Alright, so you have decided to whisk your family off to the sunny city of Cocoa Beach for a fun-filled family vacation in Florida. It is certain to be great fun, just as soon as you arrive.
Before that, you are going to need to suffer through the infamous airport experience. Choosing the airport closest to Cocoa Beach – for a regional or an international flight – is sure to cut down the stress and get the vacation off to a good start.
Cocoa Beach
The city of Cocoa Beach, FL, is a popular destination for national and international tourists. Cocoa Beach is famous for its beach-centric, surf-inspired lifestyle.
Due to the high volume of tourists arriving from international airports, most airlines fly to any one of the airports near Cocoa Beach, FL.
Closest Airport To Cocoa Beach
While there are a few international airports near Cocoa Beach, the closest airport to Cocoa Beach is Melbourne International Airport, also called: Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
IATA airport code: MLB/KMLB
Melbourne International (or Melbourne Orlando International airport) offers regional and international flights. The airport is located approximately 15.2 miles south of Cocoa Beach, which takes just about half an hour by car.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and drink available to purchase
- Pet transportation
- Entertainment
Melbourne Orlando International Airport offers rental cars for customers ready to jump on the highway and head to Cocoa Beach (or anywhere else).
Melbourne International Airport is an accessible airport. They offer onsite parking, which is always convenient for families traveling with small children. The airport also provides ground transportation for customers who are less able to walk the long distance around the airport.
Ground transportation options include:
- Melbourne airport express
- Taxi or shuttle services
- Rideshare
This major airport also has an airport museum on site, which is free to enter.
Airlines:
Several renowned airlines operate at this major airport, connecting Cocoa Beach, FL, to other airports across the United States as well as international airports.
Airlines that operate to and from Melbourne Orlando International Airport include:
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Allegiant
- TUI
Depending on the time of year you are traveling, you are sure to find a range of cheap flights to and from Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
Other Nearby Airports
Melbourne Orlando International Airport is the closest airport to Cocoa Beach, but there are other airports near Cocoa Beach as well.
Orlando International Airport
IATA airport code: MCO/KMCO
Located approximately 50 miles to the west of Cocoa Beach, FL, Orlando International Airport is the second closest airport to Cocoa Beach.
It takes a little under an hour to drive from Orlando International Airport to Cocoa Beach.
Amenities:
- Food and drink
- Shopping
- Onsite hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
Orlando International Airport is an accessible airport for customers less able to walk long distances, as well as parents traveling with young children or a stroller. Elevators and escalators are readily available, and ground transportation to and from the aircraft is available on request.
The airport will facilitate a rental car should incoming travelers wish to drive to Cocoa Beach themselves. Alternatively, a Cocoa Beach shuttle service operates out of Orlando International Airport.
Onsite parking is available, so outgoing families with small children (and all the luggage that goes with children) can park relatively close.
Airlines:
As a major airport offering regional and international flights, a wide variety of airlines fly to and from Orlando International Airport. These include:
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- British Airways
- Air Canada
- United Airlines
Orlando Sanford International Airport
IATA airport code: SFB/KSFB
The next nearest airport to Cocoa Beach is Orlando Sanford International Airport. This Orlando airport is located 65 miles from Cocoa Beach, which takes just under one and a half hours by car.
This airport is smaller and often overshadowed by the Orlando International Airport. With fewer flights and fewer airlines operating to and from this airport, you can usually expect shorter queues. It is a good choice for travelers, especially families, looking to avoid large crowds.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and drink
- Shopping
Orlando Sanford International Airport is located a little further away from Cocoa Beach than both Melbourne International Airport and Orlando International Airport. However, it is an excellent choice for families traveling with young children.
To make flying with little ones less stressful, Orlando Sanford International Airport offers:
- Children’s programming
- Nursing pods
- Family restrooms
There is also nearby parking for outgoing travelers, with onsite rental cars for incoming travelers. No need to worry about walking too far with that stroller!
Rental cars are the most popular way to reach Cocoa Beach from Orlando Sanford International Airport. However, taxis do operate from the airport, and there is a dedicated shuttle to take you from the airport to Cocoa Beach.
Airlines:
Due to the smaller size of the Orlando Sanford International Airport, fewer airlines make use of it compared with the competing Orlando International Airport.
It does still connect to international airports, using the airlines:
- Allegiant Airlines
- Flair Airlines
- Swoop Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
FAQs
How do you fly to Cocoa Beach?
You can fly to any one of the airports near Cocoa Beach. The closest airport to Cocoa Beach is Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
Does Cocoa Beach, FL, have an airport?
There is no dedicated airport in the city of Cocoa Beach. Instead, visitors are required to fly into one of the nearest airports:
- Melbourne Orlando International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
Is Cocoa, FL, the same as Cocoa Beach?
No!
The city of Cocoa Beach is a barrier island in Florida. The city of Cocoa (also in Florida) is nine miles away, across Merritt Island.
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
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