Jacksonville Port Guide
Exploring the Jacksonville Cruise Port: All You Need to Know
The Jacksonville cruise port, also known as “JAXPORT,” is one of the smaller ports in Florida. It is basically a hub just for Carnival, but it still sees a steady flow of over 1 million cruise passengers yearly. JAXPORT is tiny compared to the other Florida ports, including two of the biggest in the world — Port Canaveral and Port Miami.
Unlike the other cruise ports in Florida, which generally service many of the major cruise lines, as noted, the Jacksonville Cruise Port offers cruise service solely from Carnival, where cruises depart from the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in North Jacksonville year-round, including four-day and five-day cruises to The Bahamas.
Carnival ships sailing out of Jacksonville Cruise Port are Ecstasy and Elation. While JAXPORT is exclusive to Carnival, Norwegian has announced plans to sail from the Jacksonville cruise port starting in November 2025.
Getting to the Jacksonville Cruise Port
The Jacksonville cruise port is about 10 miles from the Jacksonville airport, which is about a 15-25-minute drive, depending on traffic. Since JAXPORT is such a small cruise port, transportation options from the airport to the port are more limited than those of other departure ports. To add additional limitations to transportation options, no rental car companies are located at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
- Cruise Line Transfer: Most cruise lines offer transfer service from airport to port, but Jaxport is the exception, as Carnival does not provide this service here.
- Taxi Service: JAXPORT’s franchised taxi service provides taxi and shuttle service between the cruise terminal and Jacksonville Airport. Cruisers can contact the taxi service at 904- 222-2222 and call 904-338-9595, Option 2, for shuttle and special needs transportation.
- Rideshare: When it comes to getting to port, I typically recommend using Uber, which for this particular route or Jacksonville Airport to JAXPORT runs $20-30, depending on the time of day and other factors.
- Private Transfer: Cruisers can book their own private transfer service, which is much more convenient than cruise line transfer or hotel transfer services, typically on a bus or shuttle with other cruisers. Get Transfer offers transfer service for up to three people from the airport to Jaxport starting at $37. Cruisers traveling in a larger group can book a van for up to 8 people starting at $56 or a minibus for up to 16 people starting at $110.
- Public Transportation: There aren’t any easily accessible public transportation options to get to JAXPORT.
Related: Watch all my Jacksonville video content
Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking
The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal parking facility address is 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226, and directions are available on the facility’s website. Situated on JAXPORT property, the parking area is well-lit, securely fenced, and conveniently located just steps away from the cruise terminal building.
JAXPORT security personnel monitor parking round the clock, and designated disabled parking spaces are provided for those in need. The Jacksonville Cruise Port does not require reservations, although advance bookings are available for added convenience on the Jaxport Cruise Terminal Parking website.
The cost of parking at the Jacksonville Cruise Port is $17 per day, or $34 per day for oversized vehicles.
Jacksonville Cruise Schedule
Cruisemapper provides a real-time ship schedule for JAXPORT.
Things to Do in New Jacksonville Before a Cruise
If you’re staying in a hotel the night before your cruise from JAXPORT or have a morning to kill before your cruise, there are plenty of things to do in the area.
The city’s vibrant cultural scene offers attractions such as the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Zoo and Anheuser Busch Brewery are also big attractions in the area, along with the scenic downtown Riverwalk,
Finding good hotel options near JAXPORT can be difficult, as this is a tiny port compared to the other Florida cruise ports. There are very limited options for properties located within just a few miles of the Jacksonville cruise port.
Below, however, are four great Jacksonville hotel options that I recommend for cruisers: a rare one that is located right at the port, one with oceanfront access for an extra beach day, a downtown option on the iconic Riverwalk, and a hotel close to the Jacksonville airport.
Best Jacksonville Hotels For Cruisers
Holiday Inn Express, Jacksonville – Blount Island
Address: 10148 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226
This property is one of the few choices located at the port, just 1.5 miles, a 5-minute drive. There are numerous locations within a 15-minute drive, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Anheuser Busch Brewery.
The hotel partners with a local driver who can transport guests to the cruise port for $5 per person. All guests receive free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. Parking is free for guests during their stay, but Holiday Inn Express does not provide an extended parking option for cruisers, even at an additional cost.
Address: 14670 Duval Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218-9429
Airport hotels aren’t generally the sexiest properties, but the Crowne Plaza is one of the top-rated Jacksonville hotel choices among cruisers because it hits all the marks: reasonably priced, great location, and recently renovated. It also provides a free airport shuttle to guests, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor heated pool.
On-site breakfast is available, although it is not free. For cruisers driving in, parking is a great value: it is free the night of your stay and $5 for each additional night. The property is less than 3 miles from the Jacksonville airport, close to many of the major Jacksonville attractions, and just 15 minutes to Jaxport.
Address: 10573 Brightman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246-7502
Given the lack of options at Jaxport, cruisers may opt to explore Jacksonville and stay at a hotel a little further out. This property is a great choice, as it provides an extra beach day at Jacksonville Beach before the start of your cruise vacation. Located about 30 minutes from the port, it’s close enough not to add much time to transportation to Jaxport on embarkation day.
Most rooms offer private balconies with oceanfront views, and guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. Unlike many Florida beachfront hotels, this property does not charge a resort fee, and loungers and umbrellas are available to rent at the beach.
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Address: 225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202-5458
This property puts guests in downtown Jacksonville and right on the scenic Riverwalk, which is at the heart of the city’s business, entertainment, and sports districts, offering dining, entertainment, and proximity to various activities.
There is no airport, port shuttle, or complimentary breakfast at this property, but its benefit is its location and river views. Free Wi-Fi is available to all guests, and it is about 20 minutes from Jaxport.
Please note that I spent a lot of time researching these properties, including calling them to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. While I try to keep my hotel posts updated and current, this is all subject to change. If you see anything that needs updating, please email me so I can keep my posts as current as possible.
