Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is a key airport serving Florida’s Space Coast, located about 3 miles northwest of downtown Melbourne and just over 60 miles southeast of Orlando. MLB is the closest airport to the Kennedy Space Center, the beaches of the Space Coast, and a variety of attractions in Central Florida. As a smaller, more accessible airport, MLB offers a stress-free and efficient alternative to larger airports in the region, making it a popular choice for leisure travelers, business professionals, and aviation enthusiasts.
Handling over 500,000 passengers annually, MLB is served by major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and Allegiant Air, offering direct flights to popular destinations like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Pittsburgh, with seasonal service to additional locations. The airport’s convenient location near Florida’s Atlantic Coast and proximity to attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral make it an ideal gateway for those looking to explore Florida’s Space Coast and beyond.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminal Layout: Melbourne Orlando International Airport features a single terminal designed to provide a hassle-free travel experience. Its compact size and efficient layout ensure that passengers can move quickly through check-in, security, and boarding.
- Check-In Area: The check-in counters are located near the main entrance, making the check-in process fast and convenient for passengers.
- Gates: The gates are just past security, with short walking distances from the check-in area. The terminal’s small size makes it easy to navigate, with plenty of seating available at the gates.
2. Amenities and Services Despite being a smaller airport, MLB offers a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
- Dining and Shopping: MLB has a limited selection of dining and shopping options. Coast to Coast Café offers casual dining with sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Runway Grille provides a sit-down experience with a menu that includes classic American fare and local specialties. Gift and convenience shops are available throughout the terminal, offering travel essentials, snacks, and local souvenirs.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
- Pet Relief Areas: MLB is a pet-friendly airport, with designated pet relief areas located outside the terminal for travelers flying with their pets.
- Military Hospitality Lounge: MLB offers a Military Hospitality Lounge, providing active-duty military personnel and their families with a comfortable space to relax before or after flights, complete with refreshments and Wi-Fi.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: Melbourne Orlando International Airport offers several transportation options to get passengers to their destinations with ease.
- Rental Cars: The Rental Car Center is located on-site, offering services from major rental car companies, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget. Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore the Space Coast, nearby beaches, and attractions in Central Florida.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available outside the terminal for passengers needing transportation to local destinations. With the airport’s proximity to Melbourne and surrounding areas, rideshares are a convenient and affordable option for getting around.
- Shuttle Services: Several hotels in the Melbourne area offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Private shuttle services are also available for group transportation or specific needs, including trips to nearby cruise ports like Port Canaveral.
2. Parking: MLB offers a variety of parking options to meet the needs of both short-term and long-term travelers.
- Short-Term Parking: Located close to the terminal, short-term parking is ideal for passenger pickups, drop-offs, or short visits to the airport.
- Long-Term Parking: For travelers needing overnight or extended parking, the long-term parking lot provides affordable rates and is within walking distance of the terminal.
- Economy Parking: For budget-conscious travelers, economy parking offers the lowest rates, with a free shuttle service available to the terminal.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
Melbourne Orlando International Airport is centrally located near some of Florida’s top attractions, including the Space Coast, pristine beaches, and cultural sites. Whether you’re visiting for a quick stop or planning an extended stay, there’s plenty to see and do nearby.
1. Kennedy Space Center: Located about 40 minutes from the airport, the Kennedy Space Center is one of Florida’s most iconic attractions. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, learn about NASA’s space exploration history, and even witness rocket launches. The Apollo/Saturn V Center, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and astronaut encounters are among the must-see highlights at this world-renowned facility. For space enthusiasts, the Kennedy Space Center offers an unforgettable experience.
2. Brevard Zoo: Just 20 minutes from the airport, the Brevard Zoo is a family-friendly destination that offers up-close encounters with animals from around the world. Visitors can explore animal exhibits, feed giraffes, and take part in kayaking or zip-lining adventures through the zoo. With over 900 animals on display and numerous interactive experiences, the Brevard Zoo is a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages.
3. Melbourne Beach: A 15-minute drive from the airport, Melbourne Beach offers miles of pristine shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. This quiet and scenic beach is known for its soft white sand and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and water activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
4. Historic Downtown Melbourne: Located just 10 minutes from the airport, Historic Downtown Melbourne offers a charming mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can stroll through tree-lined streets filled with local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. The downtown area also hosts events such as art festivals, farmers markets, and live music performances throughout the year.
5. Canaveral National Seashore: Located about 45 minutes from the airport, the Canaveral National Seashore is a pristine coastal park offering scenic beaches, nature trails, and opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing. This unspoiled stretch of coastline is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a more peaceful beach experience away from the crowds.
6. Wickham Park: Located just a short drive from the airport, Wickham Park is a beautiful, sprawling park featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, a lake for fishing, and even a campground. The park regularly hosts community events, outdoor festivals, and live music, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Vicinity of Melbourne Orlando International
Dining and Shopping at MLB
1. Dining Options: While Melbourne Orlando International Airport is a smaller airport, it offers a few dining options for travelers looking for a meal or snack before their flight.
- Coast to Coast Café: This café offers sandwiches, salads, and beverages, providing a quick and convenient option for travelers.
- Runway Grille: A sit-down restaurant that offers a variety of American dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and seafood, perfect for passengers looking for a more leisurely meal.
2. Shopping: Though limited, MLB offers essential shopping options for travelers.
- Gift Shops: Located inside the terminal, the gift shops offer a selection of Florida-themed souvenirs, travel essentials, and snacks for passengers looking to pick up a memento or necessary items before their flight.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- Melbourne Orlando International Airport Official Website
www.mlbair.com
Find real-time flight information, parking details, and terminal services. - Parking and Ground Transportation
https://www.mlbair.com/travelers/transportation-parking
Learn more about parking options, rental cars, and shuttle services at MLB. - Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
www.visitspacecoast.com
Explore attractions, events, and activities in Melbourne and the Space Coast area.
Additional Details
- Location: 1 Air Terminal Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32901.
- Public Transportation: While public buses do not serve the airport directly, taxis, rideshares, and shuttles provide transportation to local hotels and attractions.
- Parking: MLB offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking options, with free shuttle service from the economy lot to the terminal.
- Accessibility: Melbourne Orlando International Airport is fully accessible, offering services for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and accessible parking.
