MCO to SFB: Orlando International vs. Sanford Airport Compared (2026)

Orlando actually has two airports, and mixing them up is an easy mistake to make — especially if you booked a flight deal without checking which one it lands at. Here’s the short version: if you’re comparing the two before booking, Orlando International (MCO) is the better pick for most theme park trips as it’s closer to Disney and Universal and has far more transportation options once you land. If you’re specifically asking how to get from one airport to the other, it’s about 34 miles and a 35–40 minute drive, and expect to pay somewhere around $60 for a private ride or rideshare between them.

 

Let’s go through both situations properly.

 

MCO and SFB, Side by Side 

 

 

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

 

Size: Over 50 million passengers a year
Airlines: Major carriers including Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and more
Distance to Disney: About 20–25 miles, or 25–35 minutes
Terminals: Three terminals: A, B, and C
Ground Transportation: Rideshare, taxis, shuttles, rental cars, and private cars are readily available
Best For: Most travelers, especially those visiting the theme parks

 

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

 

Size: About 3 million passengers a year
Airlines: Mostly Allegiant Air, plus seasonal international leisure and charter flights
Distance to Disney: About 35–45 miles, or 45–65 minutes
Terminals: One building with two connected sides
Ground Transportation: More limited, with fewer rideshare drivers typically available
Best For: Budget travelers flying with Allegiant or visitors staying with family in the northern suburbs

 

 

If You’re Actually Traveling Between the Two Airports 

 

Sometimes this isn’t a “which airport” decision at all — maybe you’re returning a rental car at one and catching a flight from the other, or a family member is arriving on a separate flight into a different airport than the rest of your group.

 

The drive between MCO and SFB is about 34 miles, typically taking 35–40 minutes without heavy traffic. Rideshare fares for this specific route tend to average around $60, though that moves with demand like any rideshare fare does. A pre-booked private car covers the same distance for a flat rate agreed on ahead of time, which is worth considering if you’re already juggling flight connections and don’t want a price that shifts based on when you actually land.

 

Why Someone Would Choose SFB Anyway 

 

Given the distance and thinner transportation options, it’s fair to ask why anyone picks SFB over MCO. The answer is almost always price. SFB is Allegiant Air’s Orlando base, and Allegiant frequently offers fares well below what legacy carriers charge into MCO — especially from smaller or mid-sized cities that don’t have much direct competition. For a family flying from a regional airport, the fare difference can be substantial enough to make the extra 20–30 minutes of driving worth it.

 

SFB also tends to be a calmer airport experience overall — smaller, less crowded, and quicker to get through security, since it handles a fraction of MCO’s traffic. If you’re not in a rush and don’t mind the longer drive to the parks, that’s a real, legitimate upside.

 

The Ground Transportation Difference Nobody Mentions 

 

This is the part that catches first-time SFB flyers off guard. At MCO, rideshare drivers are constantly cycling through, so a car usually shows up within a few minutes any time of day. At SFB, far fewer drivers stage there, and if your flight lands late at night — which is common with Allegiant’s schedule — you can end up waiting a while for a rideshare to become available at all.

 

This is exactly the situation where booking a private car ahead of time matters more than it would at MCO. You’re not depending on whether a rideshare driver happens to be nearby when you land; your ride is already arranged and waiting.

 

So Which One Should You Book? 

 

If your priority is getting to the parks quickly and having plenty of transportation options the moment you land, MCO is the more convenient choice, plain and simple. If you found a noticeably cheaper Allegiant fare into SFB and don’t mind the extra drive time, it’s still a perfectly workable option. Just plan your ground transportation ahead of time instead of counting on a rideshare showing up quickly, especially for a late arrival.

 

Either way, the airport you land at doesn’t need to complicate your trip if you’ve got a ride sorted out before you land.

 

Getting Around, Whichever Airport You Land At

 

We run private transfers to and from both Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Sanford (SFB), so switching which airport you fly into doesn’t mean switching companies. Every ride includes flight tracking, a driver who meets you at baggage claim, and tolls and fees built into one flat price. For more on what to expect specifically at MCO, our Orlando airport car service guide covers terminal details and pickup logistics. If you’re weighing us against Disney’s official shuttle option, our Mears Connect vs. Private Car comparison has that breakdown too.

 

You can see current pricing for both airports on our rates page.

 

FAQ 

 

How far is it from MCO to SFB?

 

About 34 miles, typically a 35–40 minute drive without heavy traffic.

 

Is SFB or MCO closer to Disney World?

 

MCO is closer — about 20–25 miles versus SFB’s 35–45 miles.

 

Why do some flights land at SFB instead of MCO?

 

SFB is Allegiant Air’s Orlando base, and it also handles seasonal international charter flights. Fares into SFB are often cheaper, especially from smaller regional airports.

 

Is it harder to get a ride from SFB than MCO?

 

Yes, generally. Far fewer rideshare drivers stage at SFB, so wait times can run longer, especially for late-night arrivals. A pre-booked private car avoids that uncertainty.

 

Do private car services cover both MCO and SFB?

 

Some do and some don’t — worth confirming before you book. We run transfers to and from both airports.

 

Call or text 📞 407-697-6002 to book your transfer from either airport, or visit Orlando Superior Transportation to see rates and book online.