How do you get to the biggest cruising port in the world?
Are there any efficient ways to travel from Fort Lauderdale to a cruise in Miami?
The port of Miami is one of the most well-known cruise ports used by Royal Caribbean.
Not just popular with Royal Caribbean, PortMiami is actually one of the most active cruise ports in the world and one of the busiest ports in the United States.
If you cruise frequently in the U.S., chances are you will have a cruise out of this busy city.
Royal Caribbean currently has four ships that homeport in Miami, Florida: Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas.
Cruisers trying to reach these ships by plane have two airport options.
The closest airport is the Miami International Airport (MIA), located just 8 miles (a 15-minute drive) away from the cruise port.
However, travelers can also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
If you choose this second option, how can you easily reach the Miami cruise port?
This post is your comprehensive guide on how to travel from FLL to Port Miami.
Read more: Guide to cruises from Miami
Why fly to Fort Lauderdale Airport?
While the Miami airport is the closest to Miami’s cruise port, there are several reasons to fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) instead.
It is a less-crowded airport, with shorter lines and wait times.
If large crowds stress you out, or you might be short on time flying to or from your cruise, FLL could be a good choice for you.
Additionally, there are some fun attractions located near Fort Lauderdale that you could enjoy before or after your cruise.
From quiet beaches to the famous Florida Everglades to miles of waterways, there is a lot to experience away from the bustle of Miami.
Read more: Guide to cruises from Fort Lauderdale
The following airlines service FLL:
- Air Canada
- Air Transat
- Alaska
- Allegiant
- American
- Avianca
- Azul
- Bahamasair
- British Airways
- Caribbean
- Copa
- Delta
- Emirates
- IBC
- JetBlue
- Norwegian
- Silver
- SkyBahamas
- Southwest
- Spirit
- Sunwing
- TAME
- United
- Westjet
Where is the Royal Caribbean cruise terminal in Miami?
The Port of Miami, also called PortMiami, is located on Biscayne Boulevard, about 3 miles east of downtown Miami.
PortMiami is one cruise port that is located right next to the big city, with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers near the cruise terminals.
It is made up of several connecting islands, with the main cruise terminals located on Dodge Island.
Royal Caribbean mainly uses Terminal A at Port Miami, although any remaining ships will also port at Terminal G.
Read more: Best Miami hotels near the cruise port
How do I get to the Port of Miami from Fort Lauderdale?
The Fort Lauderdale International Airport is located 26 miles away from the Port of Miami.
To travel between the two, you could use a shuttle, a rideshare app, a taxi, public transportation, or a rental car.
Depending on the time of day, it takes about 30 minutes to travel between the airport and the cruise port. However, if traffic is busy, the journey could take more than 60 minutes.
Shuttle service
A shared shuttle van service usually has the cheapest price of your transportation options.
You can either book a shuttle with Royal Caribbean or look for private shuttles offered from the airport to the cruise port.
There is a Fort Lauderdale Airport shuttle that runs every 5-20 minutes. However, you will have to reserve this shuttle at least 24 hours in advance.
Prices vary depending on the distance and number of people traveling.
For example, a private van that seats 6 people costs $196 for a trip between FLL and PortMiami.
Price: $20-40 per person
Time: 30-40 minutes
Rideshare
Rideshare apps are one of the quickest and easiest ways to order transportation by car.
Prices do vary, and can increase quickly during busy times.
Uber’s website currently lists the price of an UberX from FLL to PortMiami as $52.
Lyft quotes about $60 for the same ride.
The drive between PortMiami and FLL takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Price: $55-60
Time: 30-40 minutes
Taxi
Taxis will also be swiftly available once you disembark the plane and exit the airport.
However, they are usually more expensive than rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.
Taxi Calculator currently lists the price of a taxi from PortMiami to FLL as $86. These prices can increase up to $100 if the driver has to wait for you, or if traffic is busy.
Price: $85-100
Time: 30-40 minutes
Public transportation
If you’re looking for the cheapest option to travel between the cruise port and an airport, you might consider public transportation.
The transit system isn’t straightforward, and it will require you to take a couple transfers between trains and buses before you reach your destination.
Taking public transit will increase your travel time to over 2 hours, especially if you have to wait between transfers.
However, the price is cheap; only $2.25 per ride, per person.
Price: $2.25 per ride
Time: 2 hours
Car rental
Driving yourself always lends an air of ease, privacy, and comfort to your trip. You can make as many stops as you’d like with your own rented car.
Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to spend a few days in Florida before your cruise.
You can rent the car directly at the FLL airport, then take your time driving down to Miami.
Prices will vary depending on what company you book with, how long you rent the car, and what kind of car you prefer.
As an example, Enterprise’s website prices a midsize vehicle, like a Toyota Corolla, at $56 per day.
Price: $55-70 per day
Time: 30-40 minutes
How do I drive to the cruise port?
For directions to the Miami cruise port, use the address 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132.
Remember to double-check which terminal your ship will be sailing out of.
From Fort Lauderdale International Airport, follow these instructions:
- Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach.
- Merge onto MacArthur Causeway.
- Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards the Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.
- Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street.
- Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance.
- Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal.
- Get on FL-836 E in Miami from Departures, NW 21st St and Exists 2-3-4
Want to park once you get there? Port Miami does have parking available at all terminals.
Parking at Terminal A is currently listed at $35 a night, which adds up to a whopping $245 for a 7-night cruise.
The port accepts cash, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You will not be able to use a debit card to pay.
