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The best hotels near Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) sit in two clusters: a handful of Sanford properties a few minutes from the terminal, and a larger group of business-style hotels along International Parkway in Lake Mary, about 8 miles west. Only a few of them run an airport shuttle, so the right pick depends on whether you land late, pick up a rental car or arrive on the Amtrak Auto Train.
SFB is a much smaller airport than Orlando International (MCO), and it sits well north of the theme parks. That makes a hotel nearby a smart first or last night, especially with an early Allegiant departure, but a less convenient base for a full Disney or Universal week.
Below you will find eight hotels we would actually shortlist, what each one verifiably offers (shuttle, breakfast, parking, pets), and the practical details of getting in and out of SFB.
Quick answer: If you want the shortest ride and a free shuttle, book the new Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport or the Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel. If you have a car and want more space or a full-service hotel, look at SpringHill Suites Orlando North/Sanford (free breakfast and parking) or the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, which runs a paid shuttle to SFB.
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How we chose these Sanford airport hotels
We did not score or rank hotels on guest reviews. Instead, we kept properties that meet practical criteria for an airport night or a short stay north of Orlando:
- Location: within roughly 10 miles of the terminal, either in Sanford or along the I-4 corridor in Lake Mary.
- Verified amenities: every shuttle, breakfast, parking and pet detail below comes from the hotel’s or brand’s official page. Where we relied on an archived copy, we say “at last check.”
- Transport: whether the hotel runs its own SFB shuttle, charges for one, or expects you to use a car or rideshare.
- Value: free breakfast, free parking and kitchens count for a lot on a one-night stay. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book.
Hotels near Orlando Sanford Airport compared
| Hotel | Area | SFB shuttle | Breakfast | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport | Sanford, under 2 mi | Free | Included | Free |
| Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary | Sanford, 3 mi | Free, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. | Free hot | Free |
| SpringHill Suites Orlando North/Sanford | Sanford, 8–9 mi | No | Free hot | Free |
| Extended Stay America Premier Suites Orlando – Sanford | Sanford | No | Free (light) | Ask hotel |
| Orlando Marriott Lake Mary | Lake Mary, 8 mi | Paid | Restaurant | $10/day |
| The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North | Lake Mary, 8.5 mi | No | Restaurant | $5/day |
| Hilton Garden Inn Orlando North/Lake Mary | Lake Mary, 9 mi | No | For a fee | Free |
| Courtyard Orlando Lake Mary/North | Lake Mary, 8 mi | No | Bistro (paid) | Free |
Distances are approximate road miles to SFB, from the hotels’ own figures or our route check. Fees were correct at last check; confirm with the hotel before you travel.
1. Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport
This is one of the newest hotels in the airport area. Choice Hotels listed it as a brand-new hotel at 3043 East Lake Mary Boulevard, taking bookings from late February 2026, and describes it as “moments from” the airport and Lake Monroe. It is now open, with a mix of king rooms, two-queen rooms and suites.
What makes it stand out for SFB travelers is the combination of a complimentary airport shuttle and breakfast included in the rate. The hotel also notes that cruise passengers can arrange transportation to Port Canaveral through its partner, Go Port, which is handy if you are flying into Sanford for a cruise.
- Why stay: the closest new-build option to the terminal, with a free airport shuttle and breakfast included.
- Getting there / to the parks: the shuttle covers the airport run; for Disney or Universal you will need a car or rideshare, as the parks are a long drive south.
- Good to know: Choice listed free parking, an outdoor pool and a fitness center at last check; check-in is 3 p.m. and pets are not allowed (service animals only). Choice does not publish shuttle hours, so call ahead to confirm them and how to request a pickup.
Best for: late arrivals and early departures without a rental car, and cruise travelers flying into SFB.
See prices and availability at Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport
2. Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel
Best Western’s newly renovated property on South Orlando Drive (US 17-92) lists itself 3 miles from Orlando Sanford International Airport and 3.9 miles from the Amtrak Auto Train station. Rooms come as Double Queen or King, plus a few suites, and the hotel adds a complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool.
The shuttle is the main draw: at last check, Best Western listed a free shuttle available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., booked by calling the hotel directly. That window works well for morning flights, less so for late-night arrivals.
- Why stay: free shuttle, free hot breakfast and a short ride to both the airport and the Auto Train.
- Getting there / to the parks: call the hotel to reserve the shuttle; for the parks you will need your own transport.
- Good to know: pet friendly for up to two dogs (80-pound limit each) at $25 plus tax per day; check-in is 3 p.m. Parking is free for hotel guests, and a Stay & Fly option lets you leave your car for $10 per day plus tax (up to 30 days) at last check.
Best for: morning flyers, Auto Train passengers and travelers with a dog.
Check your dates for Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel on Booking.com
3. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando North/Sanford
This all-suite hotel on North Towne Road, near the Seminole Towne Center area and I-4, is roughly 8 to 9 miles from SFB by road (Marriott’s pages quote both 5 and 8 miles). Suites include a queen-size pull-out sofa, which helps if you are traveling with kids.
Marriott lists a free hot breakfast (weekdays 6 to 9 a.m., weekends 7 to 10 a.m. at last check), complimentary on-site parking, an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Check-out is noon, a little later than most hotels here, and the minimum check-in age is 21.
- Why stay: free breakfast plus free parking, with suite space for families.
- Getting there / to the parks: Marriott states there is no airport shuttle, so plan on a rental car or rideshare. Being next to I-4 makes the drive south easier.
- Good to know: pets are not allowed (service animals are welcome).
Best for: families with a rental car who want space and breakfast covered.
See available rooms at SpringHill Suites Orlando North/Sanford
4. Extended Stay America Premier Suites Orlando – Sanford
If you are staying more than a night or two, this Rinehart Road property is the practical choice. Every studio suite has a fully equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and the hotel lists a free light breakfast (“healthy breakfast” in the brand’s words), free Wi-Fi, on-site guest laundry and a fitness center.
It is a no-frills extended-stay format, not a resort. Housekeeping is limited on short stays: for one to seven nights, fresh towels and linens are available at the front desk rather than daily service.
- Why stay: full kitchens, which can cut food costs on longer stays.
- Getting there / to the parks: no airport shuttle is listed, so you will need a car or rideshare.
- Good to know: pet-friendly rooms are available; the brand’s policy caps the pet cleaning fee at $25 plus tax per pet per day for the first six nights. Confirm parking details with the hotel.
Best for: longer stays, relocations and families who want to cook.
Compare rates for Extended Stay America Premier Suites Orlando – Sanford
5. Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
This newly renovated full-service hotel has 307 rooms and suites on International Parkway, about 8 miles from SFB. You get an on-site restaurant (1501 Kitchen & Bar, which serves a breakfast buffet), a bar, a grab-and-go shop called The Market, an outdoor heated pool and a whirlpool spa.
It is also the only Lake Mary hotel here that lists an SFB shuttle: at last check, Marriott showed an airport shuttle at $26 one way or $52 round trip, with a reservation required. Marriott also notes the SunRail Lake Mary station nearby.
- Why stay: full-service amenities with a bookable (paid) airport shuttle.
- Getting there / to the parks: reserve the airport shuttle ahead; for the parks, drive south on I-4 or use a rideshare.
- Good to know: on-site parking was listed at $10 per day; pets are not allowed (service animals only); check-in is 4 p.m.
Best for: travelers who want a full-service hotel and a restaurant on site.
6. The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North
The Westin is the most upscale stay in the area, about 8.5 miles from SFB on International Parkway. It has Shula’s 347 Grill for breakfast, lunch and dinner, an outdoor heated pool with a whirlpool spa, and a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT fitness studio.
Parking is inexpensive for a hotel of this level: Marriott listed on-site parking at $5 per day at last check. There is no airport shuttle, though the hotel offers a town car service on request (Marriott lists it at $125 one way to Orlando International).
- Why stay: polished rooms, a steakhouse on site and a heated pool.
- Getting there / to the parks: no shuttle, so arrive by rental car or rideshare.
- Good to know: dogs up to 40 pounds are allowed, one per room, with a $50 non-refundable fee per night.
Best for: couples and business travelers who want a more upscale night.
7. Hilton Garden Inn Orlando North/Lake Mary
Set on Currency Circle just off I-4 and Lake Mary Boulevard, this Hilton Garden Inn is a solid mid-range option with an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and free Wi-Fi.
Self-parking is complimentary, which helps if you have a rental car. Hilton lists a full breakfast available for a fee, and no airport shuttle to Orlando Sanford International.
- Why stay: free parking and easy I-4 access for the drive to Orlando.
- Getting there / to the parks: plan on a car or rideshare; the hotel’s location near I-4 makes the drive south straightforward.
- Good to know: up to two dogs or cats are allowed, with a $75 non-refundable fee for one to four nights or $125 for five or more nights.
Best for: drivers who want a reliable brand and free parking.
See available rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando North/Lake Mary
8. Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Mary/North
The Courtyard on International Parkway is about 8 miles from SFB and sits close to the restaurants in Lake Mary’s business district. Rooms include mini-fridges and work desks, and the hotel has The Bistro, which serves breakfast and dinner along with Starbucks coffee.
Marriott lists complimentary on-site parking, an outdoor pool and a whirlpool. Breakfast is not included in standard rates, and there is no airport shuttle.
- Why stay: free parking in a quiet business area, with restaurants nearby.
- Getting there / to the parks: no shuttle; use a rental car or rideshare.
- Good to know: pets are not allowed; check-in is 3 p.m.
Best for: travelers with a car who want a straightforward, free-parking stay.
Getting to and from Orlando Sanford Airport
SFB is at 1200 Red Cleveland Boulevard in Sanford, in Seminole County north of Orlando. Here is what the airport lists for ground transport:
- Rental cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National are listed as on-site companies. Rental pick-up is in the Welcome Center across the street from the terminal, while Alamo, National and Enterprise use the Alamo building just south of it.
- Rideshare and pre-arranged rides: drivers pick up in designated zones across the street from Baggage Claim areas 1 to 3.
- Taxis: Yellow Cab Company of Orlando is the listed taxi provider.
- Hotel shuttles: call your hotel when you land; the Best Western asks guests to call to reserve, and the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary requires a reservation.
Which airlines fly into SFB
At the time of writing, the airport lists Allegiant, Arajet, BermudAir (with service starting in October 2026) and Sun Country (seasonal and/or charter). Routes change often, so check the airline’s schedule before you plan around Sanford.
SFB parking rates
If you are driving to the airport rather than parking at a hotel, these are the daily maximums the airport lists effective October 1, 2026, including taxes and fees. The first 15 minutes are free.
| Lot | Daily maximum | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Garage | $23 | Across from terminal |
| Hourly Lot | $30 | Next to terminal |
| Long Term Lots A and B | $17 | Free shuttle or walkway |
| Cell Phone Lot | Free | Pickups only, no overnight |
From SFB to Disney World and Universal
Walt Disney World is about 45 to 50 miles south of the airport by road (EPCOT is closer, Magic Kingdom farther), and Universal Orlando is about 36 miles. Plan on roughly 50 minutes to Universal and 60 to 75 minutes to Disney without heavy traffic, and longer at rush hour on I-4. Toll roads such as SR 417 can save time, so check how your rental company bills tolls. Most shared shuttle services to the Disney area are built around Orlando International, so from Sanford most visitors use a rental car, a rideshare or a private transfer. Our guide to getting from the Orlando airport to Disney World compares those options, and our overview of getting around Orlando without a car explains what works if you skip the rental.
Arriving on the Amtrak Auto Train
The Auto Train runs daily between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, a trip of about 17.5 hours with your vehicle carried in an enclosed auto carrier. The Sanford station is at 600 South Persimmon Avenue. The Best Western Plus lists itself 3.9 miles from the station, which makes it an easy night before a northbound departure.
How to choose a hotel near Sanford airport
- No car, short stay: pick a hotel with its own free shuttle, the Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport or the Best Western Plus, and check the shuttle hours against your flight time.
- Rental car and a family: SpringHill Suites gives you suites, free breakfast and free parking near I-4.
- A week or more: Extended Stay America’s full kitchens will save money; our list of Orlando hotels with kitchens has more options closer to the parks.
- Full-service comfort: the Westin or the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, with restaurants and heated pools on site.
- Theme parks are the main goal: do not base yourself in Sanford for a whole Disney or Universal trip. Spend your first or last night here, then move closer to the parks. Our guides to the best hotels near Disney World and hotels near Universal Studios Orlando cover those areas, and where to stay in Orlando compares every neighborhood.
- Flying from MCO instead: see our picks for Orlando International Airport hotels, including the hotel inside the terminal.
Cruising from Port Canaveral or heading to the Space Coast after you land? Sanford is on the northeast side of metro Orlando, so our guide to hotels near Kennedy Space Center may suit your next night better than a park-area hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Do any hotels near Orlando Sanford Airport have a free shuttle?
Yes. At last check, the Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport listed a complimentary airport shuttle, and the Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel listed a free shuttle from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., booked by calling the hotel. The Orlando Marriott Lake Mary offers a paid shuttle that requires a reservation. Shuttle hours change, so confirm before you fly.
How far is Orlando Sanford Airport from Disney World?
Walt Disney World is about 45 to 50 miles south of SFB by road, depending on the park. Without heavy traffic, the drive takes about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, and much longer at rush hour on I-4. Toll roads such as SR 417 often save time. Most shared Disney-area shuttles focus on Orlando International, so from Sanford most visitors drive, use a rideshare or book a private transfer.
Which airlines fly into Orlando Sanford Airport?
At the time of writing, the airport’s airline page lists four carriers: Allegiant, Arajet, BermudAir (service starting October 2026) and Sun Country, which operates seasonal and/or charter flights. Airline schedules change often, so check the airline’s site for current routes before booking a hotel around your flight.
Is it better to stay in Sanford or Lake Mary?
Sanford hotels are closest to the terminal and the Auto Train station, and two of them run free airport shuttles. Lake Mary, about 8 miles west, has more full-service hotels, more restaurants and quick access to I-4 for the drive to Orlando. Choose Sanford for a quick airport night and Lake Mary if you have a car and want more comfort.
Can I stay near Sanford Airport and visit Universal or Disney?
You can, but it is a long daily commute. Universal is about 36 miles away and Disney about 45 to 50 miles, which adds up to roughly two hours or more of driving per park day. For a multi-day park trip, spend just your arrival or departure night near SFB and stay closer to the parks for the rest.
Where do you pick up a rental car at Sanford airport?
The airport lists Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National as on-site rental companies, with pick-up in the Welcome Center across the street from the terminal; Alamo, National and Enterprise are in the Alamo building just south of it. If you are only staying one night near SFB, you can take a hotel shuttle and collect your car the next morning, which avoids any overnight parking fee.
Bottom line
For a quick night near Orlando Sanford Airport, the new Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport and the Best Western Plus are the easiest picks, since both list free shuttles and breakfast. With a car, SpringHill Suites is the best value, and the Westin or Orlando Marriott Lake Mary are the more comfortable choices. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book, so compare a few before you commit. Check your dates at Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport.
Sources checked in October 2026: Orlando Sanford International Airport: Airlines, SFB Parking, SFB Taxis, Shuttles and Rides, Amtrak Sanford Auto Train Station, Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel