BEST HOTELS NEAR PORT EVERGLADES CRUISE PORT
Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port with Shuttle
After multiple cruise departures from Port Everglades, one thing becomes clear quickly: in Fort Lauderdale, a shuttle only makes sense in certain situations.
Some hotels advertise a “free cruise shuttle,” but operate it once in the early morning.
Others rely on third-party transportation with fixed departure times. And in many cases, hotels close to the port are faster to reach by Uber or taxi than by waiting for a shared shuttle.
Unlike Miami, Fort Lauderdale is compact. The airport, cruise terminals, and 17th Street hotel area are all close together. That changes how you should plan your stay.
This guide does not list every hotel that mentions a shuttle. It focuses only on properties where cruise transfers are actually used in practice and where shuttle logistics are predictable enough to make sense.
If you’re still deciding where to stay geographically, see our separate guide to the best areas in Fort Lauderdale for cruise travelers. This page focuses strictly on shuttle practicality.
Hotels with Free Cruise Shuttle (Limited Availability)
Free cruise shuttles in Fort Lauderdale are rare and often come with important limitations. In most cases, “free” means a one-way transfer, fixed departure times, and limited seats that must be reserved in advance.
Based on real cruise departures from Port Everglades, these are the only Fort Lauderdale hotels where a genuinely free cruise shuttle is still used by cruise travelers in practice. Availability can change, so always confirm details directly with the hotel before booking. These properties are typically chosen for budget reasons rather than overall location convenience.
Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
Rodeway Inn is one of the few Fort Lauderdale hotels that still offers a complimentary shuttle to Port Everglades. The service typically runs at scheduled morning times and must be reserved in advance at the front desk.
A free airport shuttle is also provided, which makes this a practical one-night option for travelers flying in the day before their cruise. Cruise parking is available for an additional daily fee.
This hotel works best for budget-conscious travelers whose cruise departure time aligns with the shuttle schedule.
Red Carpet Inn Airport and Cruise Port Hotel Fort Lauderdale
Red Carpet Inn is a basic, no-frills property near Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and within driving distance of Port Everglades.
A complimentary shuttle to the cruise port is offered, typically operating on scheduled departure times in the morning. Seats must be arranged in advance and availability varies depending on cruise day demand.
Parking is available on site, including cruise parking for a daily fee. This hotel is generally chosen for price rather than comfort, and works best for travelers prioritizing a free transfer over location or amenities.
Important Notes About “Free” Cruise Shuttles
- Free shuttles are usually one-way only (hotel → cruise port)
- Departure times are fixed and limited
- Advance reservation is almost always required
- Availability may change during peak cruise season
👉 Shuttle drop-off points vary by cruise line. See our Port Everglades terminal guide for terminal locations and embarkation tips.
Best Hotels Near Port Everglades with Cruise Shuttle
Hotels located near Port Everglades, especially around the 17th Street Causeway and Marina Mile, are among the most practical choices for cruise travelers who want a short transfer on embarkation day.
Most hotels in this area do not offer free cruise shuttles, but many provide paid or third-party transfers that are still convenient due to the very short distance to the terminals. In practice, travel times are usually 5–10 minutes, and shuttle departures are often easier to coordinate than from airport-area hotels.
Based on repeated cruise departures from Port Everglades, the hotels below are those where a cruise shuttle is commonly used in practice, either through hotel-arranged services or well-established third-party providers. We clearly indicate when transfers are paid, limited, or operated externally.
My experience:
When staying this close to the port, a shuttle can make sense if the timing matches your embarkation window. However, because distances are so short, a taxi or Uber is sometimes just as fast, and more flexible, especially for couples or families.
Hotels in this section typically offer:
- Cruise port transfers on request or for a fee
- Very short travel times to Port Everglades
- Easy access to restaurants and services along SE 17th Street
- More flexibility than airport hotels on embarkation morning
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is one of the closest full-service hotels to Port Everglades, located directly along SE 17th Street.
Cruise port transportation is available for approximately $10 per person, one way. Transfers are typically scheduled in the morning and may be operated by a third-party provider. Because the port is only a few minutes away, many guests compare this with a short Uber ride.
Airport transfers are available for an additional fee. The location minimizes travel time on embarkation morning, which is its main advantage.
Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center
Hyatt Place is a reliable mid-range option near both the airport and Port Everglades, frequently used for one-night pre-cruise stays.
A cruise shuttle operates for around $9 per person each way and must be reserved at the front desk. Departure times are typically scheduled in the morning. Breakfast is included.
Due to the short transfer distance, ride-share services can be similarly priced for couples, but the shuttle works well if timing aligns with your boarding window.
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel
Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel is one of the closest properties to Port Everglades, located in the core cruise district.
Cruise port transportation can be arranged for a small fee, typically through a third-party shuttle service. Due to its proximity, travel time to the terminals is usually under five minutes.
Because the hotel is so close to the port, many guests opt for a short taxi or Uber instead of a scheduled shuttle. The location is the main advantage here, particularly for travelers who want minimal transfer time.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale – 17th Street
Embassy Suites is popular with families because of its two-room suites and included breakfast.
Cruise port transfers are available for approximately $13 per person each way, usually arranged through a third-party provider. Morning departure times are fixed and must be reserved in advance.
Rooms are spacious but slightly dated compared to newer properties. This hotel works best for travelers who value extra space more than ultra-modern design.
Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
Four Points by Sheraton is located between the airport and Port Everglades, about 5-10 minutes from the terminals.
A paid cruise shuttle is available for approximately $15 per person, usually operated by a third-party provider. Departure times are scheduled and must be reserved in advance.
Extended cruise parking is offered for an additional daily fee. Due to the short distance, many travelers compare shuttle costs with Uber or taxi options, which may offer more flexible timing.
Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Express is located a few minutes from Port Everglades and provides a free airport shuttle for arriving guests.
Cruise port transfers are available for around $15 per person and are arranged through a third-party service. Travel time to the port is typically under five minutes.
Long-term cruise parking is available for $10 per night. This hotel works well for short pre-cruise stays when airport access and predictable transfer times are the main priorities.
Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotels with Cruise Shuttle
Hotels near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are typically 7-15 minutes from Port Everglades. These properties often combine a free airport shuttle with a paid cruise transfer, which can work well for late arrivals.
Because transfer distances are short, many travelers compare shuttle pricing with Uber or taxi options.
Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North
Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North is a reliable choice for cruise travelers who want a familiar brand and predictable logistics before sailing. The hotel is located close to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and within a short drive of Port Everglades.
A cruise port shuttle is available for a fee and is frequently mentioned in traveler reviews, making this a well-understood option among cruisers. Rooms are comfortable and consistently maintained, and breakfast is included, which simplifies embarkation morning.
Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port is a well-rated option for cruise travelers who value extra space and predictable logistics. The hotel offers spacious suites, a relaxed atmosphere, and a complimentary breakfast, making it especially popular with families.
A free shuttle runs to and from the airport, while a paid transfer to Port Everglades is available for approximately $15 per person or $30 round trip. Shuttle departures are typically scheduled between 10:00 AM and noon and must be arranged in advance. Cruise parking is available for about $18 per night (plus tax).
Wyndham Garden Ft Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
Wyndham Garden Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port is a practical mid-range option located a short drive south of Port Everglades. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, an informal dining area, and an outdoor pool, making it suitable for a one-night pre-cruise stay.
Complimentary airport transportation is provided, while a paid shuttle to Port Everglades is available for around $15 per person. Because the transfer distance is short (typically under 10 minutes), many cruise travelers also compare shuttle pricing with Uber or taxi options for added flexibility. Overnight parking is free while staying at the hotel.
Staying overnight before your cruise? Here are some things to do near Port Everglades if you have extra time.
Official Port Everglades Transfers vs Hotel Shuttles
When planning transportation on embarkation morning at Port Everglades, the choice is rarely about whether to use a shuttle, it’s about what type of transfer makes the most sense for your group, timing, and luggage situation.
Airport & Port Shuttles
Official shuttle services or hotel-arranged transfers typically operate on fixed schedules in the morning on cruise departure days. These are usually priced per person, require advance signup at the hotel front desk, and may involve a short wait if multiple ships are departing. For couples or families, the per-person cost can add up quickly, and departure times may not align with your preferred boarding window.
Ride-Share & Taxi Services
Because the downtown and 17th Street Causeway areas are so close to the terminals, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are often more flexible and competitively priced, especially for groups of two or more. Ride-share pricing is charged per vehicle, which can make it a better value than two or more shuttle tickets for a couple or small family.
A typical taxi or ride-share from the 17th Street area to the cruise terminals usually takes 5–10 minutes depending on traffic, making it a practical alternative to a scheduled shuttle that may only run once or twice each morning.
Official Port Everglades Transfers
In addition to hotel shuttles, some independent transfer companies operate dedicated services to Port Everglades. These can be booked in advance and sometimes offer:
- Private pick-ups
- Return transfers
- Custom departure times
These services are generally more expensive than a standard hotel shuttle, but they offer greater flexibility and can be valuable for travellers arriving late, handling multiple pieces of luggage, or needing a guaranteed window before ship check-in.
How to Choose Between Them
Consider these points when deciding:
- Group size: Ride-share/taxi is often more cost-effective for couples or small families, while per-person shuttle services may favour solo travellers or larger groups.
- Luggage and comfort: Shuttles can be easier when you have lots of luggage, but taxis/ride-share can be more flexible.
- Departure timing: Scheduled shuttles only run at certain times; taxis/ride-share operate on demand.
- Cost structure: Per-person shuttles vs per-vehicle ride-share affects the total price, particularly for families or groups.
In many cases, travellers departing from the 17th Street area find that a short taxi or ride-share offers the quickest and most flexible transfer, while shuttles are helpful when timing and group size align with scheduled departures.
When a Cruise Shuttle Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
A hotel shuttle can be convenient for cruise travelers, but it isn’t always the fastest or most flexible option. Whether a shuttle makes sense depends largely on location, group size, and departure timing.
A cruise shuttle is often helpful if you’re staying near the airport, traveling with family or a lot of luggage, or arriving late and prefer a pre-arranged transfer the next morning. In these cases, the predictability of an organized shuttle can reduce stress on embarkation day.
However, for hotels located close to Port Everglades, many travelers find that Uber or a taxi is quicker and sometimes similarly priced, especially for couples or small groups. Ride-share services also allow flexible departure times, which can be useful during busy embarkation mornings.
Practical tip: Always compare shuttle pricing and departure times with local taxi or Uber options. For short distances, ride-share services are often the more flexible choice.
Practical Questions About Fort Lauderdale Cruise Hotel Shuttles
Which Fort Lauderdale hotels truly offer a free cruise shuttle?
Only a very small number of budget hotels still offer a genuinely free shuttle to Port Everglades. Even then, “free” usually means one-way only, fixed morning departure times, and limited seating that must be reserved at check-in. Most mid-range and higher-end hotels charge per person for cruise transfers or use third-party transportation providers. Always confirm details directly with the hotel before booking, as shuttle policies can change.
Do I need to reserve the cruise shuttle in advance?
Yes, in most cases. Cruise shuttles in Fort Lauderdale usually operate on fixed morning schedules and do not run continuously throughout the day. Guests typically need to sign up at the front desk after check-in. On busy cruise weekends, shuttle seats can fill quickly, especially when multiple ships are departing from Port Everglades.
Are hotel cruise shuttles one-way or round-trip?
Most hotel shuttles only operate from the hotel to the cruise terminal on embarkation morning. Return transfers after the cruise are often not included and may require separate booking through a third-party provider. If you plan to return to the same hotel after your cruise, confirm whether a pickup option exists.
Is Uber or a taxi cheaper than a hotel shuttle in Fort Lauderdale?
Often, yes especially for couples or families. Hotel shuttles are typically priced per person. Ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft charge per vehicle. Because many hotels near Port Everglades are only 5–10 minutes from the terminals, ride-share pricing can be similar or even cheaper for two or more travelers. Ride-share also offers flexible departure times instead of fixed shuttle schedules.
How long does the transfer to Port Everglades usually take?
From hotels along SE 17th Street and the cruise district, travel time is typically 5–10 minutes. From airport-area hotels, expect approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. On busy cruise mornings (usually between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.), slight delays can occur.
Do cruise shuttles run all day?
No. Most cruise hotel shuttles in Fort Lauderdale operate only in the morning on cruise departure days. They do not function as continuous services throughout the day. If you prefer flexibility or have a later boarding window, a taxi or ride-share may be more practical.
Is it better to stay near the port or near the airport?
If your priority is minimizing transfer time on embarkation morning, staying near Port Everglades (17th Street area) is usually the most predictable option. If you are arriving late in the evening by flight, airport hotels can be practical and sometimes more affordable. However, transfers to the port are slightly longer and usually involve paid shuttle services. The right choice depends on arrival time, budget, and how much transfer flexibility you prefer.
Disclosure & Editorial Policy
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a reservation through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Our promise
All hotel recommendations are selected independently. Hotels cannot pay to be featured or ranked. Properties are included based on location relevance, traveler feedback, and cruise-friendly services such as shuttle availability and proximity to Port Everglades.
Shuttle availability, pricing, and schedules can change, so we always recommend confirming details directly with the hotel before booking.
If any information on this page is incorrect or out of date, please let us know.
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