MIAMI CRUISE PORT HOTELS
Port of Miami hotels with cruise shuttle
After more than 50 cruises with departures from the Port of Miami, I’ve learned one thing very clearly: most “cruise shuttles” in Miami don’t work the way travelers expect.
Some hotels advertise a free shuttle but run it only once early in the morning, while others charge per person or rely on third-party transfers, often making a short Uber ride faster and more reliable.
I’ve personally sailed from Miami in peak season, low season, and even hurricane season, and stayed in hotels near the port, Downtown, Brickell, Wynwood, and the airport.
This guide focuses only on the hotels where a cruise shuttle actually makes sense in practice.
These are not all Miami hotels that mention a shuttle, but a small, curated selection where the shuttle is genuinely useful for cruise travelers.
If you don’t need a shuttle, staying closer to the port and using Uber or a taxi is often the better option, and I link to those alternatives further down.
How I Select Hotels for This Guide
Hotels near the Port of Miami (Downtown & Brickell)
Only included when a shuttle is actually used by cruise guests in practice.
Miami Airport hotels
Included when the shuttle provides real value for travelers flying in the day before their cruise.
What’s intentionally not covered here
Hotels without a meaningful cruise shuttle, and hotels where ride-share is clearly the better option. Those are covered in separate guides.
How Cruise Hotel Shuttle Services Work
After many cruise departures from the Port of Miami, I’ve learned that hotel shuttle services in Miami can work well, but only if you understand how they actually operate.
Most hotel shuttles run from the hotel to the cruise terminal only. Return transfers after the cruise are often not included or may come at an extra cost. Always check whether the shuttle is one-way or round-trip.
Shuttle services typically operate on fixed departure times, usually in the morning on cruise days. In practice, this is where many first-time cruisers run into problems, especially on busy embarkation mornings.
Guests usually need to reserve shuttle seats in advance, often at check-in. Many hotels also rely on third-party transportation rather than operating their own shuttle, which can mean limited availability, shared vehicles, or changing schedules on busy cruise days.
It’s also important to know that free doesn’t always mean faster. Shared shuttles may stop at multiple terminals or hotels, which can increase travel time. In some situations, a short Uber or taxi ride can be quicker and more flexible.
Practical Tip: Don’t assume shuttle schedules are fixed, always reconfirm details with the hotel before arrival.
Hotels We Did Not Include (and Why)
To keep this guide focused and useful, we did not include every Miami hotel that advertises a cruise shuttle or transfer option.
Some properties were left out because their transfer information is unclear, inconsistent, or highly dependent on third-party availability. In other cases, shuttle services may operate at very limited times or only on select cruise days, which doesn’t work well for many travelers.
We also prioritized hotels where cruise transportation details are transparent and commonly used by cruise passengers, rather than listings where transfers are rarely mentioned or not a meaningful advantage over nearby ride-share options.
Our goal is to highlight hotels with predictable and genuinely cruise-friendly transfer arrangements.
Hotels Where a Free Cruise Shuttle Actually Works
These are the only two Miami hotels where a genuinely free cruise port shuttle is consistently used by cruise travelers in practice.
1. Comfort Suites Miami Airport North ★★★
Comfort Suites Miami Airport North offers comfortable rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and a complimentary hot breakfast. The hotel is conveniently located near Miami International Airport and provides easy access to the cruise port.
The hotel offers a free one-way shuttle to the Port of Miami. This service is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are required to register at the front desk during check-in. A return transfer back to the hotel can usually be arranged for an additional fee of around $10 per person.
A free airport shuttle from Miami International Airport is also provided, with a transfer time of approximately 5 minutes. Extended cruise parking is available for guests at around $12 per night.
My experience: Works well if you arrive the day before and the shuttle schedule fits your cruise arrival window. If timing doesn’t match, a taxi or Uber is usually the better option.
2. Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport ★★★
Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport offers modern rooms, friendly service, and good value for cruise travelers. The hotel is located about 8 miles from Downtown Miami and close to major transport routes.
Guests can use the complimentary airport shuttle (typically operating between early morning and late evening). A free one-way shuttle to the Port of Miami is also offered, though schedules may vary depending on cruise departure days.
In some cases, a return transfer to the hotel after the cruise may be available for an additional fee of around $10 per adult. Cruise parking is available at approximately $12 per night while staying at the hotel. Breakfast is included during your stay.
My experience: A practical free-shuttle option, but departures are limited. I always recommend confirming availability at check-in.
Important Notes About “Free” Cruise Shuttles
“Free” cruise shuttles sound convenient, but they often come with limitations that first-time cruisers should be aware of.
- Free shuttles are usually one-way only
- Seats are limited and often require advance registration
- Schedules may vary depending on cruise day and demand
- Always confirm shuttle details directly with the hotel before arrival
👉 Looking for more options, including hotels closer to the port? See our hotels near the Port of Miami where a shuttle isn’t necessary.
Hotels with Paid Cruise Shuttles (When They Actually Make Sense)
Not all paid cruise shuttles are worth using. In many parts of Miami, a short Uber or taxi ride is faster and cheaper.
The hotels below are included only when a paid cruise shuttle offers a real practical advantage for cruise travelers in practice.
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport ★★★★
Embassy Suites Miami International Airport is one of the most popular airport-area hotels among cruise travelers. The hotel offers spacious two-room suites and a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, making it especially appealing for families and travelers with extra luggage.
Cruise Port Transfer:
A shared shuttle service to the Port of Miami is available for approximately $12 per person. Sign-up is usually required at check-in.
My experience:
I often recommend Embassy Suites to families or travelers who want more space before their cruise. Shuttle service is straightforward and commonly used by cruise guests, but it’s still worth confirming departure times at check-in.
2. Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs/Miami International Airport ★★★
Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs is a budget-friendly hotel close to Miami International Airport. It’s a common pre-cruise choice for travelers looking for an affordable one-night stay before embarkation.
For couples, Uber can sometimes be cheaper, but many cruisers still prefer the shuttle for convenience.
Cruise Port Transfer:
A shared shuttle to the Port of Miami is available for approximately $12.50 per person. Transfers are arranged through the hotel and typically require advance registration.
My experience:
This is a very popular option for budget-conscious cruise travelers staying one night before their cruise. Comfort is basic, but shuttle arrangements are familiar to cruise guests staying here.
3. Clarion Inn & Suites Miami International Airport ★★
Clarion Inn & Suites Miami International Airport is an affordable option near MIA, offering basic comfort, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool. It’s a common choice for cruise travelers looking for a low-cost pre-cruise stay near the airport.
Cruise Port Transfer:
Guests can book a shared shuttle to Miami cruise terminals for approximately $12 per person, making this one of the more affordable transfer options in the airport area.
My experience:
This hotel is popular with budget-conscious cruise travelers staying one night before embarkation. Comfort is basic, but shuttle arrangements are familiar and widely used by cruisers.
4. Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell-Port of Miami ★★★★
Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell is a long-established hotel overlooking the Miami River, offering easy access to Downtown and the cruise port. The property appeals to cruise travelers looking for a practical stay in a central location.
Cruise Port Transfer:
The hotel offers a one-way cruise port shuttle for approximately $12 per person. Departures are typically scheduled in the morning and must be reserved in advance.
My take:
A good budget option where the shuttle is genuinely used by cruise guests, but availability can be limited. I recommend confirming transfer details as soon as you arrive.
5. YVE Hotel Miami ★★★
YVE Hotel Miami features a contemporary design and a central Downtown location, making it a convenient option for cruise passengers staying close to the Port of Miami. The hotel is within walking distance of Bayside Marketplace and waterfront areas.
Cruise Port Transfer:
The hotel offers a cruise port shuttle service for approximately $9 per person, each way. Transfers are operated by a third-party provider and must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.
Good to know:
Uber and taxi services are widely available and often reach the cruise terminals in under 10 minutes, which can be a faster alternative during busy mornings.
# Related Guide: Luxury Hotels near Miami Cruise Port
When a Cruise Shuttle Actually Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
A hotel shuttle can be convenient, but it’s not always the best option for every cruise traveler.
Whether a shuttle is the right choice depends less on the hotel itself and more on your location, group size, and embarkation timing.
A cruise shuttle makes sense if:
- You’re traveling with family or lots of luggage
- Your hotel is farther from Port of Miami (airport area or suburbs)
- The shuttle departs at a time that matches your embarkation window
A cruise shuttle may be less practical if:
- You’re staying in Downtown Miami or Brickell
- You prefer flexible departure times
- You want the fastest possible transfer on embarkation morning
In central areas, a short Uber or taxi ride is often quicker and more predictable than waiting for a shared shuttle.
If a cruise shuttle isn’t a priority for your stay, you may also want to see our complete guide on where to stay in Miami before a cruise.
Practical Questions About Miami Cruise Hotel Shuttles
Which Miami hotels have a free shuttle to the cruise port?
Only a small number of Miami hotels offer a genuinely free cruise port shuttle, and availability can change. These are most commonly found in the Miami Airport area. Even when advertised as “free,” shuttles are often one-way, operate on limited schedules, and require advance registration. Always confirm details directly with the hotel before booking.
Do I need to reserve the shuttle in advance?
Yes, in most cases. Cruise hotel shuttles usually require advance sign-up, either during booking or at the front desk after check-in. Seats are limited and often assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, especially on busy cruise days.
Are cruise hotel shuttles one-way or round-trip?
Most hotel shuttles to the Port of Miami are one-way only (hotel → cruise terminal). Return transfers after the cruise are often not included or are offered for an additional fee through a third-party provider.
How long does the shuttle ride usually take?
Travel time depends on hotel location and traffic. From Downtown Miami or Brickell, transfers typically take 5–15 minutes. From Miami Airport hotels, shuttle rides usually take 20–30 minutes, and can be longer during peak embarkation mornings.
Is Uber or Lyft cheaper than a hotel shuttle?
Often, yes, especially for couples or families. Hotel shuttles are usually priced per person, while Uber and Lyft fares are per vehicle. From Downtown or Brickell, ride-shares are frequently faster, more flexible, and sometimes cheaper than waiting for a shared shuttle.
Do cruise shuttles run all day?
No. Most cruise hotel shuttles operate only in the morning on cruise departure days, with fixed departure times. They are not continuous services, which is why confirming the schedule in advance is important.
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 higher. Properties are included based on traveler feedback, location, and cruise-friendly services such as shuttle availability and proximity to the Miami cruise port.
Experience & research
Our team has specialized in cruise travel for over 15 years. For this guide, we reviewed hotel information and traveler feedback from sources such as official hotel websites, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia.
Shuttle availability, pricing, and schedules can change. We always recommend confirming details directly with the hotel before booking.
Please let us know if any information is outdated.
