Ocala Airport: Who's Flying Out And Where To?

who flys out of ocala airport

If you're looking to fly out of Ocala, Florida, you have a few options. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport with flights from major carriers, situated 90 miles from Ocala. However, you can also fly out of Ocala International Airport (OCF), with flights offered at discount rates from major airlines all year round. To secure a cheap flight, it's recommended to be flexible with carriers, flight times, and dates.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Ocala International Airport
Airport Code OCF
Airport Location Ocala, Florida
Airlines Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and more
Destinations Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Newark, New York, Fort Myers, etc.
Flight Price Range $19 (one-way), $123-$205 (round trip)
Tips for Cheap Flights Be flexible with carriers, flight times, and dates; compare prices with nearby airports; book in advance or last minute

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Airlines flying out of Ocala Airport

Although there is an Ocala International Airport (OCF), most flights to Ocala, Florida, land at Orlando International Airport (MCO), 90 miles from the city. This airport is served by major carriers and offers flights to and from various destinations across the world.

Some of the airlines flying out of Ocala International Airport include Delta, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines. However, it is important to note that the availability of flights and airlines may vary depending on your location and the time of your search.

When searching for flights from Ocala, it is recommended to be flexible with your travel dates and carriers to find the best deals. Additionally, consider comparing prices with nearby airports, such as Orlando International Airport, as flights without stopovers tend to be more expensive.

According to Expedia, Sundays are typically the best day to purchase plane tickets, and the optimal booking window is between 21 and 45 days before takeoff. However, last-minute planners can also find bargains, with some of the cheapest fares appearing 2-4 weeks before departure.

When planning your trip to Ocala, keep in mind that there are various attractions to explore, such as the Ocala National Forest, Sholom Park, and the Florida Trail for nature enthusiasts.

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How to get cheap flights from Ocala Airport

Although Ocala is served by only one major airport, there are several ways to get cheap flights from Ocala Airport.

Firstly, flexibility is key. If you're not tied to particular carriers, flight times, and travel dates, you can score a great deal. Compare the prices of flying out of and into alternative airports if that's an option. Most flights are free to cancel within 24 hours of making the reservation, so you can book with confidence if you find a bargain. Also, be aware that non-stop flights are often more expensive, so you might save money by choosing a route with connections.

Secondly, timing plays a big role when it comes to finding a cheap flight. According to Expedia, Sundays are the best day to buy a plane ticket. However, prices fluctuate with demand, so it's a good idea to check prices regularly. The optimal booking window is from 21 days to around 45 days before takeoff, so the earlier you begin looking, the better your chances of finding a good deal. For domestic flights, it's best to book at least a month in advance, and for international flights, you should book around six months in advance to save 10% on average.

Thirdly, use price-tracking tools such as Google Flights to find cheap flights, track price changes, and book tickets. You can also use Travelocity to compare international airfares up to 12 months in advance, although not all airlines release their prices that far ahead.

Finally, if you're looking for a cheap flight from a specific location to Ocala, here are some of the cheapest routes according to Google Flights:

  • Delta flight from Atlanta, starting at $239 from June 19 to June 25
  • American flight from Dallas, starting at $320 from August 14 to August 20
  • American flight from Chicago, starting at $329 from July 4 to July 12
  • American flight from New York, starting at $257 from June 5 to June 11

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Transport to Ocala Airport

There are several transport options for getting to Ocala Airport. The closest airport with flights from major carriers is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is 90 miles from Ocala. Tampa International Airport is also nearby, at 104 miles from Ocala. Various shuttle operators provide terminal-to-destination services from Orlando to Ocala. Shuttleliner of Ocala offers airport shuttles and other transportation services in the Ocala, Florida area. They offer a private transportation service between Ocala, Tampa, and Orlando, as well as other cities in Florida. It costs $70 one way to book online, $25 for children under 8, and an extra $10 when booking with an agent.

If you want to drive yourself to the airport, Ocala International Airport (OCF) offers long-term parking that is safe and secure for your vehicle. If you don't want to deal with parking, you can ask a friend or family member to drive you to the airport and take advantage of short-term parking.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, the best way to get from Ocala to Orlando Airport without a car is to take the bus and Amtrak Thruway, which takes 7 hours and costs $15-$23. However, there is no direct bus service, so the journey includes transfers.

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Attractions in Ocala

Ocala, Florida, is known as the "Horse Capital of the World", with 600 horse farms and a host of horse-related attractions, events, and activities. Visitors can go horseback riding, watch horse shows, and follow the Painted Horse Trail, a trail of colourful, life-size horse statues. Ocala is also home to pristine natural areas, including the Ocala National Forest, the second-largest national forest in Florida, with prairies, pine flatwoods, marshes, and a subtropical jungle. There are also numerous freshwater springs, where visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour, go tubing, kayaking or canoeing, or even swim.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Ocala offers biking and hiking trails, and the chance to soar above treetops on a zip line. There are also more than 20 championship golf courses in the area, including the Candler Hills Golf Club and the Stone Creek Golf Club.

For those looking for a more relaxed pace, Ocala's Downtown Square offers a blend of restaurants, boutiques, salons, and art and cultural exhibits. The nearby Reilly Arts Centre is the city's theatre and music hub, and there are also museums and galleries to explore. Sholom Park, a 44-acre botanical garden, offers a peaceful escape from the city, with over 2 miles of paved trails and more than 100 species of plants. Wine lovers can visit Katya Vineyards, North Central Florida's premier boutique winery and fine-dining restaurant.

For families, a popular destination is the Discovery Center children's museum. There are also accessible attractions, such as the chance to see wild manatees, and pet-friendly restaurants, parks, and events.

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Accommodations in Ocala

There are plenty of accommodation options in Ocala, Florida, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. Here are some recommendations:

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Ocala Cove Motel is a budget-friendly option offering free WiFi, self-parking, and fitness facilities. It also has kitchenettes with full-sized refrigerators and microwaves, and is pet-friendly for dogs.
  • Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ocala is another affordable choice with free WiFi, a snack bar, and an outdoor pool. It is located near hiking and biking trails and is pet-friendly.
  • Shamrock Cove Inn is a cozy option located in Historic Downtown, offering free WiFi and self-parking. It is within walking distance of Ocala Downtown Square and The Insomniac Theater.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Ocala I-75 is a budget-friendly hotel that offers free WiFi, self-parking, and a swimming pool. Pets are welcome for a fee, and nearby attractions include Easy Street Family Fun Center and Paddock Mall.
  • Extended Stay America Select Suites - Ocala is located in the Fort King District and offers free WiFi, self-parking, and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome for a fee, and the Appleton Museum of Art and Fort King are nearby attractions.

Mid-Range Options:

  • Avid Hotels Ocala Downtown, an IHG Hotel, offers free WiFi, self-parking, and 24-hour fitness facilities. It is located near medical centres and Ocala Downtown Square, and provides a 24/7 front desk and laundry facilities.
  • Sleep Inn and Suites - Ocala/Belleview offers comfortable accommodations with free WiFi, a fitness centre, and free parking. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and access to a business centre and laundry facilities. Nearby attractions include the Don Garlits Museum of Racing and SummerGlenn Golf Club.
  • Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Ocala Conference Center, an IHG Hotel, offers free WiFi, parking, and two restaurants. There is also an outdoor pool and fitness centre, and the hotel is located near Paddock Mall and Easy Street Family Fun Center.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Ocala at Heath Brook is a 3-star accommodation located 11 miles from Silver Springs and 23 miles from Rainbow Springs State Park. It offers an outdoor pool and a separate bedroom and living room area.
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ocala is located 10 miles from Silver Springs and 22 miles from Rainbow Springs State Park.

Luxury Options:

  • Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocala FL is a comfortable choice with amenities like free WiFi, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge. It is conveniently located near I-75 Super Flea Market and Ocala Grand Prix.
  • Red Roof Inn Ocala and Candlewood Suites Ocala I-75, an IHG Hotel are popular choices for visitors to Sholom Park, a serene oasis perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Frequently asked questions

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Ocala, Florida, situated around 90 miles away.

There are 34 airlines connecting Ocala with 146 airports globally. Spirit Airlines operates the most flights to Ocala from Atlanta, and Frontier Airlines is another good option.

The key to securing a cheap flight to Ocala is being flexible with carriers, flight times, and dates. Compare the prices of flying into and out of alternative airports, and book at least a month in advance for domestic flights.

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