Jazmin Li
If you're planning a cruise from Port Canaveral, choosing the right airport can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. With over six million cruise passengers in 2023, it's one of the world's busiest cruise ports, so it's important to plan your journey in advance. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the largest airport in the area and offers the most flight options, but it's not the closest to the port. Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) is the closest airport, followed by Orlando International Airport, which is approximately 45 miles away. Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) are further away, at about 60 and 70 miles, respectively. Each airport has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider factors such as travel time, cost, and convenience when deciding which airport to choose for your Port Canaveral cruise.
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is the go-to choice for many cruisers, as it offers direct highway access, and a vast selection of airline carriers. The airport services nearly four dozen airlines, providing flights to over 140 destinations in 27 countries. It also features a wide variety of dining and retail options, with over 150 shops and restaurants across its four gate areas.
There are several transportation options available from MCO to Port Canaveral. Guests can rent a car, use a hotel shuttle, or book a rideshare. However, these options can be expensive and may not accommodate all of your cruise luggage. A more economical and convenient option is to use a shuttle service, such as Go Port, which offers comfortable and spacious coach buses with plenty of room for luggage. Another option is to book a Fly Snooze Cruise package, which includes a hotel stay near the airport the day before your cruise, followed by shuttle transportation to the cruise terminal the next day. This helps eliminate the risk of missing your cruise due to flight delays or traffic jams.
For those looking for a seamless and stress-free experience, Orlando Cruise Line Connection offers non-stop private airport transportation services from MCO to Port Canaveral. Their reliable and timely shuttle services are available for a round-trip fare of $36 per person.
Overall, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a popular and convenient choice for cruisers departing from Port Canaveral, offering a wide range of amenities, flight options, and efficient transportation services to the cruise terminal.
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Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
For cruise passengers, Orlando Sanford International Airport is a tempting choice due to its cheap flights and budget-friendly fares offered by airlines such as Allegiant Airlines, Flair Airlines, Surinam Airways, and Swoop. However, it's important to consider the additional transportation costs. Rental cars cost the same as at other airports, but one-way or round-trip taxis and shuttles will be significantly more expensive due to the distance from the cruise terminals.
To get from Orlando Sanford International Airport to Port Canaveral, you can use shuttle services such as Go Port, which offers shared shuttles for as low as $59.99 per person. These shuttles pick you up outside the airport entrance between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM and drop you off directly at your ship's terminal. You can also book a round-trip shuttle option, which includes transportation from Port Canaveral back to the airport after your cruise. Additionally, Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle provides shuttle transfers from the airport to Port Canaveral Cruise Ships and Cocoa Beach Area Hotels/Cape Canaveral.
If you prefer to stay near the airport the night before your cruise, you can book a Fly Snooze Cruise package, which includes a hotel stay and shuttle transportation to Port Canaveral. This option allows you to relax and eliminate the risk of missing your cruise departure due to flight delays or traffic jams.
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Daytona Beach Airport (DAB)
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is located about 50 miles northeast of Orlando and is a secondary airport for the Orlando area. The airport is a hub for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Elite Airways, with the majority of flights operated by these airlines. DAB has one terminal with two levels: the Ground Transportation Level and the Ticketing/Baggage Claim Level. The terminal has shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. DAB offers various transportation options, including rental cars, shuttle services, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
The trip from DAB to Port Canaveral takes about an hour in light traffic but can take up to two hours during peak hours. DAB handles around 1,500 passengers daily, with an average of 60 daily flights. It is recommended to book transportation in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability and avoid delays.
Florida Sunshine Shuttle provides shuttle services from DAB to Port Canaveral. Advanced reservations are required, and early morning or late-night fees may apply. Additionally, a surcharge is added for reservations made within a certain number of days of travel.
When returning from your cruise, Florida Sunshine Shuttle recommends allowing a two-hour window for arrival at DAB to proceed through TSA. Passengers must arrive no later than one hour before their flight, as the airline will not accept bags after this time. Pickups from the port begin between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
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Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB)
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral's cruise terminals. However, it has a slightly longer travel time than Orlando International Airport (MCO).
If you're taking a cruise from Port Canaveral, you might want to consider flying into MLB Airport. Carnival Cruise Line offers a transfer service from the airport to the cruise terminal, but your flight must arrive at Melbourne International Airport by 12:30 PM on the day of your cruise. The transfer service is provided by Sunward Tours and costs $39.99 per person. It operates between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and a representative will escort you to the pier transportation after you have collected your luggage and proceeded to the ground transportation area.
If you arrive before your sail date, you must be at the meeting point by 12:00 PM on the day of sailing. You can contact Sunward Tours with any queries on the day of sailing.
There are also transportation services available from Port Canaveral to MLB Airport when your cruise ends. Return flights must not be any earlier than 12:00 PM on the day of debarkation, and a pier representative will direct guests to their motorcoach after clearing customs and exiting the terminal.
MLB Airport is a good option if you're looking for a quieter airport experience before your cruise. However, it is important to note that it has a longer travel time than MCO, which is the go-to choice for many flying in and out of Orlando. MCO is only a 45-minute drive from Port Canaveral and offers direct highway access, the fastest travel time to the ship terminals, and a wide range of airline carriers and destinations.
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Travel options to Port Canaveral
There are several travel options to get to Port Canaveral, depending on your budget and preferences.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The Orlando International Airport is the most popular choice for cruisers. It is located 45.3 miles west of Port Canaveral and offers direct highway access, making it the fastest travel route to the ship terminals. The airport services nearly four dozen airlines, offering flights to over 140 destinations in 27 countries. It also features a wide range of dining and retail options across its four gate areas. The drive from the airport to Port Canaveral takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour on the highway.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
The Sanford Airport is located 60 to 66 miles northwest of Port Canaveral. It is a smaller, less crowded, and more economical alternative to Orlando International Airport. While flying into Sanford can save you money due to its budget-friendly fares, it is also the farthest airport from Port Canaveral. It serves fewer cities but still caters to over 3 million passengers annually and offers international flights. Transportation costs from this airport can be more expensive due to the distance.
Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
The Melbourne Orlando International Airport is located approximately 25 miles or 40 minutes south of Port Canaveral. While it is the closest airport to Port Canaveral's cruise terminals, it has a slightly longer travel time than Orlando International Airport.
Transportation Options
Once you arrive at the airport, there are various transportation options to get to Port Canaveral:
- Rental Cars: Renting a car can be a good option, but it can be pricey and lead to longer wait times. Additionally, there are parking fees to consider if you plan to keep the car during your cruise.
- Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels near the airports offer shuttle services to Port Canaveral, providing a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
- Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available at the airports, but they can be expensive, especially for larger groups.
- Coach Buses: Coach buses are a convenient option for larger groups, offering comfortable and spacious transportation to Port Canaveral.
- Helicopter Charters: Helicopter charters are available for those who want a unique and luxurious travel experience, but they are the most expensive option.
Additionally, there are cruise parking packages available at Port Canaveral, offering convenient and affordable parking options for those who drive their own vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, at under 30 miles away.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular airport for cruisers. It is the largest airport with the most flight options and convenient access to the highway.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a quieter, more economical option. It is further from the port but offers cheaper flights and is a major hub for cruise lines. Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) is another alternative, but it is the furthest airport from Port Canaveral at 70 miles away.
