A PortMiami cruise transfer is the shortest drive of most holidays, and the one most likely to go wrong. The port sits on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, so every car, taxi and coach heading to a ship funnels onto the same two approaches at the same time of morning.
How a PortMiami cruise transfer works on embarkation day
You reach the island either over the Port Boulevard bridge from downtown or through the PortMiami Tunnel from the MacArthur Causeway. Your chauffeur picks the faster approach on the day, then drops you at the curb of your terminal rather than in a car park.
Each terminal has its own letter, and several ships can sail from the port on the same afternoon. Your terminal is printed on your cruise documents, so send it to us when you book and we will plan the drop-off from that.
Chauffeur tip — Board as early in your window as you can. Lunch is usually served on board, and the curb is far calmer at the start of the window than at the end.
Timing your cruise transfer from the airport and hotels
From Miami International Airport the drive to the port is short, usually 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic. From South Beach it is shorter still, straight across the MacArthur Causeway, but the last mile can slow down when several ships are boarding at once.
| Starting point | Typical drive | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Miami International Airport | 20–30 minutes | Fly in the day before if you can |
| South Beach hotels | Often under 20 minutes | Allow extra time on busy sailing days |
| Brickell and downtown | 10–20 minutes | The bridge approach is the nearest |
Flying in on the morning of the cruise leaves no room for a delayed flight. A night in a South Beach or downtown hotel turns the transfer into a short, relaxed drive, and it gives you an evening in Miami before you sail.
Disembarkation day and the flight home
Ships usually return early in the morning, and leaving the ship, collecting your bags and clearing customs can take a while. We suggest a flight no earlier than the early afternoon, so the drive to the airport is never the part you are rushing.
Your chauffeur meets you at the terminal curb once you are through, loads the luggage and drives you to MIA, FLL or a hotel for one more night. If you are running late inside the terminal, call or text us and we will hold the car for you.
Choosing the right car for a cruise transfer
Cruise luggage is the reason most families choose an SUV over a sedan. The Chevrolet Suburban seats up to seven with full luggage space, and the Mercedes Sprinter carries larger groups and their cases in one trip, so nobody waits for a second car.
Booking your PortMiami transfer
Send us your flight, your hotel, your ship and terminal, and the number of travellers and bags. We reply with a flat rate in writing, usually within the hour, and you can book the return from the ship in the same request.
