One Transportation, which provides door-to-door rides between Tampa and Disney World.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

There are several transport options to get from Daytona Beach International Airport to Walt Disney World. The fastest way is to drive, which takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes and costs $13-$20. There are also bus and train services available, which take around 4 hours and 55 minutes and cost $8-$10. The bus departs from the DAB Airport Bag Claim and arrives at Walt Disney World via Volusia Mall Main Entrance Ob, Daytona Beach, John Young Pky and Amelia St, and N Garland Ave and W Amelia St.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. These options may be more convenient but will likely be more expensive.

If you are staying at one of the Disney resorts, you may be able to use their complimentary transportation services to and from the airport. Be sure to check with your resort beforehand to see if this service is available and make any necessary reservations.

When planning your trip to Walt Disney World, it is essential to consider the airport you will be flying into and the transportation options available. While Daytona Beach International Airport is a viable option, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Walt Disney World, located only 17-20 miles away, which is about a 20-25 minute drive. MCO is accessible through numerous domestic and international airlines and offers various transportation modes to get to Walt Disney World, including taxi, rental car, or private shuttle.

Travel tips for flying to Disney World

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located in the southeast of central Orlando. It is served by all major airlines, including international carriers, so most travellers will find the best itineraries and prices into MCO. However, there are several other airports within reach of Disney World, including Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is a 43-50 minute drive to the parks, and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), located closer to the coast north of Orlando.

When booking your flight, consider flight times carefully, especially if you are travelling with young children. 6:00 a.m. flights can be challenging for families, and redeye overnight flights may not be the best way to start your vacation. If you are an inexperienced air traveller, give yourself a buffer room for success. It is also important to read the fine print when it comes to your travel situation, especially if you are travelling with kids. Do your research if you are considering any ultra-low-cost carriers (such as Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant) or booking a basic economy ticket on any airline. Remember that Southwest Airlines flights are not listed in airfare search engines like Expedia, so you will need to search for and book these flights directly on their website.

On departure day, take your checked bags to the airline check-in desk at your Disney resort. Magical Express buses will pick you up three hours before your flight time (more for international flights). Orlando airport security lines can be very long, but there are food courts and sitting areas available after security. It is recommended to take pictures of things like your parking spot, luggage, or your children each day of your trip to make them easier to find later.

When packing, make sure any liquids you want to carry on are 3 ounces or smaller and fit into a quart-sized Ziploc bag. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and consider packing a change of clothes in a gallon-sized zip lock bag with the air squeezed out. Don't forget to bring a travel umbrella and a poncho or rain jacket, as Central Florida can experience pop-up afternoon thunderstorms.

Frequently asked questions