Comparison
| PortMiami | Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance between them | about 30 miles / 40–60 min by car | |
| Closest airport | MIA (≈15–20 min) | FLL (≈5–10 min) |
| Typical sailings | Many 3–5 night Bahamas trips, plus 7-night Caribbean | More 7–14 night Caribbean and longer routes |
| Feel | Downtown skyline, busy terminals on peak days | Compact port, usually quicker in and out |
| Parking | Garages at the port; book ahead on weekends | Garages at the port; generally easy |
Which port is cheaper, Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
Neither always is: the price depends on the ship, the date and the cabin. What does change is the cost of getting there (flight, parking and hotel), and we compare that for you.
Is there transport between the airport and the port?
Yes. Many cruise lines and hotels offer transfers; we can also arrange one with your booking.
Airports matter if you’re flying in
Flying into FLL is often cheaper and the port is minutes away. Flying into MIA puts you close to PortMiami and gives more international connections. Either way, if you’re flying, arrive the day before.
Hotel the night before
- Miami: downtown / Brickell or Miami Beach if you want an extra day of vacation.
- Fort Lauderdale: hotels near the airport or on Fort Lauderdale beach, many with cruise shuttles.
Traffic tip
Weekend embarkation days can back up near both ports, especially Miami. Aim to arrive at your assigned check-in time, not early.
Which port is better for a Bahamas or Caribbean cruise?
- Bahamas (3–5 nights): Miami usually has more short sailings and more dates to choose from.
- 7-night+ Caribbean: Fort Lauderdale has more longer itineraries and ships for a week or more.
- If you’re flying in: from Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) the port is minutes away; from Miami (MIA), PortMiami is about 15–20 minutes.
- If you’re traveling with grandparents or small kids: Port Everglades is usually easier to navigate on embarkation day.
See also: Cruises from Miami · Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
FAQ
Which is better for a first cruise?
Miami, because of the number of short sailings.
Which is better for grandparents?
Fort Lauderdale is usually a bit easier to navigate.
Can we fly into one and sail from the other?
Yes — it’s a short ride. We’ll organize the transfer.