Getting to Orlando in 2026
For most visitors, getting to Orlando still means flying in first and then choosing the right onward transfer. The real planning decision in 2026 is not just which airport you use, but whether you want a rental car, a rideshare-based trip, hotel transport, or a wider Florida itinerary that adds rail or another city stop.
The main ways to get to Orlando
- Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO): still the main airport option for most holidaymakers.
- Fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): useful for some route and package combinations, but usually with fewer airline options.
- Arrive via rail or another Florida city: more relevant if Orlando is one part of a broader Florida trip.
Which airport is best?
MCO is still the default choice for most travellers because it gives you the broadest mix of airlines, routes, and onward transport choices. Sanford can still work well, especially when a package or route suits you, but it is usually a more niche fit.
The best airport is often the one that gives you the cleanest total journey, not just the cheapest flight headline. Always compare the full trip cost, including bags, transfers, and car hire if needed.
How to get from the airport to your hotel
Once you land, most visitors choose between rental cars, rideshare, taxis, or pre-booked transfers. The best option depends on where you are staying and whether your holiday is park-heavy or Florida-wide.
- Rental car: best if you expect to move around a lot beyond the parks.
- Rideshare or taxi: often easiest for shorter stays or resort-focused trips.
- Hotel or package transfer: worth checking if convenience matters more than flexibility.
When rail matters
Rail becomes more relevant when Orlando is part of a bigger Florida trip rather than a simple fly-in park holiday. For that kind of trip, also compare our updated Brightline guide and SunRail guide so you can see where rail is genuinely useful and where it is not.
Best 2026 strategy
If this is a straightforward Orlando holiday, start with the best flight to MCO and then solve the hotel transfer. If it is a multi-city Florida trip, compare airports, rail, and car hire together before you book.
