Miami Cruise Port: Which Airport Is Best?

what airport for miami cruise port

Miami International Airport is the closest and most convenient airport for travellers heading to the Miami Cruise Port. The cruise terminal is located on Dodge Island, about 8 miles east of Miami International Airport, and is easily accessible by all modes of transportation. Travellers can opt for the convenience of private transportation or choose from a range of cheaper options, including shuttle buses, public buses, ride-sharing services, and the Metromover.

Characteristics Values
Nearest airport Miami International Airport (MIA)
Distance from airport to cruise port 8 miles
Travel time from airport to cruise port 12-20 minutes (by car) 50 minutes (by bus)
Transport options Cruise shuttle Public bus MetroMover Taxi Uber/Lyft Private shuttle
Cruise shuttle price Around $17 per person each way
Taxi price $30-$35
Uber/Lyft price $20-$25
Bus price $28-$40

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Transport options from Miami Airport to the cruise port

The Miami Cruise Port is located on Dodge Island, about 8 miles (13km) from Miami International Airport. There are several transport options to get from the airport to the cruise port, including:

Taxi

Taxis are available outside the baggage claim area on the airport's ground level. They offer a fast, easy, and safe transfer option to the cruise port, with a journey time of around 15 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is typically between $30 to $35, but it can be higher during peak hours and holidays.

Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft)

Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are among the cheapest and most convenient options. A ride from the airport to the Port of Miami would cost around $20-$25, which is less expensive than a taxi.

Shuttle

The cruise companies provide shuttle services, which are typically priced at $17-$20 per person. These shuttles offer door-to-door service and are stress-free as the cruise company is responsible for any delays. However, they may involve waiting for other passengers, and they usually operate only on the day of the cruise.

Public Transport (Bus/Train)

Public transportation is the cheapest option, but it involves at least one transfer and takes more time. There are buses from the airport to Bayside Marketplace, which is about 2km from the cruise port. From there, you can either take a short taxi ride or walk for about 20-25 minutes to the port.

Driving/Car Rentals

If you prefer an independent ride, you can opt for a car rental service at the airport. The busy Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) is a toll road that leads directly from the airport to the Port Miami Tunnel. The toll is small, around $2, and the journey takes about 12 minutes without traffic.

Hotel Shuttles

If you plan to stay in a hotel before your cruise, consider booking one that offers a shuttle service to the cruise port. Many Miami hotels provide this convenience to their guests.

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The Dolphin Expressway toll road

The expressway begins just north of the intersection of Southwest 137th Avenue (unsigned SR 825) and U.S. Highway 41 (SR 90) in Tamiami. It passes through four toll gantries, with the first one located in West Miami. The expressway then heads east towards the Homestead Extension of the Turnpike and intersects with the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) at the Dolphin–Palmetto Interchange. It passes through the southern end of the Miami International Airport and intersects with I-95 at the Midtown Interchange. At this point, the expressway becomes a free road and unsigned as Interstate 395 continues into downtown Miami.

To use the Dolphin Expressway toll road, you can pay either by SunPass transponders or by billing through the toll-by-plate program, which is double the cost of SunPass. The expressway leads directly from the airport to the Port Miami Tunnel. To get to the tunnel, take the exit marked "Miami Beach/MacArthur Causeway" and follow the signs for the Port Miami Tunnel and N. Cruise Blvd. The journey typically takes about 12 minutes when traffic is flowing well but can take double the time during peak hours.

If you want to avoid tolls, there is an alternative route from the airport. Take NW17th St to NW 27th Ave, then head east on NW North River Drive. Exit at NW 8th St, turn south on Miami Ave, and then east on NE 5th St, which becomes Port Blvd. Follow the signs to your cruise terminal from there. This toll-free route usually takes at least 30 minutes and significantly longer during busy periods.

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Shuttle services from the airport

The Miami Cruise Port is located on Dodge Island, about eight miles east of Miami International Airport. The airport is connected to the cruise port by the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836), a toll road that leads directly to the Port Miami Tunnel. The journey usually takes around 12 minutes with good traffic, but it can take twice as long during peak times.

There are several shuttle services available from the airport to the Miami Cruise Port. Most major cruise companies offer shuttle services from the airport to the ship, which can be booked directly with the cruise line or through a travel agent. These shuttles typically operate on the day of your cruise and may require a wait for other passengers before departing for the terminal. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, provides transportation services from Miami International Airport to the Port of Miami, with flights arriving no later than 12:00 PM and shuttles running hourly from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

In addition to cruise line shuttles, private shuttle services such as Express Shuttle offer exclusive transportation vans from the Port of Miami to Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). These private shuttles often include a meet-and-greet service and can accommodate groups and families. They also provide transfers to other destinations like South Beach, downtown Miami, and shopping malls.

For those seeking a more affordable option, shared-ride shuttle services are available from the Port of Miami to Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. Uber and Lyft are also recommended for their convenience and lower prices compared to taxis. Additionally, if you plan to stay in a hotel before your cruise, consider booking one that offers a shuttle service to the port, such as the Hampton Inn Coconut Grove or the Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South.

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Taxi and ride-share services

The distance between Miami International Airport and the Miami Cruise Port is about 8 miles. The travel time between the two locations is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the chosen route and method of transportation.

Taxis and ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami. These services offer a convenient and reasonably priced way to get to the cruise port. The ride-sharing option is particularly cost-effective for couples or small groups travelling together as the rates are per car, not per person. For instance, an Uber or Lyft ride from the airport to the Port of Miami would cost approximately $20-$25, whereas a taxi ride would cost around $30-$35.

If you are travelling with a larger group, you may want to consider a private taxi service, which offers a fixed price per car, allowing you to share the cost. Private taxi services also provide the benefit of a chauffeur and door-to-door service. However, it is important to be aware of waiting times and availability, which may be influenced by factors such as the number of people taking taxis and the number of cruises arriving or departing that day. To guarantee availability, you can book a private taxi in advance.

It is worth noting that taxi services at the airport are regulated, and passengers are advised to ignore offers of transportation from solicitors inside the terminal as solicitation of ground transportation is an illegal activity, and many solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured. Instead, passengers should proceed to the designated taxi stands located outside the baggage claim area, where staff will be available to assist.

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Hotels near the port with shuttle services

When it comes to choosing a hotel near Miami Cruise Port with shuttle services, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to select a hotel that meets your specific travel needs, such as budget, size, amenities, and location, and then organise your port transfers. Miami International Airport is the closest and most convenient airport to the Port of Miami, and there are several hotels in the area that offer shuttle services to the cruise port.

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell is a traditional hotel with rooms and suites overlooking the sea and the Miami River. It offers a shuttle service to the cruise port for $12 per person, with the first departure from the hotel usually around 9 am. It is recommended to secure your spot with the front desk a day in advance.

YVE Hotel Miami

Located in downtown Miami, YVE Hotel Miami offers a shuttle service to the cruise ships for a nominal fee of $8 per person, each way. The hotel features a fitness centre and the Biscayne Tavern, which serves meals from early morning to late at night.

Eurostars Langford Hotel

Eurostars Langford Hotel is situated in Miami's Art Deco heart, combining old-world charm with contemporary comforts. While the hotel does not provide its own shuttle service, it can arrange a third-party shuttle to the Port of Miami for around $20 to $25.

Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown

While the Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown does not have its own shuttle service, the concierge team can help arrange travel to the cruise terminal with a third party for around $8 per person. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also readily available near the hotel entrance.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon offers a paid shuttle service to PortMiami for around $14 per person. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary airport shuttle, which operates between 5 am and 11 pm.

EB Hotel Miami

EB Hotel Miami is a luxury option near Miami International Airport, offering fast shuttle services to PortMiami. They provide a "Stay & Cruise Package" that includes breakfast for two and one-way transfers to the cruise port at 11 am for an extra $20 per guest.

In addition to these hotels, there are over 30 other accommodations near the Miami Cruise Port that offer shuttle services or can arrange private transportation. These include the InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel, which is located less than 2 miles from the port and provides excellent views of Biscayne Bay.

Frequently asked questions

The closest airport to the Miami cruise port is Miami International Airport (MIA).

There are several ways to get from Miami International Airport to the cruise port. The cruise shuttle is the easiest option, but it can be pricey for larger groups. You can also take a taxi, use a ride-share app, or rent a car and drive yourself.

The time it takes to get from the airport to the cruise port depends on traffic and your chosen mode of transportation. The drive is about 8 miles and can take anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes if traffic is flowing well, but at peak times it can take double that time or more.

Yes, there are several hotels near the Miami cruise port that offer shuttle services. Some of these include the Hampton Inn Coconut Grove, Hampton Inn Miami Airport South/Blue Lagoon, and Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South.

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