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Compare rental cars from leading brands at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. SFB's compact terminal means quick pickups and an on-site lot steps from arrivals, so you can hit SR-417 toward Orlando or I-4 to Daytona Beach in minutes. Lower fees and lighter crowds than MCO make Sanford Airport car rental a smart choice for budget-minded travelers.
SFB hosts 7 on-site rental providers in the arrivals area and the rental car lot is next to the terminal, making pickup convenient.
| Location Features | Details |
|---|---|
| On-site providers | Alamo, National, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Avis, Budget |
| Counter location | Terminal arrivals area |
| Car lot distance | Next to terminal (walking distance) |
| Operating hours | Aligned to flight schedules (early morning through late evening) |
| After-hours service | Limited - verify if arriving on late flights |
| Waiting times | Usually shorter than at Orlando International (MCO) |
| Shuttle requirements | Only for specialty services (like accessible vans) |
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SFB Airport | • Smaller, less crowded terminal • Shorter lines • Next-door parking lot • Lower airport fees than MCO |
• Limited operating hours • Fewer vehicle options • Located 30 minutes north of Orlando |
| Orlando International (MCO) | • More rental companies • 24/7 operation • Larger vehicle selection |
• Longer wait times • Higher airport fees • More congested |
| Off-Airport (City) | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Often less crowded |
• Requires transportation to rental location • Limited operating hours • No evening/overnight service |
On average, car rentals at Orlando Sanford Airport cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare SFB vs MCO vs off-airport in our search results. SFB usually tags on lower airport fees than MCO, while some city depots can be even cheaper if you're cool with a rideshare over.
Prices spike at Spring Break and summer. Snag a refundable booking 2-3 months out, then keep stalking rates and re-book if they drop. Off-peak (Sep–Nov) you can often score last-minute deals.
Play with pickup and drop times. Mid-week or noon-to-noon rentals can shave off a day's charge compared with a Friday-to-Monday block.
Stick to an economy or compact unless you're hauling a big family. Smaller cars are the best value and fit Sanford's downtown parking spots.
| Area | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford Downtown | Street & public lots | Many free options available |
| SFB Airport | On-site parking | General parking available |
| Orlando theme parks | Park lots | Standard parking available (daily fee applies) |
| Beach areas | Public lots & street | Varies by location, many beaches have paid lots |
Right-hand driving and right turn permitted on red after complete stop (unless signed)
Speed limits: 70 mph on interstates, 55-65 mph on highways, 25-45 mph in urban areas
School zones: 15-20 mph when lights flashing
Toll roads: Multiple toll roads in the area (SR-417, SR-408, SR-528)
School buses: Must stop in both directions when bus has flashing red lights and stop sign extended (except on divided highways)
Mobile phones: Texting while driving is illegal; hands-free required in school and construction zones
Book a rental so you can visit:
Daytona Beach – Atlantic coast
New Smyrna Beach – Atlantic coast
St. Augustine – landmarks
Wekiwa Springs State Park – springs
Is Sanford Airport a good place to rent a car? Yes, at SFB you'll find shorter lines and it's less crowded than MCO. The rental car lot is just a short walk from the terminal.
Do I need a car if staying in Sanford? Yes, there isn't much public transportation. You will need a rental car to explore the area outside of downtown Sanford.
How far is Sanford Airport from Orlando's attractions? Walt Disney World is about a 50–60 minute drive (45 miles / 72 km) from SFB. Universal Studios is a 40–50 minute drive (35 miles / 56 km).
What's the best route from Sanford Airport to the beaches? You can get to Daytona Beach in 45 minutes by taking I-4 and I-95. New Smyrna Beach is a bit closer, about a 40-minute drive using SR-415.
What are the car rental fees at Sanford Airport? Rental rates change by season, but airport fees at SFB are usually lower than at MCO. On top of the daily rental rate, you will pay Florida's $2 per day rental car fee plus state and county taxes. The 6% state sales tax and the 1% Seminole County sales tax add up to about 7% in total tax.
Can I return my rental to a different location? Yes, most companies let you return your car to a different location, including MCO Airport. They might charge a one-way fee, so be sure to ask the company about it.
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