Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a popular alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for those flying into Central Florida. Located about 30 miles north of downtown Orlando, it serves as the low-cost carrier hub for Central Florida. Allegiant Air operates domestic routes here, and the airport just added international service with Arajet launching flights to Punta Cana in October 2025. What you get is a more relaxed, less crowded alternative to the chaotic MCO, which makes it a solid choice if you’re after an easier airport experience.
Everything to know about Sanford’s terminals
Sanford has a single passenger terminal building with different ends for various airlines. You don’t have to worry about terminal transfers; everything’s under one roof. The compact layout at the airport makes getting around straightforward and easy.
The terminal offers dining and shopping options, though on a smaller scale than larger airports like MCO. For food, Zaza (Cuban Comfort Food) handles the fast-casual side while Sanford Tap covers sit-down meals. Shopping includes Sanford Market and Hudson, both news and gift shops offering souvenirs and convenience items.
Sanford alternative airports
MCO is the primary airport serving the Orlando area, located south of Sanford. It offers a wider selection of domestic and international flights from major airlines, but it’s one of the busiest airports in the country. Security lines can be lengthy, especially during peak family travel periods like the holidays or spring break.
You could also look at Tampa International Airport (TPA), west of Sanford. It’s a bit of a drive to the Orlando attractions, but TPA is famous for its efficiency and easy navigation. If your trip includes a visit to Florida’s Gulf Coast, flying into Tampa is a no-brainer.
If you’re heading east toward the Space Coast or Port Canaveral, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is a smart move. It’s about the same distance from the cruise port as Sanford but offers a bit more flight flexibility. From DAB, you’re looking at about an hour’s drive to downtown Orlando.
How to get between Sanford and MCO
The airports are about 30 miles apart – a 30-minute drive, though traffic can easily double that. To transfer between them, you’ll need to pre-book a shuttle or take a taxi or rideshare. The SunRail is another option, running between Sanford and Sand Lake Road stations, with taxis or rideshares connecting you to each airport.
Plan for at least four hours to connect between airports. This gives you time to grab checked bags, make the drive or train ride, re-check your bag and clear security. Flying into MCO from an international destination and transferring to Sanford? Add another one or two hours for immigration.
How to get to Orlando attractions from Sanford
Sanford is a driving-centric airport, so your best bet is usually renting a car or grabbing a rideshare. Public transportation is limited - there’s no on-airport rail, and the nearest SunRail station is offsite, operating Monday through Friday only. Here’s the breakdown for getting to Orlando’s top spots.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is about a 55-minute to one-hour drive from Sanford depending on which park you’re heading to – Magic Kingdom takes about 55 minutes, while EPCOT and Disney Springs are closer to an hour. The most convenient way to reach the resort is by rental car, taxi or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Shuttle services work too, but you’ll need to book in advance. Public transportation requires multiple transfers and significant time, so I don’t recommend it. If you’re looking to save on taxi or rideshare costs, you could drive to the Sanford SunRail station and take the train to Kissimmee station.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal is closer than Disney to the airport. Again, rideshares and rental cars are the most popular choices. You could take the SunRail to LYNX Central Station and grab a taxi from there to shave off some costs, but it adds a transfer.
LEGOLAND Resort
LEGOLAND is a bit of a trek at about one hour 40 minutes southwest of the airport. With Orlando’s notorious traffic, that can stretch even longer. Rideshares will be pricey for this distance, so renting a car is likely your most cost-effective and convenient option.
Downtown Orlando
Downtown is about a 30-minute drive from Sanford. It’s an easy trip by taxi, rideshare, or rental car. The SunRail is also a solid choice here, with several stops right in the downtown area, including LYNX Central, Church Street, and Orlando Health/Amtrak.
Port Canaveral
Cruising out of Port Canaveral? Sanford is a popular airport for it. The port is about one hour and 5 minutes away according to SFB drive times. A rental car or rideshare is the easiest way to go, but you can also find shared shuttles that might save you some money, especially if you’re traveling solo.
Should I rent a car, book a shuttle or take a taxi or rideshare from Sanford?
The big question. It really comes down to your itinerary. If you plan on hopping between theme parks, exploring different neighborhoods and generally being on the move, renting a car will almost certainly be cheaper than racking up rideshare fares. If you’re planting yourself at one resort for the whole trip, you can probably get by with a single rideshare and the resort’s transportation.
Traveling with a crew? A minivan rental is often more economical than ordering multiple XL rideshares or paying for several seats on a shared shuttle. Don’t let per-person pricing on shuttles fool you, it adds up fast for families.
And a final pro-tip for families: think about car seats. It’s often easiest to bring your own and install it in a rental car. While some rideshare services offer vehicles with car seats, availability can vary, and you don’t want to be left waiting.
TSA security lines at Sanford
Here’s one of the best features at SFB: the security lines are usually a breeze. Because it’s a smaller airport, you typically won’t face the long, winding queues common at MCO. The airport has TSA PreCheck lanes for expedited screening, but it doesn’t have CLEAR. Even though it’s a chill airport, give yourself a little extra time if you’re flying during peak season like the holidays or spring break.
What to do during a layover at Sanford
Sanford isn’t a major layover hub, but it happens, especially for Allegiant travelers. If you find yourself with time to kill, here’s how to make the most of it.
Less than three hours
If your layover is shorter than three hours, it’s best to stay put at the airport - you won’t have much time for anything outside. Sanford doesn’t have lounges, so you’re limited to dining and shopping at the handful of businesses within the terminal. The free WiFi is your friend here: download a book to an e-reader or stream your favorite show to pass the time.
Three to six hours
With three to six hours, you can visit local Sanford attractions. Visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which is nearby, or stretch your legs with a walk at Spring Hammock Preserve. Downtown Sanford is also a great option, with a charming waterfront, shops, and restaurants. For a meal with a view, check out St. Johns River Steak and Seafood.
More than six hours
With a long layover, you can head into downtown Orlando, about a 30-minute drive away. There, you’ll find a ton of restaurants and bars, plus cultural spots like the Orlando Science Center and the Orange County Regional History Center. It’s a great way to get a taste of the city beyond the theme parks.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
