Which is the best airport to fly to Orlando from the UK?
- Nikki Taylor
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
✨Which Is the Best Airport to Fly to Orlando From the UK?
Planning a trip to Orlando? One of the first decisions you’ll face is which UK airport to fly from—and it can make a big difference to your overall cost, travel time, and stress levels.
The short answer: there isn’t just one “best” airport—it depends on your priorities. But don’t worry, I’ll break it down so you can pick the right one for your trip.
✨Main UK Airports with Orlando Flights
If you’re looking for direct flights to Orlando, these are your main options:
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
Manchester
Edinburgh (seasonal, usually April to October)
Most flights land at Orlando International Airport, which is the closest airport to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
✨Best for Choice & Cheap Flights: London (Heathrow & Gatwick)
If you want the most flight options and best chance of finding a deal, London is usually the winner. This is totally dependant on where you are travelling from so not usually the best choice if travelling from the North.
Why fly from London?
More airlines flying daily
Competitive prices (often the cheapest)
Flexible flight times
More direct flights year-round
Heathrow vs Gatwick
Heathrow → better for premium airlines and smoother experience
Gatwick → often cheaper, especially with budget long-haul airlines
👉 Flight time: around 9–9.5 hours direct
Best for: saving money and having lots of options
Best for Convenience: Manchester Airport
If you live in the North of England, Manchester Airport is a great option.
Why choose Manchester?
Avoid travelling down to London
Direct flights available
Easier and less stressful start to your holiday
Downsides:
Fewer flights than London (these are still daily though)
Prices can be higher during school holidays
👉 Flight time: around 9 hours 45 minutes
Best for: convenience and shorter travel days
This post highlights the big player Manchester Airport has become.
Regional Airports (e.g. Edinburgh)
Airports like Edinburgh Airport sometimes offer seasonal direct flights to Orlando. (April to October)
Pros:
Closer to home
Smaller, easier airports. This is be a huge advantage when getting through security.
Cons:
Limited availability
Higher prices
Fewer backup options if flights are cancelled
Best for: avoiding long journeys to bigger airports
✨Are Connecting Flights Worth It?
Indirect flights (with a stop) can sometimes be cheaper, especially during peak times.
Common stopovers include:
Dublin
Amsterdam
Paris
Pros:
Lower prices
More departure airports
Cons:
Longer travel time
Risk of delays or missed connections
For most families, direct flights are worth it for the simplicity.
✨Which Orlando Airport Should You Fly Into?
There are two main airports:
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – closest to Disney & Universal ✅
Orlando Sanford – smaller but further away
Tip: Always choose Orlando International if you can—it saves time and transport costs.
✨So, Which Airport Is Best?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
Want the cheapest flights? → London Gatwick or Heathrow
Live in the North? → Manchester Airport
Want the easiest journey? → Your nearest airport
In reality, the best airport is:
The one that gives you a direct flight at a good price without adding extra stress to your journey.
✨Extra Tips Before You Book
Compare total costs (not just flights—include parking or trains)
Look at flight times (morning vs afternoon departures)
Book early for school holidays
Consider hotel + flight packages for better deals
✨Final Thoughts
Choosing the right airport can make your Orlando trip start smoothly—or feel stressful before you’ve even taken off.
If you can, go for a direct flight from the closest major airport with a good price—that’s usually the sweet spot between cost and convenience.
Check out our guide on booking a package Disney holiday.
We detail the pros and cons of flight inclusive packages.
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