Getting from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Port is a popular route for some of the 6.8 million cruise passengers who book a cruise out of PortMiami each year.
Many international cruisers opt to fly into Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) and it is a convenient airport for US cruisers flying on budget airlines from other states. Of course, you will need to transfer to PortMiami which is about 25 miles further south so there’s where we can help.
Transportation between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is a huge industry with a diverse array of options, companies, and prices. We have the full facts about nine different ways that travelers can get from the airport to the cruise capital of the world.
We compare the different options and discover which ones are the cheapest, the easiest, the fastest and the most reliable.
Different cruisers have individual preferences and needs, so we suggest the best transfer options for those traveling as a group or family, those with limited mobility, those on a tight budget and those with lots of heavy luggage!
But first, let’s answer some of the most common questions cruisers ask about traveling from the Airport to PortMiami.
How Far is Fort Lauderdale Airport from Miami?
Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is located 29 miles north of Miami cruise port. If traffic is flowing well, the journey down I-95 takes around 30 minutes. However, if you’re checking in for your cruise, you should allow up to an hour for the journey, just in case.
Why Choose Fort Lauderdale Airport?
Miami International Airport is just 9 miles west of PortMiami, so it is by far the closest. However, Miami is also the largest and busiest airport and is often the most expensive when it comes to flight prices.
The distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Port may be further, but FLL serves many budget domestic and international airlines. It is a much smaller hub to navigate when arriving and departing, especially for those struggling with luggage, disabilities or with youngsters in tow.
As well as being cheaper, direct flights to Fort Lauderdale may also be offered at more suitable times. So go ahead, book your flight and then opt for one of the following transfers from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Port.
Getting from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Port
We have researched 9 different transport options for transferring between Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise port, so there’s sure to be something perfect for you.
NB. If you plan to fly in ahead of your cruise and stay overnight in a hotel in Fort Lauderdale you’ll find plenty of convenient hotels near the airport.
Being a popular tourist destination in its own right there are plenty of fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale during your stay.
However, you will still need to arrange a transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Port on the day of departure as hotels only offer shuttle transport to Port Everglades.
Here’s a quick comparison table of the different transport options from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Port for cruisers:
| Cruise Line Shuttles | 35+ mins | Shared | From $30 per person |
| Independent shuttles | 35+ mins | Shared | From $21 per person |
| Uber/Lyft | 35+ mins | Shared | From $40 per trip |
| Tri-Rail/Metrorail | 2-3 hours | Public | From $5 per person |
| Brightline Express | 2-2.5 hours | Public | From $7 |
| Buses | 2-3 hours | Public | From $4-$20 |
| Taxi | 35+ mins | Private | From $70 |
| Car Rental | 35+ mins | Private | From $30 |
| Chauffeur Car/Limo | 35+ mins | Private | From $100 |
Cruise Line Shuttles from FLL to Port Miami
All major cruise lines operate a shuttle service to transport cruisers between Fort Lauderdale Airport and Miami cruise port. Check with your cruise company or travel agent; you will need to book a seat well in advance.
Miami Cruise Parking: Port & Nearby Lots
These shuttle buses are very convenient and easy but they do not come cheap. Expect to pay at least $30 per person each way. If you’re traveling solo, that may seem quite affordable. However, for a family of 4, that could cost a total of $240 for transfers to and from the port. Ouch!
Independent Shuttle Services
There are several private shuttle services operating in Fort Lauderdale including GoAirportShuttle, Airport Shuttle, and SuperShuttleExpress.
They offer shared (and private) transport in vans and minibusses. As the ride is shared with other passengers (unless you’re a large group) the price is competitive.
Expect to pay around $21 per person for an air-conditioned transfer door-to-door from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Port. Groups can request a quote for a private shuttle service and get a similar price per head by shopping around.
Uber/Lyft Rideshare
If you are traveling as a couple or a group, Uber or a similar private rideshare service could be a good choice. They will pick you and your luggage up from Fort Lauderdale Airport and transport you comfortably to the Miami cruise terminal.
It’s a good choice for older cruisers and those with young children who don’t want to hang around waiting for a bus or shuttle. You need to upload the app and register a credit card before booking your ride.
Sharing a private ride like this means sharing the cost. Expect a fare of $40 to $45 for a vehicle for up to 4 passengers. This could work out as low as $10 a head with tip!
Public Transport from Fort Lauderdale to Miami
Traveler Tip: There’s an app for iPhone and Android mobile devices that will help you navigate public transportation options. You can download it here: GO Miami-Dade Transit.
Tri-Rail/Metrorail Fort Lauderdale to Miami
Tri-Rail offers a cheap option (less than $7 per person) for getting from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Port, but the journey is pretty complex.
Take the free Tri-Rail Commuter Connector to the Tri-Rail Station and then ride south to the Metrorail Transfer Station.
From there take the Metrorail Green Line to Brickell Station and then hop aboard the free Miami Trolley (Coral Way Route) to Miami cruise port. You’ll probably need a cruise vacation after all this!
Alternatively, you can miss out the Metrorail and ride the Tri-Rail another two stops to Miami Airport for about $5. However, you then need to get a shuttle or taxi to the cruise terminal from there. Although simpler, it would work out much more expensive.
Brightline Express
The new Brightline Express is not conveniently located for either Fort Lauderdale Airport or Port of Miami.
Although the journey is speedy (34 minutes) and cheap ($7-$11) you need to walk or get a taxi to the station (about 1.3 miles from FLL). When you reach Virgin MiamiCentral Station it’s another 1.4 miles on foot or by taxi to the cruise terminal.
Buses
Several buses run regularly from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami including Greyhound. Bus Line 3799 operates a regular service throughout the day. However, no public bus transport goes direct to the cruise port.
Most routes involve a change at North Miami bus terminal. The nearest bus stop to PortMiami is SE 1st Ave/E. Flagler St and from there you will need to take a taxi or walk the final 2 miles.
It probably won’t work out any cheaper with a taxi ($16+) and will definitely be stressful and time-consuming (over 2 hours).
Taxi from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Port
Taxis are plentiful at Fort Lauderdale Airport and they are one of the easiest and most convenient options. Taxis are located kerbside and Ground Transportation is clearly signed from Arrivals.
Drivers will help with luggage so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. The journey takes at least 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and the cost will be $70-75 total.
Private Car Rentals
If you like the convenience of driving, you can easily rent a car from Fort Lauderdale Airport and drop it off near the cruise port. You will incur a one-way fee but it does put you in the driving seat, so to speak.
Related: What to Know About Miami Cruise Port Car Rental
Fort Lauderdale Airport has a dedicated Rental Car Center within the airport with a dedicated shuttle bus direct from Arrivals. When you drop-off off the car at a convenient point near PortMiami, most rental companies offer a free transfer to the ship.
For an economy car, prices start from $28 per day, plus fuel of course. Allow 30-60 minutes for the journey plus 30-40 minutes for drop-off and shuttle transfer to the cruise terminal.
Car/Van/Limo with Chauffeur
If none of the above options really meets your needs, why not splurge on a car and driver, or better still a chauffeured limousine?
It’s a great way to start your luxury cruise in style as you sweep down I-95 and into Miami cruise port attracting envious looks!
Once again, the price is per vehicle, so if you’re traveling as a group it can be cheaper than the cruise shuttle. Larry’s Private Car and Limo Service operates in Broward and Miami-Dade making it a good choice for your trip from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Port. There are several other reputable car and driver companies online including AventuraRide.
Prices vary according to your requirements so you will need to contact the company online or by phone to get a fixed price. Expect to pay $100-120 for a luxury sedan and a bit more for a limo.
Miami Airport to Cruise Port: What You Need to Know
Fort Lauderdale to Miami FAQ:
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a cheaper option for the plane tickets themselves compared to Miami International. It is also near plenty of affordable hotels if you plan on laying over for a night before your cruise the following day.
However, if you fly into Fort Lauderdale, you will need some kind of transportation to get you from the airport to the Port of Miami and this will cost you extra depending on the number of people in your party and the method of transportation you use.
If you use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to get from the Fort Lauderdale airport to the Port of Miami, you should expect to pay around $35 to $45 each way.
This pricing is based per car, which rideshare services offer for up to four people for one fee. Keep in mind that if you have to pay the upcharge to get the larger car to transport more than four people, it will cost more to hire the service.
Generally, this is considered the most reliable method of transportation from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, especially for the price.
There are several different kinds of shuttles that take passengers from the airport in Fort Lauderdale to the Port of Miami, including those run by private shuttle companies and those offered by the cruise lines themselves.
To get the rates and locations serviced for your particular cruise line, you will have to call them. In general, however, Norwegian and Carnival offer shuttles from Fort Lauderdale to Miami for $25 to $35 per person.
If you opt for a private shuttle company like Eagle Shuttle or Florida Shuttle Transportation, it will probably be a little cheaper. The Fort Lauderdale airport has partnered with one company in particular (GO Airport Shuttle) to provide this service to passengers who want to get from the airport to the port. The shared van has a designated loading area right at the airport and offers rides both ways.
The rate for this shuttle is around $25 a person.
The Fort Lauderdale Airport is around 25 miles north of the Port of Miami. Driving with a service like a private shuttle or Uber driver, you should expect to take at least 45 minutes to make the trip, depending on the traffic that day on South Florida’s infamously congested highways.
Main Photo Credit: Frank Fell Media / Shutterstock.com
