Sailing out of the Port of Miami? Here are a few suggestions for traveling there.
Consider flying into Fort Lauderdale as the rates are often better. From there, take a shuttle or Tri-Rail. To use Tri-Rail, take the free shuttle from the Fort Lauderdale Airport to the Tri-Rail Station. Be sure to buy your ticket at the machine before boarding. You cannot buy your ticket onboard. The Tri-Rail connects with the Metro-Rail in Miami and the transfer is free with your Tri-Rail ticket. This is the stop that will connect you to downtown. If you get off at Government Center, you can use the free People Mover, which might get you closer to the port or your hotel. From Downtown, it’s about a $10 cab ride to the port. On weekdays, there is the Seaport Connection bus that is obviously for employees at the port. It runs basically during morning and afternoon rush hours. Just think of how much Miami could contribute to pollution reduction and port congestion if these buses offered services to cruise passengers. If you are staying near the airport, continue on Tri-Rail until it ends. There is a shuttle to take you to the airport.
Check for hotels that offer both airport and cruise port shuttles; they are few and far between. Some of the packages including both services cost more than a room and cab booked on your own.
Some hotels offer a park and cruise option as well. With the high cost of parking at the pier, this is a good alternative. A few hotels even offer free parking.
Don’t even think of walking to or from the pier to downtown. Even though the pier is quite close to downtown, the access to the port is not pedestrian friendly.
Pay attention to your terminal when driving to the port. The one way loop system makes turning around to a missed cut-off impossible, but the good news is that you can just continue on and cut over at the next terminal and come back to your destination.
For more information about the Port of Miami, with maps of the terminal, parking costs and directions, visit their website.
Sail Away
Great post. I have more detailed info at http://www.walktomycruiseship.com/miami.htm
Thanks