Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), located about 27 miles northeast of downtown Orlando, serves as a key regional airport for Central Florida, offering a convenient and less crowded alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO). While smaller than MCO, SFB still handles over 3 million passengers annually, with a focus on budget-friendly domestic and international flights. The airport is known for its efficiency, ease of navigation, and quick security lines, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a more relaxed airport experience.
SFB is a hub for Allegiant Air, which offers a wide range of low-cost domestic flights to over 75 destinations across the U.S. and select international flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The airport is ideal for tourists heading to Orlando’s world-class attractions, as well as for residents in the surrounding areas of Central Florida.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminal Layout: Orlando Sanford International Airport has two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B. Both terminals are connected by a short walking distance and are easy to navigate.
- Terminal A: Handles most international flights and services, including charter flights. It also includes customs and immigration facilities for arriving international passengers.
- Terminal B: Primarily used for domestic flights, particularly by Allegiant Air, and offers various dining and shopping options.
2. Amenities and Services Though smaller in size, SFB provides a range of passenger amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
- Shopping and Dining: The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. Popular dining options include Food Court, Bistro to Go, and Cheeburger Cheeburger, offering fast food, grab-and-go meals, and snacks. For shopping, travelers can visit stores like Sanford Market, which sells travel essentials, snacks, and souvenirs.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
- Lounges: For those seeking extra comfort, SFB offers an Escape Lounge, a pay-per-entry lounge that provides complimentary snacks, beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi in a relaxing environment.
- Pet Relief Areas: SFB is pet-friendly, with designated pet relief areas located outside the terminals, making it convenient for travelers with pets.
- Children’s Play Area: For families with young children, there is a small play area to keep kids entertained while waiting for flights.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: Orlando Sanford International Airport is well-connected to the surrounding areas through a variety of transportation options.
- Rental Cars: SFB has an on-site Rental Car Center, offering services from major rental car companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. The rental car facility is located near the terminal, providing quick access to vehicles.
- Shuttle Services: Many nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Additionally, shuttle services are available to popular tourist areas, including Orlando’s theme parks and the surrounding resorts.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available outside the terminal for easy transportation to nearby cities, attractions, and hotels. Rideshare pickup points are clearly marked for passenger convenience.
- Public Transit: The LYNX Bus system serves SFB, offering an affordable way to get to downtown Orlando and nearby destinations. Route 46 connects the airport to Sanford and other areas in Seminole County.
2. Parking: SFB offers a variety of parking options, including short-term and long-term parking, with affordable rates for travelers.
- Short-Term Parking: Located close to the terminal, the short-term parking lot is ideal for passenger drop-offs or quick visits.
- Long-Term Parking: Long-term parking lots are available for travelers looking for more affordable rates for extended stays. Shuttle service is available to transport passengers to the terminals.
- Economy Parking: The economy lot offers the most budget-friendly parking rates and includes complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminal.
- Valet Parking: For those seeking a more convenient option, valet parking is available directly in front of the terminal.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
For visitors arriving at Orlando Sanford International Airport, there are plenty of things to do in and around Sanford, as well as easy access to the greater Orlando area and its world-famous attractions.
1. Downtown Sanford: Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, downtown Sanford is a charming and historic area located along the shores of Lake Monroe. Known for its brick-lined streets, unique shops, and local restaurants, downtown Sanford offers a slower pace of life compared to the busy tourist hubs of Orlando. Visitors can stroll along the RiverWalk, enjoy the vibrant arts scene, or dine at popular spots like Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café, known for its authentic German cuisine and lively beer garden.
2. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Located about 15 minutes from the airport, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a fun and educational destination for families and animal lovers. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, rhinoceroses, and big cats. In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo features a splash pad, zip line adventures, and a beautiful botanical garden.
3. St. Johns River: For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the St. Johns River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The river is home to an abundance of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and numerous bird species. Visitors can rent kayaks or take a guided boat tour to explore the natural beauty of Central Florida’s waterways.
4. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located about 25 minutes from the airport, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features crystal-clear natural springs, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also hike or bike along the park’s scenic trails, offering a chance to spot wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and turtles.
5. Orlando Theme Parks: For visitors looking to explore Orlando’s iconic theme parks, SFB is within a 40-minute drive of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These world-renowned attractions offer a range of experiences, from thrilling rides and live shows to immersive environments and character encounters. Many hotels in the Orlando area offer shuttle services to the theme parks, making it easy to get there from the airport.
6. Daytona Beach: Located just 45 minutes from SFB, Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or driving on the hard-packed sand. Daytona Beach is also home to the Daytona International Speedway, where visitors can catch NASCAR races or take a tour of the iconic track.
Vicinity of Orlando Sanford International
Dining and Shopping at SFB
1. Dining Options: SFB provides a selection of dining options for travelers, ranging from quick bites to more substantial meals.
- Cheeburger Cheeburger: Located in the terminal, this casual dining spot offers freshly made burgers, fries, and milkshakes, perfect for a hearty meal before or after a flight.
- Food Court: The main terminal food court offers fast food and grab-and-go options, including Dunkin’, Bistro to Go, and snack bars offering coffee, sandwiches, and snacks.
- The Great American Bagel: For those looking for a quick breakfast, The Great American Bagel offers fresh bagels, pastries, and coffee.
2. Shopping: While SFB’s shopping options are limited compared to larger airports, travelers can still find essentials and souvenirs at the following shops:
- Sanford Market: A convenience store that offers snacks, beverages, travel accessories, and Florida-themed souvenirs.
- Newsstand: Pick up books, magazines, newspapers, and last-minute travel essentials while waiting for your flight.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- Orlando Sanford International Airport Official Website
https://flysfb.com/
Get real-time flight information, terminal maps, and ground transportation details. - Parking and Ground Transportation
https://flysfb.com/ground-transportation-parking/
Learn more about parking options, rental cars, and shuttle services at SFB. - Nearby Attractions
www.visitsanford.com
Explore things to do in downtown Sanford and nearby areas.
Additional Details
- Location: 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773.
- Public Transportation: SFB is connected to the LYNX Bus system, which provides transportation to downtown Orlando and nearby areas.
- Parking: SFB offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and valet parking, with shuttle services available from economy lots.
- Accessibility: Orlando Sanford International Airport is fully accessible, with services for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and accessible parking spaces.
