How to Get from Miami to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port)

Miami and Fort Lauderdale are close on the map, but on cruise day the “best” transfer depends on where you start (MIA vs Downtown vs Miami Beach), how many people you are, and how much buffer time you want.

This guide compares the most practical ways to get to Port Everglades; from Uber/taxi to private transfers, shared shuttles, and train connections, with the one goal every cruiser cares about: arriving relaxed, not rushed.

Quick rule: If you’re 2–4 people with luggage, Uber/Lyft or a private car is usually the simplest. Shared shuttles can work, but schedules and stops vary.

Jump to

• Best option by traveler type (quick picks)
• Uber / Taxi (most flexible)
• Private transfers (most reliable)
• Shared shuttles (when they make sense)
• Train + short ride (Brightline / Tri-Rail)
• Cruise-day timing tips (buffer & traffic)
• FAQ

Best option by traveler type (quick picks)

• Couples / families (2–4 people): Uber/Lyft or taxi (per car pricing)
• Want maximum reliability: private transfer (scheduled pickup, direct drop-off)
• Solo on a budget with time: train + short ride to the port
• Shared shuttle: only if the departure time fits your plan and you’re okay with stops

Uber / Lyft / Taxi (most flexible)

For most cruise passengers, ride-share is the easiest way to reach Port Everglades from Miami. It’s door-to-door, runs 24/7, and you don’t have to match a shuttle schedule. Pricing changes with demand, so it’s smart to check rates the evening before and again on cruise morning.

Good to know

• Travel time is very traffic-dependent (especially around Downtown Miami and I-95).
• If you’re leaving from Miami Beach, add extra buffer, causeways can back up.

Private transfers (most reliable)

If you’re traveling with family, lots of luggage, or you simply want fewer variables, a private car service is the most predictable option. You choose the pickup time, you go direct, and you don’t lose time to other hotel stops.

From our experience: when timing matters (early check-in window, weekend sailing, or tight flight arrival), a pre-booked car removes most of the stress.

Shared shuttles (when they make sense)

Shared shuttles can be cheaper for solo travelers, but they come with trade-offs: fixed pickup times, potential hotel stops, and limited flexibility if you’re delayed.

They work best when you arrive the day before and can pick a departure time that still leaves plenty of buffer.

Train + short ride (Brightline / Tri-Rail)

If you have time and want to avoid highway traffic, you can combine rail with a short Uber/taxi at the end.

• Brightline: fast connection between Miami and Fort Lauderdale (then a short ride to Port Everglades).
• Tri-Rail: budget option, but it can involve more steps; best for light luggage.

Cruise-day timing tip

Port Everglades has early-morning disembarkation traffic, followed by a second wave when new passengers arrive closer to late morning and early afternoon.

The safest approach is simple: avoid tight schedules and plan to arrive at the port with plenty of buffer, especially on weekends or when multiple ships turn around the same day.

FAQ