PortMiami, located in Miami, FL is the busiest cruise port in the world, and located near several international airports, making it an easy trip for cruisers coming from all over. Still, if you’re not from the area, it may be confusing to figure out the best way to get to the port for your cruise. Depending on your party’s needs and preferences, and where you’re coming from, ride shares, car services, trains, shuttles, or pack mules might all be good options. Actually, pack mules have upped their rates. 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 PortMiami
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. 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 PortMiami. 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 PortMiami from Miami International Airport
By Car
Miami International Airport (MIA) is just under nine miles from PortMiami, but depending on traffic, this could mean a ride of anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all available. Rideshare services start at around $25, 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 $40 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.
Do not take a ride from someone offering their services as you walk out of the airport unless they have a valid taxi license in a badged car. This is a common illegal and dangerous practice at this airport. They may overcharge, may not be properly insured, and we’ve heard some don’t even rinse and repeat as needed.
By Train/Rail
The most reasonable way of taking rail from MIA to PortMiami is to follow the airport signs to the Metrorail station. Metrorail is a raised monorail system, and the Orange Line will take you from the airport to the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre station for $2.25 per person (payable via tapping your credit card or phone). From the station, it is about a two mile ride to the port, which you can reach via taxi or rideshare. This can also be a good option for getting from the airport to a hotel or other destination in the Downtown Miami or Brickell area. You can find system hours and more information on the Metrorail website.
Getting to PortMiami from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
By Car
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about 26 miles from PortMiami, and 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 $45, 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. Taxi rides on this route can easily exceed $140. 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 FLL to PortMiami 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 just a couple miles from FLL. Free regular shuttle service operates from marked pickup areas at the arrivals area of the airport, taking passengers directly to the train station. From the station, southbound trains can take you to Miami Central station for just $3.75 for adults, and on weekends, just $2.50 for kids. Payment is made at vending machines located at the station. You will need to transfer one time, but it’s the only transfer option - so it’s straightforward. At the Metrorail Transfer station, you’ll step off, and another train will pull up just moments later to take you to Miami Central Station. From that station, you’re just two miles to the port, and can complete your journey via rideshare or taxi. This can also be a good option for getting from the airport to a hotel or other destination in the Downtown Miami or Brickell area. You can find Tri-Rail hours and more information on the Tri-Rail website.
Getting to PortMiami from Palm Beach International Airport
By Car
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is about 70 miles from PortMiami, and depending on traffic, this could mean a ride of anywhere from an hour to nearly two hours. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all available. Rideshare services start at around $75, 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 $200 before tips, and not including waiting fees. Taxi rides on this route can easily exceed $250.
By Train/Rail
Taking a train from PBI to PortMiami 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 a few stops before reaching Miami Central Station. The trains are very nice, but the cost can vary from $20 per person, up to more than $50. 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 Miami Central Station, just two miles from PortMiami. 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 Miami Central station for just $8.75 during the week, or $5 on weekends and holidays. Payment is made at vending machines located at the station. You will need to transfer one time, but it’s the only transfer option - so it’s straightforward. At the Metrorail Transfer station, you’ll step off, and another train will pull up just moments later to take you to Miami Central Station. From that station, you’re just two miles to the port, and can complete your journey via rideshare or taxi. This can also be a good option for getting from the airport to a hotel or other destination in the Downtown Miami or Brickell area. You can find Tri-Rail hours and more information on the Tri-Rail website.
Which Terminal Will Your Cruise Depart from at PortMiami?
When arranging transportation to the port, cruisers understandably want to know which terminal at PortMiami 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 (1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132), or any of the cruise terminals, if you must. Once you approach the port area, which is located on Dodge Island, there will be signs indicating which cruise ships are at which terminals, with directional information. Further, because it’s on an island, it’s generally easy to see your ship from afar, and at worst, enjoy a brief tour of the port area as your driver circles to find where to pull up.
Parking at PortMiami
If you're driving your own vehicle to PortMiami and planning to leave it for the duration of your cruise, you'll pay $22 per day - not night. This means a three night cruise will cost you $88 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, though some, such as Virgin Voyages, do ask ahead of time if you'll be parking at the port, to give them an idea of demand. If the garage fills, overflow parking will be available.
