Cheap ways for Solos to get to the Port of Miami

[tiger-91]

if you're flying in to MIA, you could get to POM for just $2.25 or recommended $7.25 ($14.50 roundtrip).

If you're driving in, you could park and get to POM for as little as $58 roundtrip for seven days cruise.

 

These assume you can handle your own luggage over uneven terrain and up trolley steps.

 

 

From Airport

• Take the $2.25 rail southbound (Dadeland) to the Government Center station. Then take a $5 Uber or free trolley (doesn't run on Sundays) to the Port per the following steps.
  
• ******Note: the trolley is not for the faint of heart. Expect to sweat!
  
• Follow the signs at the Government Center station to the free Metromover Inner Loop south and travel one stop to Miami Avenue.
  
• This is intersection of Miami and SE 1st. Exit elevator and cross SE 1st. Walk East on the South side of SE 1st less than a block to the "Coral Way" trolley stop, just past parking garage.
  
• The rear of trolley is where wheelchair access and good storage of luggage is. Take trolley to the Port. Official stops are first at Terminal J and second (and final) at the last berth Terminal F (for MSC cruiselines). You can friendly ask trolley driver to stop at your terminal (after you pass J), but the driver might not be accommodating. There are no sidewalks near these stops. Terminal J is easy to get to though via the road.
  
• At the final stop, walk in road until reaching parking lot on the right. Walk all the way through it and past the Seaman Cafe. Then walk in short extent of roads to get across to sidewalk. Or you could walk in the grass. This sidewalk begins across from Terminal E. It's a bit harrowing, but stick close to curb and you should be ok. Then just walk along the sidewalk opposite the terminals until you reach yours. Cross there. Google map search for coordinates 25.778241, -80.177546 to review the walking route.
  

If you're driving your own car.

cheapest:

• You can park long term at the Earlington Heights Metrorail station. The garage is open to the public (no gates) but there is security on duty. You prepay via internet or a kiosk. You must know your license plate number and car description. You do not put a receipt on your dashboard. The cost is $4.50 per calendar day (not 24 hours...if you park at 11PM, you pay $9 even if you leave two hours later.) So a typical cruise is $36.
  
• Then you can Uber to the port for about $10-12. There is an official rail station passenger pick up area near the garage so get there before you order the Uber. The ride takes about 15 minutes at best.
  
• Or you can Take the $2.25 rail southbound (Dadeland) to the Government Center station. Then take a $5 Uber or free trolley (doesn't run on Sundays) to the Port per the following steps.
  

• ******Note: the trolley is not for the faint of heart. Expect to sweat!
  
• Follow the signs at the Government Center station to the free Metromover Inner Loop south and travel one stop to Miami Avenue.
  
• This is intersection of Miami and SE 1st. Exit elevator and cross SE 1st. Walk East on the South side of SE 1st less than a block to the "Coral Way" trolley stop, just past parking garage.
  
• The rear of trolley is where wheelchair access and good storage of luggage is. Take trolley to the Port. Official stops are first at Terminal J and second (and final) at the last berth Terminal F (for MSC cruiselines). You can friendly ask trolley driver to stop at your terminal (after you pass J), but the driver might not be accommodating. There are no sidewalks near these stops. Terminal J is easy to get to though via the road.
  
• At the final stop, walk in road until reaching parking lot on the right. Walk all the way through it and past the Seaman Cafe. Then walk in short extent of roads to get across to sidewalk. Or you could walk in the grass. This sidewalk begins across from Terminal E. It's a bit harrowing, but stick close to curb and you should be ok. Then just walk along the sidewalk opposite the terminals until you reach yours. Cross there. Google map search for coordinates 25.778241, -80.177546 to review the walking route.
  

If you're staying overnight precruise anyway, this might be the cheapest option:

You can stay overnight at a hotel that offers a shuttle to the port and parking at the hotel. The parking usually adds to the room cost and the shuttle is usually $10. Sometimes there is a $10 return shuttle or you have to take a taxi.

 

 

 

The reverse instructions are very similar, except in this direction, the Trolley stops in front of the Government Center rail station so no need for the Metromover.

 

I parked for fourteen days at Earlington garage from March 25-April 8, 2017 without incident and would again. I might consider the Okeechobee parking garage.

 

 

Miami Dade Transit's website is http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/

The Orange rail line is http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/riding-metrorail.asp#1

The trolley page is http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=9005

Long term parking page is http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail-parking.asp#2

[tiger-91]

25.778050, -80.176893 is the location of the trolley shelter near Terminal F.

25.775807, -80.177303 is the location of the trolley stop near Terminal J

[neptuno]

Thanks for this info.  Has anyone else tried the Earlington Heights long term parking lot?  We usually use the Premier ramp for $9.50 with free but unreliable shuttle.

[neptuno]

Thanks BNBR-  I was just inquiring about long term parking near the cruise port, and the OP had suggested Earlington Heights.  Your thoughts?

[BNBR]

1 hour ago, neptuno said:

Thanks BNBR-  I was just inquiring about long term parking near the cruise port, and the OP had suggested Earlington Heights.  Your thoughts?

 

Just about everyone on this forum is going to recommend paying the rate to just park at the port in Miami.   It's not a location that has great off-site options. 

[SteerageJoe]

I rode the Coral Way Trolley just a few weeks ago and the information (and links) given above are unfortunately outdated!

 

The Trolley stops 3 or 4 times at the Port pending passenger needs. It Stops at J then between D and E then at G and finally across from F on the way out. Best to follow this accurate link instead - http://www.miamigov.com/trolley/

 

I think the Trolley is most useful for passengers on visiting cruise ships who want to explore Town.

[neptuno]

1. OK, thanks for that.  Has anyone used the Earlington Heights long term parking lot