Before you step foot on your cruise ship, you'll have to arrange your pre-cruise transfers, from airfare to hotels, transportation, and more. If you aren't careful, though, you could end up booking a hotel that won't be able to assist you with your transfers to the port.
Though rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber make it convenient to arrange last-minute transportation, staying at a hotel with shuttle service can offer peace of mind, as you won't have to worry about anything on embarkation day other than arriving at the specified pick-up spot on time.
Plus, if you choose a hotel with a complimentary airport shuttle, you will not have to pay for transfers to the hotel and port.
Here's a list of where to stay in Miami before your cruise that offers shuttle service, starting with two hotels that offer free transfers to PortMiami.
Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport
Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport has a complimentary airport shuttle that runs daily from 6:00am to 12:00am.
Additionally, they offer a free shuttle to PortMiami. Guests are able to register at the front desk when checking in. To secure a spot, a valid credit card is required. The service, however, doesn't cost anything extra.
Looking at rates for summer 2024, a family of four can book a room with two queen beds for around $150 to $230. The price includes complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, too.
Comfort Suites Miami Airport North
Comfort Suites is the second hotel that offers complimentary shuttle service to PortMiami. Rates during summer 2024 fluctuate from $120 to over $270 for one night in a standard one-bedroom suite.
Like the Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport, there's also a free shuttle from the airport, which is located about five minutes away, as well as complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. You, however, cannot make reservations for the shuttle to the port in advance; it must be done upon arrival.
If these don't appeal to you, there are plenty of hotels in Miami that offer shuttle service to the cruise port for a fee.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon
Though they only offer a paid shuttle service to PortMiami, guests staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon can take advantage of the complimentary airport shuttle that operates between 5:00am and 11:00pm, as well as free breakfast to fuel up for the fun ahead.
Currently, the shuttle to the cruise port costs around $14 per person. You can make arrangements upon arrival with the receptionist.
When I stayed at the hotel in May 2024, the departure times were 9:30am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm to accommodate varying arrival appointments.
Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon
Though located just seconds away from the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon, the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon is a slightly more upscale option, with a full restaurant, resort-style pool, and more. Plus, since it's nearly surrounded by water, you won't feel like you are at your average airport hotel.
Their website states that the shuttle costs $13 per person; however, you can also inquire about their "Incl. One Way Trans. to Port" package, which includes one-way transportation to PortMiami for two, as well as pick-up from the Miami Airport and breakfast. There's an additional charge for extra guests.
SpringHill Suites Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon Area
Marriott loyalists will enjoy staying at SpringHill Suites Miami Airport South, which is located near the quaint Lake Mahar. Though not a 5-star resort, the hotel boasts amenities like a complimentary fitness center, airport shuttle, outdoor heated pool, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
Upon check-in, they can also help to arrange transfers to the cruise port through a trusted third-party agency for $15 per person.
AC Hotel Miami Airport West/Doral
This stylish hotel is a little over six miles from the Miami International Airport and has a free airport shuttle. While they don't have a complimentary shuttle to the cruise port, a property representative on TripAdvisor said that they work with a third party that charges $12 per person.
Breakfast is available at the AC Kitchen for an additional cost; however, when it comes to dinner, you have easy access to fast food like Raising Cane's, as well as sit-down restaurants such as Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Tap 42 Craft Kitchen, Marfil Bistro, and Famous Dave's Doral.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East
The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East has a free airport shuttle that runs every hour on the hour from 5:00am to 11:00pm, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast.
They can help arrange shuttle transfers to the port for around $15 per person. If you're driving to Miami, they offer free parking, too.
Considering that parking at PortMiami can cost upwards of $245 for a 7-night cruise, the complimentary parking at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East will help you avoid the costly fees at the terminal.
EB Hotel Miami
According to their website, "EB Hotel Miami is the best and the only...luxury option near Miami International Airport with fast shuttle services."
If you want a luxurious pre-cruise stay without traveling far, this will be one of your best bets. After relaxing by the multifunctional pool, you can indulge in Latin-influenced global dishes & cocktails at the highly-rated Miranda Cuisine and Bar.
Plus, they offer a "Stay & Cruise Package" that includes breakfast for two and one-way transfers to PortMiami at 11:00am. Extra guests cost $20. You must confirm your shuttle reservation during check-in.
Best Western Plus Miami Airport North Hotel & Suites
Located less than three miles from the Miami International Airport right off of NW 36th Street, the Best Western Plus Miami Airport North Hotel & Suites offers guests free airport transportation and has fabulous ratings on TripAdvisor, ranking at #34 for hotels in Miami.
You can also arrange third-party transfers to the cruise port for around $15 per person. Before you leave, you can enjoy the complimentary breakfast that's provided.
A one-night stay for four during summer 2024 falls anywhere from $157 to $202 per night, making it an affordable choice without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown
If you don't want to stay near the airport, you aren't out of luck. Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown offers a shuttle to PortMiami for $10 per person. Just make sure that you alert the receptionist upon check-in. They'll help confirm your reservation. Note that the fare must be paid in cash to the driver.
If you don't want to pay for a shuttle you can walk about five minutes to 1105 Southwest 2nd Avenue and ride the complimentary Coral Way Trolley to the cruise terminal.
Since the hotel isn't close to the airport, you'll have to pay for a rideshare or taxi upon landing. However, if you're looking for a hotel that's within walking distance of numerous attractions and dining options without paying 5-star prices, this is a good choice. You're also a five-minute walk from Publix, ensuring that it's easy to collect any pre-cruise wine or forgotten sunscreen before heading to the terminal.
They have complimentary breakfast, too, further increasing the value of the fare you're getting compared to nearby hotels, such as the JW Marriott or Four Seasons.
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
The DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay is another great option for those looking to stay closer to the cruise port. While there's no airport shuttle provided, you can arrange transfers to the terminal for around $10 per person.
It's connected to the Grand Retail Plaza, which makes purchasing last-minute supplies a breeze. You're also steps away from numerous dining options, ranging from waterfront seafood to indulgent Italian and classic New York-style pizza, as well as a Publix grocery store.
In addition to the nearby amenities, you're paying for the convenience of being located about two miles from the port.
You shouldn't limit yourself to hotels that offer shuttles
Though $10-$15 per person may seem like a steal, you may spend more on the shuttle than if you were to consider using Uber or Lyft. If, for instance, you are traveling with your family of four, you'll spend a minimum of about $40 on a one-way ride from your hotel to the terminal. Oftentimes, an Uber or Lyft will only cost $15-$25, as they are priced on the ride instead of per person.
When I sailed on Carnival Conquest in January 2024, I paid $15 for a Lyft from the Tru by Hilton Miami West Brickell to the port, which came out to $14.99 for two people. Had we stayed somewhere with a shuttle, we may have paid close to double!
Calling for a Lyft or Uber is easy, as all you have to do is download the mobile application to your phone and input your credit or debit card. From there, you can either pre-arrange for a ride in advance or call one once you've finished breakfast and are ready to head to the terminal.
Even if you're staying at a hotel with a Concierge who can help arrange transfers for you, rideshare services tend to be the cheapest option. If you've already splurged on a fancy pre-cruise hotel, why spend even more money on a short ride to the terminal?
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
