Miami Port Guide
Miami Cruise Port: Parking, Hotels, Schedule & More
The Miami cruise port is officially named “Port Miami,” and it is one of the world’s largest. Some refer to it as the “Cruise Capital of the World.” Because of its size—518 acres in total—thousands of cruisers navigate through this port daily. It contains multiple terminals, each designated with a letter. It can get confusing, though, because some letters are missing.
The port has terminals A-G, J and V. Cruisers can determine their departure terminal by consulting their cruise documents provided by the cruise line. Still, upon arrival at the port, signage will indicate where each cruise ship is docked. The address of the Miami cruise port is 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132.
Getting to Port Miami
Port Miami is only about 8 miles from MIA (Miami International Airport), which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending upon Miami traffic, which is notoriously congested.
Cruisers flying to Port Miami should also search for flights to Fort Lauderdale, as the Miami cruise port to FLL distance is only about 26 miles, or a 45-60-minute drive, depending upon traffic. There can sometimes be a substantial difference in airfare pricing between FLL and MIA, and either airport puts cruisers close to Port Everglades. Here are the best options to get from Miami airport to Port Miami.
- Cruise Line Transfer: Most cruise lines offer transfer service, and Carnival’s service from MIA to port, as one example, is $24 per person. This is booked directly through your cruise line.
- Hotel Shuttle: Some Miami hotels offer an optional (shared) shuttle service for guests, usually at an additional cost. However, one Miami hotel option provides a shuttle service for free (more on that below).
- Rideshare: When it comes to getting to the port, I typically recommend using Uber. For this distance, Uber charges $15-30, depending on the time of day and other factors, but that is for up to four passengers.
- Private Transfer: Cruisers can book their own private transfer service, which is much more convenient than cruise line or hotel transfer services. Typically, the transfer is on a bus or shuttle with other cruisers. Get Transfer offers transfer service for up to three people from MIA to Port Miami starting at $28. Cruisers traveling in a larger group can book a van for up to 8 people, starting at $34, or a minibus for up to 16 people at $109, a bargain compared to the other options.
Port Miami Parking
Port Miami has ample parking for cruisers, with multi-level garage and surface parking lots on the port’s north side available for cruisers departing from all terminals, except for J & K. Cruisers departing from terminals J & K are advised to park on the south side. Consult the Miami cruise port map to see exactly where each is located. Miami cruise port parking is around $22 per day (overnight), and rates and other details can be found on the Port Miami website.
Some nearby Miami hotels offer "park and stay" packages, including transportation from the hotel to the cruise port. While you can park your car at Port Miami, budget-conscious cruisers may seek out an offsite parking option that shuttles cruisers from their parking location to the cruise port. Airport Parking Reservations provides this service for Port Miami cruisers at a lower cost of approximately $10-18 per day.
Best Affordable Miami Hotels For Cruisers
Cruisers sailing from Port Miami often ask about the best Miami hotels that are close to the port for a stay before their cruise, especially those with free shuttle service to the port.
When I’m asked that question, my answer is that it depends on your needs… are you looking for a Miami hotel that’s a splurge and allows for an extra beach day before your cruise? Or are you seeking a more frugal route and are more interested in an affordable hotel that provides benefits such as a shuttle to the port?
Miami is an expensive city in general, so if you're going the "affordable" route here, remember that this term is relative. However, before a cruise, let’s look at the (relatively) more affordable Miami hotel options.
Affordable Miami Hotels for Cruisers
Hampton Inn Miami Airport East
Address: 3449 NW 42nd Ave; Miami, FL 33142
The highly rated Hampton Inn Miami Airport East is conveniently situated at the Miami airport, about 8.5 miles from the port. It offers a free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. The hotel also provides complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, and it is just six miles from the port.
This property does offer a shuttle to the port, which can be scheduled upon arrival and costs $12 per person. The shuttle runs at 10:15, 11:15, and 12:15. An Uber at this distance, however, might be a more affordable (and convenient) option.
Hampton Inn Miami Airport South – Blue Lagoon
Address: 777 Northwest 57th Avenue, Miami, FL
There are two Hampton Inn properties at the Miami airport, which can get confusing, especially because both offer similar amenities. Like its sister site, Hampton Blue Lagoon provides free airport-to-property shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. They also offer a shuttle to Port Miami at a rate of $14 per person, which runs at 9:30, 11:00, and noon.
One distinction is that this location offers a “Park & Sail” rate, which is built into the room rate and varies depending upon the dates of stay. I priced this out for a March sailing, and the room price increased by around $90. The Park & Sail rate provides parking for up to 7 days and a free shuttle to the port for two people. It’s a great choice for cruisers seeking Miami hotels with free parking (although it’s baked into the rate).
Comfort Suites Miami Airport North
Address: 657 Minola Dr, Miami Springs, FL 33166
As you’ve probably realized, while some Miami hotels offer shuttle service to the port, almost all of them charge a fee. A rare hotel that includes a FREE shuttle to the cruise port is Comfort Suites Miami Airport North.
Remember that this perk is bookable upon check-in and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This property is 10 miles from the port and offers complimentary Wi-Fi, free shuttle transfer from the airport to the hotel, and complimentary breakfast. It is an excellent choice for cruisers seeking an affordable hotel near Port Miami.
DoubleTree by Hilton Miami
Address: 711 N.W. 72nd Avenue, Miami, Florida
I wanted to add this property as a fourth recommendation because I stayed here recently and found that it has a lot to offer. While it does not provide an airport or cruise port shuttle, it has two big perks: 1) it’s walkable to Miami International Mall (just 0.4 miles away), and 2) it does offer a shuttle, but it’s to local spots within a five-mile radius including Mall of the Americas and tons of restaurants. This is a great spot if you’re into shopping, and it’s less than 10 miles from MIA.
Best Miami Beach Hotels Before a Cruise
Port Miami and Port Everglades are two of the most popular cruise ports in the United States, so it’s no wonder that cruisers often ask, “What’s the best hotel in Miami?” With nearly 185 hotels, however, the choice can be overwhelming, so my answer is that it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re flying in the night before your cruise out and are simply looking for something clean, affordable, and with long-term parking options and/or a shuttle to the cruise port, go with one of my above "affordable" recommendations, or choose a hotel where you can stay free if you have accumulated points on a travel credit card.
However, if you prefer to tag on another beach day before the front end of your cruise, my recommendation list is entirely different, and I'll share that with you as well. If you look at a map of Miami Beach, you will note that it’s small, totaling just 15 square miles, but in that small-ish area, there are a ton of options. Before proceeding, however, note two important things:
1) Miami is expensive, and cruisers sometimes experience sticker shock even when considering budget hotel options. Miami Beach hotels are even more pricey, obviously, and many tack on resort fees, although these may be waived for credit card holders, so make sure to check on that if it applies to you.
2) I do not recommend a Miami Beach hotel stay in March and April, as this is “spring break season,” and the beaches are romping with rowdy students.
Andaz Miami Beach
Address: 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
A big-name chain may own this Hyatt property, but it feels like a chic boutique hotel. Located about seven miles from the cruise port, Andaz (formerly known as The Confidante) provides a retro-glam beach vibe. Each hour, guests receive free popsicles and lemonade and have direct access to Miami Beach, including using umbrellas, chairs, and towels.
Circa 39 Miami Beach
Address: 3900 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
Located almost directly across the street from The Confidante is Circa 39, a smaller and more intimate boutique hotel. This is a “beachside” hotel, not beachfront, meaning guests must cross Collins Avenue to access Miami Beach.
It’s a short and easy walk, just across the street, and once at the beach, Circa 39 guests enjoy access to complimentary umbrellas and chairs. The hotel provides beach towels in the lobby, so grab those before heading to the beach. The pool here is smaller than the other two properties but rarely crowded.
Bentley Hotel South Beach
Address: 510 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The website doesn’t clarify this immediately, but Bentley Hotel South Beach is a Hilton property. This hotel offers beachfront access and more amenities than other Miami Beach hotels, such as a rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, and spa. Like the others, it's located a stone's throw from the beach.
Bentley Hotel provides guests with complimentary access to loungers and umbrellas via the Bentley Beach Club, and towels are handed to guests at the beach. Wait staff are also on hand for guests who wish to order food or drinks, and the property is located about six miles from the cruise port.
Exploring Port Miami
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.
