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Port Canaveral is a world-class cruise and cargo port located 45 minutes east of Orlando. Cruise Critic voted it as the Best North American Homeport. It is the fastest growing cruise port in Florida and is a homeport to many of the top cruise lines. You can also find fishing charters and one-of-a-kind, waterfront dining that serves some of the freshest seafood in Florida. Want to watch a rocket launch? Kennedy Space Center is only a few miles away.
Why not arrive a few days early and enjoy the Space Coast? The beaches are first class, with plenty of hotels to choose from. Or…spend a few days in Orlando visiting Disneyworld , Universal Studios and Harry Potter World or SeaWorld Orlando?
Quick Facts
- Distance from Orlando Airport: 45 miles
- Number of Cruise Terminals: 6 (plus one cargo ship terminal)
- Passengers Carried Each Year: ~5 million
- Cruise Ship Dockings Each Year: ~ 800+
Getting There
If flying to the port, you will arrive at Orlando International (MCO) or Sanford International Airport (SFB). There are plenty of car rental agencies available and hotels if you choose to stay before heading to the port. The drive time to Cocoa Beach…where Port Canaveral is located….is approx. 45 minutes to an hour from MCO depending on traffic. It is an easy drive via toll road FL-538 E.
Driving to the port? Interstate 95 runs north and south on the eastern side of the state. Watch for signs for A1A and Cocoa Beach/Port Canaveral.
While each terminal has a slightly different address, they are all in the same complex. You can use the following address for navigation:
9241 Charles M Rowland Dr
Port Canaveral, FL 32920
Once in the port area, you’ll see signage directing you to each individual cruise ship in port that day.
Below are the distances and times to get to Port Canaveral from a number of popular spots in the area, depending on traffic of course.
- Orlando Airport: 45 miles | 45 minutes
- Disney World: 67 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes
- Universal Studios: 60 miles | 1 hour
- Downtown Orlando: 55 miles | 55 minutes
- Kennedy Space Center: 18 miles | 30 minutes
- Cocoa Beach: 5 miles | 10 minutes
There are toll roads between Orlando and Cocoa Beach. If renting a car, be sure to get a Visitor Toll Pass which is available at Terminals A, B, and C! 
Visitor Toll Pass™ is a free, temporary toll pass for rental car customers traveling roundtrip from the MCO airport. Save on tolls & make travels even smoother!
A: Level 1
B: Level 1
C: Level 4
For more information, visit Visitor Toll Pass
Shuttles
There is a thriving industry that caters to cruise passengers, including transportation options to get you back and forth between Orlando and the cruise terminals.
While many of the options seem expensive, remember that you won’t have to pay for parking at the port.
If you want the most affordable option (and help the local economy), we suggest an independent shuttle service. There are numerous companies that can do the job and usually at rates below that of a taxi or Uber/Lyft.
Rates and service level can vary from company to company and will fluctuate. There are a number of companies and some run specials from time to time. The best rates we’ve found are $36 per person round trip by Orlando Cruise Line Connection. (There is a coupon on their website for this price.) For most of the other shared shuttle services, expect to pay about $50-60 and more per person for round trip service. All of these shuttles run from the airport to the port.
These will be a shared shuttle service that may run on a schedule. Normally, there are several departure times from the airport and you will ride to the port with other cruise passengers.
Shuttle companies:
- Go Port Canaveral
- Cocoa Beach Shuttle
- Cortrans Shuttle
- Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle
- Orlando Cruise Line Connection
- Port Canaveral Transit
- Airport Canaveral
Hotel Shuttles
Orlando and Port Canaveral are meccas for tourism. With theme parks, cruises and beaches, there is an amazing amount to do and see. To service all these tourists, there are a ton of hotels competing for tourist business.
As a perk to get your business, many hotels offer extras such as shuttles between Port Canaveral and the Orlando airport and/or the cruise port. The good news about these services is that they are perfect if you are flying in the day before your cruise. The shuttles will pick you up from the airport, take you to the hotel and then to the port the next day.
If you are flying in the day of your cruise, then hotel shuttles won’t work for you. And if you don’t plan to stay at a hotel the night before, then it’s not worth the extra cost of the room just for the shuttle.
Uber/Lyft
Uber and Lyft have made getting rides easy no matter where you want to go. With just a few taps on your phone, you can have a car waiting on you. The rideshare services do offer service to Port Canaveral from the Orlando airport and other points in the area, but it can get expensive. Expect the ride to be about $70-$90 per car (not per person), each way or ~$140-$160 round trip. That means with two people it can be about the cost of a shuttle.
One great thing about these services is that they offer a private ride. It’s a good option if you don’t want to share a shuttle ride with lots of other people or have a larger group.
Taxis
A one-way trip from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral by taxi is estimated at $115. Keep in mind that multiple passengers can ride for the price of one. For that reason, taxis can make sense for families, but are somewhat expensive for just one or two passengers. If you want to take a cab, rides are always available at the airport whenever you land. You will have to pay again for a ride back to the airport, so expect more than $200 for a round trip ride.
Car Rentals (Good for Exploring)
While you might be heading in just to cruise, many people come to Orlando to sail but also enjoy other attractions like Disney, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center and more. If you plan to spend time exploring the area before or after your cruise, then a car rental might make sense. It can also be less expensive to rent a car for a day versus getting a ride or shuttle, depending on prices during your dates.
But there is also the cost of parking if you plan to rent it during your cruise. If you want to rent one-way, there are agencies available in both Orlando and Port Canaveral. So you could theoretically pick up a car in Orlando and drop off near the port.
Rates can vary widely depending on when you rent. Expect to spend about $50 a day at a minimum, however. One-way rates are likely to be higher. Be sure to check out all options before renting a car.
Cruise Line Shuttles
The cruise lines will be happy to offer you a shuttle ride if you’re willing to pay the high price. Cruise line shuttles only offer direct service to the ship and only on your cruise day. You can pre-purchase ground transportation and airport transfers to take you from your arrival airport to the ship on the day of your sailing and from the pier to your departure airport on debarkation day. Purchase your transfer at least two weeks prior to sailing. Either call your cruise line directly or have your travel agent handle this for you.
If you want to make stops before your cruise, flying in early or staying a few days after, then these shuttles are not an option.
Private Cars/Limos
Want to feel like a rock star? Simply want to travel a little more comfortably? Then you may want to hire a private car or limo. There are dozens of companies that offer this sort of service, including many of the ones who operate shuttles. And if you are traveling with a larger group, the per-person cost can be surprisingly affordable.
Limos run about $150-$200 each way (often with a discount for round-trip service). As a rule of thumb, if you are in a group of six or more, then definitely look into a private car or limousine to save some money.
If you’re looking for a private car or limo, then we suggest browsing this list of companies approved to pick you up at the Orlando airport.
Parking
Official Port Canaveral cruise parking is available directly adjacent to each of the cruise terminals. The Port does not own or operate any off-Port parking facilities. Park at your cruise terminal’s designated parking area and walk to your ship. Oversize parking for RV’s is also available at each Cruise Terminal.
Parking is $20.00 per day plus tax for vehicles & RVs, including day of arrival and day of departure.
*Rates are subject to change without notice. Contact the Canaveral Port Authority at 321-783-7831 for the latest information.
Acceptable payment methods….
• No cash accepted
• Major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover)
• Presently, EPASS and SunPass accepted ONLY at the Cruise Terminal 3 parking garage
Construction areas around cruise terminals may cause some traffic delays. Arriving cruise guests are reminded to adhere to the boarding time assigned by your cruise line. Please know that all terminal parking garages and surface lots do not open before 10 AM for embarking passengers. Debarking passengers will have access to their vehicles. Check the port website for updates.
Some hotels provide long term parking for cruise passengers. Check with your hotel when booking to see if that option is available.
Port Parking Space is the closest and most convenient offsite cruise parking to all terminals in the Port. They provide a safe, secure surface parking lot with FREE air-conditioned shuttle service to terminals servicing Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, and MSC Cruises. Lot is secured 24/7.
Park N Cruise is another option. They also provide a free air-conditioned shuttle and secured parking for your vehicle. You can prebook at a discounted rate of $13.95/day. Discounts are available for military and first responders.
Canaveral Cruise Parking is the furthest away but offer a secure and convenient off-site parking experience just minutes away from Port Canaveral. Cost is $13.95/day. Must call to book.
Hotels
Port Canaveral Hotels with Orlando Airport AND Cruise Port Shuttles
The following hotels offer shuttles between the Orlando airport and the hotel, along with a shuttle to and from the terminal. Be sure to check the price of the regular room versus the cost with the shuttle package. Sometimes it’s cheaper to book a room and transportation separate.
Radisson Resort at the Port
Like many of the hotels in the area, the Radisson caters to cruisers. However, not every hotel can offer the resort style feel and attractions of the Radisson, such as the large pool with waterfall.
The hotel offers parking packages and a shuttle to the port. They also offer a shuttle between the Orlando airport and the hotel. The fee is $28 per person one way, or $50 round trip. You need to contact the hotel in advance to reserve the transfer . Just need a shuttle to the cruise port? That’s available for $6 per person.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Springhill Suites Cape Canaveral
This is a newer hotel in the area. The location puts you about as close to the cruise port as you can get. The hotel also offers suites for those that want a little more space.
Flying in for your cruise? The Springhill Suites offers airport transportation for $28 per person one way or $50 round trip. On cruise day you can get a ride to the port for just $10.80 per person. You must let the hotel know at least 48 hours before check-in that you’ll need a ride and they can arrange to get you to the ship.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 1 mile
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Beachside Hotel & Suites
Situated in the heart of Cocoa Beach, Beachside Hotel & Suites is right near the water and only a 10-minute ride to the cruise terminal. In other words, the location is ideal for anyone wanting to spend some time in the area before their cruise. The hotel was recently renovated and now includes a large lazy river pool and updated rooms.
According to the hotel website, they offer airport shuttle and cruise shuttle packages. This includes a “Fly, Snooze & Cruise” deal that includes round trip service to/from the airport and a transfer to the terminal. You must call (321) 783-2221 to book this package.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Four Points by Sheraton
Located right in the heart of Cocoa Beach, the Four Points is within walking distance to parks, restaurants, the beach, and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.
The hotel offers a Fly, Snooze, and Cruise deal that includes round trip transportation from/to the Orlando airport and the hotel. It also includes the ride to the port on cruise day.
Just need a ride to the cruise port from the hotel? That runs $15 per person, plus a $1.50 port access fee. It may be cheaper just to catch an Uber/Lyft.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Hotels with Cruise Port Shuttles
While only a few hotels offer packages with shuttles from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral, there many more that offer shuttles to the cruise terminal. Uber/Lyft are also available and cost about $10-15 (for up to four people) to get to the port.
Note: If you don’t plan to park a car during your cruise, don’t book a parking package just for shuttle access. It’s much more expensive. Simply pay for the shuttle separate or book an Uber/Lyft.
Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach
Shuttle: $10 per person
This hotel offers a great location between the main road through Cocoa Beach and the beach itself. You will be an easy 10 minutes from the port and a short distance away from restaurants and things to do.
The Courtyard offers a ride to the cruise terminal at a price of $10 one way or $16 round trip.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Western Cocoa Beach
Shuttle: $10 per person
Within walking distance of the Cocoa Beach Pier (and a Publix grocery store for any last minute needs), the Best Western is just a few miles (<10 minutes) from the cruise terminal. The hotel offers offers transportation between the hotel and cruise terminal. The cost is only $10 per person each way and departures are at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 3 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach
Shuttle: $10 per person
For a great all-around hotel, it’s hard to beat Hampton Inn. There are two in the area. This one is right near the beach and tucked in from the busy road, offering a bit more privacy. The hotel offers a shuttle to the cruise terminal for $10 per person one-way and rides leave four times a day. You can also book a parking package that includes the shuttle fare.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port
Shuttle: $10 per person
One of the newest hotels in the area, this hotel is just a mile from the port. That means it’s not only a nice stay, but also extremely convenient to get to the cruise ship on embarkation day. They offer arranged transportation to the port for $10 per person. Let them know at check-in that you will need a ride.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 1 mile
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Home2 Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral Cruise Port
Shuttle: $10 per person
This hotel is so close to the port you might be able to catch a glimpse of the ships cruising in and out of Port Canaveral. The hotel is also among the highest-rated in the area. Rides to the cruise port are $10 per person, and you can let them know at check-in that you need transportation.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shuttle rides round trip between the hotel and the cruise port?
While a number of hotels do offer round trip service, many offer only one-way trips. Any package you book will clearly tell you if the ride is roundtrip. If not, you’ll need to arrange alternate transportation when returning.
If I need to shuttle to the airport, what’s the earliest I should book a flight from Orlando?
Many people fly in for their cruise from Port Canaveral and then fly out the day the cruise arrives back in port. Be sure to allow plenty of time….we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to debark the ship, collect luggage and board your shuttle or other transportation. The trip will take about an hour. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before your flight, as Orlando International is a very busy airport. The earliest we suggest is a flight after 12:00 pm. If earlier flights are better for your destination, plan to spend the night at an airport hotel and fly out the following morning. No need to add stress to the end of a wonderful cruise vacation!
If you don’t have TSA pre-check or Clear+, be sure to book a time for TSA. MCO Reserve Screening Reservations
When should I plan to arrive at the port?
Most cruise lines are now requiring passengers to book an arrival time to help with checkin congestion. Do your best to adhere to the time you have been giving.
Related: Embarkation day
Final Thoughts:
Enjoy your cruise vacation. Spend a day or two before boarding to relax and enjoy the port city or surrounding area. There is so much to see and do in Port Canaveral and Orlando!
Like to book your own tours? Visit Viator, TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide to explore all the options.
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