Should You Fly Into Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a Miami Cruise?

If you’re cruising out of the Port of Miami, your first thought might be to book a flight directly into Miami International Airport (MIA). But there’s another option that often saves travelers time and money: flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Here’s everything you need to know about both airports, plus whether staying in Fort Lauderdale the night before your cruise makes sense.

✈️ Miami International Airport (MIA)

Distance to Port of Miami: ~8 miles (~20 minutes by car)
Pros: Closest airport, shortest ride to the cruise terminal.
Cons: Often more expensive flights, heavier airport crowds, and pricier hotels in the city.

✈️ Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Distance to Port of Miami: ~25 miles (~35–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic).
Pros: Flights are often cheaper, hotels in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood tend to be more affordable, and the airport is smaller and easier to navigate.
Cons: You’ll need to plan for an Uber/Lyft, shuttle, or private transfer on cruise day. Rides usually run $40–$60 each way.

🏨 Where to Stay the Night Before

No matter which airport you choose, it’s always smart to arrive the night before your cruise. Flight delays, cancellations, and lost luggage are all too common. Spending one night near the port, or even in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood if flying into FLL, is the best insurance for starting your cruise stress-free.

If you fly into Fort Lauderdale, you can stay there overnight, enjoy the beach, and then grab a rideshare to Miami on cruise morning.

🌴 Recommended Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Budget-Friendly:

Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise
- 📍 1500 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Free breakfast, close to Port Everglades, airport shuttle available.
- Very popular with cruisers because it’s practical and affordable.
Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port
- 📍 2301 SW 12th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
- Free hot breakfast, free airport shuttle, and shuttle service to Port Everglades (for a small fee).
- A favorite “mainstream” option for families and groups.

Mid-Range Favorites (Most Recommended for Cruisers):

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
- 📍 1881 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- On the Intracoastal, minutes from Port Everglades. Has a pool and great water views.
- Doesn’t include free breakfast, but you get the resort feel and location.
- Check out the article & video on this hotel: 12 Reasons to Stay at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Before Your Cruise
Hyatt Place Ft. Lauderdale 17th Street Convention Center
- 📍 1851 SE 10th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Free breakfast, large rooms with sofa beds, close to restaurants and shops.
- Offers cruise shuttle services, making it very popular with pre-cruise travelers.

Beachfront Splurge:

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale
- 📍 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Right on the beach, with pools and fun vacation vibes.
- No free breakfast, but you’re steps from the sand—perfect if you want a mini-vacation before the cruise.

✅ Summary for Travelers:

If you want free breakfast + shuttle convenience → Holiday Inn Express 17th Street or Hampton Inn Airport North.
If you want a bigger room with breakfast + shuttle → Hyatt Place 17th Street.
If you want a pool + resort feel by the water → Hilton Marina.
If you want to be right on the beach → B Ocean Resort.

🌆 Recommended Hotels Near Miami (MIA / Port of Miami)

Budget-Friendly:

Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown (340 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132) – Across from Bayside Marketplace, walkable to shops and dining. A mainstream option with reliable amenities.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East (3501 NW LeJeune Rd, Miami, FL 33142) – Includes free breakfast and airport shuttle. Not fancy, but a good overnight option if you just need to crash.

Mid-Range Favorites (Most Recommended for Cruisers):

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown (50 SW 12th St, Miami, FL 33130) – Consistently one of the top pre-cruise hotels. Free breakfast, pool, and walkable dining. No official shuttle to port, but easy Uber/Lyft.
InterContinental Miami (100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131) – Iconic hotel right on Biscayne Bay. Beautiful pool with views, close to Bayfront Park, and only a few minutes to the cruise port. Great for travelers who want a classic Miami experience before sailing.
Courtyard by Marriott Miami Downtown/Brickell Area (200 SE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33131) – Comfortable and reliable, close to shopping and restaurants.

Luxury Splurge:

JW Marriott Marquis Miami (255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131) – Upscale option with great views and dining.
Kimpton EPIC Hotel (270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131) – Chic property with a rooftop pool and bay views.

✅ Summary for Travelers:

If you want free breakfast → Hampton Inn Brickell is your best bet.
If you want to be closest to the port with resort-style views → InterContinental Miami is a top choice.
If you want budget + breakfast + shuttle → La Quinta Airport East works as a no-frills option.
If you want pool + walkable restaurants → Hampton Brickell or InterContinental fit the bill.

✅ Bottom Line

Choose Miami (MIA): If you want to be as close as possible to the cruise terminal and don’t mind paying extra for flights and hotels.
Choose Fort Lauderdale (FLL): If you want to save money on airfare and hotels, don’t mind a 35–45 minute ride on cruise day, and like the idea of staying by the beach the night before.

Both options work well, but whichever airport you pick, always fly in the night before your cruise.

FAQs About Flying Into Miami vs. Fort Lauderdale for a Cruise

How far is Fort Lauderdale Airport from the Port of Miami?
About 25 miles. Expect a 35–45 minute drive depending on traffic.

How much is an Uber from Fort Lauderdale to the Port of Miami?
Usually between $40–$60 one way, though prices can vary by time of day.

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale than Miami?
Often, yes. FLL flights can be more budget-friendly, and hotels in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood are typically less expensive than downtown Miami hotels.

Is traffic bad between Fort Lauderdale and Miami?
It can be heavy during rush hour, but outside peak times, it’s usually a straightforward drive. Always plan a little buffer on cruise morning.

Where should I stay if I fly into Fort Lauderdale?
Hotels near 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale are popular with cruisers. For a beach start, look at properties along Seabreeze Blvd.

Can I fly into Fort Lauderdale for a cruise out of Miami?
Absolutely. Thousands of cruisers do it every week. It’s a common and easy alternative to MIA.

Charity Bradley