Having handled over 4.5 million passengers a year, Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port. Port Canaveral is not the most convenient cruise port for those flying into Florida, however. Despite being about 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport, several options exist to get to the ship on time. To help you choose the best mode of transportation for your next vacation, we compare all of the best ways to get from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. Considering the distance between the airport and the cruise terminal, be sure to plan your flights appropriately if you plan to fly in the day of your cruise.

Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: Best Ways to Get There

Transfers on cruise lines

If you are arriving at MCO Airport transfer to Port Canaveral the day of your cruise, you might consider booking a cruise line transfer. Pre-cruise transfers can be purchased online or through a travel agent with most cruise lines. Upon arrival at the airport, a cruise line representative will meet you and assist you with your luggage to the check-in area. The next departing bus to the ship will pick you up after you check-in. You can check in at the terminal once you arrive at the pier, and your luggage will be taken care of for you.

Shuttle services offered by independent companies

 From the Orlando Airport, there are several shuttle services that will take you to the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal. Contrans Shuttle Service, Cocoa Beach Shuttle, and Mears Transportation are some of the options. They are generally the most affordable. Contrans Shuttle Service, for example, charges only $20 one-way per person. The Cocoa Beach Shuttle provides transportation based on the number of passengers in your group. When traveling as a family of four, it will cost approximately $20 per individual; however, if you are traveling as a couple, the price will be closer to $30 per individual.

Another nice option is GoPort, which offers packages that include hotel accommodations, airport transportation, and cruise transfers for one fixed price. 

Additionally, the company offers shared shuttle service from the airport to the cruise port for as low as $19.99. This shared shuttle service from the Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral runs frequently between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

An overview of Port Canaveral’s cruise port

Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world, but another cruise port in Florida should not be forgotten. In terms of cruise traffic, Port Canaveral is second only to Miami. Over 4.5 million passengers pass through the airport each year, with more growth on the horizon. Our complete Guide to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port can help you answer many frequently asked questions if you are planning to cruise from this eastern Florida location.

New cruise terminal Terminal 3 will process passengers for Carnival Mardi Gras. Among the features of the $163 million project are an 188,000 square foot terminal and an adjacent garage for 1,800 cars. The cruise terminals 5 and 6 are primarily used by Carnival Cruise Line, as this line typically has the most ships departing from Port Canaveral. From this cruise port, Carnival plans to offer Elation, Liberty, and Magic cruises. These festivities are in addition to the new Mardi Gras. Disney Cruise Line’s ships depart from this terminal. Disney Cruise Line has a few ships in Port Canaveral because Disney World is close by in Orlando. Currently, Disney Cruise Line sails Disney Dream and Fantasy from Port Canaveral.