Orlando Sanford International Airport

Welcome

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is your ticket to a more streamlined and laid-back travel experience in the Orlando area. Nestled 29 kilometers northeast of downtown Orlando, SFB serves as a low-friction alternative to the bustling Orlando International Airport. With Allegiant Air as its primary airline, this airport is a hub of simplicity and efficiency, perfect for those looking to bypass the complexities of larger airports.

At a glance

Handling about 3 million passengers annually, Orlando Sanford offers a straightforward terminal layout consisting of two main areas: Terminal A and Terminal B. Both terminals are dominated by Allegiant Air flights. While the airport has no lounges, a selection of eateries and shops provides basic comforts. With long-term parking available at $15.00 per day and a free cell phone lot, parking won’t break the bank.

Terminals & layout

Orlando Sanford’s two-terminal configuration is divided into Terminal A (International) and Terminal B (Domestic). The gates are organized into three sections: East Wing gates 1–4, Central Section gates 5–9, and West Wing gates 10–16. This layout helps manage passenger flow effectively. For those prioritizing efficiency, know your terminal ahead of check-in to streamline your airport journey.

Getting to and from the city

Ground transport at SFB is straightforward yet structured, with taxis, shuttles, and ride services clearly coordinated via the airport’s own transport page. To avoid any last-minute confusion, delve into their website where curbside logistics and different transportation options are outlined. SFB's thoughtful transport setup hints at a more organized experience compared to many other smaller airports.

Traveller essentials

The airport's hours of operation are influenced by FAA tower times, which stretch from 0630L to 2300L. This means late night or early morning travelers might experience a shift in ramp operations. For those who enjoy watching planes, note that SFB is under Orlando Class B airspace, which adds a layer of aviation activity uncommon to similar-sized regional airports.

Dining & shopping highlights

While not expansive, the dining scene at SFB offers local flair and some familiar names: Brew Landing in Terminal A provides a quick bite or drink, while Terminal B houses eateries such as Hollerbach’s, Nature’s Table, and Zaza. Shoppers have more options in Terminal A with stores like 1877 & Co., Brookstone, and World Duty Free, offering a bit of retail therapy before or after your flight.

Lounges

SFB does not boast any lounges, reflecting its utilitarian focus on serving as a no-frills flying stopover. Travelers looking for dedicated relaxation spaces will need to focus instead on nearby eateries for a quieter pause in your journey.

Insider tips

• Insider: Use SFB’s interactive terminal map for a real-time guide to your surroundings, cutting down on wayfinding time for gates, food, and shops.
• Time: FAA tower hours affect night-time travel; expect operations to differ outside the 0630L to 2300L time frame.
• Avoid: When arriving at the curb, check whether you’re on the international or domestic side to streamline security and check-in procedures.
• Money: Free parking is available at the Cell Phone Lot, useful for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Local: Trying local flavor is easier than ever with Zaza and Hollerbach’s in Terminal B – a tasty exit strategy.
• Quiet: Utilize Terminal A’s Brew Landing for a quieter spot to grab a drink if Terminal B becomes too hectic.
• Time: Delve into the airport’s ground transport page ahead of time to navigate shuttles and rides more efficiently than relying on app-based hunches.