How Far Is Sanford Airport from Orlando Airport?
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Orlando International Airport (MCO). The drive takes 40–50 minutes in normal traffic via SR-417 South, and up to 65 minutes during peak hours.
SFB → MCO transfer: Orlando Sanford (SFB) and Orlando International (MCO) are two separate airports about 35 miles apart, roughly a 40–50 minute drive via SR-417. Most SFB arrivals are heading to Disney, downtown, I-Drive, or Port Canaveral rather than MCO itself, so the choice comes down to route, luggage, and time-of-day. A private car service is the most reliable option — flat pricing, flight tracking, meet-and-greet at baggage claim, and no rideshare surge or wait time. Booking in advance locks the vehicle class and price, which matters because SFB has fewer late-night rideshare drivers than MCO.
Distance & travel time from SFB
Real-world drive times from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Central Florida's most common destinations, in normal and peak traffic.
| Route | Distance | Typical Time | Peak Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFB → MCO (via SR-417) | 35 mi / 56 km | 40–50 min | 60–65 min |
| SFB → Downtown Orlando | 28 mi / 45 km | 35–40 min | 55 min |
| SFB → Disney World | 45 mi / 72 km | 50–60 min | 75 min |
| SFB → Universal Orlando | 38 mi / 61 km | 45–55 min | 70 min |
| SFB → International Drive | 40 mi / 64 km | 45–55 min | 70 min |
| SFB → Port Canaveral | 65 mi / 105 km | 70–80 min | 95 min |
SFB vs MCO — which airport is closer to your destination?
For most theme-park travelers, Orlando International (MCO) is closer to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and the Orange County Convention Center. For guests staying downtown, in Lake Mary, or in Sanford itself, SFB is closer and faster to clear.
SFB's advantage is scale — it's a smaller, quieter airport, so security and baggage move quickly. Its disadvantage is ground transportation: fewer rideshare drivers, no direct train, and a longer drive to the Disney corridor than MCO. If your inbound fares are similar, MCO usually wins for Disney trips, and SFB usually wins for downtown or Volusia County stays.
Transportation options from Sanford Airport
- Private car service — recommended. Flat-rate, meet-and-greet at baggage claim, no surge, flight tracking. See SFB private transfers and fare calculator.
- Rideshare (Uber / Lyft). Cheapest solo, but SFB has fewer drivers than MCO — long waits at 10pm+ arrivals. Prices surge on holidays.
- Rental car. Best if you plan multiple daily trips or off-corridor stays. Costs balloon in peak weeks and hotel parking is $30–50/night on the Disney corridor.
- Shuttle / shared van. Cheapest, slowest. Multi-stop routing adds 30–60 min to your trip. Not door-to-door for many hotels.
How much does a car service from SFB cost?
Our flat-rate private sedan from Orlando Sanford (SFB) to the Walt Disney World resort area is $135. To downtown Orlando or I-Drive it's around $110. Cadillac Escalades, Lincoln Navigators, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans scale from there based on party size and luggage. Every rate includes tolls, fuel, meet-and-greet, flight tracking, and a standard chauffeur gratuity.
For an exact quote to any Central Florida address, see the full rates table or run the fare calculator.
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FAQs — SFB to MCO distance
How far is Sanford Airport from Orlando Airport?
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Orlando International Airport (MCO). The drive takes 40–50 minutes via SR-417 South in normal traffic, and 60–65 minutes at peak hours.
Is Sanford Airport the same as Orlando Airport?
No. Sanford (SFB) and Orlando International (MCO) are two separate airports. MCO is the primary international airport 6 miles south of downtown Orlando. SFB is a secondary airport 18 miles north of downtown, used mostly by Allegiant and international charters. Always check your ticket carefully — the codes look similar but the airports are 35 miles apart.
How long is the drive from SFB to Disney World?
The drive from Orlando Sanford (SFB) to the Walt Disney World resort area is approximately 45 miles and takes 50–60 minutes in normal traffic via SR-417 South. During peak weekend or holiday traffic, budget 75 minutes.
Is there a shuttle between SFB and MCO?
There is no direct scheduled shuttle between SFB and MCO. Travelers connecting between the two airports typically use a private car service, rideshare, or a taxi. A private chauffeur is the most reliable choice because SFB has limited late-night rideshare availability.
How much is a taxi or car service from Sanford Airport to Orlando?
A flat-rate private sedan from SFB to the Disney resort area is typically around $135, and to downtown Orlando around $110. SUVs and Sprinter vans scale from there. Taxis and rideshare vary widely based on time-of-day and surge pricing — use our /fare-calculator for an exact flat rate to your destination.