Flying into Miami before your Bahamas ferry adventure? While the Balearia ferry departs from Fort Lauderdale (30-40 minutes north), many travelers prefer Miami as their pre-trip base. The city offers world-class dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions — perfect for turning your ferry trip into a proper vacation.
PortMiami itself is the largest cruise port in the world, sitting on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay. No hotels are on the island itself, but downtown Miami is just a short causeway crossing away. Here are the best options for every budget.
Quick Navigation
Downtown Miami Hotels
Downtown Miami puts you closest to PortMiami and within easy reach of Brickell, Wynwood, and the Metromover for car-free sightseeing.
InterContinental Miami
Best DowntownThe InterContinental is the anchor hotel of downtown Miami, with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the port from the upper floors. You can literally see PortMiami from your room. The hotel is steps from Bayside Marketplace, the Metromover, and Bayfront Park. Getting to the port takes 5 minutes by taxi ($8-$10) or you can walk to the free Metromover and ride to the port area.
✓ Pros
- Can see the port from your room
- Walking distance to Bayside
- Near free Metromover
- Upscale without being overpriced
✗ Cons
- Parking is expensive ($45+/day)
- 30-40 min to Fort Lauderdale port
- No free port shuttle
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Luxury PickOne of downtown Miami's most stylish hotels, the EPIC sits right on the Miami River with views stretching across Biscayne Bay to the cruise port. The 16th-floor pool area offers some of the best views in the city. Zuma, the acclaimed Japanese restaurant, is on the ground floor. If you want to start your Bahamas trip in style, this is the place.
✓ Pros
- Stunning pool with port views
- World-class dining (Zuma)
- Boutique luxury feel
- Excellent location
✗ Cons
- Expensive, especially weekends
- Valet parking only ($50+/day)
- Resort fee applies
YVE Hotel Miami
Best Mid-RangeA contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Miami. YVE offers a great balance of style, location, and price. You're walking distance to Bayside Marketplace, the Frost Museum of Science, and the Perez Art Museum. The hotel partners with a shuttle service ($9 each way) to PortMiami, making it easy to get to the cruise terminal.
✓ Pros
- Stylish rooms at mid-range prices
- Port shuttle available
- Walking distance to attractions
- No resort fee
✗ Cons
- Shuttle must be pre-booked
- Small rooms
- No pool
Hilton Miami Downtown
Reliable ChoiceA reliable Hilton property in downtown Miami connected to the Miami Convention Center. Rooms are spacious by downtown standards, and there's a rooftop pool with views of Biscayne Bay. The Hilton Honors perks make this a great choice for loyal Hilton guests. Uber pickup is easy here, and the ride to PortMiami takes about 8 minutes on embarkation day.
✓ Pros
- Consistent Hilton quality
- Rooftop pool with views
- Spacious rooms
- Hilton Honors benefits
✗ Cons
- Parking is expensive
- Convention crowds sometimes
- No free port shuttle
Budget-Friendly Options
Comfort Suites Miami Airport North
Best Budget + ShuttleThe best budget option if you want a shuttle to the port. Comfort Suites provides a free one-way morning shuttle to PortMiami (return is $10/adult, $5/child). The hotel is near the airport, so it's also practical if you're flying in late. Free breakfast and all-suite rooms keep costs down. Not glamorous, but it gets the job done.
✓ Pros
- Free morning shuttle to port
- Free breakfast
- All-suite rooms
- Affordable rates
✗ Cons
- Airport area, not scenic
- Return shuttle costs extra
- Far from downtown attractions
Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables
Park & CruiseGreat for drivers who need somewhere to park their car while in the Bahamas. The Hampton Inn offers a Stay & Cruise package that includes a one-way transfer to PortMiami, a welcome drink, and early check-in/late checkout. Their Park, Stay & Cruise package adds free parking during your trip plus 50% off the stay. Coconut Grove is also a charming neighborhood with good restaurants.
✓ Pros
- Park & Cruise parking included
- Port transfer in package
- Charming neighborhood
- Free breakfast
✗ Cons
- 6.5 miles from port
- Not near downtown attractions
- Package must be pre-booked
Hotel Comparison
| Hotel | Price From | To Port | Shuttle | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterContinental | $180 | 5 min | Taxi $10 | Views & location |
| Kimpton EPIC | $220 | 5 min | Taxi $10 | Luxury |
| YVE Hotel | $140 | 7 min | $9 each way | Mid-range style |
| Hilton Downtown | $155 | 8 min | Uber $12 | Hilton loyalty |
| Comfort Suites | $105 | 8 miles | Free (1-way) | Budget + shuttle |
| Hampton Inn CG | $120 | 6.5 mi | In package | Park & Cruise |
Best Areas to Stay in Miami
Downtown Miami (Recommended)
Closest area to PortMiami. Home to Bayside Marketplace, Perez Art Museum, Frost Science, and the free Metromover. All the hotels listed above are here. Easy access to Brickell and Wynwood.
South Beach
The famous Art Deco district with beautiful beaches and nightlife. About 20-25 minutes from PortMiami. A great choice if you want a beach day before your Bahamas trip, but further from the port.
Airport Area (MIA)
Most budget-friendly area with chain hotels. Practical if you're flying in late and leaving early. Not walkable, no attractions, but the cheapest option. Some hotels offer port shuttle service.
Miami vs Fort Lauderdale: Where Should You Stay?
Quick answer: Stay in Fort Lauderdale if convenience is your priority. Stay in Miami if you want more to do the night before.
| Factor | Fort Lauderdale | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to ferry | 0-3 miles | 30-35 miles |
| Drive time to port | 5-10 minutes | 30-50 minutes |
| Hotel prices | $105-$350 | $105-$500 |
| Nightlife & dining | Good | World-class |
| Beach | Fort Lauderdale Beach | South Beach, Key Biscayne |
| Stress level on ferry day | Low | Higher (traffic on I-95) |
Pre-Trip Activities in Miami
Make the Most of Your Evening Before the Ferry
Wynwood Walls
Miami's famous outdoor street art museum. Free to view from the streets, or pay $12 for the indoor gallery. Dozens of restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. Perfect for a casual evening walk.
Bayside Marketplace
Waterfront shopping and dining complex right on Biscayne Bay. Live music nightly, great Cuban food, and views of the cruise ships at PortMiami. Walking distance from all downtown hotels.
Little Havana / Calle Ocho
Experience Miami's Cuban culture. Walk along Calle Ocho (8th Street) for fresh Cuban coffee, cigars, and domino players in Domino Park. Versailles restaurant is a must for authentic Cuban food.
Frequently Asked Questions
No hotel is on PortMiami (Dodge Island) itself. The InterContinental Miami and Kimpton EPIC in downtown Miami are the closest, both about a 5-minute drive across the MacArthur Causeway. A taxi or Uber costs $8-$10.
Fort Lauderdale is more practical since the Balearia ferry departs from Port Everglades there. But if you want world-class dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions the night before, Miami is worth the extra 30-40 minute morning drive. Just plan to leave early to avoid I-95 traffic.
Some do. Comfort Suites Miami Airport North offers a free one-way morning shuttle to PortMiami. YVE Hotel has a paid shuttle ($9/way). Most downtown hotels are close enough that a taxi or Uber ($8-$15) is the simplest option. Note: shuttles go to PortMiami, not to Fort Lauderdale port.
Parking at PortMiami itself costs $22/day. Downtown hotel parking runs $30-$50/day. The Hampton Inn Coconut Grove offers Park & Cruise packages with free parking during your trip. If driving to Fort Lauderdale for the ferry, port parking there is $15-$20/day.
Planning Your Bahamas Ferry Trip?
Explore Miami, then catch the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to the islands.
Ferry to Bahamas Hotels in Fort Lauderdale Hotels in BiminiMore Accommodation Guides
Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Port
Closer to the Bahamas ferry terminal. Walking distance hotels from $105/night.
Hotels in Freeport
Arriving by ferry in Grand Bahama? Lucaya resorts from $95/night.