Best Florida Airport For Disney World Holidays From The UK

Airport control tower beside runway under cloudy sky
Flying to Florida

Choosing the best Florida airport to fly to when heading to Walt Disney World isn’t always as simple as picking the closest airport to Walt Disney World. Other factors come into the decision making process including the cost of the flights, where you can fly from, transfer options, and your preferred airline.

Best Airport Overall For Walt Disney World: MCO

If you simply want the best airport for a Walt Disney World holiday the clear winner is Orlando International Airport (MCO) because:

  • It’s the closest airport

  • The widest choice of UK airlines offer direct flights

  • Shortest transfer time at around 25 minutes, so you’ll pay less for Ubers/Lyfts

  • Best range of transfer options to choose from to Disney World

  • Easy airport for families and on-site guests to use as all direct flights from the UK now fly into Terminal C, MCO

That’s not to say that the other airports may not be better for your trip, but for most MCO is easier. Read more about what it’s like flying into MCO: Terminal C.

If you've decided MCO is the right choice for your family, check out our guide on
Which UK Airports Fly Direct To Orlando (MCO)? opens in a new tab

Best Florida Airport For Transfer Times To Disney World

MCO is the best option for the shortest transfer time to Walt Disney World. But choosing which Florida airport to fly into or from based on the transfer times to and from Disney World is only one way to measure the best option for UK visitors.

Florida Airport

Transfer Time To Disney World

Transfer Distance To Disney World

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

25 mins

16.5 miles

Melbourne Orlando International (MLB)

1hr 15 mins

75 miles

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

1hr 15 mins

72 miles

Miami International Airport (MIA)

4hrs

234 miles

While MCO offers the best transfer times to Disney World, and is located much closer to Disney World than other options the 50 mile difference and extra hour or so on the road is worth it if the price of flights are significantly lower elsewhere. Florida flights have gotten increasingly expensive in 2026, so it is worth checking other Florida airports despite longer transfer times to Disney World.

Best Florida Airport For Disney World Based On Airlines

The best Florida airport for Disney World may depend on who you are flying from the UK with. Not every UK airline offering direct flights to Florida for Disney World holidays flies into MCO:

Florida Airport

Airline (offering direct flights from the UK)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Virgin

British Airways

Melbourne Orlando International (MLB)

TUI

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Virgin Atlantic

British Airways

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Virgin Atlantic

British Airways

American Airlines

If you book a package with TUI between March and October you will be flying into Melbourne Orlando International (MLB), because this is where the company’s base in Florida is. TUI holidays are available all year round, but during certain months there is not the option to fly into MCO. Melbourne, (MLB), is a great option as the airport is smaller, it’s not a bags first collection, and you tend to get through quicker than in MCO. For more on navigating from Melbourne Airport to Disney World read Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) To Disney: UK Direct Flight & Transfer Options opens in a new tab

When choosing between the other airlines when picking which Florida airport you are flying to for Disney World it comes down to:

Best Florida Airport Based On UK Airport Location

The best Florida airport for a Disney World trip often involves travelling from the airport closest to where you live, and as not all airlines fly from all UK

Florida Airport

Fly Direct From the Following UK Airports (2026)

Airline

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Manchester

London Gatwick

London Heathrow

(Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Belfast International have seasonal flights).

Virgin

British Airways

Melbourne Orlando International (MLB)

London Gatwick

Manchester

Glasgow

Newcastle

Belfast International

(all seasonal flights)

TUI

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

London Heathrow

London Gatwick

Virgin Atlantic

British Airways

Miami International Airport (MIA)

London Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic

British Airways

American Airlines

Based on direct flights on offer to Florida from the UK, the following options are best based on where you live and local airport availability.

Best Florida Airports Ranked For Disney World Holidays From The UK

1: Orlando International Airport (MCO)

MCO is the closest airport to Walt Disney World and the main gateway for UK travellers. It also offers a large number of direct flights from UK airports, including seasonal departures from other airports around the UK.

It’s the best airport for almost every Disney-focused holiday, whether you're staying on-site, on I-Drive, or staying in a villa in the Orlando area. If you’re looking for a deep dive into all your options to get from MCO to Disney World, take a look at How UK Visitors Get From Orlando Airport (MCO) To Disney Resorts opens in a new tab

2: Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB)

TUI's exclusive Florida airport that is often advertised as "Orlando" despite being 75-90 minutes from Disney World.

Why you might choose MLB:

  • Airport is small and easy to navigate

  • Baggage claims are fast

  • You’ve booked a TUI package deal

Why MLB may not suit everyone:

Far from Disney World

  • Limited Uber availability

  • Taxi costs can be high

  • Not ideal for DIY Disney trips or staying on-site

3: Tampa International Airport (TPA)

When flight prices into Orlando are high, it is worth checking Tampa International Airport (TPA) as the transfer time is similar to MLB and the difference in cost can mean it’s still cheaper to drive the longer distance if you’re hiring a car.

Why choose Tampa:

  • Can get cheaper flights than flying into MCO

  • Modern airport with excellent facilities

  • Only around 1 hr 15 mins to Disney World

  • Easy drive via I-4

Why Tampa may not be best:

  • long drive from Disney World

  • Uber and Lyft more expensive

4: Miami International Airport (MIA)

An excellent airport for two-centre holidays, but too far for a pure Disney trip.

Why choose Miami:

  • Ideal for combining Miami Beach and Orlando as a twin-centre or fly drive trip. It’s good if you fancy a trip to the keys or want to go on a Disney Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

  • Wide choice of flights and prices

  • Lots of car hire options

Why Miami isn't ideal for Disney:

  • 3.5-4 hours from Walt Disney World

  • Busy roads and tolls

  • Not suitable for families wanting quick park access

While MCO is the obvious choice best airport for a Disney World holiday from the UK, if you’re mixing in a Disney Cruise, flying with TUI, or looking for the cheapest options MCO isn’t always the best option for your trip.

Questions About The Best Airport For Disney World Holidays

What is the closest Florida airport to Disney World?

Orlando International airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, at about 16.5 miles away.

What are the two airports close to Disney World other than MCO?

After MCO, the two closest Florida airports to Disney World are Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Written by

  • Magazine editor turned theme-park and travel writer. I've a life-long love of Orlando and all things Disney, and love to find and share the Disney magic from the UK, Paris, and Orlando.

Free

Sign in

Continue with Google or your email address. No passwords needed.

Completely free - unsubscribe anytime

Continue with Google

or