Florida Travel Airports: Your Guide to Getting to Kissimmee and the Theme Parks

When planning a trip to Florida travel airports, the main entry points for visitors heading to Central Florida’s theme parks and beaches. Also known as Florida gateway airports, these hubs connect millions of travelers each year to destinations like Kissimmee, Orlando, and the Gulf Coast. Most people assume Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the only option, but that’s not true—and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and stress.

Orlando International is the biggest, with the most flights and rental car options, but it’s also the busiest. If you’re staying in Kissimmee, you’re only 20 minutes from MCO, but you’ll still face long security lines and crowded shuttles. Tampa International (TPA) is often overlooked, but it’s just 70 miles west, has shorter lines, cheaper parking, and direct routes to Kissimmee via US 192. Even Southwest Florida International (RSW) in Fort Myers, about 110 miles south, can be a smart pick if you want to combine beach time with theme park days. Each airport has trade-offs: MCO has more airlines, TPA has fewer crowds, RSW has lower airfares. The best one depends on where you’re flying from and what you value most.

Don’t forget ground transportation. Uber and Lyft are reliable from all major Florida airports to Kissimmee, but renting a car gives you freedom to hit beaches, state parks, or local diners without scheduling rides. Many hotels in Kissimmee offer free shuttles to Disney and Universal—just ask when you book. And if you’re flying into Miami or Jacksonville? Those are longer drives—three to four hours—and usually not worth it unless you’re planning a multi-region trip.

What you’ll find below are real traveler insights on how to pick the right airport, avoid overpriced transfers, and get to your hotel faster. We’ve pulled from posts that break down drive times from each airport, compare rental costs, and even show which ones have the least baggage delays. Whether you’re flying solo, with kids, or on a tight budget, there’s a strategy here that fits your trip.