PortMiami — Miami-Dade County Cruise Terminal

PortMiami Overview

PortMiami is owned and operated by Miami-Dade County and sits on Dodge Island, a man-made island in Biscayne Bay just east of downtown Miami. The port handles millions of cruise passengers every year and serves as a year-round homeport for major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.

Because Miami enjoys warm weather all year, PortMiami offers continuous sailings to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and beyond — including transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries. Multiple large cruise terminals are located around the island, each operated by or shared among the cruise lines, so the terminal you use depends on which cruise line and ship you are sailing with.

Location & Address

PortMiami is located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is connected to the mainland by the Port Boulevard bridge, which leads directly from downtown Miami. The main mailing address for the port is:

PortMiami
1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132
View on Google Maps

Tip: Your specific cruise terminal (for example Terminal A, B, E, or the new Virgin Voyages terminal) may have its own address. Always confirm the exact terminal with your cruise line before you travel, as the port is large and the terminals are spread out.

Getting to PortMiami — Transportation

One of the biggest advantages of PortMiami is how easy it is to reach. The port is close to Miami International Airport, downtown Miami hotels, and major highways. Here are the most common ways first time cruisers get to the terminal:

• From Miami International Airport (MIA): About 8 miles away — roughly a 20 to 30 minute ride by car, taxi, or rideshare, depending on traffic.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis: Widely available and the most popular option for cruisers. Drop-off zones are located near each cruise terminal.
• Cruise line transfers: Many cruise lines offer paid shuttle service between MIA and the port. This is a convenient, low-stress option for first time cruisers.
• Private car or rental car: Easy access via the Port Boulevard bridge from I-395. Rental car returns near the port are available, with shuttles to the terminal.
• Public transit: Miami-Dade Metrobus routes serve the area, though public transit is less practical if you are carrying luggage.

Parking & Drop-Off

PortMiami offers on-site parking garages located close to the cruise terminals. Parking is charged per vehicle per day, and rates are set by the port — confirm the current rate with your cruise line or the official PortMiami website before you travel. Standard vehicles typically pay around $25 per day, with higher rates for oversized vehicles.

• On-site garages: Secure parking within walking distance (or a short shuttle ride) of the terminals. Save your parking ticket — you will need it to exit.
• Drop-off: If a friend or family member is dropping you off, follow the signs to your cruise terminal's drop-off zone. There is usually a short-term area for unloading luggage.
• Off-site parking: Private lots near the port offer parking with shuttle service and can sometimes be cheaper, especially for longer cruises.
• Accessible parking: Accessible parking spaces are available near the terminals. Contact your cruise line in advance if you need assistance.

PortMiami Cruise terminals and cruise lines

PortMiami has a number of terminals, and terminal assignments can change depending on the ship and sailing date.

Important: Don't assume a particular cruise line always uses the same terminal. Check your cruise documents shortly before departure for the exact terminal.

Garage clearance is important

If you're driving an SUV, van, truck or other tall vehicle, check the clearance before choosing your garage.

Some examples from PortMiami's published figures:

• Garage AA: about 7 ft
• Garage A: 7'2"–8 ft, depending on level
• Garage B: about 7'6"
• Garage C: 9 ft first floor, then 6'10"
• Garage D: 8'2" first floor, then 6'8"
• Garage G: 9'6" first floor, then 6'11"
• Garage J: 8'2" first floor, then 6'10"
• Garage K: about 8'2"

My advice: If you have a tall SUV, don't simply follow the car in front of you into a garage. Check the clearance for the garage and floor you're using.

Payment

PortMiami says its parking facilities accept:

• Cash
• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover
• Major U.S. traveler's checks
• Debit cards are not accepted.

Terminal-specific parking addresses

PortMiami publishes these parking addresses:

• Garage AA: 2200 N Cruise Blvd
• Garage A: 2000 N Cruise Blvd
• Garage B: 1756 N Cruise Blvd
• Garage C: 1648 N Cruise Blvd
• Garage D: 1400 Cruise Blvd
• Garage G: 921 N America Way
• Garage J: 1122 Caribbean Way
• Garage K: 1124 Caribbean Way
• Surface Lot C: 1720 Africa Way
• Surface Lot D: 1400 N Cruise Blvd
• Surface Lot E: 625 Florida Way

Parking hours

On cruise days, PortMiami says its garages are staffed by parking attendants from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free shuttle service is available on cruise days only.

For non-cruise-day access, PortMiami directs visitors to contact Cruise Operations/Port Security at 305-347-4800.

Embarkation Day: What to Expect

Embarkation day is the day your cruise begins, and at a busy port like PortMiami a little preparation goes a long way. Here is what a first time cruiser can expect:

• Arrive two to three hours before sailing. This gives you time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. Many cruise lines assign staggered arrival times through online check-in — try to arrive within your window.
• Have your documents ready. Bring your passport (or acceptable government-issued ID and birth certificate, depending on your itinerary), your cruise check-in documents, and any required visas.
• Drop luggage first. Porters are available curbside to take your larger bags, which are delivered to your stateroom later. Keep a small carry-on with valuables, medications, and travel documents.
• Security screening. You will pass through a security check similar to an airport, so pack accordingly.
• Check-in and boarding. After check-in you will receive your cruise card (your room key, onboard payment card, and ID for getting on and off the ship), then board and start your vacation.

Allow extra time on weekends and during peak holiday weeks, when multiple large ships may be departing at once and traffic around the port can be heavy.

Nearby Airport & Accommodations

PortMiami's location makes it easy to combine your cruise with a stay in Miami. Most first time cruisers fly in the day before and overnight near the airport or downtown.

• Miami International Airport (MIA): The closest major airport, about 8 miles from the port, with nonstop flights from cities across the United States and around the world.
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): About 30 miles north — a good alternative that sometimes offers cheaper flights, with shuttle or rideshare access to PortMiami.
• Hotels near the airport: Many cruisers stay at hotels around MIA, several of which offer cruise parking and port shuttle packages.
• Downtown Miami and Brickell hotels: A short ride from the port, with dining, nightlife, and waterfront views for a pre-cruise night out.
• South Beach: A little farther but popular for cruisers who want a beach day before setting sail.

Practical Tips for First Time Cruisers at PortMiami

• Complete online check-in before you arrive to save time at the terminal.
• Print your boarding passes and luggage tags in advance, or use your cruise line's app.
• Arrive the day before your cruise if you are flying in — this protects you against flight delays.
• Confirm your specific terminal with your cruise line; PortMiami has several and they are not interchangeable.
• Keep valuables and medications in your carry-on, not in checked luggage.
• Take a photo of your parking spot so you can find your car after the cruise.
• Allow extra travel time during peak sailing days, weekends, and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions