Short answer first: there are no scheduled commercial airlines at Ocala International Airport — Jim Taylor Field (IATA: OCF • ICAO: KOCF). OCF is a public, city-owned general-aviation airport serving private, corporate, charter and cargo operations—so if you’re booking regular airline flights to reach Ocala, you’ll typically fly into Orlando International (MCO, ~90 miles) or Tampa International (TPA, ~104 miles) for the biggest route networks, or Gainesville Regional (GNV, ~44 miles) for the shortest drive, then continue to Ocala by car or shuttle.
Set about five miles west of downtown Ocala in Marion County, OCF’s airfield layout—with runway 18/36 at 7,467 ft plus crosswind 08/26 at 3,009 ft—caters to a wide mix of business jets and general aviation aircraft. The airport’s role is explicitly positioned by the City of Ocala as a premier GA facility (not an airline hub), which aligns with the field’s history: it once had scheduled service decades ago, but today commercial carriers do not fly to OCF.
On the field, travelers arriving by private/charter use Sheltair OCF (FBO) for fuel, handling, pilot/guest lounges, and concierge. Sheltair operates 06:00–21:00 daily with after-hours on-call support and publishes its address (1770 SW 60th Ave, Suite 400) and main line (352-237-3444) for coordination. If you need a car on arrival, the airport area lists on-site rentals (e.g., Enterprise/Avis) and OCF connects quickly to I-75 for drives to horse-country venues and downtown hotels.
For commercial itineraries, plan your gateway strategically: MCO offers the widest nonstop choice and frequent fares; TPA is a strong alternative with similar drive time via I-75; GNV is closest by road but has a smaller regional schedule that often routes via hubs. Typical driving distances are ~90 miles OCF↔MCO, ~104 miles OCF↔TPA, and ~44 miles GNV↔Ocala (allow 1¾–2¼ hours to/from the big hubs depending on traffic). If you prefer not to drive, Ocala-based shuttle operators run paid services—most commonly to/from Orlando (MCO)—so check timetables and pre-book during peak periods.
Bottom line: treat OCF as Ocala’s business/general-aviation gateway: great for private or charter arrivals, meetings, and local access; for regular airline travel, book MCO/TPA (or GNV) and connect by road. This framing matches the airport’s official positioning and the latest reference data, ensuring visitors don’t waste time hunting for nonexistent “OCF flights.”
Quick Facts — Ocala International Airport (OCF)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Ocala International Airport — Jim Taylor Field (public, City of Ocala). |
| Codes | IATA: OCF · ICAO: KOCF · FAA: OCF. |
| Location | ~5 miles west of downtown Ocala, Marion County, Florida, USA. |
| Runways | 18/36: 7,467 ft asphalt · 08/26: 3,009 ft asphalt (crosswind). |
| Type / Role | General Aviation airport (no scheduled airlines); owned & operated by the City of Ocala. |
| FBO (on-field) | Sheltair OCF — 1770 SW 60th Ave, Suite 400; Hours: 06:00–21:00, after-hours on call; Phone: +1 352-237-3444. |
| Official website | City of Ocala – Ocala International Airport portal. |
Notes: OCF is GA-focused (charter, corporate, training, cargo). If you need airline service, use nearby gateways: Orlando MCO (~90 mi), Tampa TPA (~104 mi), or Gainesville GNV (~45 mi).
How to Actually Fly to Ocala (Airline Options Nearby)
There are no scheduled airlines at OCF—treat it as Ocala’s general-aviation field. For commercial flights, most travelers use one of three gateways and then drive or take a shuttle. The big hubs are Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA); the closest by road is Gainesville (GNV).
- Orlando International (MCO) — ~90 miles. Widest network and most daily frequencies (often the best fares). Expect roughly 1h45–2h by car depending on I-75/Turnpike traffic. Shuttleliner of Ocala runs scheduled/shared services and private SUVs between Ocala and MCO—book online or by phone.
- Tampa International (TPA) — ~104 miles. Comparable driving time via I-75; strong domestic coverage and easy terminal access/parking. Good alternative if prices or schedules beat MCO for your route.
- Gainesville Regional (GNV) — ~44 miles. Shortest drive; typically connects via hubs on regional jets (fewer seats, sometimes higher fares). Useful for quick trips if the timing/pricing works.
Airport choices at a glance
| Airport | Miles from Ocala (approx.) | Typical Drive | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando International (MCO) | ~90 mi | ~1h45–2h (traffic-dependent) | Best overall connectivity and fare competition; easiest if you want many nonstops. |
| Tampa International (TPA) | ~104 mi | ~1h45–2h via I-75 | Great alternative to MCO; often similar price/time and smooth airport experience. |
| Gainesville Regional (GNV) | ~44 mi | ~50–60 min | Closest airport; fewer routes and seats, but convenient for short trips. |
Shuttle option:
If you don’t want to drive, check Shuttleliner of Ocala for shared shuttles and private transfers (popular to/from MCO). Routes, pricing, and booking are published on their site; local tourism listings also reference these services. Always confirm the latest timetable before your travel day.
Why OCF still matters:
Flying private or charter? OCF’s FBO (Sheltair) handles fuel/ground services and after-hours on-call support, letting you land in Ocala and skip the highway altogether. For commercial trips, start at MCO/TPA/GNV and plan ground time into your itinerary.
On-Airport Facilities (GA/Charter)
Ocala International (OCF) is set up for general aviation, corporate, charter and cargo operations. The field’s services are anchored by Sheltair OCF (FBO), with on-site car rentals and straightforward road access to I-75.
Sheltair OCF — Essentials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address (FBO) | 1770 SW 60th Avenue, Suite 400, Ocala, FL 34474. |
| Hours | 06:00–21:00 local, daily. |
| After-hours | On-call available (fees apply) — contact per Sheltair listing. |
| Main phone / email | +1 352-237-3444 • info-ocf@sheltairaviation.com. |
| ARINC frequency | 130.1 (per Sheltair). |
| Fuel types | Jet A and Avgas 100LL (Avfuel); 100LL self-serve available per industry directory. |
| On-field admin (airport) | City of Ocala Airport Ops/Admin at 1770 SW 60th Ave, Suite 600 (separate from FBO). |
What Sheltair provides (at a glance)
- Full-service fueling (Jet A / 100LL) and ground handling; reservations accepted via Sheltair.
- Customer service & coordination (after-hours on-call supported).
- Property/leasing office contacts are listed from Sheltair’s network pages for hangar/office inquiries.
Tip: Sheltair’s Ocala page includes direct reservation links, contact numbers and “after-hours on-call” details — useful if you’re arriving outside the published 06:00–21:00 window.
GA & Charter Traveler Notes
| Need | Where / How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel & handling | Sheltair OCF (FBO) | Coordinate ETA, services and any special handling directly with the FBO. |
| Crew & pax facilities | Sheltair customer service | Sheltair lists on-site support and reservation contacts; amenities vary by station. |
| Car rentals on arrival | Enterprise counter inside terminal; Avis on-site (short walk to lot) | Enterprise confirms an in-terminal counter; Avis lists Ocala Intl Airport (OCF) with the counter in terminal/short walk to cars. |
| Airport administration | City of Ocala Airport Ops/Admin | For airfield/tenant matters unrelated to the FBO. |
Coordination checklist
- Send your handling/fuel request (flight number/tail, ETA/ETD, fuel type/quantity).
- Confirm after-hours support if arriving outside 06:00–21:00; fees may apply.
- Book ground transport: pre-reserve Enterprise (in terminal) or Avis at OCF for seamless pickup.
- If you need airport admin (leases, ops questions), use the City of Ocala contacts at Suite 600.
Ground Transportation & Car Rentals
Bottom line: if you’re flying commercially you’ll arrive at MCO/TPA/GNV and drive/shuttle to Ocala; if you’re arriving GA/charter into OCF, on-site rentals make turnarounds easy. Here’s everything you need in one place.
On-site car rentals (OCF)
- Enterprise — in terminal. Enterprise confirms the rental counter is inside the airport terminal; you meet them at the counter to collect your agreement and keys. Zero shuttle time.
- Avis — on-site trailer. Avis notes that due to construction the office is in a trailer to the right of the airport; vehicles are parked within walking distance. Follow terminal signage to the trailer.
Shuttles, taxis & ride-hail
- Shuttleliner of Ocala. Scheduled/shared shuttles and private SUV transfers to/from Orlando International (MCO), plus other Florida airports. You can book online; the site lists phone numbers for main line/dispatch/text.
- Local taxis / ride-hail (Uber/Lyft). Widely available in Ocala; arrange curbside pickup at the terminal/FBO area. (For any temporary wayfinding changes during construction, check the city airport pages and posted signs.)
Transport options at a glance
| Mode | To / From | Est. time* | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise (car rental) | OCF ↔ anywhere in region | Immediate pickup (in-terminal counter) | Reserve via Enterprise; counter inside terminal for keys & contract. |
| Avis (car rental) | OCF ↔ anywhere in region | 5–10 min walk to cars | Reserve via Avis; office in on-site trailer to the right of terminal; cars within walking distance. |
| Shuttleliner of Ocala (shared) | MCO ⇆ Ocala hotels/addresses | ~1h45–2h (traffic) | Book online; routes/pricing listed; main line (352) 237-9900. “Express Shuttle Service” available. |
| Shuttleliner of Ocala (private SUV/charter) | MCO/TPA/GNV ⇆ Ocala | Varies by airport (MCO ~1h45–2h; TPA similar; GNV ~50–60 min) | Book online or by phone (main/dispatch/text lines on site). |
| Taxi / Ride-hail | OCF ⇆ Ocala & Marion County | Typically 10–30 min in-city | Hail via apps or call local providers; follow posted pickup signage (watch for any construction advisories). |
*Times are typical driving ranges; allow for I-75 traffic and airport crowds at Orlando/Tampa.
Practical tips
- Pre-reserve cars for late arrivals—Enterprise’s in-terminal counter is the fastest exit; Avis’s trailer is steps away but confirm office hours.
- For non-drivers, Shuttleliner is the simplest MCO⇆Ocala link. Check the “Book Now / Routes & Pricing” pages and save the dispatch number before you fly.
- If your pickup spot looks different than expected, it may be temporary construction—the city keeps a page noting that work can be on-going; follow posted signs/NOTAMs.
If you want, I can add a mini map (pickup points, Avis trailer location, Enterprise counter) and embed “Book” buttons with your UTM tags.
Services & Amenities (OCF) — In Depth
Ocala International (OCF) is purpose-built for general aviation, corporate and charter users. The on-field Sheltair FBO anchors day-to-day operations, while the 17,500-sq-ft GA terminal houses airport administration, meeting space and car-rental counters. Here’s everything crews and passengers typically need—centralized and easy to reach from I-75.
What’s available & where to find it
| Service / Space | Where | Hours | What it’s good for / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer service & ground coordination | Sheltair OCF (FBO), 1770 SW 60th Ave, Suite 400 | 06:00–21:00 daily; after-hours on-call (fees apply) | Primary contact for arrivals/departures, towing, GPU, quick turns, and concierge; reservations/contact posted by Sheltair. |
| Fuel | Sheltair OCF | During FBO hours (after-hours on request) | Jet A and 100LL available; ARINC 130.1 for coordination. |
| Pilot / crew lounge | Sheltair OCF | FBO hours | Quiet space to reset between legs; staff can assist with local arrangements. (Contact Sheltair ahead for any special requests.) |
| Flight-planning / briefing | Sheltair OCF | FBO hours | Coordinate fueling, handling and pre-departure needs with the desk; phone & email listed for advance setup. |
| Executive meeting space | GA Terminal (conference/meeting rooms); Sheltair (boardroom) | Business hours / by booking | The new GA terminal was designed with meeting rooms; Sheltair can host small executive briefings—reserve in advance. |
| Airport administration | GA Terminal (City of Ocala offices) | Business hours | Tenant/admin support; non-FBO queries (leases, ops) go through the City’s airport office. |
| On-site car rentals | Enterprise (counter inside terminal); Avis (temporary trailer right of terminal; cars on-site) | Brand hours | Fastest ground exit at OCF—no shuttle needed. Enterprise confirms in-terminal counter; Avis notes temporary trailer location. |
| Restaurant space | GA Terminal | Tenant hours (check locally) | The terminal build includes a restaurant footprint; check current operator/hours on arrival. |
| General passenger amenities | GA Terminal & FBO | Terminal/FBO hours | Modern terminal completed 2020; consolidated services for crews, renters, and visitors. |
Deeper notes for crews & organizers
- Plan your turn: Call or email Sheltair with tail number, ETA/ETD, fuel type/quantity, and any handling needs. Published details include hours (06:00–21:00), on-call after hours, ARINC 130.1, and the main line +1 352-237-3444.
- Meetings on the field: The City’s GA terminal was specifically built with meeting space and room for future tenants; Sheltair can provide a boardroom-style setting for smaller sessions. Ideal for “land, meet, depart” itineraries.
- Car keys within minutes: Enterprise’s counter is inside the terminal, so crews/pax can walk off the ramp and drive out quickly. Avis is currently operating from a trailer right of the terminal with cars parked within walking distance—follow posted signs.
- Set expectations on dining/Wi-Fi: The terminal includes a restaurant space (operator/hours can change) and modern passenger areas. For connectivity and any special lounge needs, coordinate with the FBO when you book services.
Bottom line: OCF concentrates the essentials (fuel/handling, lounges, meeting rooms, rentals) in a compact footprint. Coordinate with Sheltair ahead of time and you’ll be rolling toward I-75 minutes after shutdown—no airline terminal hassles, exactly what GA and charter users want.
Nearby Hotels (for OCF Travelers)
If you’re flying GA/charter into OCF, staying in Downtown Ocala or along the I-75 hotel corridor keeps transfers simple. If you’re flying commercial (via Orlando MCO or Tampa TPA), many travelers overnight in those cities near the airport and drive/shuttle to Ocala the next day. Below are dependable Ocala bases by area.
Good bases near OCF
- Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown — Right on Downtown Square; walkable dining and coffee, full-service stay, and easy rides to venues.
- Equus Inn — Renovated, equestrian-themed independent hotel just off I-75; handy for World Equestrian Center and Florida Horse Park; free Wi-Fi, gym, heated pool.
- Hilton Ocala — Six-acre property with resort-style pool, on-site dining (Market Kitchen & Bar), pet-friendly rooms.
- Courtyard by Marriott Ocala — Bistro café (Starbucks® coffee), business-friendly rooms, quick access to Silver Springs/Rainbow Springs.
- Residence Inn Ocala (all-suite) — Kitchens + free hot breakfast; ideal for longer stays/crews.
Quick hotel picker
| Hotel | Area | Drive to OCF* | Shuttle? | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown | Downtown Square | ~10–20 min | Usually rideshare/taxi | Walk-to-dining downtown base; modern rooms, on-site dining. |
| Equus Inn | I-75 corridor (SW College Rd) | ~10–15 min | Rideshare/taxi | Renovated, value-forward; free Wi-Fi, gym, heated pool; near WEC & Horse Park. |
| Hilton Ocala | I-75 (SW 36th Ave) | ~10–15 min | Rideshare/taxi | Full-service feel: resort-style pool, on-site restaurant/bar, event space. |
| Courtyard by Marriott Ocala | I-75 (SW 38th Ave) | ~10–15 min | Rideshare/taxi | Business-friendly; The Bistro + Starbucks®, convenient for area meetings. |
| Residence Inn Ocala | I-75 (SW 38th Ave) | ~10–15 min | Rideshare/taxi | Suites w/ kitchens, free hot breakfast; great for extended stays/crews. |
*Typical daytime ranges; add buffer for I-75 traffic.
Planning notes:
- Most properties here don’t run airport shuttles; expect rideshare/taxis from OCF or your FBO curb.
- If you’re arriving late via airline, consider an MCO/TPA airport hotel and drive/shuttle to Ocala in daylight.
- For meeting-heavy trips, Downtown bases cut transit time between meals, client calls, and the square; I-75 hotels are optimal for fast highway access to OCF and the World Equestrian Center.
Tips for Travelers
Below is a practical decision guide for flying to Ocala, plus a ready-to-use checklist for shuttles, rentals, late-night plans, and equestrian moves.
Airport Decision Guide (which one to pick?)
| Scenario | Choose | Why this is best | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|---|
| You want the most nonstops and usually better fares | Orlando (MCO) | Biggest route network in Central FL; tons of daily frequencies | ~90 mi / ~1h45–2h drive; pre-book Shuttleliner or a rental car |
| Your route/price is better on the west coast | Tampa (TPA) | Competitive fares and smooth airport experience | ~104 mi / ~1h45–2h via I-75; similar transfer plan as MCO |
| You want the shortest drive | Gainesville (GNV) | ~44–45 mi / ~50–60 min to Ocala | Fewer flights; often hub connections and smaller aircraft |
| You’re flying private/charter or handling cargo | OCF (on-field) | Land in Ocala; Sheltair supports fuel/handling/concierge | Coordinate handling, cars-on-ramp, and any after-hours service in advance |
Transfers, Rentals & After-hours — quick table
| Topic | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttles (MCO⇆Ocala) | Reserve Shuttleliner early (shared or private SUV); save main/dispatch numbers | Seats sell out at peaks; private runs cover odd hours/teams/gear |
| Car rentals at OCF | Enterprise (in-terminal) for fastest exit; Avis (on-site trailer) within short walk | Zero shuttle time; confirm counter hours and late pickups |
| Late-night airline arrivals | If landing near midnight at MCO/TPA, overnight at an airport hotel | Fresher drive in daylight; full rental staffing; easier navigation |
| Equestrian & specialty cargo | Email/call Sheltair with tail, ETA/ETD, fuel qty, ramp access, and equine handling needs | Aligns ground teams, vehicles, and any vet/customs paperwork |
| Weather & traffic buffers | Add 20–40 min for I-75 congestion or storms; watch event weekends | Keeps connections safe; avoids rushed handoffs at FBO/terminal |
| Payment & data | Carry a card that works for tolls/fuel; set up ride-hail; download maps offline | Speeds toll plazas, pickup coordination, and rural routing reliability |
Pro checklist
- Pick MCO/TPA for flight choice; GNV for shortest drive.
- Book Shuttleliner or car before you fly; screenshot confirmations.
- For OCF arrivals, confirm Enterprise/Avis hours and any after-hours handoff.
- If landing late, sleep at MCO/TPA, then drive fresh.
- For horses/special cargo, coordinate Sheltair handling + ramp vehicles at least 24–48h ahead.
Recent Updates / News — Ocala International Airport (OCF)
Keep this section fresh—review the City of Ocala airport pages and local media monthly.
What’s new (last 12 months)
| Date | Update / Headline | What it means for travelers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2025 | Federal grants sought for major OCF infrastructure improvements | City confirmed applications for federal funding to upgrade airport infrastructure; watch for phased airside/landsid e works if awards proceed. 352today.com | 352Today (local news) 352today.com |
| May 7, 2025 | City approves nearly $2M OCF infrastructure upgrade | Work targets roads, utilities, taxiways, aprons; partly backed by multiple FDOT grants. Expect occasional construction zones but minimal passenger impact. 352today.com | 352Today (local news) 352today.com |
| Feb 19, 2025 | Public meeting on OCF master plan update | Airport reviewed long-term growth options (runway/terminal enhancements, environmental considerations). Useful context if you plan GA/charter growth or based operations. | Spectrum News 13 |
| Ongoing | Official City airport info hub | For day-to-day advisories (hours, contacts, projects), use the city’s OCF portal and construction subpages (GA terminal details). Bookmark before you fly. | City of Ocala (official) |
Editor’s note: The 17,500-sq-ft GA terminal (opened 2020) remains the operational core for admin, meeting space, car rentals and the Sheltair FBO; news above focuses on 2025 planning and funding steps likely to shape near-term works. Refresh this table monthly from the city portal and local outlets.
FAQs — Ocala International Airport (OCF)
1) What airlines fly into Ocala International Airport?
None. Despite the name, no scheduled commercial airlines serve Ocala International Airport (OCF). The field is operated by the City of Ocala as a premier general-aviation airport supporting corporate, charter, cargo and flight training—not airline service. Fly into MCO/TPA/GNV instead, then transfer by road.
2) What airlines fly out of OCF?
No scheduled airlines operate from OCF. Departures are GA/charter/cargo only. For commercial flights, most travelers use Orlando (MCO ~90 mi), Tampa (TPA ~104 mi) or Gainesville (GNV ~44 mi) and then drive or shuttle to Ocala.
3) Can I fly into OCF?
Yes—via private, corporate, charter or cargo flights. On the field, Sheltair OCF (FBO) handles fuel, ground services and concierge. Published hours are 06:00–21:00 with after-hours on-call support (fees may apply). Contact the FBO directly to arrange handling.
4) What is the nearest international airport to Ocala, Florida?
The two big gateways used by Ocala travelers are Orlando International (MCO) and Tampa International (TPA). Gainesville Regional (GNV) is the closest by road but has a smaller route map. Distances are roughly 90 mi (MCO), 104 mi (TPA) and 44 mi (GNV).
5) How far is Ocala from MCO/TPA/GNV (and how long does it take)?
About 90 miles to MCO, 104 miles to TPA, and 44 miles to GNV. Drive times typically run ~1h45–2h for MCO/TPA (traffic-dependent) and ~50–60 min for GNV. Always add buffer for I-75 congestion or storms.
6) Is there a shuttle between Ocala and Orlando Airport (MCO)?
Yes. Shuttleliner of Ocala offers shared shuttles and private SUV/charter service to/from MCO (and private service to other airports). You can book online and their site lists main and dispatch phone numbers and a text line.
7) What are the airport codes for Ocala International?
IATA: OCF · ICAO: KOCF · FAA LID: OCF. The airport is also known as Ocala International Airport — Jim Taylor Field. Using “OCF” in reservations helps avoid confusion with other “Ocala” locations.
8) Where exactly is OCF located?
Five miles west of downtown Ocala in Marion County, Florida. The airport sits at an elevation of 90 ft and is owned by the City of Ocala. The local website and FAA/Wikipedia entries list its location and governance details.
9) What are the runway lengths and surfaces at OCF?
Two asphalt runways: 18/36 — 7,467 × 150 ft (2,276 × 46 m) and 08/26 — 3,009 × 50 ft (917 × 15 m). The configuration supports a wide range of business jets and GA aircraft.
10) Does OCF have an FBO and what are the hours/contact?
Yes—Sheltair OCF. Address: 1770 SW 60th Ave, Suite 400, Ocala, FL 34474. Hours 06:00–21:00, after-hours on-call available; Main phone: +1 352-237-3444; ARINC 130.1. Online reservations available on the station page.
11) Is OCF good for business jets and charter operations?
Yes. The City positions OCF as a premier general-aviation airport, and the runway lengths plus full-service FBO make it well-suited to corporate and charter movements. Many operators use OCF to avoid big-airport congestion and drive straight onto I-75.
12) Is there on-site car rental at OCF?
Yes. Enterprise confirms its rental counter is inside the airport terminal (walk-up, no shuttle). Avis lists an on-airport location with a short walk to the car lot; third-party listings note a temporary trailer setup during construction—check current instructions when you book.
13) Where can I eat at/near the airport?
The terminal complex includes dining—Elevation 89 Restaurant is listed among on-site facilities on the airport’s Wikipedia page. Hours can vary; check locally on arrival or call ahead. Downtown Ocala (about a 10–20 minute drive) offers many additional options.
14) Does “international” mean I can clear customs at OCF?
“International” here reflects capability for international GA/charter ops rather than scheduled airline service. For specific customs arrangements or tech stops, coordinate in advance with the FBO and airport administration to ensure appropriate procedures/clearances are in place.
15) Who manages the airport and where can I get official contacts?
OCF is owned by the City of Ocala. Administration offices are at 1770 SW 60th Ave, Suite 600; the city site lists the Airport Director and contact details. For day-of-flight handling, contact Sheltair; for admin/leases, contact the city office.
