The Best Ways to Get To and From Orlando and Miami (Including Cruise Ports!)
Over the years, we’ve travelled this route more times than we can count—sometimes stepping off a cruise ship at dawn, other times landing at Miami Airport after a long flight. We know just how overwhelming it can feel to figure out the best way to get to Miami cruise ports from Orlando (or the other way around), especially when you’re tired, juggling luggage, and trying to start (or end) your trip on a high note.
Whether you’re heading straight from your flight to Disney World, Universal Studios, or one of Orlando’s many resorts, or you’re finishing your stay in Orlando and figuring out how to get from Orlando to Miami to catch your cruise, we’ve been there. We’ve done this trip every which way—hired cars, hopped on trains, and even braved the bus—so we know what works and what’s worth skipping.
Essentially, there are four realistic options for travel between Orlando and Miami:
Drive — either in your own car or by hiring one
Brightline Train — the new kid on the block
Flying - tempting, but Not Always Faster
Bus/Coach — Cheapest, but Slowest
We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out the easiest way to get to Miami cruise ports from Orlando. We’ll share the pros, cons, and rough costs of each option, plus our personal experiences and tips to help you avoid the pitfalls.
A note on pricing: To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ve included sample costs based on booking three months ahead, using a date in mid-August 2025 (when travel demand is fairly typical). But of course, prices can swing wildly depending on when you travel and how early you book—so always double-check before you commit!
Ready to plan the best way to get from Orlando to Miami? Let’s dive in!
Drive (and Hire a Car)
Average travel time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours
Cost: We priced up a one-way rental with Alamo for the week of 11th August—about $100 USD for a single day. Fuel and tolls can add up quickly, and don’t forget about parking costs at your hotel or the port if you’re keeping the car longer.
Our Experience
For us, driving has almost always been the easiest way to get between Miami and Orlando—especially if you’ve just stepped off a flight or cruise and want to avoid juggling transfers or schedules. On our last trip from Miami Airport to Disney, we grabbed a car straight from the terminal. Within minutes, we were on the road—no waiting for buses, no lugging bags up train steps. We even stopped for a coffee along the way. And once we arrived in Orlando, having the car for the week was super handy.
You can watch our experience here:
That said, traffic can be a real factor. On that last trip, we lucked out with clear roads on a Sunday morning. Hit the same route during rush hour or when cruise ships are in port, and you’ll need to pack some patience!
As well as pick-up and drop-off at airports, many car rental companies also offer free shuttles from the Miami and Port Canaveral cruise ports to their nearby rental locations. In Miami, companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, and Supreme Rent a Car provide shuttle services to and from PortMiami. At Port Canaveral, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Budget, and Avis offer shuttle service directly to their offices near the terminals.
Pros:
Door-to-door travel with no transfers—the best way to get to/from Orlando to Miami if you want full control
All have pick up and drop off at the airport with some hire companies at cruise ports with free shuttles
No luggage limits (other than what fits in your car!)
Total flexibility—leave when you’re ready, stop when you’re hungry
Cheaper for groups once you split the cost
Super handy for getting around once you’re there
Cons:
Driving after a long flight or cruise can be tiring
Miami and Orlando traffic can be brutal, especially during peak times or busy cruise ship days
Parking costs can be eye-watering! At Universal’s Stella Nova resort, we paid $30 per night, and cruise terminal parking can hit $100+ for a week
Don’t forget tolls and fuel costs!
The Brightline Train
Average travel time: Around 3.5 hours (plus transfers)
Pricing: One-way fares between Orlando and Miami range from $59 to $99 in Smart class. Prices vary as demand grows, so last-minute and peak-time trains can be more expensive. Baggage outside of the allowance can cost extra, too.
The Brightline has become one of our favorite options for travel between Orlando and Miami—it’s clean, comfy, and has a real “vacation start” vibe. It’s a relaxing alternative to the stress of driving. However, Brightline does not go directly to any resorts or cruise ports—it gets you pretty close, but you’ll still need to hop in a taxi or rideshare for the final leg.
Read our review of our the Brightline service.
Brightline stops include:
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
West Palm Beach (about 15–20 minutes by taxi to the cruise terminal)
Fort Lauderdale (about 10–15 minutes by taxi to Port Everglades)
Downtown Miami (about 15 minutes by taxi to the cruise port)
For us, Brightline is a no-brainer when we’re staying on Disney or Universal property for a few nights and don’t need a car—using resort transport to get around. No rental fees, no parking charges, and no driving stress. Sure, you still need to get to and from the stations, but when you factor that into the price, it’s sometimes cheaper than renting a car!
Pros:
Big comfy seats and an onboard café for coffee, snacks, or even a glass of wine
No traffic worries—just relax and enjoy the ride
No parking, tolls, or rental car costs
Cons:
Doesn’t go directly to Disney, Universal, or the ports—you’ll still need an Uber or taxi at each end
Fixed schedules; less flexibility
You’ll need to arrive around 30 minutes early and wait in the lounge (although it’s lovely!)
Can get expensive for families or last-minute bookings, though they do offer group discounts
Luggage restrictions apply but are reasonable (up to two carry-ons and one personal item like a backpack or tote bag)
Delays, although infrequent, can occur
Flying
Average travel time: About 1 hour in the air, 3+ hours total door-to-door
Cost: For mid-August, flights were around $350 one-way, including a checked bag.
Only two airlines fly between Miami and Orlando: American (more frequent) and Southwest (just one flight a day). In theory, flying seems like the fastest way to get from Orlando to Miami, but in reality, once you factor in getting to the airport, security, and baggage claim, it’s rarely quicker than driving or taking the train. Plus, our experiences at Miami Airport have never been great—we always arrive feeling exhausted and stressed.
Pros:
Good option if you’re connecting from another flight
Your final stop is right by Orlando or Miami Airport
Handy if you’ve got airline points to burn
Cons:
Security and boarding can easily add an hour (or more!)
You’ll still need a taxi or shuttle to your hotel or the cruise port
Flights are usually more expensive than driving or taking the train—especially with luggage fees
Luggage restrictions apply
Buses / Coaches
Average travel time: Around 4–5 hours
Cost: Booking early is key! For mid-August, it was about $30 one-way with luggage included - bargain!
We haven’t personally tried the bus yet, but a few of our followers have. They said it’s great if you’re not in a rush and is a solid option between Miami and Orlando on a budget. Companies like RedCoach, FlixBus, and Greyhound all run regular services, and the buses are modern, clean, and even offer Wi-Fi. RedCoach’s “business class” seats recline 140° and are 21 inches wide—pretty good for a bus ride!
Pros:
Cheapest way to travel, hands down
No transfers or driving stress
More generous luggage allowances than flying
Comfortable Modern Coaches.
Cons:
Longest journey by far
You’ll still need a taxi or shuttle at each end
Can’t move around like on the train
Traffic can add extra time
Our Honest Take
If we had to pick just one way? Hiring a car still wins for us most of the time—especially if you’re travelling as a couple or with family. It’s the best way to get to Miami cruise ports from Orlando if you want full flexibility. Plus, once you’re out of Miami traffic, the drive can be quite pleasant.
But the Brightline is quickly becoming a favourite—no parking headaches, no driving stress, and it feels like part of the adventure.
Honestly, don’t discount the bus service. Yes, it’s a bit of a longer ride, but it can save you a lot of money and still be comfortable.
Flying? It’s only really worth it if you’re connecting from another flight. Otherwise, it’s a lot of extra hassle and cost for such a short trip—and always at the bottom of our list.
Have you done this trip yourself? Let us know your experiences—any hidden gems or tips to avoid? We love swapping travel stories and sharing the best ways to get from Orlando to Miami and beyond!
