Quick Summary
- SFB is smaller and quieter; MCO has larger fleets and later hours.
- Typical MCO–Disney drive: 25–40 minutes via SR‑417; from SFB allow 50–70.
- Pick the airport that matches your arrival time and luggage needs.
If your first stop is the resort area, starting your search with car hire near MCO puts you close to SR‑417 and SR‑528. Sanford’s compact layout means quick kerb‑to‑road, but vehicle choice can be tighter on peak Saturdays—plan a back‑up class if you’re travelling with prams and bulky luggage.
MCO vs SFB in the real world
Arriving at MCO usually means the shortest shuttle and the most vehicles ready on stand. Before you fly, skim practical details like the MCO rental car centre so you know which ramp to follow. If you prefer a familiar counter, brand desks such as the Hertz desk at MCO and Avis at MCO operate long hours and handle late arrivals smoothly.
From Terminal C, SR‑528 feeds you onto I‑4 or SR‑417 depending on your hotel. From Sanford, SR‑417 is usually the simplest, predictable toll route; keep a couple of dollars handy where exact‑change lanes linger. Hola Car Rentals’ All‑Inclusive+ rate can include streamlined toll handling and Cashback on tolls on selected itineraries, so you spend less time thinking about gantries and more time planning that first ride.
Which route beats the traffic?
On weekend evenings, a 417 loop via Celebration often outperforms I‑4’s stop‑start pattern, especially if there’s a game or a convention downtown. During weekday mornings, SR‑528 to I‑4 west is reasonable for Lake Buena Vista hotels; SR‑417 stays calmer but carries more tolls. Build in 10–15 minutes of margin if you’re checking into a resort with gatehouse queues around 4–6pm.
Family‑friendly vehicle choices
Boot space matters in Orlando. Sliding doors and wide tailgates make wet‑weather loading faster in resort garages. If you’re between classes, pick the roomier option—your supermarket run will thank you. Child seats add setup time; budget 15 minutes kerbside before you roll. Hola Car Rentals backs you with Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up and maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, so you can resize without stress.
Parking, fuel and returns
Theme‑park parking is well signed; arrive early on peak days and follow the team’s directions. Returning to the airport is simple: MCO has multiple fuel stations and clear signage back to the consolidated facility; SFB’s smaller footprint makes wayfinding easy but leaves fewer last‑minute fuel options. For more context on who operates where, our past guide to MCO brands and counters helps you set expectations before you land.
Documents and payment
Bring a physical driving licence and a payment card in the driver’s name—photos aren’t accepted. Under‑25 drivers should check any age policies in the quote. Hola Car Rentals offers No additional fees on qualifying bookings and All‑Inclusive+ protection that removes guesswork from your budget.
FAQs
Is SFB ever faster to Disney? Yes—outside peak weekends, the smaller terminal and direct SR‑417 run can be pleasantly quick.
Do I need a transponder? Not required. Tolls are frequent; Hola Car Rentals can include streamlined handling and Cashback on tolls on selected itineraries.
Which airport is better for late‑night arrivals? MCO—more desks stay open and fleets are larger after 7pm.
Can I book now and change airports later? Yes—Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up makes it easy to re‑book if your flights change.
Sample timings you can trust
As a planning baseline, allow 60–75 minutes from wheels‑down at SFB to resort check‑in, and 45–60 minutes from MCO, adding extra on Friday evenings or holiday Sundays. If your flight is delayed past bedtime with little ones in tow, the larger fleets and later hours at the Alamo counter at MCO provide a useful buffer.
Whatever you choose, Hola Car Rentals keeps the paperwork simple with No additional fees on qualifying bookings, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up and maximum liability coverage available on selected itineraries.
Ready for your first cruise down World Drive? Reserve today with Hola Car Rentals and keep the focus on the fun, not the admin.
