If you’re hunting for flights to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, you’ve probably noticed something a bit weird. The name itself is a mouthful. It’s also the subject of a semi-famous legal spat because, honestly, the airport isn’t actually in Orlando. It’s in Melbourne, Florida. That’s about 70 miles away from the big mouse at Disney World.
But here is the thing.
People who know the "hack" actually prefer flying here. They avoid the madness of MCO (Orlando International) where security lines can eat your soul. Instead, they land at MLB, walk 50 feet to baggage claim, and are in a rental car before a passenger at MCO has even found the monorail.
Why MLB is the Secret Backdoor to Florida
Most travelers reflexively book MCO because they think it's the only way to reach Central Florida. Huge mistake. If you're heading to Port Canaveral for a cruise or want to hit the beaches at Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Orlando International Airport is actually much closer.
It’s a breezy 30-minute drive to the port.
Compare that to the hour-plus slog from Orlando’s main hub. Plus, the recent $72 million renovation at MLB has turned it into a surprisingly slick little terminal. They’ve added new boarding bridges that can handle big "Dreamliner" jets and a welcome center that actually feels welcoming.
Which Airlines Are Actually Flying to MLB?
Don't expect every budget carrier to show up here. You won't find a hundred gates. But the ones that do fly in are pretty strategic.
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Delta Air Lines is the big dog here. They run multiple daily nonstops from Atlanta (ATL). If you’re coming from anywhere else in the world, you’ll likely connect through ATL. It’s a 50-minute hop.
American Airlines does the same thing with their hub in Charlotte (CLT). If you live in the Northeast or Midwest, grabbing a connection through Charlotte is usually the fastest way to get your feet in the Melbourne sand.
Then there is Allegiant Air. They are kind of the heroes of cheap direct flights for people in specific "underserved" cities. As of early 2026, they’re running nonstop routes from:
- Allentown (ABE)
- Pittsburgh (PIT)
- Cincinnati (CVG)
Basically, if you live in the Rust Belt and want to escape the gray slush of January, these flights are a godsend. You can often find round-trips for under $100 if you don’t mind paying extra for a soda and a carry-on.
The British Invasion: TUI Airways
This is the part that surprises most Americans. MLB is a massive hub for UK travelers. TUI Airways moved their entire Florida operation here from Sanford a few years back. They fly those massive Boeing 787 Dreamliners directly from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and even Belfast.
If you see a bunch of British people in the terminal looking for "the hire car," that’s why.
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The Drive to Disney: Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real. If your only goal is to spend every second at Magic Kingdom, flying to Melbourne adds a 1.5-hour drive to your trip.
You’ve got to weigh the "stress tax."
At MCO, you might spend 45 minutes at security and another 30 waiting for bags. At MLB, you’re out in 15 minutes. The drive from MLB to the Disney area is mostly a straight shot across US-192 or the Beeline (SR-528). It’s an easy drive, but you will hit tolls.
Pro tip: If you're renting a car, just get the toll pass. Saving $5 isn't worth the headache of fumbling for quarters on a Florida toll road.
Cost Comparisons: MLB vs. MCO
Sometimes flights to Melbourne Orlando International Airport are cheaper. Sometimes they aren't.
I’ve seen flights from Cincinnati on Allegiant for $40 one-way. At the same time, Delta might want $350 for a flight from New York with a layover. You really have to do the math.
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Factor in the rental car too. Rentals at MLB are often slightly cheaper because there’s less demand than the chaos of Orlando. But if you’re using Uber, a ride from MLB to Disney or Universal is going to cost you $80 to $120. At that point, you might as well have flown into MCO.
The "Beach First" Strategy
The smartest way to use MLB? Start your vacation at the beach.
- Land at MLB at 2:00 PM.
- Check into a hotel at Indialantic or Cocoa Beach by 3:00 PM.
- Be eating fish tacos and watching the Atlantic by 3:30 PM.
After two days of surfing or visiting the Kennedy Space Center, drive the 75 minutes inland to the theme parks. It’s a much more "human" way to do Florida than jumping straight into the Orlando blender.
Logistics You Can't Ignore
Parking at MLB is literally right across from the terminal. You don’t need a shuttle. You don’t need to remember if you parked in "Side A Level 4." You just walk across the street.
The terminal also has a decent restaurant and a gift shop, but don't expect a shopping mall. It’s small. That’s the whole point. There’s a Hyatt Place right on the airport grounds too, which is perfect if you have an 6:00 AM flight out and don't want to drive from Orlando in the dark.
Final Reality Check
If you find a flight to MLB that’s within $50 of the price to MCO, take the Melbourne flight. The lack of crowds and the ease of the airport experience will save you more than $50 worth of sanity. Just make sure you actually have a plan for transportation once you land. There aren't many "free" shuttles to the parks from here.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip:
- Check Allegiant first: If you're near their hub cities, these are the only true direct domestic budget flights.
- Compare Rental Car Total Cost: Use a site like AutoSlash to see if the MLB rental rates offset the flight price.
- Avoid the 5:00 PM Drive: If you land at MLB during rush hour, don't head toward Orlando immediately. Stay in Melbourne for dinner to avoid the I-95/US-192 congestion.
- Download the "Space Coast Area Transit" App: If you're staying local and don't want a car, their bus system (Line 21) serves the airport, though it's slow.
Anyway, that's the deal. MLB isn't "in" Orlando, but for the right traveler, it's a way better choice.