What Airport is Near Disney World Park?
Planning a magical trip to Disney World? One of the first steps in your planning is choosing the right airport. Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world. Whether you’re traveling from near or far, knowing the closest airports to Disney World can make your travel experience much smoother. In this guide, we will explore the best airports near Disney World, their proximity to the park, and tips to make your journey more convenient.
Closest Airports to Disney World Florida
When flying to Disney World, it’s essential to choose an airport that minimizes your travel time to the park. Here’s a breakdown of the airports that serve Disney World the best:
1. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Distance to Disney World: 18 miles (approximately 25–30 minutes by car)
- Details: Orlando International Airport is by far the closest major airport to Walt Disney World Resort. Serving millions of passengers annually, it offers both domestic and international flights, making it the most convenient airport for most visitors.
- Transportation Options:
- Rental Cars: Available at the airport and easy to access.
- Ride-sharing Services: Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share services can take you directly to Disney World.
- Shuttles and Private Transport: Disney offers a Magical Express shuttle service, though it’s no longer available for guests. However, there are third-party services available for airport transfers.
2. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
- Distance to Disney World: 40 miles (approximately 50–60 minutes by car)
- Details: Orlando Sanford International Airport is another option for travelers flying into the Orlando area. Although it’s further from Disney World, it’s a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers as it is served by low-cost airlines like Allegiant Air.
- Best For: Visitors looking for a cheaper alternative with domestic flights from cities across the U.S.
- Transportation Options:
- Rental Cars
- Shuttle Services: Pre-booked services are available for airport-to-hotel transfers.
3. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Distance to Disney World: 85 miles (approximately 1.5 hours by car)
- Details: While Tampa International Airport is farther away, it’s another viable option for travelers who might be combining their Disney trip with other Florida attractions. Tampa offers a wide variety of flight options and is often less busy than Orlando International Airport.
- Best For: Those exploring both Orlando and Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- Transportation Options:
- Rental Cars
- Private Transfers: Available through local providers.
What Airport is Near Disneyland in California?
If your trip is taking you to Disneyland in California, the airports near the park can be just as important as the ones near Disney World. Here are the best options for reaching Disneyland in Anaheim, California:
1. John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Distance to Disneyland: 14 miles (approximately 20–25 minutes by car)
- Details: John Wayne Airport is the closest airport to Disneyland and is located in Santa Ana, Orange County. It is a smaller, more manageable airport compared to the larger LAX. SNA offers both domestic and a limited number of international flights.
- Best For: Visitors looking for convenience with easy access to Disneyland.
- Transportation Options:
- Ride-sharing Services: Uber and Lyft offer quick transport to Disneyland.
- Rental Cars: Easily available.
- Shuttle Services: Several companies offer shuttle services from SNA to Disneyland.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Distance to Disneyland: 33 miles (approximately 40–50 minutes by car, depending on traffic)
- Details: LAX is a major international airport that offers the largest number of flight options, especially for international travelers. It’s a bit farther from Disneyland than John Wayne, but with heavy traffic, it can take much longer to get to Anaheim.
- Best For: International travelers and those looking for more flight options.
- Transportation Options:
- Rental Cars: Widely available at LAX.
- Ride-sharing Services: Uber, Lyft, and others.
- Airport Shuttle Services: Available for a more budget-friendly travel experience.
3. Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- Distance to Disneyland: 35 miles (approximately 40–50 minutes by car)
- Details: Ontario International is another option that offers a quieter experience compared to LAX. It is well-connected for domestic flights and provides easy access to major highways leading to Disneyland.
- Best For: Those who want to avoid the crowds and congestion of LAX.
- Transportation Options:
- Rental Cars: Available at the airport.
- Ride-sharing Services: Convenient options for transportation to Disneyland.
Tips for Traveling to Disney World and Disneyland
When planning your Disney vacation, choosing the right airport can greatly reduce travel stress. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Check Flight Availability: Airports like MCO (Orlando) and LAX (Los Angeles) offer the most flights, but if you want a less crowded experience, consider SNA (John Wayne) or SFB (Sanford).
- Plan for Traffic: When traveling to Disneyland or Disney World, keep in mind that traffic in and around these areas can be heavy, especially during peak seasons.
- Book Transfers Early: If you prefer not to drive, booking a shuttle or private transport in advance can save you time. Disney used to offer its Magical Express service from MCO to Disney World, but now third-party services are your best bet.
- Compare Prices: If you’re flying into one of the less popular airports (like SFB or ONT), you might find cheaper flights. However, always calculate the extra cost of transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the closest airport to Disney World Florida?
The closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), located about 18 miles away from Disney World.
Q2: Is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) a good option for Disney World?
Yes, but it’s farther from Disney World compared to MCO. It’s a good option if you’re looking for cheaper flights.
Q3: What is the closest airport to Disneyland California?
The closest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), just 14 miles from Disneyland.
Q4: How do I get to Disney World or Disneyland from the airport?
You can use ride-sharing services, rental cars, or pre-booked shuttle services to reach both Disney World and Disneyland.
Q5: Is it easier to fly into LAX or John Wayne for Disneyland?
While LAX has more flight options, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is much closer and more convenient for Disneyland.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right airport can set the tone for your Disney vacation. For Disney World in Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most convenient, while for Disneyland in California, John Wayne Airport (SNA) offers the best access. Consider your budget, flight availability, and transportation options when making your choice, and you’ll be on your way to creating magical memories!
