Cheap flights from Orlando (MCO)

Flying from Orlando: what to know

Orlando International Airport (MCO) sits about nine miles southeast of downtown Orlando and is one of the busiest airports in Florida. Most flights use the main terminal with Airside gates A and B, while the newer Terminal C, which opened in 2022, handles a growing share of airlines, including several international carriers. Check which terminal your airline uses before you set off, because moving between them takes time.

Competition is the main reason MCO fares can be good value. Large network airlines such as Delta, American, United and Southwest fly here alongside low-cost carriers like Frontier and JetBlue, and seasonal and year-round international routes connect Orlando with Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, the UK and Europe. Because so many airlines serve the same routes, comparing several dates usually pays off.

Orlando Sanford International (SFB), roughly 30 miles north of MCO, is the main alternative. It is smaller and quieter, and it is dominated by Allegiant, which flies to many mid-sized U.S. cities. Sanford can be cheaper or more convenient for the northern suburbs, but it is a longer drive from the theme parks, so include ground transport, bag fees and time when comparing it with MCO.

Timing matters as much as the airport. Demand peaks around spring break, the summer school holidays, Thanksgiving and the Christmas and New Year period, when fares tend to rise. Quieter windows such as late August to early October and much of January and early February often bring lower prices, though late summer and autumn fall within the Atlantic hurricane season, so flexible bookings are worth considering.

Getting to and from MCO is straightforward. Rental cars are available on site, rideshare and taxis serve the terminals, LYNX public buses run to downtown and the tourist areas, and shared shuttles go to the resorts. Brightline trains also run from Terminal C to South Florida, which can be an alternative to a short connecting flight to Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

Orlando flights FAQ

Which airport is cheaper, Orlando International (MCO) or Orlando Sanford (SFB)?

It depends on the route. MCO has far more airlines and competition, so it is often cheaper overall, while Sanford is mainly served by Allegiant and can be cheaper for some smaller U.S. cities. Compare both and include the cost of getting to your final destination.

How far is Orlando International from the theme parks?

MCO is roughly 15 to 25 miles from the main theme park areas, which is usually about 20 to 40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Sanford is considerably further away.

When are flights from Orlando usually cheapest?

Fares are often lower in quieter periods such as late August to early October and January to early February, and higher around spring break, summer and the year-end holidays. Prices change constantly, so check several dates.

How do I get from MCO to downtown Orlando or the resorts without a car?

You can use rideshare or taxis, LYNX public buses, or shared shuttle services to the resort areas. Brightline trains from Terminal C also connect Orlando with South Florida.