PortMiami Cruise Port Guide
- Cruising with Lynnie
- Oct 10
- 8 min read
PortMiami is home to nearly every major cruise line including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and Celebrity. Whether you’re flying in, driving down, or staying a few extra days, this detailed guide will help you plan every detail before embarkation day.
📍 PortMiami Overview & Terminals
PortMiami (often called “Cruise Capital of the World”) handles many cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, NCL, Celebrity, etc.
The port has multiple terminals (A, B, C, D, E, F, J, etc.).
Passenger drop-off zones are directly in front of terminals, and parking garages and surface lots on both north and south sides of the port serve cruisers.
Hotels Near PortMiami
When staying before a cruise, many travelers look for hotels with shuttle service, “park & cruise” packages, or close proximity to PortMiami. Not all are walkable, but many are short drives or offer shuttle service.
Tips for Choosing Your Hotel
Downtown / Bayside Options: Best if you want to explore Miami the day before or after your cruise. Walk to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Airport / Greater Miami Hotels: Ideal for cruisers flying in the night before and using park-and-cruise packages or shuttle service. Often more budget-friendly for early arrivals.
Pre & Post Cruise Packages: Many hotels offer bundled breakfast and transportation to the port—check availability when booking.
Family-Friendly Options: Suites with kitchenettes (Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites) make packing meals and snacks easier, especially with kids.
Walkability & Distance to The Port
Most hotels are not truly walking distance to the cruise terminals — the port is on Dodge Island, which is somewhat separated from the downtown grid.
InterContinental Miami is among the closer ones; some guests walk or take short drives.
Many hotels will rely on shuttles, rideshares, or taxis to get to the terminals.
Hotels Close to PortMiami / Downtown Area
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay – Located 3 Miles from the port. This full-service Marriott hotel sits right on the water, with stunning views of cruise ships and a “Pre & Post Cruise” package that includes breakfast and transportation options.
Holiday Inn Port of Miami–Downtown – Located 0.7 Miles from the port. Directly across from Bayside Marketplace and less than 2 miles from the terminals. Great mid-range option with walkable restaurants and shops.
InterContinental Miami (IHG) – Located 0.7 Miles from the port. A luxury favorite among cruisers. Just 0.7 miles from the port with beautiful Biscayne Bay views and Stay & Cruise packages.
Miami Airport Area Hotels (15–20 minutes from Port)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Airport East – Great if you’re flying in and want a simple overnight before your cruise with free breakfast and airport shuttle.
Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Airport – Spacious suites, ideal for families or longer stays.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Miami Airport – Free breakfast, kitchenettes, and convenient park-and-cruise deals.
SpringHill Suites Miami Airport South – Free breakfast and airport shuttle.
Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport – Classic, convenient, and close to the airport car rental center.
Beachside Hotels (for an oceanfront pre-cruise stay)
Marriott Stanton South Beach – Upscale resort-style hotel with beachfront views and poolside cabanas.
Holiday Inn Miami Beach–Oceanfront – Family-friendly with direct beach access and tropical vibes.
Residence Inn Miami Beach Surfside – Great for families, includes free breakfast and rooftop pool.
💡 Insider Tip: The closest hotels to the port are in Downtown Miami or Brickell, while beach lovers often stay in South Beach and take a short Uber or taxi to the port the next day.
Transportation Options
Getting to the Port from the Miami Int'l Airport (MIA) ✈️
Distance: About 15–25 minutes depending on traffic (10–15 miles).
Address: PortMiami – 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132
Taxi / Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are reliable and usually faster than taxis, especially on cruise mornings.
Shuttle Services: Many hotels and independent companies, like Go Airport Shuttle and SuperShuttle, offer pre-booked transfers.
Public Transit: You c22 technically take the Metrorail and Metrobus, but it’s not ideal if you have luggage.
How to Get to PortMiami from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport (FLL) ✈️
Distance: About 25–30 miles (40–45 minutes, depending on traffic)
Address: PortMiami – 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132
🚖 Rideshare/Taxi: Easiest option. Take Uber/Lyft or a taxi from FLL — about $45–$75'ish to PortMiami.
🚌 Shuttle: Pre-book a cruise or private shuttle ($20–$35 per person). Direct drop-off at your terminal.
🚙 Rental Car: Drive via I-95 South → FL-395 East → Port Tunnel. Return in Downtown Miami (many offer free port shuttles).
🚉 Budget Option: Tri-Rail from FLL → Miami Airport → rideshare to port (~$15 total).
💡Insider Tip: Allow extra time — weekend and cruise-day traffic can be heavy.
Getting Around Before You Sail
Miami Trolley: The City of Miami offers a free trolley service that includes the Coral Way route, which stops directly in front of PortMiami. This is a convenient option for cruisers looking to explore the city before boarding. Find trolley info, schedules & maps HERE.
Metromover: Free elevated train connecting Downtown and Brickell with easy stops for sightseeing.
Shuttle Services: Several off-site parking providers offer free shuttle services to and from the cruise terminal. For example, Safe Cruise Parking provides a free shuttle for up to five people to and from the Port of Miami. Safe Honest and Reliable Cruise Parking
Water Taxi / Ferry: There are water taxi services in some parts of Miami (e.g. from downtown to Brickell / Miami Beach), but not to the cruise terminal.
💡 Cruiser Tip: If you’re exploring Downtown or Brickell, the Metromover and Trolley are free and air-conditioned—perfect for a relaxed sightseeing day before your cruise.
🅿️ Parking at PortMiami & Nearby Lots
On-Site PortMiami Parking
PortMiami offers convenient parking at every cruise terminal. Designated spaces are available for guests with disabled permits in each garage, and oversized vehicles can be accommodated at Surface Lot E at special rates. The convenience of walking directly to your ship makes on-site parking worth considering — especially for shorter cruises. Expect to pay around $22–$25 per night, depending on the terminal. Check the official PortMiami website for current parking rates.
A few things to consider when parking in Miami:
Use credit card for parking, as some lots don’t accept debit cards.
Check port parking lot maps upon arrival — some terminals have their own garages
Don’t leave valuables in car — park in secure, patrolled lots
Be careful with oversized vehicles / trailers — some lots can’t accommodate
Consider arriving a full day early — gives cushion against delays and allows you to enjoy Miami
💡Pro Tip: Parking at the port is super convenient (walking distance to terminals), but pricey.
Offsite & Independent Parking Options
If you’d rather save a little money, there are secure off-site lots with free shuttle service to the port:
Rightway Parking – Budget-friendly and easy to reserve online.
Safe Cruise Parking – Secure gated lot, affordable daily rates.
Premier Cruise Parking – 1.5 miles from the port with complimentary shuttles.
Book2Park – convenient shuttle and online booking options
Park to Travel – Offers both airport and cruise parking, with 24/7 shuttles.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early—Miami weekends can have 8–10 ships sailing out at once!
Dining & Drinks Near PortMiami
Miami boasts a diverse culinary scene, and several restaurants near PortMiami are perfect for cruisers looking to enjoy a meal before setting sail. Here are some top picks:
Waterfront Favorites:
The Wharf Miami – Open-air venue with food trucks, pop-up bars, live music, and great views.
Rusty Pelican – Upscale dining with postcard-worthy views of the Miami skyline.
Bayside Marketplace – Casual restaurants (like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Hard Rock Café, and Mojito Bar), bars, and shopping right across from the Holiday Inn Port of Miami–Downtown.
Cuban / Latin Cuisine
Versailles Restaurant (Little Havana) – A must-visit Cuban restaurant in Little Havana.
La Carreta – Known for authentic Cuban coffee and pastries.
Calle Ocho cafés
Quick Bites & Breakfast
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop – A hidden gem for authentic Cuban breakfast or lunch.
Café Bastille Downtown – Cozy French café with amazing croissants and avocado toast.
Panther Coffee – Local favorite with great espresso and pastries.
Other Local Favorites
Joe’s Stone Crab – A must for seafood lovers and Miami tradition since 1913.
CVI.CHE 105 – Popular Peruvian restaurant downtown known for its ceviche and pisco cocktails.
Joia Beach – A beachfront restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with ocean views.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – A casual seafood restaurant themed after the movie 'Forrest Gump,' offering shrimp and other seafood dishes.
Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen – A high-energy restaurant offering modern American cuisine with a view of the water.
Mastro's Ocean Club - Miami – An upscale steakhouse offering a variety of steaks and seafood dishes.
Zuma – A contemporary Japanese izakaya-style restaurant offering sushi and robata grill dishes.
Rooftop Bars & Sunset Spots
Rosa Sky (Brickell) – Trendy rooftop with skyline views.
Terras (Little Havana) – Laid-back rooftop garden bar.
Area 31 (Epic Hotel) – Elegant bar with bay views.
💡 Insider Tip: For a quick pre-cruise breakfast, try Café Bastille Downtown for pastries and lattes or grab a Cuban sandwich at Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop.
Things to Do When You Arrive a Day Early
If you arrive a day before your cruise, here are great ways to explore Miami:
Bayside Marketplace & Bayfront Park: Located just a short walk from the cruise port, Bayside Marketplace is a waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. It's a great place to grab a bite, do some shopping, or enjoy live music.
Take a Biscayne Bay Boat Tour: Explore the waters around Miami on a boat tour of Biscayne Bay, where you can see Star Island, home to celebrity mansions, and enjoy views of the Miami skyline.
South Beach & Ocean Drive: Take a short drive or trolley ride to Miami Beach to relax on the sandy shores. If you’ve never been to Miami, you can’t skip the iconic Art Deco buildings, palm-lined beaches, and lively cafés. Walk along Ocean Drive, admire the Art Deco architecture, and enjoy people-watching at Lummus Park.
Wynwood Walls: Perfect for art lovers and Instagram photos! Explore colorful murals and grab lunch at one of the trendy eateries nearby.
Little Havana: Experience the vibrant Cuban culture in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. Stroll down Calle Ocho to explore art galleries, enjoy Cuban coffee or a hand-rolled cigar, sip on a mojito, and try authentic Cuban cuisine at Versailles or Ball & Chain.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: This historic waterfront estate feels like stepping into a European villa — great for photos and a relaxing afternoon.
Everglades Airboat Tours: If you have a full day, take an airboat ride through the Everglades to see alligators and native wildlife.
Visit Jungle Island: For families, Jungle Island offers interactive animal exhibits and shows, making it a fun pre-cruise activity.
Miami Children’s Museum or Frost Science Museum: Perfect for families! Both are just minutes from the port.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the PortMiami cruise schedule before planning your day — watching cruise ships sail in and out at sunset from the Rickenbacker Causeway or Rusty Pelican is unforgettable.
With world-class hotels, stunning beaches, endless food options, and vibrant nightlife, Miami is the perfect place to start your vacation early. Whether you’re lounging by the bay, exploring the art scene, or enjoying Cuban cuisine, PortMiami offers the ultimate pre-cruise experience. Bon voyage! 🌴⚓🍹
✅ Tips & Reminders for PortMiami Cruisers
Arrive at least one day early — Miami traffic and flight delays are unpredictable.
Book parking, hotel, and shuttles early, especially during peak cruise season.
Double-check your cruise terminal number before heading out.
Keep your boarding documents and luggage tags handy when arriving at the port.
Use luggage porters at the terminal — they make embarkation smoother and faster.
Stay Hydrated and Protected. Miami's tropical climate can be hot and humid. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen when exploring.
Don’t miss sail-away views! The Miami skyline at sunset from your ship’s deck is absolutely unforgettable.
⚓ Final Thoughts
Starting your vacation in Miami means you’re already in paradise before your cruise even begins. Whether you’re exploring Little Havana, relaxing on South Beach, or sipping a mojito by the bay, you’ll find something special around every corner. So, pack your sunscreen, check your boarding time, and get ready to set sail from one of the most iconic cruise ports in the world — PortMiami! 🌴🚢