If you're heading to Kissimmee, Florida, you probably have one thing on your mind: getting to your vacation rental, hotel, or Disney World gate as fast as possible. The good news? You don’t have to drive far to find a major airport. The closest major airport to Kissimmee is Orlando International Airport (MCO), just 20 miles away.
Why Orlando International Airport (MCO) is your best bet
Orlando International Airport, also known as MCO, is the main gateway for tourists visiting central Florida. It’s not just close-it’s practical. With over 45 million passengers passing through in 2024, it’s one of the busiest airports in the U.S. That means you’ll find tons of flight options, from budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit to major carriers like Delta, American, and United.Driving from MCO to Kissimmee takes about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is straightforward: take State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) west, then hop onto U.S. Highway 192. There are clear signs for Kissimmee, and most rental car agencies have counters inside the terminal. You’ll be checking into your resort before lunch if your flight lands by noon.
Other airports nearby-and why they’re not ideal
You might hear about other airports like Orlando Sanford (SFB) or Tampa International (TPA). Let’s clear up the confusion.Orlando Sanford (SFB) is about 45 miles northeast of Kissimmee. It’s smaller and has fewer flights, mostly seasonal or budget carriers. While it can be cheaper, the drive is longer, and you’ll spend more time on the road than you save on your ticket. Unless you’re flying into SFB on a direct deal from Canada or the UK, it’s rarely worth the extra 40 minutes.
Tampa International (TPA) sits around 85 miles west of Kissimmee. That’s a 1 hour 20-minute drive-often longer if you hit traffic on I-4. It’s a great airport for Tampa visitors, but for Kissimmee? It’s overkill. You’re trading convenience for distance.
There’s also Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), but it’s for private and charter flights only. If you’re not flying in a jet with your own pilot, skip it.
Transportation options from MCO to Kissimmee
Once you land, you’ve got a few ways to get to Kissimmee:- Rental cars-The most flexible option. All major agencies are in the terminal. Book ahead during peak season (summer, holidays) to avoid long waits and higher prices.
- Shuttle services-Companies like Mears and SuperShuttle offer door-to-door rides. Expect to pay $50-$80 per person one way. Good if you’re traveling in a group or don’t want to drive.
- Uber and Lyft-Usually $40-$60 to Kissimmee. Surge pricing can spike during early morning or late-night arrivals. Check the app before you leave the terminal.
- Private transfers-If you’re staying at a resort or vacation home, some property managers offer complimentary or paid pickup. Ask when you book.
Public transit? Don’t count on it. Kissimmee doesn’t have a direct train or bus link to MCO. The Lynx bus system serves Orlando but doesn’t extend far enough out. You’ll be better off with any of the above options.
When to arrive at MCO
If you’re flying into MCO for a Kissimmee trip, plan your arrival time smartly:- Domestic flights-Arrive 2 hours before departure. Security lines can be long, especially between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- International flights-Give yourself 3 hours. Customs and immigration can take 30 to 60 minutes, even with Global Entry.
- Peak season (June-August, December)-Add 30 extra minutes to all times. Disney crowds mean more travelers, more rental cars, and more traffic.
Pro tip: Use the MCO app to check real-time security wait times. It’s updated every 15 minutes and can save you from standing in line for an hour.
What to know before you fly
MCO has four terminals, but all are connected by a free SkyConnect train. No matter which terminal you land in, you can reach rental cars, shuttles, and rideshares in under 10 minutes.Don’t forget:
- Florida has no state income tax, but rental car fees can add 25% or more to your bill. Watch for mandatory insurance and fuel charges.
- Gas prices in Florida average $2.90-$3.30 per gallon. Fill up before leaving the airport if you’re driving long distances.
- Most Kissimmee hotels and rentals offer free parking. You won’t need to pay extra.
- Wear comfortable shoes. MCO is huge. You’ll walk a lot.
Bottom line: MCO is your only real choice
There’s no other airport that comes close to matching Orlando International’s combination of proximity, flight options, and convenience for Kissimmee visitors. Whether you’re heading to Disney, Universal, or just a quiet lakeside rental, MCO gets you there faster, cheaper, and with less stress than any other option.Book your flight to MCO. Rent your car. Hit the road. You’ll be enjoying Florida sunshine before you know it.
Is Orlando International Airport the closest airport to Kissimmee?
Yes, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport to Kissimmee, Florida. It’s about 20 miles away, with a drive time of 25 to 35 minutes. No other airport offers the same level of flight options, transportation links, and convenience for visitors to Kissimmee.
How far is Kissimmee from Orlando Airport?
Kissimmee is approximately 20 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO). The drive takes 25 to 35 minutes via State Road 528 and U.S. Highway 192. Traffic can add time during peak hours, especially near Disney and Universal.
Can I fly into Tampa instead of Orlando for Kissimmee?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 85 miles west of Kissimmee, which means a 1 hour 20-minute drive. Unless you’re flying a much cheaper direct flight, the extra time and fuel cost make it a poor choice for Kissimmee visitors.
Is there a shuttle from Orlando Airport to Kissimmee?
Yes, several shuttle services operate between Orlando International Airport and Kissimmee, including Mears and SuperShuttle. Prices range from $50 to $80 per person one way. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy travel seasons.
What’s the best way to get from Orlando Airport to Kissimmee?
The best way is usually a rental car-it gives you full freedom to explore Kissimmee, Disney, and nearby attractions. If you don’t want to drive, Uber/Lyft or a shuttle service are solid alternatives. Avoid public transit; there’s no direct route.
Teja kumar Baliga
November 11, 2025 AT 14:53Just got back from Kissimmee last week and MCO was a breeze. Renting a car right after landing saved us so much time. Pro tip: skip the rental insurance if you’ve got good credit card coverage - they’ll try to upsell you hard.
Tiffany Ho
November 12, 2025 AT 02:35i used uber and it was fine but the driver was super nice and told me about this little diner near universal that had the best key lime pie ever
k arnold
November 13, 2025 AT 03:33Wow. A whole essay on how MCO is the best. Did you write this for Visit Florida or did you just get paid in free parking?
lucia burton
November 13, 2025 AT 13:02Let me just say that from a logistical optimization standpoint, Orlando International’s terminal connectivity architecture is unparalleled among secondary hub airports in the Southeastern U.S. The SkyConnect system reduces intra-terminal transit latency by an estimated 68% compared to legacy airport layouts, which directly correlates to improved tourist throughput efficiency - especially when you factor in peak-season demand elasticity and rental car fleet repositioning constraints.
Nicholas Zeitler
November 14, 2025 AT 05:38Don’t forget: if you’re flying in early, the Starbucks in Terminal A opens at 4:30 a.m.-and yes, it’s the only place where you can get a decent coffee before 6 a.m. Also, the restroom near Gate 117 has a baby-changing station that doesn’t leak. Small victories.
Denise Young
November 16, 2025 AT 01:58So you’re telling me that after all this, the only real choice is MCO? And I thought I was being clever flying into Tampa to ‘avoid the crowds.’ Turns out I was just being a sucker for a $70 cheaper ticket and a three-hour round-trip drive. Thanks for the reality check. I’m now officially a convert.
Sam Rittenhouse
November 16, 2025 AT 22:10I flew into MCO with my 78-year-old mom last Christmas. She was terrified of airports. We walked off the plane, grabbed a rental car in 12 minutes, and she was sipping sweet tea by 11 a.m. That’s the kind of experience you don’t forget. This airport doesn’t just serve travelers-it serves families.
Peter Reynolds
November 17, 2025 AT 15:54Shuttle services are fine but if you’re traveling with kids or lots of luggage, rental car is worth it. Just make sure you get a car with a full tank. I learned that the hard way after paying $12 for gas at the airport.
Fred Edwords
November 18, 2025 AT 21:12Correction: Orlando International Airport’s IATA code is MCO, not MCO. The code derives from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base. Also, State Road 528 is officially the Beachline Expressway, not ‘Beachline’-it’s a state highway, not a nickname. Accuracy matters.
Sarah McWhirter
November 20, 2025 AT 10:08Did you know MCO is actually a secret government surveillance hub? That’s why the security lines are so long-they’re scanning your DNA for ‘tourist compliance.’ And the SkyConnect train? It’s not free. It’s powered by your social media data. They’re selling your vacation memories to Disney’s AI. I’ve seen the documents.
michael Melanson
November 22, 2025 AT 03:26Just landed at MCO yesterday. 25 minutes to Kissimmee. No issues. Rental car was waiting. Gas was $3.10. Perfect.