The fastest route is a taxi or rideshare straight to Port Everglades
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about 30 minutes from Port Everglades, where most cruise ships depart. A taxi from the ground transportation level costs between $35 and $50 depending on traffic and time of day. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft typically run $25 to $40 for the same trip during normal hours, though surge pricing during peak cruise departure times (early morning, Friday through Sunday) can push that higher.
Taxis have a fixed dispatch system: follow signs to "Ground Transportation" on the lower level, join the taxi queue, and a dispatcher assigns you the next available cab. You do not need to book ahead. Rideshare works the same way—open the app in the pickup zone, request your ride, and wait in the designated rideshare lot. Both drop you at the cruise terminal entrance, and the driver can take you directly to your specific cruise line's terminal if you ask.
The main trade-off is convenience versus cost. Taxis are reliable and do not surge, but you cannot choose your driver or see the fare beforehand. Rideshare shows the price upfront and lets you track the driver, but prices jump during busy times and you may wait longer for pickup during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- Taxi or rideshare from FLL to Port Everglades takes about 30 minutes and costs $25 to $50 under normal conditions.
- Taxis queue at ground transportation on the lower level with no advance booking needed; rideshare pickup is in the designated lot with pricing shown in the app.
- Cruise lines sometimes offer their own shuttle services or partnerships—check your cruise documents or the line's website before you book separate transport.
- If you are arriving very early or late, or traveling with a large group, a rental car or private car service may be cheaper than multiple rideshares.
- Port Everglades has three separate terminal areas, so confirm which one your ship uses and give that address to your driver.
Cruise line shuttles and pre-arranged transport
Many cruise lines offer their own motorcoach shuttles from FLL to the port, either included with your booking or available for a separate fee (typically $15 to $25 per person). These are scheduled to match common flight arrival times and depart from a designated hotel or meeting point near the airport. Check your cruise documents, your booking confirmation email, or call the cruise line directly to see if this option is available for your sailing.
The advantage is simplicity: you do not have to arrange anything yourself, and the driver knows exactly where to drop you at the terminal. The disadvantage is inflexibility—shuttles run on a fixed schedule, so if your flight is delayed or you arrive outside the shuttle window, you are on your own. Some cruise lines also partner with hotels to offer shuttle packages; if you are staying overnight near the airport before your cruise, ask the hotel whether they have a cruise port shuttle included.
Private car services (town cars, black car services) can be booked through companies like Blacklane or through your cruise line's concierge. These cost $60 to $100 one way but offer door-to-door pickup at your terminal at FLL and drop-off at your cruise terminal, with no waiting in a taxi queue or rideshare pickup zone.
Rental cars and driving yourself
If you are renting a car at FLL, you can drive to Port Everglades yourself. The port is about 6 miles south; follow signs for I-595 East and then local roads to the terminal. Parking at Port Everglades costs $15 to $20 per day for standard parking, or $25 to $35 per day for valet, depending on which cruise line terminal you use. You pay when you leave, not when you arrive.
Renting a car makes sense only if you are staying in the Fort Lauderdale area before or after your cruise and plan to drive around. If you are flying in just for the cruise, the rental fee plus parking usually costs more than a taxi or rideshare. If you do rent, arrive at the port at least two hours before your ship's departure time—parking lots can get congested during peak cruise hours, and you will need time to park, walk to the terminal, and check in.
Public transit and budget options
Broward County public transit (Broward County Transit, or BCT) runs bus routes from FLL to the port area, but the journey takes 45 minutes to over an hour with transfers. The fare is $2.50 per ride. This option works only if you are traveling light, have time to spare, and are comfortable navigating bus schedules. Most cruise passengers skip this route because cruise ships depart on a strict schedule and missing your departure means losing your entire cruise fare.
Shared shuttle services like SuperShuttle (now part of Mears Connect) offer group shuttles where you share the van with other passengers heading to the same area. These typically cost $20 to $30 per person and take longer than a direct taxi or rideshare because the driver makes multiple stops. Book these in advance through their website or app.
What to know about Port Everglades terminals
Port Everglades has three separate cruise terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 4 (Terminal 3 is closed). Your cruise documents will tell you which terminal your ship uses. If you do not see it in your paperwork, call your cruise line or check their website. Giving your driver the wrong terminal address will cost you time and stress on departure day.
Each terminal has its own parking and drop-off area. When you arrive by taxi or rideshare, tell the driver your cruise line name (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, etc.) and they will take you to the correct entrance. If you are driving yourself, follow signs for your specific terminal and park in the cruise passenger lot.
Timing and what to expect on departure day
Cruise lines ask passengers to arrive at the port two hours before departure. If your ship leaves at 4 p.m., plan to be at the terminal by 2 p.m. This gives you time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. If you are arriving by taxi or rideshare, factor in 30 minutes for the drive plus 15 to 20 minutes for traffic delays, then add another 30 minutes as a buffer. If your flight lands at 11 a.m., you should be able to reach the port by 12:15 p.m. comfortably.
Peak cruise departure times are Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning. If your ship departs during these windows, expect heavier traffic on I-595 and longer rideshare wait times at the airport. Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday can mean faster transport and lower rideshare prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my flight is delayed and I am worried I will miss my ship?
Contact your cruise line when ready if you think you will miss the departure time. Most cruise lines have a policy allowing you to join the ship at the first port of call if you miss departure due to a flight delay. You will need to arrange your own transport to that port, and you may lose the first night's accommodations, but you can still sail. Do not wait until you land—call from the plane if possible.
Can I leave my car at the port while I cruise?
Yes, Port Everglades has cruise passenger parking at each terminal. Rates vary by terminal and parking type (standard, valet, covered) but typically range from $15 to $35 per day. You pay when you exit, not when you arrive. Some cruise lines offer discounted parking rates for their passengers—check your booking confirmation.
Is it cheaper to take a taxi or rideshare?
Rideshare is usually cheaper during off-peak hours ($25 to $35), but taxis have no surge pricing, so during busy cruise departure times they may be the same price or cheaper. Taxis also accept cash if you prefer not to use an app. If you are traveling with two or more people, split the cost and rideshare becomes more economical.
Do I need to book my transport in advance?
Taxis do not require advance booking—you queue at the airport. Rideshare you book through the app when you land. Cruise line shuttles and private car services should be booked ahead, either through your cruise line or the service's website, because they have limited capacity and may fill up during peak travel days.
What happens if the driver takes me to the wrong terminal?
Tell the driver when ready and ask them to take you to the correct terminal. If you are using rideshare or a taxi, you can dispute the fare or request a refund through the app or by contacting the taxi company. The correct terminal is usually only a few minutes away, so you should still have time to check in if you arrive with a reasonable buffer before departure.