For 2009, the readers of Florida Monthly ranked Port Canaveral the Best Port in Florida for the 8th year in a row. Its close proximity to Orlando and so many popular Florida attractions makes Port Canaveral a favorite embarkation port for cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Here’s an overview of how to get to and from the cruise port, major attractions, and the Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Port Canaveral Transportation and Parking
Transportation to and from Orlando International Airport – It is approximately 45 miles from the airport to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. The drive normally takes about 90 minutes.
Transfer to Port Canaveral – According to the Orlando International Airport website, expect to pay $105 for a taxi from the airport to Port Canaveral. Additionally, taxis from the airport to Walt Disney World will cost $60 per taxi.
Parking at Port Canaveral – Passengers taking cruises out of Port Canaveral can park their own car for $15 per night either at Terminal #5 or Terminal #10. Terminal #5 offers gated outdoor parking whereas Terminal #10 offers a 6-level parking garage. (The Royal Caribbean cruise ships and the Carnival Dream will be using Terminal #10).
Car Rentals Orlando International Airport – Passengers can choose from a number of car rental agencies that are located within walking distance of the main terminal, such as Alamo, Enterprise, Dollar and National. Many other agencies are also located offsite but provide a shuttle from the airport.
Car Rentals Port Canaveral – Car rentals are not directly at the cruise terminal, so passengers should arrange ahead of time to be picked up or have a car dropped off. Passengers can choose to rent from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz or Thrifty.
Getting to and from Port Canaveral
Deciding what attractions to see before or after a cruise will determine where to spend an extra couple of days. Many people take a cruise out of Port Canaveral because of the proximity to Walt Disney World or other major attractions. Others will take advantage of Cocoa Beach or the Kennedy Space Center, just minutes from the port itself. Here are the driving distances from each.
- Kennedy Space Center – Although one can see the Kennedy Space Center from the cruise terminal, the distance is deceiving. It takes about 40 minutes to get from the cruise terminal to the Kennedy Space Center.
- Cocoa Beach – Cocoa Beach is a 6 mile stretch of beach which is about 10 minutes away from the cruise terminals of Port Canaveral. Consider that many of the Cocoa Beach hotels offer park and cruise rates.
- Walt Disney World – It is approximately 90 minutes between Port Canaveral and Walt Disney World. Theme parks within the general vicinity of Walt Disney World include Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom and Sea World. Disney Cruise Line also offers cruises from Port Canaveral that can be combined with a Walt Disney World vacation.
When taking a cruise from Port Canaveral, there are many pre- and post-cruise options to extend a cruise vacation. Consider renting a car to save on transportation costs and allow optimal flexibility for visiting major attractions. Alternatively, cruise lines offer shore excursions to many major attractions as well as providing shuttles to and from the cruise ship pier.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
