Lois Larson
Orlando, Florida is served by several airports, including Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Orlando International Airport, located just 6 miles from downtown Orlando, is the primary international airport in the area and the busiest airport in the state of Florida. Orlando Sanford International Airport, on the other hand, is located in Sanford, about 27 miles northeast of downtown Orlando, and caters to both international and domestic travellers. Orlando Executive Airport is the closest airport to Orlando, just 5 miles away, but it is a smaller facility compared to the other two. Each airport offers different advantages, such as quick connections, shorter waits, or convenient transportation options, catering to a variety of traveller needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Orlando International Airport |
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Area | 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi) |
| Control Tower Height | 345 feet (North America's fourth tallest) |
| Passenger Traffic | 57,211,628 (2024) |
| Ranking in Florida | Busiest airport in the state |
| Ranking in the US | Ninth busiest airport |
| Operating Airlines | Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines |
| Top Destinations | Atlanta, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Juan |
| Parking | Accepts E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders |
| Rail Service | Brightline higher-speed regional rail service to South Florida |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The airport's code, MCO, originates from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation closed in 1975 after the Vietnam War. Covering 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi), MCO is the fifth-largest airport in the US by land area. It features North America's fourth-tallest control tower at 345 feet. Orlando was also a designated emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle. The airport's runways on the west side, 18L/36R and 18R/36L, were designed for B-52 Stratofortress bombers and are located near NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center.
The Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal opened in November 2017, featuring a 2,500-space parking garage and the Brightline regional rail service to South Florida, which began operations in 2023. In 2015, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority approved the construction of the $1.8 billion South Terminal Complex, with Terminal C opening in September 2022, adding 20 gates.
MCO offers both bus and train public transportation options to and from the airport, providing convenient access for passengers. The airport also provides a range of dining and shopping options for travellers. With its proximity to amusement parks, MCO is an ideal choice for travellers seeking quick access to Orlando's attractions.
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Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport started as Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft. It was commissioned on November 3, 1942, and was used by the U.S. Navy until 1969. The City of Sanford took control of the facility in 1969 and renamed it Sanford Airport. The airport was a general aviation facility for the next 25 years, and it hosted civilian and military air shows and static displays. The control tower was reactivated in the early 1970s, employing retired Navy air traffic controllers.
The airport has undergone several name changes over the years, including Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport. The oldest Navy buildings were demolished in the 1980s and 1990s, while those from the 1950s and 1960s were renovated for civil use. New buildings and hangars were also added. In the mid-1990s, a new passenger terminal capable of accommodating jet airliners was constructed.
Orlando Sanford International Airport is known for its convenience and friendly atmosphere. It offers direct flights and efficient security lines, making it a popular choice for families travelling with pets. The airport provides easy access to Florida's most popular destinations, including local hotspots, family-fun attractions, and amusement parks.
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Airport transport options
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport serving Orlando, Florida. It is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando and is the busiest airport in the state of Florida.
Orlando International Airport offers a range of transport options for passengers travelling to and from the airport. Here are some of the options available:
Shuttle Services
Mears Connect is the preferred transportation service provider for Orlando International Airport and offers shuttle services to and from the airport. They service Walt Disney World Resorts, Disney Springs Resorts, and many other Disney area resorts. Mears Connect provides standard and express shuttle services, which are wheelchair-accessible and ADA-compliant. They offer ample luggage room and 24/7 ride service, ensuring that you won't be stranded at the airport due to delayed or cancelled flights.
Orlando Transportation is another company that provides shuttle services, limo services, and individual or group transfers from Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Sanford Airport to various destinations, including the Orange County Convention Center, hotels, and theme parks. They offer a seamless and hassle-free travel experience with experienced drivers who are well-versed in the local area.
Public Transport
The Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal provides connections to the regional rail service, Brightline, which began service in 2023. This service offers higher-speed rail transport to South Florida.
Taxis and Ridesharing
While not mentioned directly on the airport's website, traditional taxi services and ridesharing options like Uber are likely available at Orlando International Airport. These options may be useful if you're looking for a more direct or private transport to your destination.
Rental Cars
Car rental services are also available at Orlando International Airport, providing travellers with the option to drive themselves to their destination. This can be a convenient choice if you plan on exploring the wider area during your stay.
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Airport history
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport serving Orlando, Florida. The airport is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando. In 2024, it handled 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest airport in the United States.
The airport's history can be traced back to the former McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation. When the base closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War, part of the facility remained under military control to support the Naval Training Center Orlando and other tenant commands. The airport code MCO is derived from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base.
Throughout the 1970s, Shawnee Airlines operated direct flights between MCO and Walt Disney World, utilising de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter commuter aircraft. These flights connected MCO to the Walt Disney World STOL Airport, a small airfield near the Magic Kingdom's parking lot that was short-lived. The deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 contributed to increased air service to Orlando, and by that year, the airport was handling 5 million passengers.
Over the years, MCO has undergone significant expansion and improvements. In 1994, the airport received the "Airports Are For The People" award for outstanding customer service from Airport Interviewing and Research, Inc. In 1995, it was recognised with the Design Arts award for Phase II Expansion projects. From 1993 to 2014, AirTran Airways operated a hub at MCO, and in 2002, Chautauqua Airlines replaced Comair as the primary Delta Connection carrier. In 2005, MCO introduced an E-Pass electronic garage parking payment system and became the first airport in Florida to accept E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders for parking payments.
In 2015, Emirates announced daily service to the airport from Dubai International Airport, marking a significant milestone as Orlando International became the first airport in Florida served by Emirates. The inaugural flight was operated with an Airbus A380. The Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal, a $684 million project, opened in November 2017, featuring a 2,500-space parking garage and connections to the Terminal A/B complex. In 2022, the South Terminal Complex's first phase, Terminal C, was completed, adding 20 new gates.
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Other nearby airports
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport in Orlando, Florida. However, there are several other airports in the vicinity that serve the region.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Located 27 miles northeast of downtown Orlando, in Sanford, Florida, this airport is convenient for travellers heading to the northern suburbs of Orlando or those wishing to explore the eastern coast of Central Florida. Orlando Sanford International Airport caters to travellers who prefer a more straightforward and tranquil travel experience. It is characterised by its smaller size and less crowded environment, making it ideal for quick transfers and shorter wait times. However, it does not offer public transportation options, and passengers rely on taxis, rideshares, or shuttle services to get to and from the airport.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Daytona Beach International Airport is approximately 53 miles from Orlando, Florida. It serves domestic travellers and is a good option for those looking for a quick getaway to the beaches of Central Florida.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Located 91 miles from Orlando, Tampa International Airport is another alternative for travellers.
Nearby Domestic Airports
There are several other smaller airports near Orlando, Florida, including Walt Disney World Airport (23 miles), Kissimmee Gateway Airport (25 miles), Leesburg International Airport (42 miles), Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport (44 miles), and Space Coast Regional Airport (46 miles).
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Frequently asked questions
The primary international airport in Orlando, Florida is called Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The airport code for Orlando International Airport is MCO, which comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base.
Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest airport in the United States. In 2024, it served 57,211,628 passengers.
Yes, there are several other airports near Orlando, Florida, including Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is 27 miles from Orlando, and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which is 53 miles from Orlando.
