Thousands of airports exist all over the world, each with their own name, history, facilities, features, and identities. Airports also have their own IATA airport codes, which are essentially three-letter identifiers that are unique to each airport and distinguish them from all the rest. If you’re traveling into Orlando, one of the most popular touristic cities in the United States, you have a choice between two major airports: Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Orlando International Airport has the airport code MCO and Orlando Sanford International Airport has the airport code SFB.

What is the Orlando Airport Code

What is the Orlando Airport Code

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For Orlando, there are two airport codes to consider: MCO and SFB. MCO refers to Orlando International Airport, which is the larger of the two airports and most commonly used by travelers, while SFB refers to Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is smaller but still very popular.

Orlando Airport Code Contact Information

The address for airport code MCO (Orlando International Airport) is 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827. A contact customer service number for MCO airport is 407 825 2001. The address for airport code SFB (Orlando Sanford International Airport) is 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773. A contact customer service number for SFB airport is 407 585 4000.

History of Orlando Airport Code

History of Orlando Airport Code

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The history of MCO airport is that it began as a United States Army Air Forces base and was known as Orlando Army Air Field #2 for many years. It was used by the military during World War II and was part of McCoy Air Force Base, hence the MCO airport code. There was another Orlando airport in existence at the time called Hemdon Airport, which later became Orlando Executive Airport, but it wasn’t large enough to cope with big, modern passenger gets. MCO was therefore transformed into the main commercial airport for the Orlando area, eventually reaching a point where it started to see tens of millions of passengers per year.

The history of SFB airport has some similarities. It also began its existence as military installation, being known as Naval Air Station Sanford. The air station had the airport code NRJ and was used for flight training until its closure in 1969. From there, the airport was transformed into a commercial airport called Sanford Airport. The name changed multiple times over the years to things like Central Florida Regional Airport and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport until the current name was chosen. Various airlines started running flights in and out of SFB in order to offer a typically cheaper option for people wishing to travel into Orlando for the big attractions like Disney World.

Statistics for Orlando Airport Code

Statistics for Orlando Airport Code

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MCO is the main airport for Orlando and can get over 40 million passengers per year. It’s the busiest airport in Florida and is consistently classed as the 11th busiest in all of the United States. SFB, meanwhile MCO is the main airport for Orlando and can get over 40 million passengers per year. It’s the busiest airport in Florida and is consistently classed as the 11th busiest in all of the United States. SFB, meanwhile is a smaller and simpler airport but is still classed in the top 30 busiest airports in the world for flight operations as it is the location of a lot of flight training programs. It's the second major airport for Orlando but is further from the downtown areas of the city and only sees 2-3 million passengers each year.

Many different airlines operate at both MCO and SFB. The top domestic destinations for MCO are Atlanta, GA; Newark, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY; and Chicago, IL, while the most popular international destinations are London, United Kingdom; Toronto, Canada; Manchester, United Kingdom; Mexico City, Mexico; and Panama City, Panama. The top destinations for SFB are domestic routes to Allentown, PA; Knoxville, TN; Cincinnati, OH; Grand Rapids, MI; and Lexington, KY.

Parking at Orlando Airport Code MCO

Parking at MCO is simple with many different lots and options to choose from. The cheapest form of parking at MCO can be found at the North Place and South Place economy lots, which charge $10 per day.

Parking at Orlando Airport Code SFB

Parking at SFB is also very simple, with long term, hourly, and economy options available. The standard long term parking at SFB costs just $14 per day, while the economy option allows you to save a dollar per day, charging $13.

Getting To and From Orlando Airport Code MCO

MCO is very closely located to downtown Orlando, so it’s easy to get to and from the airport regardless of whether you’re driving or relying on public transport. Many hotels in the area actually offer shuttle services directly to the terminals at MCO.

Getting To and From Orlando Airport Code SFB

Getting To and From Orlando Airport Code SFB

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SFB is about an hour away from the main attractions and touristic areas of Orlando, so getting to this airport is more difficult than getting to MCO. Ridesharing apps, taxis, and rental cars present the easiest options as there aren't many hotels in Orlando offering shuttles to Sanford.

Hotels at Orlando Airport Code MCO

MCO airport actually has a hotel right on-site. The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, located at 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827 (0407 825 1234) is found right inside the terminal building, offering easy access to the check-in desks and security checkpoint. Other hotels in the area include:

- Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport - 7550 Augusta National Dr, Orlando, FL 32822, Phone: 407-240-5555

- Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside - 7499 Augusta National Dr, Orlando, FL 32822, Phone: 407-851-9000

- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport - 5835 T G Lee Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822, Phone: 407-888-9339

- Hyatt Place Orlando Airport - 5435 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812, Phone: 407-816-7800

- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orlando Airport, FL - 5440 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812, Phone: 407-856-8896

Hotels at Orlando Airport Code SFB

There are no on-site hotels at SFB but there are a few good places to stay in the local area. The following hotels are located just a few miles away from the airport, offering easy access to SFB for your flights in and out of this Orlando airport.

- Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel - 3401 S Orlando Dr, Sanford, FL 32773, Phone: 407-320-0845

- Budget Inn Sanford International Airport - 3200 S Orlando Dr, Sanford, FL 32773, Phone: 407-321-0690

- WoodSpring Suites Orlando Sanford - 2727 S Orlando Dr, Sanford, FL 32773, Phone: 407-322-4435




Get Ready to Go!

  1. 1. Plan & Book:
    • Visit the website and book directly, or call ahead to confirm hours.
    • Find your stay: If needed, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read reviews and book directly with the hotel, requesting any special amenities (romantic, kid-friendly, pet-friendly).
    • Book your flight: If flying, compare flights and book directly with the airline. Add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
  2. Plan your trip:
    • Estimate your driving time: Use Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).

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