Florida isn’t just a state-it’s a whole bunch of different vacations packed into one. Beaches in Miami, theme parks in Orlando, quiet islands in the Keys, and historic towns like St. Augustine. But if you’re trying to save money, the airport you land at can make a huge difference in your total trip cost. The cheapest place to fly into Florida isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on where you’re coming from, when you’re going, and what kind of trip you want.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) Still Leads for Budget Travelers
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular entry point for travelers heading to Florida, and for good reason. In 2025, it had the lowest average round-trip fares from major U.S. cities, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier fly here nonstop from over 150 cities, and they compete hard on price. You’ll often find round-trip tickets under $150 from cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and St. Louis-even during peak season.
Why does MCO stay cheap? It’s a hub for low-cost carriers. Spirit Airlines alone operates more than 200 daily flights here. If you’re going to Walt Disney World, Universal, or even just staying in the Kissimmee area, flying into Orlando saves you hours and hundreds of dollars on ground transport. A rideshare to Disney Springs from MCO costs about $40, while driving from Tampa or Fort Lauderdale could add $80-$120 in gas and tolls.
Tampa (TPA) Is a Hidden Gem for Florida’s West Coast
If you’re aiming for Clearwater Beach, St. Pete, or the Gulf Coast, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is often cheaper than flying into Fort Myers or Sarasota. In 2025, TPA had the second-lowest average fares in Florida, beating out Miami and Fort Lauderdale for price consistency. Airlines like Allegiant and JetBlue offer frequent sales from smaller Midwestern and Northeastern cities.
One big advantage? TPA has fewer crowds. You’ll skip the long security lines you get at MCO or FLL. And if you rent a car, you’ll find better deals here than at Orlando or Miami. Rental cars at TPA averaged $38/day in December 2025, compared to $52/day at Miami. Plus, you’re only 30 minutes from some of Florida’s best beaches without the resort markup.
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Is the Best for East Coast Budget Flyers
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a favorite for travelers from New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. It’s only 30 miles from Miami, but flights here are often $50-$100 cheaper than flying into Miami International (MIA). Why? FLL is a major base for Spirit and Frontier, and it’s designed for budget travelers. You’ll find more $99 one-way deals here than at any other Florida airport outside of Orlando.
Just be smart about transport. A shuttle from FLL to South Beach runs $25-$35 per person. A rideshare is $50-$70. If you’re staying near Fort Lauderdale Beach, you’re golden. But if you’re planning to go to Miami, factor in the extra cost and time. Don’t assume FLL means you’re close to everything-it’s a different city, not a suburb of Miami.
Avoid Miami (MIA) Unless You’re Going There
Miami International (MIA) is the busiest airport in Florida, but it’s also the most expensive. In 2025, average round-trip fares from major U.S. cities were 27% higher than Orlando and 19% higher than Tampa. Why? MIA is a hub for international flights, luxury carriers, and business travelers. You’re paying for convenience, not savings.
There’s one exception: if you’re flying from Latin America or Europe, MIA is your best-and often only-option. But if you’re flying from anywhere in the U.S. and your destination is Orlando, Tampa, or even the Keys, skip MIA. Fly into FLL or TPA instead and take a cheap bus or rental car. You’ll save money and still get there fast.
Smaller Airports Can Be Surprisingly Cheap
Don’t overlook regional airports. Pensacola (PNS) and Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) near Panama City often have rock-bottom fares from cities like Nashville, Cincinnati, and Louisville. In early 2025, Spirit offered $79 one-way flights from Nashville to ECP. That’s cheaper than most round-trips to Orlando.
These airports serve beach towns like Destin, Panama City Beach, and Fort Walton Beach. If you’re going for a quiet, beach-focused trip, flying into ECP or PNS can cut your total travel cost by 40%. The catch? Fewer flight options and limited rental car availability. Book early, and rent your car the moment you land-many of these airports have only one rental company on-site.
When You Fly Matters More Than Where
The airport you choose matters, but when you fly matters even more. The cheapest months to fly into Florida are January, February, and September. Prices spike in March (spring break), June through August (summer), and December (holidays).
Here’s what real travelers paid in early 2025:
- Orlando (MCO): $120 round-trip from Atlanta in January
- Tampa (TPA): $105 round-trip from Cleveland in February
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): $89 round-trip from Boston in January
- Miami (MIA): $210 round-trip from Chicago in March
Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually 15-25% cheaper than weekends. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance gives you the best shot at low fares. Wait until the last minute? You’ll pay double.
How to Find the Absolute Lowest Price
Here’s a simple trick: search for flights to all Florida airports at once. Use Google Flights or Hopper and select “everywhere” or “Florida” as your destination. Then sort by price. You’ll see which airport has the lowest fare from your city.
Set up price alerts for Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. Often, the cheapest flight isn’t to the airport closest to your destination-it’s the one with the best deal. For example, if you’re staying in Clearwater, but Tampa is $130 and Orlando is $110, fly into Orlando and drive. The drive is 1.5 hours, and gas will cost $20. You still save $100.
Also, check baggage fees. Spirit and Frontier charge for everything: carry-ons, checked bags, even water. If you’re flying with them, pack light or pay the extra $50-$100 for bags. Southwest doesn’t charge for two checked bags. Sometimes, a slightly higher fare with Southwest is cheaper overall.
What About International Travelers?
If you’re flying from Canada, the UK, or Germany, you’ll likely land at Orlando, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale. MCO has the most direct international flights from Europe and Canada. In 2025, Air Canada and British Airways offered direct flights to MCO from Toronto and London at lower prices than to MIA or FLL.
Still, if you’re going to the Gulf Coast, consider flying into Orlando and driving. It’s often cheaper than flying directly into Tampa or Fort Myers from overseas. Use a flight comparison tool that includes international routes-Skyscanner or Kiwi.com often show hidden deals.
Bottom Line: Fly Smart, Not Just Close
The cheapest place to fly into Florida in 2026 isn’t one airport-it’s the airport with the best deal from your city. For most U.S. travelers, that’s Orlando (MCO). For East Coast folks, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) wins. For Gulf Coast trips, Tampa (TPA) or Panama City (ECP) are smarter than flying into a resort-area airport.
Don’t assume proximity equals savings. Sometimes, flying farther away and driving is cheaper than flying close and paying high fares. Always compare all Florida airports. Use price alerts. Book early. Pack light. And remember: the goal isn’t just to land in Florida-it’s to land in Florida without breaking the bank.