If you’re cruising from Miami or Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) and don’t live in the area, then there’s a good chance you will need a ride to get to the port. While we cover all your transportation options to Miami here and to Port Everglades here, the one that we most recommend — and most often use ourselves — is Uber or Lyft.
No matter where you are in South Florida, Uber or Lyft can get you to your cruise.
By now most people have used one of these services. But if you haven’t, these companies are known as ride-sharing services or transportation network companies. 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 considered more pleasant.
Most importantly, it’s convenient. A ride is never far away and can be summoned with the click of a button. Within a single city there can be thousands of drivers.
Availability of Uber and Lyft in South Florida
Uber and Lyft are now available everywhere in South Florida, including major airports. So if you are flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, then you can catch a ride from the airport to the cruise port (more details below).
The same also goes for areas all around the region. So if you are anywhere from West Palm Beach to Homestead, then you can use the apps to get to the cruise ship.
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. Fares can vary based on demand.
Keep in mind that your cost is per ride, not per passenger. Several people can ride for the same fare. As well, both companies have different levels of service, including XL offers (for a higher cost) that feature larger vehicles for more passengers or luggage.
Cruise passengers will likely be most interested that a ride from the Miami airport to the cruise port costs about $20, compared to around $25-30 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, which could be less expensive to get to the port.
Uber and Lyft to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
Cruising out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? Just like with Miami, you can use the services to get to your ship at the port.
You’ll find the prices for getting to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale below. Just as above, the prices are for the most basic service. 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 $50 and take roughly 45 minutes. 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.”
Cross the taxi lanes directly outside of baggage claim to this area to catch your ride at the Miami airport.
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. Look for the large blue signs for where to stand for your ride.
These signs designate the area to catch your Lyft or Uber at the Fort Lauderdale airport.
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.
Where to Catch Uber & Lyft at the Miami and Fort Lauderdale Cruise Ports
When you exit the terminal, you can wait at the passenger pick-up area and request a ride. Due to large crowds, we prefer to walk a short distance away to make things easier.
Unlike the airports, as of now there’s not a dedicated spot where you catch your Uber/Lyft when you get off the ship at either cruise port. You simply head to the area for general passenger pick-up outside the terminal and request your ride. Meanwhile, with thousands of other passengers getting off the ship and likely other ships in port, things can be a bit chaotic.
That’s why we suggest walking a short distance away from the cruise terminal before requesting a ride. This way, there are no large crowds to contend with and it’s easier for your driver and you to find each other.
Just keep in mind that it may take a little patience before your picked up.
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.The post Using Uber or Lyft to Port of Miami and Port Everglades first appeared on Cruzely.com.
Appeared first on: Cruzely.com