Airports Near Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Did you know that over 50 million passengers pass through Orlando International Airport (MCO) annually, making it a top choice for those heading to Port Canaveral? It’s only 45.3 miles from the port. MCO has flights from almost four dozen airlines to more than 140 destinations in 27 countries. This makes it really convenient for your Port Canaveral cruise start.

Airports Near Port Canaveral

But MCO is one of many picks for your Port Canaveral cruise. Sanford Airport (SFB) is 60.6 miles northwest and connects to over 70 U.S. cities with Allegiant Airlines. Also, there’s Melbourne Airport (MLB), just 27.5 miles south of the port, with daily nonstops by four airlines. Even though MLB is the closest, MCO is chosen more. This is because of its many flights and the short trip to the cruise terminal.

Think about the time to the port from each airport when planning your Port Canaveral cruise. The ride from MCO takes about 45 minutes, from SFB is roughly 65 minutes, and from MLB just 50 minutes. There are shuttles from MCO to Port Canaveral starting at $29.99 a person. This makes reaching the port easy.

Key Takeaways

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular airport for Port Canaveral cruises, with over 50 million annual passengers and 140+ destinations.
• Melbourne Airport (MLB) is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, located just 27.5 miles south of the port.
• Travel times to Port Canaveral vary by airport: 45 minutes from MCO, 65 minutes from Sanford Airport (SFB), and 50 minutes from MLB.
• Shuttle services from MCO to Port Canaveral start at $29.99 per person, providing an affordable and convenient transfer option.
• When choosing an airport for your Port Canaveral cruise, consider factors such as flight options, travel time, and transportation costs.

Introduction to Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Port Canaveral is the closest cruise port to Orlando. It has won Best U.S. Cruise Homeport for the last three years, beating out popular ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Located just 45 miles east of Orlando, it handles over 4 million cruise passengers a year, making it the world’s busiest cruise port for multi-day trips.

The distance from Orlando to Port Canaveral is about 45 miles. That’s a 45-minute drive, great for combining a cruise with Orlando’s theme parks. If you fly to Port Canaveral, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is your closest major airport. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a bit further, about 61 miles away.

Its success comes from being close to many attractions, offering great services, and hosting major cruise lines like Carnival and Disney. The port’s homeported fleet often sails over 100% full, which shows how popular it is in the cruise world.

Port Canaveral is near Cocoa Beach, which is great for a pre- or post-cruise pitstop. It’s also well-linked to airports, giving travelers many options for getting to Port Canaveral, Florida.

Airport	Distance to Port Canaveral	Approximate Travel Time
Orlando International Airport (MCO)	45 miles	45 minutes
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)	61 miles	1 hour
Melbourne International Airport (MLB)	28 miles	40 minutes
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)	73 miles	1 hour 15 minutes

Orlando is investing $5 billion in its tourism industry, which includes Port Canaveral. Port Canaveral is the only port in Florida ready for a big growth. It has room to expand, easy to get to, and a deep water channel. This sets it up for more success in the future.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the best option for those cruising from Port Canaveral. It’s just 45 miles west. The drive to the port takes about 40-45 minutes and is mostly on State Road 528 (Beach Line Expressway).

Over 50 million travelers use Orlando International Airport yearly. It connects to 135 places in the U.S. and abroad. Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and Silver Airways fly from here.

Distance and Travel Time from Port Canaveral

It’s about 45 miles from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. The drive is usually 40-45 minutes, but this can change with traffic. Most of the way is on State Road 528 (Beach Line Expressway), making it simple for those heading to a cruise.

Airlines and Destinations Served

The airport is a key hub. It works with over 40 airlines and reaches over 135 places.

• Southwest Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• JetBlue
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines

This range of flights is great for cruise travelers from all over the U.S. and more.

Airport Amenities and Services

Orlando Airport has a lot to offer travelers:

• Numerous dining options
• Retail stores
• Duty-free shops
• Two main terminals, each with its own security checkpoints and concourses
• Automated people movers connecting the main terminal buildings to the satellite airside concourses
• Ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttle buses

This helps make the airport visit enjoyable for cruisers before their journey to Port Canaveral.

Airport	Distance to Port Canaveral	Travel Time	Annual Passengers
Orlando International Airport (MCO)	45 miles	40-45 minutes	50 million
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)	59 miles	60-65 minutes	3 million
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)	27 miles	45-50 minutes	400,000

In short, Orlando International Airport is ideal for anyone cruising from Port Canaveral. The airport’s flight selection and amenities help cruisers enjoy a smooth start to their trip. It’s the best choice for a stress-free journey to their cruise.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is great for cruise passengers heading to Port Canaveral. It’s about 60.6 miles from the port. Travelers like SFB because it has cheaper flights and is not as busy as the big Orlando airport.

The distance from Port Canaveral to Orlando is about 45 miles, and it’s about 50 miles from Orlando to Cape Canaveral. This makes SFB a smart option for those trying to determine whether Port Canaveral is close to Orlando.

Distance and Travel Time from Port Canaveral

SFB is the farthest airport from Port Canaveral among our choices. However, it only takes about 65 minutes to get to the cruise terminals, which is not much longer than the time it takes from the closer Orlando airport.

The travel time from Port Canaveral to Orlando airports can vary. Still, SFB’s location means it’s a good place to start your cruise journey.

Airlines and Destinations Served

Allegiant Airlines makes SFB its hub. It flies to over 70 cities in the U.S. This wide reach appeals to cruise passengers from all over.

Other airlines like Flair, Swoop, TUI, and Surinam Airways also fly from SFB. They offer flights to different places, including domestic and international destinations.

Airport Amenities and Services

SFB has many amenities to make your wait or layover comfortable. Here’s what you can enjoy:

• Restaurants and bars for food and drink
• Shops for things you forgot or souvenirs
• Free Wi-Fi for passengers
• One terminal with two concourses for easy travel

You can quickly get from SFB to Port Canaveral by using rental cars, taxis, or shuttles. Go Port also offers packages for a smooth stay and cruise departure from Sanford Airport.

For those asking how far Orlando is from Port Canaveral, SFB offers excellent convenience. With its low-cost flights, quick route to Port Canaveral, and many services, Orlando Sanford International Airport is a top pick for cruisegoers.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is an excellent choice for cruisers. It’s just 30 miles south of Port Canaveral, the closest airport to the port, saving you time on your cruise day.

Even though it’s close, the ride from MLB to the cruise terminal takes about 55 minutes. This is because the road isn’t a straight shot, and there’s more local traffic. Still, this shorter distance makes the trip better for many people, especially if you’re coming from near Melbourne.

Distance and Travel Time from Port Canaveral

Melbourne Orlando International Airport is just 30 miles from Port Canaveral. While this is closer than other airports, the drive takes about 55 minutes. This is due to the less direct route and more traffic, unlike Orlando International Airport’s faster highway route.

For a stress-free ride from Melbourne Airport to Port Canaveral, you can use private shuttles. They can take up to 14 people, which is great for a family or group. The price ranges from $115 for 1-2 passengers, up to $155 for 5-6. It’s a budget-friendly choice for many travelers.

Airlines and Destinations Served

At Melbourne Orlando International Airport, you’ll find major airlines like American, Delta, Allegiant, and Elite Airways. They fly to places like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Asheville. Even though it has fewer flights than Orlando’s main airport, it’s still a good option for those wanting a shorter drive to their cruise.

Airline	Destinations
American Airlines	Charlotte, Philadelphia
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta
Allegiant Air	Pittsburgh, Nashville, Concord, Asheville
Elite Airways	Newark, Portland (ME), White Plains

In 2019, TUI Airways decided to move its Orlando flights to Melbourne. This change brought 17 flights each week from the UK to MLB. This move will lead to more passengers at the airport, so it’s being renovated and expanded in a $61 million project.

With its nearness to Port Canaveral, expanding list of airlines and flights, and ongoing development, Melbourne Orlando International Airport is on its way to becoming a top choice for cruise travelers. It offers a convenient and efficient start to your cruise journey.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

If you’re heading to a cruise from Port Canaveral, consider flying into Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). It’s the farthest airport discussed here, around 70 miles from the port, but DAB might be perfect for seeing Daytona Beach before or after your cruise.

DAB is approximately a 75-80-minute drive to the cruise port, based on traffic. It’s not the closest option, but it has its perks. The airport is usually less busy, offering your trip a calmer start or end. This is different from the hustle of larger airports such as Orlando International.

Distance and Travel Time from Port Canaveral

Daytona Beach International Airport sits about 73.56 miles away from Port Canaveral. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 12 minutes. You can get to the port by private sedan, minivan, or taxi services.

Airlines and Destinations Served

DAB has a limited number of airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Sunwing Airlines. These airlines fly to places like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Toronto. However, DAB offers fewer choices than bigger airports.

Even with fewer flights, DAB sees about 1,500 passengers daily. There’s an average of 60 flights each day. This means it’s a quieter option for those flying to cruise from Port Canaveral, offering a more relaxed start.

Comparison of the Four Airports Near Port Canaveral

When preparing for a cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, picking the correct airport is vital. There are four airports close to Port Canaveral. Each has its own good and bad points. So, it’s wise to think about different things before you choose. These include the airport’s pros and cons and what’s best for your trip.

Pros and Cons of Each Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the biggest, about 45.3 miles from Port Canaveral. It takes 45-60 minutes to get to the cruise terminals. MCO has many flights, meaning it serves over 24 million people a year. But that also means it can get pretty crowded, leading to longer waits.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is further away, 60.6 miles from the port. It’s a main airport for Allegiant Airlines, which flies to 70 cities in the U.S. Even though it’s farther, the journey might be less busy. You could also find cheaper flights from here.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is only 27.5 miles from Port Canaveral but serves fewer passengers. Since it’s closer, the drive is usually around 50 minutes. MLB is more minor, offering a quieter and more personal flying experience. However, there might be fewer flight choices.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is the farthest, 71 miles away. It takes 75-80 minutes to reach the port. Even though DAB is only the most convenient for some travelers, it’s great if you want to visit Daytona Beach before or after your cruise.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airport

Think about these things when picking an airport for your cruise:

• How close the airport is to the port and the drive time
• The flights available and their prices from where you live
• Which airlines do you prefer and what are their reward programs
• What the airport itself offers in services
• How you’ll get to and from the airport and how much it will cost
• Any travel you might want to do before or after your cruise

Here is a table to compare the four airports near Port Canaveral:

Airport	Distance to Port Canaveral	Travel Time to Port	Annual Passengers
Orlando International Airport (MCO)	45.3 miles	45-60 minutes	Over 24 million
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)	60.6 miles	65 minutes	2.8 million (2022)
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)	27.5 miles	50 minutes	Less than 500,000
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)	71 miles	75-80 minutes	Not specified

You can choose the ideal airport by looking at each airport’s benefits and drawbacks and what matters most to you. This will help kick off your Port Canaveral cruise in the best way, leading to a fantastic journey.

Transportation Options from the Airports to Port Canaveral

When planning a cruise from Port Canaveral, it’s key to think about how to get from the airport to the terminal. No matter if you’re arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), or Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), there are many ways to get to the port. These include shuttles, taxis, Uber, Lyft, and car renting.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services are a top choice for many cruise passengers. They’re both affordable and convenient. Companies like Cortrans Shuttle Service, Cocoa Beach Shuttle, and Go Port Canaveral have shared-ride shuttles for $20 to $40 per person. Go Port offers a shuttle from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral for $29.99 per person.

Shuttles from Orlando to Port Canaveral take about 45 to 60 minutes, but this can be longer or shorter depending on traffic.

Taxi and Rideshare Services

Taxis and rideshare services are easy to find at all nearby airports. A taxi from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral is roughly $120 to $130. An UberX ride from Orlando International Airport to the port is about $75 or more. A Lyft ride usually costs $65 or higher.

The drive from Orlando to Port Canaveral is about 45.3 miles. It takes 45 to 60 minutes without traffic.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is great if you want to see more before or after your cruise. All four nearby airports offer Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget car rental services. A car rental from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral starts at about $184 for a standard type and $187 for an SUV.

Remember, you’ll also need to pay for parking at Port Canaveral, which is $17 a day for cruise passengers.

Transportation Option	Estimated Cost	Travel Time
Go Port Shuttle (Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral)	$29.99 per person	45-60 minutes
Taxi (Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral)	$120-$130 one-way	45-60 minutes
UberX (Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral)	$75+ one-way	45-60 minutes
Lyft (Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral)	$65+ one-way	45-60 minutes
Car Rental (Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral)	$184+ (standard car), $187+ (SUV)	45-60 minutes

It’s smart to look at all the transportation options from nearby airports to Port Canaveral. This way, you can pick the best and most affordable way to kick off your cruise. Planning in advance ensures you start your vacation relaxed and ready for fun.

Cruise Lines and Ships Sailing from Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is close to Orlando Sanford International Airport. This port is known for its top cruise lines and ships. It’s an excellent place for cruise lovers flying to Florida.

A new cruise terminal is being built in Port Canaveral. It will welcome the most significant ships and many brands. This expansion effort won the port the title of Best US Homeport for 2023. Last year, it welcomed over 4 million passengers.

Royal Caribbean is a key player at Port Canaveral. Their ship, Allure of the Seas, now offers trips to The Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s great for passengers coming from Sanford Airport to enjoy their cruise.

Disney Cruise Line is getting bigger at Port Canaveral, too. They will soon have a new ship, the Disney Treasure, sailing in 2024. This will add more family-friendly trips to the Caribbean from the port. Celebrity Cruises is joining in, with Celebrity Equinox starting there in 2024 as well.

It takes about 60 miles to get from Sanford Airport to Port Canaveral. Many ways to travel there, like shuttles, are available, making starting your cruise easy for airport arrivals.

Port Canaveral is also working on being more eco-friendly. It has a barge that supplies clean fuel to ships. This effort shows its aim to be a green cruise destination.

Port Canaveral keeps improving its offerings for cruisers. It’s close to the airport and has a variety of cruise ships, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a memorable cruise vacation.

Tips for a Smooth Airport to Port Canaveral Transfer

Planning your cruise vacation from Port Canaveral? Ensuring a smooth transfer from the airport is key. Two important points help: book your flights and transfers early and leave enough time for travel and security. This will make your experience stress-free.

Booking Flights and Transfers in Advance

It’s critical to book your flights and ground transport to Port Canaveral early. Doing this saves you from last-minute high prices and guarantees your spot. Try to fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Melbourne International Airport (MLB) a day before your cruise. This extra day lets you manage any flight hiccups or surprises, giving you peace of mind.

Consider these points when looking at ways to get from the airport to Port Canaveral:

• Shuttle services generally cost between $20 to $30 per person from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral. This makes them a budget-friendly pick for many.
• Most shuttle services accept luggage, but make sure to ask about any limits or extra fees beforehand.
• For a more private journey, expect to pay about $50 per person with private shuttle services. Premium shuttles can cost over $100 per person.

Allowing Sufficient Time for Travel and Security

It’s essential to keep enough time to travel from the airport to Port Canaveral and to get through the terminal’s security. Aim to be at the port two hours early to dodge potential delays. This way, you can deal with any traffic snags efficiently. Based on your airport choice and traffic, they are predicted to be 45 to 60 minutes long.

If leaving Port Canaveral after your cruise, pick a flight that leaves by 11:30 AM. This timing is crucial for your smooth departure. It gives you time to leave the ship, grab your bags, and head to the airport with care. This plan fits the schedule of the closest airports to Port Canaveral, like Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).

Follow these tips to have a great start to your cruise. Consider the distance from Sanford Airport to Port Canaveral and the options from Orlando Airport. This ensures your transfer is easy and enjoyable.

Airport Near Port Canaveral for a Stress-Free Cruise Experience

Planning a cruise from Port Canaveral means picking the right airport is key. You can choose from a few, including Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Factors like flight choices and how close they are to the port matter. Also, could you think about amenities to kick off your cruise well?

Most travelers like using Orlando International Airport (MCO). It has many flights, sits just 45.6 miles from Port Canaveral, and offers many services. MCO has plenty of places to eat, shop, and travel options. This makes getting to the port a breeze.

If saving money on flights or avoiding crowds is your thing, consider SFB or MLB. SFB is further away at 66.2 miles but has budget airlines. MLB is the closest at 27.4 miles, but you’ll find fewer flight options there.

Are you visiting Daytona Beach before or after your cruise? Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) might be for you. Even though it’s about 70 miles away, DAB is great for exploring nearby spots.

Want help choosing based on distance and travel time to the port? Check out this comparison:

Airport	Distance to Port Canaveral	Estimated Travel Time
Orlando International Airport (MCO)	45.6 miles	45 minutes
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)	66.2 miles	65 minutes
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)	27.4 miles	50 minutes
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)	70 miles	75-80 minutes

To make your cruise start even smoother, think about a Fly Snooze Cruise package. It includes a stay at hotels near the airport. You’ll also get shuttle rides to the port. Companies like Go Port and Port Canaveral Connection offer options, including shuttles for big groups.

Picking the right airport for your cruise can make things easier. With the right choice, you’ll start your Port Canaveral adventure stress-free. So, you can look forward to the fun ahead, whether you’re headed to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or elsewhere.

Accommodations Near Port Canaveral and the Airports

Many hotels are close to Port Canaveral and its airports, offering great deals for cruise travelers. They include a place to stay, parking, and a shuttle to the cruise ship. These deals help make the start of your trip effortless and affordable. Because Port Canaveral is a key stop for cruises and the Space Coast draws many visitors, you’ll find many good places to stay, such as Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.

The best hotels near Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral receive high marks, from 7.6 to 9.2 out of 10. Most guests rate them as “Superb” or “Fabulous.” Rooms in these hotels cost between US$144 and US$228 a night, averaging US$166. You can find rooms from US$80 to US$85 a night if you want something cheaper. They have scores from 4.3 to 5.9. Also, there are over 300 rooms you can rent near Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. You can get furnished apartments for $50 or less per night.

Hotels with Cruise Packages and Shuttle Services

Many hotels near Port Canaveral have special packages for cruise guests, including parking and a shuttle service. Some even provide complimentary breakfast and shuttles from nearby airports like Orlando International. The time it takes to get from these hotels to the port changes but stays around 5 to 8 minutes. Shuttles usually cost between $6.00 and $10.00 per person each way. It costs between $10.00+tax to $25.00 per car each night to park at these hotels. Plus, the shuttle from Orlando International Airport typically costs about $30.00 per person one way. The rooms have features like fully-equipped kitchens and extra living space, perfect for before or after your cruise. The Radisson Resort at the Port is well-liked for stays before cruises.

Airports Near Port Canaveral Cruise Port FAQ