Taking a cruise from Port Canaveral? Or maybe you are on a trip that features a day in the port? No matter how you get there, one of the popular things to do from the port is to head about 45 minutes west to Orlando.
Of course, you likely know that Orlando has turned into a family playground. It’s home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and a number of other attractions including everything from SeaWorld to miniature golf.
No matter your reason for wanting to head into the city, you won’t be alone in going there from the port. And you won’t be alone in trying to figure out the best way to get to Orlando from Port Canaveral.
The truth is that getting to the city can take some time and effort. Port Canaveral is located on Florida’s east coast and it is a bit of a drive into Orlando. Unfortunately, there is no viable public transportation between the two points.
The good news is that a number of options do exist to get you from the port to the theme parks and back. Here are a few of the options to help you plan…
(Wanting to get from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral? See our article here for your options.)
Car Rental
If you’re looking for the most flexibility, then a car rental is your best option. There are several car rental agencies that cater to cruise passengers, including major brands like Enterprise, National, and Hertz. By making a reservation ahead of time, you can book your car and be on your way soon after you arrive.
Why rent a car? Getting efficiently to — and around — the Orlando area requires a car. The distance between points of interest is usually far, making a car a necessity convenience. As well, with the constrained time you have in port it’s important that you be able to get around quickly (and not wait on a ride).
If you are interested in renting a car, you can get started by checking out the following companies near the cruise port:
National | Enterprise | Hertz | Thrifty | Avis
Independent Shuttle Services
A small cottage industry has sprung up to provide transportation options to cruise passengers into the Orlando area. These independent shuttle services offer rides to major points of interest including the airport, Disney, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and more.
The shuttles are convenient, but keep in mind that the prices can quickly add up. Many shuttle companies charge a flat rate for 1-4 passengers. So if you are just a couple traveling, you might be paying the same rate as a family of four. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare the price of a shuttle to the other options available. You might be able to pay less and have more flexibility going a different mode of transportation. Of course, if you are uncomfortable driving in the area, a shuttle makes a great idea.
For some idea of price, we’ve seen rates at $150 each way for a shuttle for up to four people.
If you’re interested in shuttle service, here are a few options to get you started:
Space Port Transport | Port Canaveral Connection | Star Trans VIP
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have soared in popularity during the past several years, and for good reason. At the tap of your phone, you can request a ride and be picked up within minutes. Meanwhile, rates are similar — if not lower — than taxis and many consider the experience to be much more pleasant.
Uber and Lyft both operate in the Port Canaveral area and Orlando. That means you can catch a ride from the port all the way to the theme parks despite it being a pretty long ride. As well, the cars are private (you don’t share them with other parties) and several people can ride for the price charged.
Uber shows an estimated fare of between $105-135 for a one-way ride from Port Canaveral to Disney World. That’s a little lower than a shuttle and it’s a private ride that’s ready when you are. Lyft shows estimated rates that are slightly less — about $100 each way.
Note: If you are a first-time Lyft user, we’ve arranged for FREE ride credit for your first rides. Sign up here to claim your credit now. (Please keep in mind we receive a small commission through this link, at no charge to you.)
Have more questions about getting from Port Canaveral to the Orlando theme parks or other points of interest? Let us know in the comments below.
Is there a good place to park your rental car when leaving PC on a cruise?
Yep! Check out this page: https://cruzely.com/port-canaveral-cruise-parking/
Hi what hotel is close to both Universal and the port?
Orlando (and Universal Studios) are about 45 minutes to an hour from the port. There’s no hotel that’s close to both.
Hello, I am booking a cruise and i wanna go to disney world and i was wondering is there a shutt;e from my cruise ship to disney world.