If you’re cruising from Miami or Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), there’s a good chance you will use a taxi to get to the port. Now there is an alternative to using a cab that can be cheaper and more convenient.
You’ve likely heard about Uber and Lyft, but most people haven’t used them before. These companies are known as ride-sharing services. Essentially, they allow anyone to drive their own car as if it were a cab. Drivers sign up, undergo a background check, and then can earn money providing rides around town.
For passengers (in this case people going to the cruise port), the entire process is run through an app you download on your smartphone. The app will tell you where the nearest available ride is, keeps track of the fare, and is even linked to your credit card for payment.
You simply download, enter your payment information, and request a ride when you’re ready to go.
Why would people prefer to use a service like Uber or Lyft instead of a taxi? For one, these services can be cheaper than using a cab. Furthermore, since drivers are rated by passengers after each ride (and can be booted out if their reviews are too low), the service received is often more pleasant.
Most importantly, it’s convenient. A ride is never far away and can be summoned with the click of a button. According to the Miami Herald, Uber has 10,000 drivers in Miami-Dade County.
Availability of Uber and Lyft in South Florida
Uber and Lyft are now available everywhere in South Florida.
Back in May 2016, the Miami-Dade County Commission voted to legalize ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
In late 2015, Broward County (where Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is located) saw Uber and Lyft return to the area. The companies had left due to rules and regulations it felt were too tight. However, strong public demand hounded county commissioners, according to Sun-Sentinel.com. After loosening the rules, the ride-share companies returned.
The map below shows where you can be picked up by either Uber or Lyft. You can be dropped off anywhere you like.
Uber and Lyft to the Port of Miami
If you are sailing out of the Port of Miami, you can use a ride-share service to get you there cheaply and quickly. This includes if you are flying into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Below we have a breakdown of the rates you can expect to pay for each service to get to the Miami cruise port. Keep in mind that your cost is per ride, not per passenger. As well, both companies have different levels of premium services. The prices shown below are for the most basic offering and the “XL” offerings of both. The “XL” feature offers larger vehicles for more passengers for a slightly higher cost.
Cruise passengers will likely be most interested that a ride from the Miami airport to the cruise port costs about $20, compared to a $27 flat fee for a taxi.
If you plan on staying in the area, you can also look for a hotel with a shuttle to the Miami cruise port.
Uber and Lyft to Port Everglades
You’ll find the prices for getting to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale below. Just like getting to the Port of Miami, the prices below are for the most basic service and the larger “XL” service that can carry more passengers. Rates are for the entire ride, which is the same regardless of the number of passengers.
As you can see, it is a relatively inexpensive ride from the Fort Lauderdale airport to Port Everglades. A ride from the Miami airport would cost around $40 and take roughly an hour. For comparison, a taxi from the Miami airport to Port Everglades would run approximately $75.
If you plan on staying in the area, you can also see our article on hotels with a shuttle to the Port Everglades cruise port.
Where to Catch Uber & Lyft at the Miami and Fort Lauderdale Airports
While you can pick up a ride anywhere in the South Florida area, many people will come from the airports. If you aren’t familiar with the airports, it can be somewhat confusing on where to catch your ride.
Miami International Airport
Once your flight arrives, you’ll want to follow the signs to ground transportation and baggage pickup on Level 1 of the terminal. Exit the doors across from the baggage claim, you’ll see the line of taxis.
From there, you’ll want to cross the taxi lanes to the next median. Here you should see a sign for “Ride App Pickup.”
Check the app on your phone and it will show your location, as well as the driver’s location and their car. Use this to meet up with your driver.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
If you are flying into Fort Lauderdale, then you’ll exit the airport by following the signs for ground transportation.
Once outside, look for the signage for your ride options, including Off-Airport Parking, Tri-Rail, and Ride Sharing. There are multiple ride share pickup areas, and they are located in between terminals. Depending on where you arrive, it can be a long walk. The Uber or Lyft app will show you exactly where to go to catch your ride.
You might notice several cars waiting for passengers when you arrive at the area. You’ll want to wait until your car shown on the app arrives. Drivers can’t give rides to different passengers than they are matched with on the app.
More on Cruising From Miami
Getting to the Port of Miami — Transportation options from airports and the Miami area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Miami Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.
Miami Park and Cruise Hotels — If you plan to stay in Miami the night before your cruise, look at this list of hotels that offer cruise parking with a one-night stay.
How much for 3 adults 3 kids and 5 bags of luggage from fll to port of Miami?
I’d suggest two cars for that many people. A ride costs about $40 per car, each way.
Hi,
We are going via the Tri-Rail to the Ft Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail Station (500 Gulf Stream Way).
Can we pick an Uber/Lyft from this Tri-Rail station and get to the Port Everglades?
We have a cruise from Port Everglades this Friday (13th March).
Regards
Of course! Should only be $10-15 and take about 10 minutes to get there.
Hi Can I get a Uber or Lyft from Miami airport to a hotel in Wyndham Fort Lauderdale for two people and two suitcases please we arrive around 1650 hrs in Miami
Also how can we order Uber or Lyft and what would be the cost
Rgards
Yes, they offer service there. Just download the app and you can create an account. We’d estimate the cost would be about $30-40.
If I already have an Uber account here in Texas ….will it work in Florida? Do I need to download an ap for Florida?
No need to get a new account. It will work in Texas and Florida.
Can Lyft go from a hotel in Dania Beach all the way to a specific terminal in Port Everglades?
Absolutely. That’s only about a 10 minute drive.
Please advise an estimated cost for 4 adults with total six luggage bags for Uber and/or taxi from Bahia Delray to Port Everglades on Sunday 19 Jan. Thanks!
Looks like one car will be about $25-30.
Can Uber/Lyft pick up at Port Everglades?
Yes!
Traveling from FFL Airport to the FFL cruise port, can the Uber make a stop at a Walgreens before the cruise ship? How much is for a stop or waiting time?
Yes, you can enter a stop. It shouldn’t be that much more of a fare for a quick stop like this. Just be sure to put it in the app and let your driver know.
Coming from Nicaragua and do not have a USA phone… how do I contact Uber to get picked up at airport? Thanks
As far as we know you’ll need a U.S. based phone. You can get a SIM card when you arrive. Or just use a taxi at the airport.
We are coming into MIA with 3 adults and 3 children and 3 pieces of luggage Could we uber to Holiday Inn downtown
Sure. You might want to split that into two cars since it’s going to be a big group.
Please let us know what it would cost two seniors to be taken from Naples, Fl. to the Port of Miami and returned 10 days later?
Uber and Lyft aren’t really designed for long trips like that. It’s more like a taxi where it takes you around town. We’d suggest contacting a local transportation company to see if they can give you a ride.