Getting To The Terminal At Port Canaveral
If you're planning to take a cruise that starts and ends at Port Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, you need to figure out how you'll get to the terminal, especially if you're coming in straight from an airport, such as the one in Orlando to the west. You have a wealth of transportation options, but not everyone will have the same experiences. Some will use a hotel shuttle, while others will need to make other arrangements.
Driving Yourself
Did you drive into Florida or from another part of the state? Do you have a rental car? You can drive to the port and park for the duration of your cruise. The good thing is that you control your timing. The disadvantages are that you'll have to pay for parking, so check those daily rates ahead of time, and you'll have to leave early to ensure you find a spot and have enough time to get from the lot to your ship's terminal. Parking can get costly, so compare that price with shuttle fees.
Letting Someone Else Drive
If you don't want to drive, you have a few options: hotel shuttles, independent shuttles, taxis, and ride-share companies. The advantage is that you don't have to worry about dealing with the roads and drivers, and you don't have to know how to get to navigate around the city. Keep in mind that some shuttles may charge for large amounts of luggage. If you take a hotel shuttle, see if the cost is included in your stay (but even if it is, remember to tip your driver). The disadvantage to these methods is that they could end up being rather costly.
Public Buses
The good news is that Brevard County has a public bus system, including lines that travel around Port Canaveral. However, the Brevard bus system doesn't extend out to Orlando, so if you're flying into Orlando and heading straight to the port, you're better off taking a shuttle service or using a taxi or ride-share company. Also, the times for the buses might not match up with when you need to get to the port with enough time to spare.
Public buses might not be able to hold all the luggage you want on the bus either. Another piece of bad news about public buses is that the bus isn't going to bring you to your specific port terminal, which means you would have to walk from the bus stop with all your luggage.
The public bus system is a good way to get around the cities in the immediate region if you'd like to do a little sightseeing before or after your cruise.
As you plan your cruise, plan your Port Canaveral transportation. Choose the method that suits you best so that your trip is as stress-free as possible.
