Orlando Sanford International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (SFB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport, north of downtown Orlando, is an important airport for low-cost and charter companies like Allegiant and TUI, often a more economical alternative to Orlando International (MCO).

Gateway to the theme parks of central Florida, approximately 45-60 minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

Official source: flysfb.com

How to get to Orlando Sanford International Airport

Orlando's theme parks are approximately 40-50 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 45-60 minutes by car or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando in about 45-60 minutes, traffic permitting, a longer journey compared to MCO.

By Train

There is no railroad station at the airport: the SunRail network in the Orlando area has no direct stop at the airport.

By Bus

There is no direct and frequent public bus connection to theme parks: private tourist shuttles, bookable in advance, are the most common option for those not renting a car.

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Tips Orlando Sanford is farther from theme parks compared to Orlando International (MCO): calculate longer transfer times (45-60 minutes versus 20-30) if you booked a flight at this secondary airport to save money.

Average travel time to SFB

TrainNot available (SunRail has no direct airport stop)

Shuttle busNot available (no direct public bus, private shuttle services)

Taxi / Private hire45-60 minutes (50-70 USD)

Parking near Orlando Sanford International Airport

Multi-level parking facilities are located adjacent to the terminal: Economy Lot and Covered Garage (Lot G) both at 17 USD/day.

How to get to Orlando from SFB

By Train

There is no train station at the airport; the SunRail network has no direct stop.

By Bus

There is no direct public bus connection: private tourist shuttles available for advance booking are the most common option.

By Taxi

An Uber/Lyft costs approximately 50-55 USD to Orlando (about 28 miles, 42 minutes); a traditional taxi (not available through Uber at this airport) costs more, approximately 70-90 USD.

Need an airport transfer?

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Car rental at Orlando Sanford International Airport

All major car rental companies have desks in the terminal, highly sought after given this airport's tourism focus: book in advance during peak season.

Hotels near Orlando Sanford International Airport

Orlando Sanford International is the airport of Sanford, in Seminole County: about 40 km from Orlando and the Disney attractions, it's a stand-alone airport, used mainly by charter and low-cost flights, not to be confused with the better-known Orlando International. Travelers with a dawn flight or landing late at night do best sleeping a few minutes from the terminal, in an area with no evening life, though. Those who prefer a more polished atmosphere can choose Sanford's historic downtown, on Lake Monroe. Those who need to get to Orlando or the county's business areas find more chain hotels in Lake Mary, along the interstate.

Airport area

Airport area (Sanford)

Less than 1 km from the terminal: taxi and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are a few minutes from the arrivals curb; there is no direct bus line.

Best for: Travelers with a very early flight or landing late at night who don't want to drive in the dark.

Pros

A few minutes from check-in, convenient for dawn flights
Lower prices than in the city of Orlando

Cons

Industrial area, little to do on foot in the evening
Very limited choice of restaurants nearby

Recommended hotels

Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport A recent property less than 1 km from the terminal, with a free airport shuttle. View availability

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Neighbourhood

Historic downtown Sanford

About 3 km from the terminal, 5-10 minutes by taxi or rideshare; not practical on foot.

Best for: Travelers arriving or departing at a convenient time who want a stay with more character, near Lake Monroe.

Pros

Historic cottages with a garden, not just another chain hotel
Restaurants and the Sanford lakefront a few steps away

Cons

Few rooms, which sell out quickly on weekends
No shuttle to the airport, a taxi or own car is needed

Recommended hotels

Park Place Inn and Cottages Cottages from the early 1900s in the historic center, with the Elevated Eats restaurant in the garden. View availability

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Nearby town

Lake Mary and Heathrow

15-20 minutes by car from the terminal, along State Road 46 and Interstate 4; a taxi, rideshare or rental car is needed.

Best for: Travelers who need to move between the airport, local offices and Orlando, and want more choice of chain hotels.

Pros

More hotels to choose from, with competitive prices
Restaurants and shops reachable on foot from the hotels

Cons

Farther from the terminal than the other areas
An office area, with an anonymous atmosphere in the evening

Recommended hotels

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Airport services

The airport serves central Florida with low-cost and charter connections (Allegiant, TUI), providing a budget-friendly alternative to Orlando International for reaching theme parks, though it is farther away.