Last updated: August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by the BahamasHopping editorial team
- There is no direct ferry from Miami; all Bahamas ferries leave from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale (30-45 min north of Miami).
- The only operator is Balearia Caribbean: Bimini in 2 hrs, Freeport (Grand Bahama) in 3 hrs.
- Round-trip fares start around $199 to Bimini and $219 to Grand Bahama, taxes included. A round-trip ticket is cheaper than two one-ways.
- Sailings are not daily: Bimini typically runs Wed/Fri/Sun, Grand Bahama twice a week. All depart 9:00 AM.
- From Miami: about 30-45 min by car on I-95, $35-50 by Uber/Lyft from Miami Beach.
- U.S. citizens need a valid passport book — passport cards are not accepted on this service.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Departure port | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale (Terminal 21) |
| Drive from Miami | ~25-30 mi / 30-45 min via I-95 North |
| Operator | Balearia Caribbean (only Bahamas ferry from South Florida) |
| Routes | Fort Lauderdale → Bimini (2 hrs) · Fort Lauderdale → Freeport (3 hrs) |
| Fares (round-trip, 2026) | From $199 to Bimini, from $219 to Grand Bahama — taxes included |
| Fares (one-way, 2026) | Bimini economy from ~$93 + taxes (~$155 all-in) |
| Sailing days | Bimini typically Wed/Fri/Sun · Grand Bahama twice weekly — varies by season |
| Departure time | 9:00 AM; check-in closes 45 min before |
| Cheapest sailing | Wednesday — usually the quietest of the week |
| Documents | Valid passport book (6+ months); children & infants need their own passport |
Is There a Ferry from Miami to the Bahamas?
While many people search for a "Miami to Bahamas ferry," the actual departure point is Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. This is a common source of confusion, but the good news is that Fort Lauderdale is easily accessible from Miami, and the ferry journey itself is quick and scenic.
Balearia Caribbean operates the only ferry service to the Bahamas, with routes to both Bimini (2 hours) and Freeport, Grand Bahama (3 hours). Here's everything you need to know about getting from Miami to the Bahamas by ferry.
Ferry Routes from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas
🚢 Route 1: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini
The most popular route for Miami visitors. Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida, famous for its crystal-clear waters, excellent fishing, and laid-back atmosphere.
🏝️ Route 2: Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Grand Bahama)
Perfect for those wanting to explore Grand Bahama Island, with its beautiful beaches, national parks, and shopping in Freeport/Lucaya.
How to Get from Miami to the Ferry Terminal
Driving Directions from Miami
- From Miami Beach/Downtown Miami: Take I-95 North toward Fort Lauderdale
- Drive approximately 25-30 miles (30-45 minutes depending on traffic)
- Take Exit 24 to I-595 East and follow the signs for Port Everglades (southbound traffic from the north uses Exit 26 instead)
- Stay on I-595 East — it becomes Eller Drive once you enter the port
- Follow the directional signage to Cruise Terminal 21 (Midport)
- Terminal Address: 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
GPS Tip: Search for "Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 21" for the most accurate directions. Source: Port Everglades official directions.
Transportation Options from Miami
Drive time: 30-45 minutes via I-95 North
Parking at the port garage: roughly $20-30/day depending on lot and valet
Overflow lots are usually the cheaper option and run a free shuttle
Cost from Miami Beach: $35-50 (varies with traffic/surge pricing)
Cost from Downtown Miami: $30-45
Drop-off directly at Terminal 21
Fixed rate from Miami: $65-85 (negotiate beforehand)
Less flexible than rideshare options
Miami to Bahamas Ferry: Key Information
Departure Schedule
All ferries depart at 9:00 AM from Port Everglades Terminal 21, and check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early (by 7:30 AM).
- Bimini Ferry: typically Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with extra departures added in peak summer
- Freeport (Grand Bahama) Ferry: twice weekly, typically Wednesday and Sunday
Total Travel Time from Miami
- To Bimini: ~3 hours total (45 min drive + 2 hr ferry)
- To Freeport: ~4 hours total (45 min drive + 3 hr ferry)
Pricing (2026)
- Bimini: round-trip from about $199, taxes included. Booked one-way, economy starts near $93 plus taxes — roughly $155 all-in.
- Freeport (Grand Bahama): round-trip from about $219, taxes included.
- Economy Premium adds roughly $15-30 per person, per direction. Fares rise with demand, school breaks and U.S. holiday weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. There is no ferry terminal in Miami serving the Bahamas. Every scheduled passenger ferry from South Florida to the Bahamas leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, roughly 30-45 minutes north of Miami via I-95. Balearia Caribbean is the only operator.
Drive north on I-95 from Miami for about 25-30 miles, then take Exit 24 to I-595 East and follow the signs for Port Everglades. I-595 becomes Eller Drive inside the port. The terminal is Cruise Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Uber or Lyft from Miami Beach typically runs $35-50.
Round-trip fares start at about $199 to Bimini and about $219 to Grand Bahama, taxes included. Booked one-way, Bimini economy starts around $93 plus taxes, which works out near $155 all-in — so two one-way tickets cost noticeably more than a single round-trip. Fares vary by date and demand.
The crossing to Bimini takes about 2 hours; Freeport on Grand Bahama takes about 3 hours. Add 30-45 minutes of driving from Miami to Port Everglades, plus check-in, which closes 45 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure.
Yes, on days when the schedule offers both an outbound and a return sailing. Leaving Miami around 7:00 AM gets you to the 9:00 AM ferry and into Bimini by about 11:00 AM. You get roughly 7 hours ashore in winter (6:00 PM return) and up to 9 hours in summer (8:00 PM return). Full itinerary in our Bahamas ferry day trip guide.
A valid U.S. passport book. Passport cards are not accepted on this service. Every traveler needs their own passport, including children and infants, and most travelers should allow at least six months of validity beyond the travel date.
Park at the Port Everglades garage serving Terminal 21. Expect roughly $20-30 per day depending on the lot and whether you use valet; overflow lots are cheaper and run a free shuttle. Lots can fill up early on peak Friday and holiday sailings, so arrive with time to spare.
Where to Stay: Pre-Trip Hotels Near Port Everglades
Because every Bahamas ferry leaves Port Everglades around 8:30-9:00 AM, an overnight near the terminal almost always beats fighting Miami rush-hour traffic on the morning of your sailing. Use the map below to compare hotel prices across multiple booking sites — the search is centered on Fort Lauderdale beach & Port Everglades, but you can drag it down toward Miami if you prefer.
Practical pre-trip picks
Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
About 5 minutes from Terminal 21, free shuttle to airport, easy Uber to the ferry. Reliable mid-range pick for early ferry mornings.
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel
Walking distance to Port Everglades. Higher-end option for travelers who want zero logistics on ferry day.
Stay in Miami, taxi up early
If you'd rather sleep in Miami, book South Beach or Brickell and pre-book a 6:30 AM Uber/Lyft to Terminal 21 (allow 75-90 min for safety, especially on weekdays).
Booked the ferry already? Pick a hotel on the island
For where to stay in the Bahamas after you arrive:
- Where to Stay in Bimini → (Bimini hotels & resorts)
- Hotels in Freeport, Grand Bahama →
- More Fort Lauderdale Pre-Trip Hotels →
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more.
Ready to Book Your Bahamas Ferry?
Compare routes and find the best prices for your trip from Miami
Book on Balearia → View All Ferry Routes Check SchedulesRelated Guides
- Complete Ferry to Bahamas Guide
- Bimini Ferry: Full Details
- Freeport Ferry: Full Details
- Port Everglades Terminal Guide
- Bahamas Day Trip Planning
Things to Do When You Arrive
- Things to Do in Bimini - 25 activities on the closest island
- Things to Do in Freeport - Caves, dolphins & Gold Rock Beach
- Things to Do in Nassau - Atlantis, beaches & history
- Things to Do in Exuma - Swimming pigs & nurse sharks