Port Everglades, in the Greater Ft Lauderdale, FL area is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and located near several international airports, making it an easy trip for cruisers coming from all over. If you’re coming from out of town, however, it may be confusing to figure out the best way to get to the port for your cruise. Depending on your group's transportation needs, and where you’re coming from, ride shares, car services, trains, shuttles, or particularly large carrier pigeons might all be good options. Actually, pigeons have insurance issues - skip them. This article can help you decide what is right for you.
Note that while we’ll talk about getting to the port from several places, including airports, you should always try to fly into the area a day early to avoid missing your cruise in the event of delays or flight cancellations.
Shuttles to Port Everglades
Cruise Line Shuttles
Most cruise lines offer shuttles, at a cost, from the airport to the cruise port. In some cases these may be available only if you book your air through the cruise line, while other lines offer them to all guests. In either case, these must be reserved in advance, and the cost can vary. These may be a reasonable option for solo cruisers, but once there are two or more people you have to buy tickets for, the cost of alternative transportation (which you’ll generally not have to wait for, like you may for a cruise line shuttle), is more economical. These considerations are especially true for those flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, as it's located a very short distance from the port. In the past we wrote about cruise line transfers so if you’re considering this option, it’s worth a read.
Hotel Shuttles
Some hotels offer shuttle service to Port Everglades. Keep in mind that these shuttles run on their schedule, not yours, may make multiple stops, and aren’t always included with your hotel fare. They can be an incredibly convenient option, but make sure you understand exactly how the shuttle service works and when it runs. Further, we recommend against looking for a hotel specifically based on them having a shuttle service, as it will significantly limit your options, very often resulting in you paying more for a hotel for a “free” shuttle.
Getting to Port Everglades from Miami International Airport
By Car
Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 31 miles from Port Everglades, but depending on traffic, this could mean a ride of anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour and a half. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all available. Rideshare services start at around $50, but can go much higher depending on the timing and how large of a vehicle you need. Taxis run metered rates, and for a standard size taxi, expect to pay at least $85 before tips, and not including waiting fees. While rideshares are often cheaper for some, depending on whether you need a car seat, require a large van, or an accessible vehicle, taxis may be the best option.
By Train/Rail
While the idea of using public transportation may be intimidating at first, taking a train from MIA to Port Everglades is often the most economical option, and depending on traffic, may be the quickest despite multiple stops. The are two trains available, and while one, Brightline, can be a good option for some routes, given the distance of the station from the airport, increased cost, and their lack of a shuttle (it was halted just after we made this video about using Brightline), it may not be the best option for many travelers. The good news is there is an easy and economical alternative.
Tri-Rail is a commuter rail service in South Florida which has a station located at MIA. Following the airport signs to the Tri-Rail station, you'll be directed to the MIA Mover (a small airport tram). Because the airport is the southern terminal for Tri-Rail, all departing trains from here head north. You'll stay on to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport/Dania Beach station, which will take about 40 minutes. Before boarding, you'll need to purchase a ticket at the vending machine located in the station. The fare is $3.75 for adults, and on the weekends, $2.50 for kids. From the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport/Dania Beach Tri-Rail station you’re about five miles to the port, and can complete your journey via rideshare or taxi. Be sure to check the schedule and get more information on the Tri-Rail website.
Getting to Port Everglades from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
By Car
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is only about three miles from Port Everglades, and the longest part of the ride is generally getting through port security at the entrance. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all available. Rideshare services start at around $14, but can go higher depending on the timing and how large of a vehicle you need. Taxis run metered rates, and for a standard size taxi, expect to pay at least $25 before tips, and not including waiting fees. The port and airport traffic are why this short ride cost more than some might expect, given the short distance . While rideshares are often cheaper for some, depending on whether you need a car seat, require a large van, or an accessible vehicle, taxis may be the best option.
Getting to Port Everglades from Palm Beach International Airport
By Car
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is about 49 miles from Port Everglades, and depending on traffic, this means a ride of anywhere from 45 minutes to just over an hour. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all available. Rideshare services start at around $70, but can go much higher depending on the timing and how large of a vehicle you need. Taxis run metered rates, and for a standard size taxi, expect to pay at least $130 before tips, and not including waiting fees. Taxi rides on this route can exceed $200.
By Train/Rail
Taking a train from PBI to Port Everglades will be the most economical option, and depending on traffic, may be as quick or quicker than taking a car. The are two trains available, Brightline and Tri-Rail.
Brightline is the quickest, with a station about 10 minutes from PBI, and only one stop before reaching the Ft Lauderdale Station. The trains are very nice, but the cost can vary from $15 per person, up to more than $40. Note that Brightline has an option to pay for bags when purchasing your tickets, thought unless you have a large number of bags, or they're very oversize, there is ample room for carry-ons at no cost. They no longer offer free shuttles to the station or the port (it was halted just after we made this video about using Brightline), so you'll need to account for a relatively inexpensive set of rideshare or taxi rides on each side of your journey, which ends at Ft Lauderdale Station, a bit over seven miles from Port Everglades. Transfers are also available for purchase when buying your tickets. Find more information at GoBrightLine.com.
For a more economical option by rail, Tri-Rail, a commuter rail service in South Florida, is a great choice. The station is about ten minutes from PBI, and easily accessible via rideshare or taxi. Public transportation is available at $2 per person, but this generally takes more than 30 minutes. From the station, southbound trains can take you to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport/Dania Beach in about an hour. Before boarding, you'll need to purchase a ticket at the vending machine located in the station. The fare is $7.50 for adults, and on the weekends, $2.50 for kids. From the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport/Dania Beach Tri-Rail station you’re about five miles to the port, and can complete your journey via rideshare or taxi. Be sure to check the schedule and get more information on the Tri-Rail website.
Which Terminal Will Your Cruise Depart from at Port Everglades?
When arranging transportation to the port, cruisers understandably want to know which terminal at Port Everglades they need to arrive at. This information is sometimes listed in your cruise documents, however it's also subject to change without notice. The good news is that you don’t need this information in advance. If selecting the destination in a rideshare app, or speaking with a driver, unless you’re sure of the answer, just select the main port address (1850 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316), or any of the cruise terminals, if you must. Once you approach the port area, which is located in a secure area, there will be signs indicating which cruise ships are at which terminals, with directional information. It's worth noting that if you're sailing on Disney Cruise Line or Princess Cruises, there is a good chance you're sailing from Terminal 1 or 2, which are actually on the north side of the port just outside of the entrance - so if you think your ship is berthed here, consider heading to 1801 SE 20th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 instead of the main port address, to save a little bit of time.
Parking at Port Everglades
If you're driving your own vehicle to Port Everglades and planning to leave it for the duration of your cruise, you'll pay $20 per day - not night. This means a three night cruise will cost you $80 in parking fees, payable by credit or debit. The parking lot for your cruise is generally located next to the terminal your cruise is departing from, as indicated by port signage, though occasionally you may need to park at a different port lot or garage, and take a shuttle to the terminal you're sailing from. Cruise lines generally don't require reservations for parking. If the garage for your cruise does fill, overflow parking will be available.
