Last updated: July 20, 2026 · All prices verified against current booking rates · Photo: Yanjipy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Closest hotel to Port Everglades: Holiday Inn Express Cruise-Airport (1 block, free shuttle) — from $141/night.
- Best value pre-ferry stay: Hyatt Place Cruise Port (0.5 mi, free shuttle, free breakfast) — from $155/night.
- Cheapest near-port hotel: Candlewood Suites Airport/Cruise — from $105/night with kitchen.
- Balearia ferry departs from: Port Everglades Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive; check-in opens 6:00 AM, doors close 8:00 AM.
- Don't miss: Free airport shuttles from FLL (3 mi) — book a hotel that includes both port + airport shuttle.
Pre-Ferry Hotel Stay — Key Facts
| Ferry terminal | Port Everglades, Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 |
| Operator | Balearia Caribbean (fast ferry, Bimini ~2 hrs / Grand Bahama ~3 hrs) |
| Hotel price range | From $105/night (Candlewood) to $350/night (Hilton Marina) |
| Closest hotel | Holiday Inn Express Cruise-Airport — 1 block from terminal |
| Distance from FLL airport | 3 miles · 10 minutes by shuttle/taxi |
| Check-in time at terminal | Opens 6:00 AM; recommended arrival 6:15–6:45 AM; terminal doors close 8:00 AM (9:00 AM sailing) |
| Park & cruise hotels | Hampton Inn, Comfort Suites, Candlewood Suites ($10–$20/day) |
Taking the ferry to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale? Smart travelers arrive the night before. The Balearia Caribbean ferry departs from Port Everglades, Terminal 21 early in the morning, and staying nearby means you can walk to the terminal stress-free instead of battling South Florida traffic at dawn. The same terminal serves both the Bimini route (~2 hours) and the Grand Bahama / Freeport route (~3 hours).
Below are our top picks for every budget — from walking-distance hotels to affordable options with shuttle service. All hotels are within a 10-minute drive of Port Everglades.
Quick Navigation
Walking Distance Hotels
These hotels are close enough to Port Everglades that you could walk or take a 3-minute Uber. Perfect if you want maximum convenience on departure morning.
Holiday Inn Express Cruise-Airport
Closest to PortThe closest hotel to Port Everglades, just one block away. This Holiday Inn Express is the go-to choice for ferry and cruise passengers who want zero stress on departure morning. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the port, but many guests just walk. Rooms are clean and modern, and the complimentary breakfast means you won't board the ferry hungry.
✓ Pros
- Closest hotel to Port Everglades
- Free shuttle to port and airport
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Park & cruise packages
✗ Cons
- Not much within walking distance
- Basic Holiday Inn decor
- Can book up on busy weekends
Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
Best ValueA solid mid-range option just half a mile from Port Everglades. The Hyatt Place stands out for its complimentary shuttle service to both the cruise port and airport, making logistics effortless. Rooms are spacious with the signature Hyatt Grand Bed, and there's a 24/7 Gallery Market for late-night snacking.
✓ Pros
- Free shuttle to port AND airport
- Modern rooms with great beds
- Free breakfast included
- 24/7 snack market
✗ Cons
- Shuttle schedule may not align with early ferries
- Pool area is small
- Limited dining nearby
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Best WaterfrontIf you want to make your pre-ferry night special, the Hilton Marina is the pick. Sitting right on the Intracoastal Waterway, you'll watch yachts pass by from the waterfront restaurant. It's a short ride to Port Everglades, and the hotel's location on 17th Street Causeway means you're also close to Fort Lauderdale Beach for a sunset walk the evening before.
✓ Pros
- Beautiful waterfront location
- Great restaurant on-site
- Close to Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Upscale feel without resort prices
✗ Cons
- Shuttle costs $8 per person
- Valet parking adds up
- Slightly further from port than others
Hotels with Shuttle Service
A bit further from Port Everglades but still very convenient thanks to shuttle service. These hotels offer a great balance of comfort and price.
Maritime Hotel Fort Lauderdale Cruiseport
On the MarinaLocated right on Marina Bay, the Maritime Hotel captures the nautical spirit of Fort Lauderdale. Rooms have a modern coastal vibe, and the rooftop bar is perfect for watching the sunset the evening before your Bahamas adventure. The port shuttle runs on a fixed schedule, so check departure times at check-in.
✓ Pros
- Beautiful marina setting
- Free parking (great for park & cruise)
- Rooftop bar with views
- Modern, renovated rooms
✗ Cons
- Shuttle is $5/person each way
- Limited shuttle times
- No free breakfast
Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port
Park & CruiseAn excellent choice if you're driving to Fort Lauderdale and need somewhere to park your car while you're in the Bahamas. The Hampton Inn offers park-and-cruise packages that include overnight parking for the duration of your trip. Rooms are consistently clean, and the free hot breakfast is one of the best among budget-friendly hotels.
✓ Pros
- Park & cruise parking available
- Excellent free breakfast
- Consistent Hampton Inn quality
- Free airport shuttle
✗ Cons
- 3 miles from port (need taxi/Uber)
- No free port shuttle
- Airport area, not scenic
Budget-Friendly Options
Spending the night before your ferry doesn't have to break the bank. These hotels keep costs down while still providing clean, comfortable rooms and good port access.
Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port
Best Budget PickThe best value near Port Everglades. Comfort Suites delivers larger-than-average rooms (all suites), free hot breakfast, and a reliable port shuttle for just $8 per person. The free airport shuttle makes it easy if you're flying into FLL the day before. Multiple restaurants within walking distance give you dinner options.
✓ Pros
- Spacious suite rooms
- Free breakfast saves money
- Affordable port shuttle
- Restaurants nearby
✗ Cons
- Not walking distance to port
- Airport area location
- Basic amenities
Candlewood Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise
Extended StayAn extended-stay hotel that works great for one-night ferry stays too. Every room has a full kitchen, which is handy for storing snacks for the ferry ride. The Lending Locker lets you borrow cookware, board games, and DVDs for free. At around $105/night, this is one of the most affordable options near Port Everglades.
✓ Pros
- Lowest prices near the port
- Full kitchen in every room
- Free parking
- Quiet, residential feel
✗ Cons
- No free breakfast
- Basic extended-stay decor
- Limited common areas
Live Hotel Prices Near Port Everglades
The list below shows live Booking.com prices around Port Everglades Terminal 21. Sort by distance to find hotels within walking distance.
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission when you book through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Hotel Comparison
| Hotel | Price From | To Port | Shuttle | Breakfast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Express | $141 | 1 block | Free | Free |
| Hyatt Place | $155 | 0.5 mi | Free | Free |
| Hilton Marina | $152 | 1.2 mi | $8 | Paid |
| Maritime Hotel | $135 | 1.5 mi | $5 | Paid |
| Hampton Inn | $130 | 3 mi | Airport only | Free |
| Comfort Suites | $110 | 2.5 mi | $8 | Free |
| Candlewood Suites | $105 | 2 mi | $8 | No |
Night-Before-Ferry Tips
Making the Most of Your Pre-Ferry Evening
Dinner Spot: 15th Street Fisheries
A local institution right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Watch tarpon being fed while you enjoy fresh Florida seafood. About 1.5 miles from Port Everglades.
Sunset Walk: Fort Lauderdale Beach
The beach is just east of Port Everglades. Take a stroll along the promenade, grab an ice cream, and watch the sunset before your big Bahamas adventure.
Last-Minute Shopping: Galleria Mall
The Galleria Fort Lauderdale is 10 minutes from most port hotels. Pick up sunscreen, a beach read, or any travel essentials you forgot to pack.
Getting to Port Everglades
The Balearia Caribbean ferry terminal at Port Everglades is Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Check-in opens at 6:00 AM, the terminal doors close at 8:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing, and the recommended arrival is 6:15–6:45 AM. Here's how to get there from the most common starting points:
From Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)
Only 3 miles away. Most hotels offer free airport shuttle. A taxi or Uber costs $10-$15 and takes about 10 minutes.
From Miami International (MIA)
About 30 miles north. Take I-95 South to I-595 East. A taxi costs $60-$80, Uber around $35-$50. Consider staying in Miami and driving in the morning.
Driving from Miami / I-95
Take I-95 to Exit 25 (I-595 East), then follow signs to Port Everglades. Drive time from Miami Beach is about 40 minutes without traffic, up to 90 minutes during rush hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Cruise-Airport is just one block from Port Everglades, making it the closest hotel. It offers free shuttle service and park-and-cruise packages.
Yes. The Holiday Inn Express and Hyatt Place offer free shuttles. Maritime Hotel charges $5/person. Comfort Suites, Candlewood Suites, and several others charge $8/person. Always confirm shuttle times with the front desk at check-in.
Absolutely. The Balearia ferry to Bimini departs early from Port Everglades. Staying nearby eliminates the stress of early morning traffic on I-95, potential flight delays, and the risk of missing your ferry. It also gives you a chance to explore Fort Lauderdale.
Several hotels offer park-and-cruise packages. The Hampton Inn, Comfort Suites, and Candlewood Suites all allow extended parking. Rates are typically $10-$20/day. Book this in advance, especially during peak season (December-April).
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is just 3 miles from Port Everglades. Most port hotels offer free airport shuttle service. A taxi or Uber from the airport to Port Everglades costs $10-$15 and takes about 10 minutes.
Balearia Caribbean operates from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades (2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316). Port Everglades has many terminals, so older guides may send you to the wrong one; the ferry uses Terminal 21 and the Palm Garage. Check-in opens at 6:00 AM, the terminal doors close at 8:00 AM, and the recommended arrival is 6:15–6:45 AM.
Balearia Caribbean ferries from Fort Lauderdale typically depart in the morning, with sailing days varying by season. Bimini sailings run more frequently than Grand Bahama (Freeport) sailings. Always check the current ferry schedules on Balearia's website before booking your hotel — schedules change with the season and around hurricane months (June–November).
Ready for Your Bahamas Ferry Adventure?
Book your hotel near Port Everglades, then check ferry schedules and tickets.
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