Quick answer: Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about 40–45 miles from Walt Disney World, roughly a 45–60 minute drive without heavy traffic. Mears Connect doesn't serve SFB, so your main options are a private car, rideshare or a rental car. A Grayson Towncar private Town Car from SFB to any Disney resort is $165 one way or $315 round trip.
If you're flying Allegiant or another carrier into Sanford, you've picked a smaller, easygoing airport. The trade-off is the distance: SFB sits north of Orlando, so the ride to the parks is longer than it is from Orlando International (MCO). Here's what to expect and how to choose the right ride for your family.
How far is Sanford Airport from Disney World?
The drive from SFB to Walt Disney World is about 40–45 miles, depending on which resort you're staying at. Most drivers take the SR 417 toll road south, then connect to I-4 toward the Disney exits. Without heavy traffic, plan on roughly 45–60 minutes. Weekday rush hours, holiday weekends and I-4 construction can stretch that, so give yourself extra time if you have a dinner reservation or a park ticket for the same evening.
Going to Universal instead? Universal Orlando is a little closer, roughly 39 miles from SFB, or about 45–50 minutes in normal traffic.
SFB to Disney: your options compared
Disney's Magical Express bus ended in 2022, and Mears Connect, the main shared shuttle for Disney-area hotels, says on its own FAQ that it doesn't serve Orlando Sanford International Airport. That leaves four practical choices:
| Option | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private car service | Families, early or late arrivals, anyone with kids and luggage | Driver meets you at the airport and takes you straight to your resort. Price is set when you book. |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Solo travelers or couples traveling light | Fares change with time of day and demand. Car seats usually aren't provided. |
| Rental car | Travelers planning off-site day trips | You handle the counter, tolls, navigation and resort parking fees. |
| Shared shuttle | Budget-minded travelers, if a service is available | Mears Connect doesn't serve SFB. Shared rides can make several stops. |
Private car service
A private car is the simplest way to go from the baggage claim to your resort lobby with nothing to figure out. With Grayson Towncar, a Town Car from SFB to any Walt Disney World resort is $165 one way or $315 round trip. Tolls and taxes are already included in the fare shown on our rates page. A Town Car holds 3 suitcases. If your group or luggage needs more room, the rates page lists our larger vehicles too.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft do operate at SFB, and for a couple with carry-ons they can work well. Just keep in mind that prices shift with demand, the car that shows up may be small, and you'd need to bring your own car seats.
Rental car
A rental makes sense if you plan to explore beyond the parks. For a Disney-only trip, though, add up the extras: the SR 417 tolls, nightly resort parking, and the time spent at the rental counter after a flight.
What to expect when you land at SFB
Sanford is a single-terminal airport, which makes meeting your ride straightforward. Rental car counters are across the street in the Welcome Center, and rideshare pickup is in a marked zone across the street from baggage claim. When you book with Grayson Towncar, we track your flight so your pickup moves with your actual arrival time. Your driver texts you when you land and meets you at baggage claim with a name sign, then helps with your bags. You can read more on our Sanford Airport transportation page.
Tips for families flying into Sanford
- Book your ride before you fly. Allegiant schedules can include late-evening arrivals, and having a car confirmed means one less thing to sort out with tired kids.
- Ask for car seats. Grayson Towncar provides complimentary car seats, so you can leave the bulky ones at home. Request them when you book. Our car seats page has the details.
- Stock up on the way. We offer a complimentary grocery stop, so you can grab water, snacks and breakfast items before you reach your resort.
- Count your suitcases. A Town Car fits 3 suitcases. Strollers and extra bags may call for a bigger vehicle.
- Plan for holiday crowds. November and December bring Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Year's travelers to Orlando, so roads near the parks can be busier than usual. Build in a little cushion.
Why travelers choose Grayson Towncar
Grayson Towncar has been driving Orlando visitors since 2022 and has served more than 20,000 happy families. We're rated 5.0 stars with 3,200+ five-star Google reviews, and we're open 24/7, so early-morning and late-night flights are covered. Whether you're heading to Disney, Universal or a cruise, our Disney World transportation and Universal Orlando transportation pages explain how it works. Flying into MCO instead? See our MCO to Disney World guide.
Ready to book? Reserve online on our rates and booking page or call us any time at (407) 212-7190.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Sanford Airport to Disney World?
About 45–60 minutes without heavy traffic. The distance is roughly 40–45 miles, depending on your resort, usually via the SR 417 toll road and I-4.
Is there a shuttle from Sanford Airport to Disney World?
Mears Connect, the main Disney-area shared shuttle, says it doesn't serve Orlando Sanford International Airport, and Disney's Magical Express ended in 2022. A private car service, rideshare or rental car are the usual options.
How much is a private car from SFB to Disney World?
With Grayson Towncar, a Town Car from SFB to any Walt Disney World resort is $165 one way or $315 round trip, with tolls and taxes included. See current fares on our rates page.
How much does it cost to get from Sanford Airport to Universal?
Grayson Towncar's Town Car fare from SFB to Universal-area hotels is also $165 one way or $315 round trip. The drive is roughly 39 miles, about 45–50 minutes in normal traffic.
Where will my driver meet me at Sanford Airport?
SFB has a single terminal. Your Grayson Towncar driver texts you when you land and meets you at baggage claim with a name sign.
Can I get a car seat for the ride from SFB?
Yes. Grayson Towncar provides complimentary car seats. Request them when you book.
Is Uber available at Sanford Airport?
Yes, rideshare operates at SFB. Fares change with demand, and car seats usually aren't provided, so families with young children often prefer a booked private car.
Photo: Cinderella Castle, January 2021 by Backattaxk251, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized.
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