Tips, Transportation

Airports Near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals

April 20, 2023

Flying into the right airport that meets your needs and caters to your preferences can make your cruise vacation from Port Canaveral a breeze.

With three main airports near Port Canaveral—Orlando International Airport (MCO), Sanford Airport (SFB), and Melbourne Airport (MLB)—you’ve got options.

This guide is here to help you compare and decide which airport suits your pre- and post-cruise travel needs best.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Enjoy the Fastest Route to Your Cruise

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 45.3 miles west of Port Canaveral. It’s the most popular choice for cruisers, thanks to its direct highway access and the fastest travel time to the ship terminals.

MCO services nearly four dozen airlines, offering flights to over 140 destinations in 27 countries. You’ll find more than 150 shops and restaurants across its four gate areas.

Benefits of flying into Orlando International Airport

Shortest travel time to Port Canaveral: The direct highway route makes for a smooth trip and allows them to get on their cruise ship and start their vacation right away.
Vast selection of airline carriers: You have plenty of flight options to ensure you have enough time to arrive a day early and ensure that you don’t miss your departure time at Port Canaveral.
Larger airport near Port Canaveral: Orlando International Airport is a hub of activity, boasting numerous dining and retail locations.
Close to entertainment: If you’re planning to visit theme parks, you’re in luck—Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are just a short distance away.

Transportation from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral

Renting a car, using a hotel shuttle, or booking a rideshare to get from the Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral can be pricey, lead to longer wait times, and may not accommodate all of your cruise luggage.

Instead, cruisers who opt for Go Port’s Port Canaveral transportation services enjoy a cool, comfortable ride from the airport to their cruise terminal on one of our roomy luxury coach buses that feature plenty of room for luggage. Or, if opting for our Fly Snooze Cruise option, you’ll have shuttle service from the airport directly to your preferred Orlando hotel and then a shuttle to the terminal the following day.

Best of all, Go Port provides transportation services to all of the Port Canaveral cruise line terminals, including:

Shuttle transportation direct to your cruise from Port Canaveral makes the start to your cruise vacation easier, more manageable, and less stressful. Plus, you’ll save money that you can spend on your cruise.

Orlando Airport Cruise Hotel Packages

Instead of flying into Orlando Airport and then traveling directly to the Port Canaveral terminal on the same day, you’ll want to consider booking one of our Fly Snooze Cruise packages for a seamless start to your trip.

These packages combine an Orlando hotel stay the day before your cruise with transportation to your cruise terminal on the day of your departure to help eliminate the risk of missing your cruise departure time due to flight flight delays or traffic jams.

View our pre-cruise Orlando hotel package options to find the best deal for hotels near Port Canaveral cruise ship terminals.

Orlando Sanford International Airport

Save Money Flying into SFB

Orlando Sanford Airport — Photo by Orlando Sentinel

The Sanford Airport (SFB) is located 60.6 miles northwest of Port Canaveral. It’s a smaller, less crowded alternative to Orlando Airport. While flying into Sanford can save you money, thanks to the budget-friendly fares offered by Allegiant Airlines, it’s also the farthest airport from Port Canaveral. So be sure to compare your flight savings with transportation costs from Sanford to Port Canaveral to ensure the best overall value for your trip.

Benefits of flying into Sanford Airport

Smaller, less crowded airport
Offers some of the cheapest airfare
Convenient for flying with Allegiant Airlines

If you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back and economical airport experience before your Port Canaveral cruise, Orlando Sanford International Airport is a great choice.

Pre-Cruise Hotel Packages for Sanford Airport (SFB)

Our Fly Snooze Cruise packages are not just limited to cruisers who fly into Orlando. They’re also available for those flying into Sanford,too!

Our Sanford Airport hotels package includes a relaxing stay in your choice of accommodations and shuttle transportation to Port Canaveral, making your journey to the terminal more relaxing, less expensive and hassle-free. Plus, after you disembark at the end of your cruise, hop on a Go Port shuttle for an easy trip back to Sanford Airport for your flight home.

Check out the hotel packages available for Sanford Airport pre-cruise stays.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

The Closest Airport to Port Canaveral

orlando-melbourne-airport — Photo by Melbourne International Airport

Since it’s located 27.5 miles south of the cruise terminals, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is actually the closest to Port Canaveral out of the three airports. However, despite being physically closer, the commute from MLB to Port Canaveral might take longer than from Orlando Airport due to frequent high traffic conditions.

Benefits of flying into Melbourne Airport

Idyllic coastal location: Located near the beach, flying into MLB offers a more scenic drive up the coast to Port Canaveral
Convenient for flying: Served by four commercial airlines, including Delta and American Airlines, offering daily, nonstop flights to hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte
Smaller, less crowded airport

Cruise Hotel Package Options for Melbourne Airport

Fly Snooze Cruise packages are a fantastic option for cruisers flying into Melbourne Airport. These packages conveniently bundle hotel accommodations with first-rate transportation to the cruise terminals so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting from plane to port.

Explore our Melbourne Airport Fly Snooze Cruise options for a stress-free start to your cruise experience.

Your Perfect Start: Choosing the Best Airport for Your Port Canaveral Cruise

Choosing the right airport is crucial for a stress-free cruise experience. Whether you prioritize convenience, cost, or a scenic route, there’s an option for you. Go Port’s Fly Snooze Cruise packages offer a streamlined pre-cruise plan for Port Canaveral cruisers flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) or Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB).

Learn more and book your custom Fly Snooze Cruise package for Orlando International Airport (MCO), Sanford Airport (SFB), and Melbourne Airport (MLB) today to ensure your trip begins without a hitch.

Airports Near Port Canaveral FAQs

- Which airport is closest to Port Canaveral Florida?
  The closest airport in distance to Port Canaveral is Melbourne Airport (MLB), located 27.5 miles south with a travel time of 50 minutes. Although further in distance, the Orlando Airport (MCO) has a shorter travel time of 45 minutes.
- What is the closest major airport to Port Canaveral?
  The closest major airport to Port Canaveral is Orlando Airport (MCO).
- What airports can you fly into for a cruise from Port Canaveral?
  Orlando Airport (MCO): 45.3 miles from Port Canaveral / 45 minute travel time
  Sanford Airport (SFB): 60.6 miles from Port Canaveral / 65 minute travel time
  Melbourne Airport (MLB): 27.5 miles from Port Canaveral / 50 minute travel time
- Is there a shuttle from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral?
  Yes, Go Port offers shuttles from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral for just $29.99 per person.
- How long is the shuttle from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral?
  The ride from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral is about 45 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- How far is Orlando Airport from Port Canaveral cruise lines?
  The Orlando Airport is about 45 miles away from Port Canaveral’s cruise lines with a travel time of 45 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic.