Fly from Miami or Orlando?

Question

I am going to Stuart and North Palm Beach for a week. Please which airport should I fly into, Miami or Orlando. Which is the easiest to get in and of quickly? I know there’s an airport in West Palm Beach, but there are no nonstop flights from San Francisco. Thanks

Answer

For traveling to Stuart and North Palm Beach, the choice of airport makes a significant difference in terms of driving time and convenience. Here’s a detailed comparison of Miami International Airport (MIA) vs Orlando International Airport (MCO), and considerations regarding West Palm Beach (PBI):

Distance and Driving Time:

Miami International Airport (MIA) – Stuart is about 90 miles north of Miami. Driving typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. North Palm Beach is slightly further, around 100 miles, taking roughly 2 hours. The route is straightforward via I-95.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Stuart is approximately 130 miles south of Orlando, about 2.5 hours drive. North Palm Beach is around 150 miles, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. This makes Orlando less convenient for your destinations.
West Palm Beach Airport (PBI) – This airport is only about 15–25 minutes from both Stuart and North Palm Beach. While there are no nonstop flights from San Francisco, connecting flights may be an option. If convenience is the priority, PBI is ideal.

Ease of Getting In and Out:

MIA: Large airport with many nonstop flights from major hubs, including San Francisco. However, Miami traffic can be heavy, and navigating the airport can take 30–60 minutes depending on time of day.
MCO: Also a large airport with nonstop flights from San Francisco, generally less congested than Miami. The drive to Stuart or North Palm Beach is significantly longer.
PBI: Small airport with faster security lines, shorter walking distances, and minimal traffic. However, you’ll likely need a connecting flight from San Francisco, which could add several hours of travel.

Recommendation:

If you prioritize direct flights and don’t mind a longer drive, flying into Miami (MIA) is the most practical option. It’s closer to your destinations than Orlando, and you can get nonstop flights from San Francisco.
If you prioritize driving time and airport convenience, and can handle a connection, West Palm Beach (PBI) is the easiest and fastest option to reach Stuart and North Palm Beach.
Flying into Orlando (MCO) is generally not recommended for Stuart/North Palm Beach unless you find a significantly cheaper flight, as it will add at least 2.5 hours of driving.

Overall, for a balance of nonstop flights and reasonable driving time, MIA is the better choice over Orlando. If convenience and minimal driving is more important than direct flights, try connecting through PBI.