Collecting car in Miami after leaving cruise ship

Question

Hello friendly travellers,

I accidentally posted in Florida forum instead of Miami - sorry. 🙄

We are 4 adults (with 4 large suitcases) disembarking from a cruise ship in Miami next October. Can anyone please advise me on the best way to collect a car for travel from the cruise port to Orlando via Cape Canaveral? Is it best we collect it from the airport and if so, should we get in a taxi to the airport from the cruise terminal or is there a better way to do this? Having experienced a terrible pickup once before from an hotel (we waited over 5 hours for the vehicle!!) we've been getting them from airports ever since but if you believe it is fine to get the vehicle from the cruise terminal (if that can be done) or somewhere close by that is reliable then I'm all for that. I'm also interested in good quality, reasonably priced car companies that travel from Miami to Orlando. I'm aware that there will most likely be a one way drop off fee. Thank you all in advance for your time to assist me.

Answer

Collecting a rental car after disembarking from a cruise ship in Miami is a common concern, especially with luggage and a group of four adults. Here are the main options and considerations:

Option 1: Collect at the cruise port

Some rental companies do offer shuttle service or counters near the Port of Miami. However, availability is limited and not all major companies are directly on site. Even if you can book pickup at the port, you may face delays due to limited staffing, especially if multiple cruise ships are arriving at the same time. This can be inconvenient with 4 large suitcases.

Option 2: Collect at Miami International Airport (MIA)

This is generally considered the more reliable option. The airport has a large, well-organized rental car center with most major companies represented. Collection here is faster, and you’re more likely to get the car you booked. The process tends to be smoother and more predictable than at the cruise port.

From the Port of Miami to the airport, you can take a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or a pre-arranged shuttle. Taxi rides typically take 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Uber/Lyft may be slightly cheaper than a taxi, but with 4 adults and 4 large suitcases, you might need a larger vehicle such as a SUV or van.
Shuttle services are also available, but may take longer because they can serve multiple stops.

Rental car companies

Major companies with reliable service for a one-way trip from Miami to Orlando include:

Enterprise
Hertz
Avis
Budget
National

These companies are well-rated for both customer service and reliability. One-way drop-off fees are standard, so factor that into the cost. Booking in advance online is recommended to secure the size of vehicle you need, especially if you require an SUV or minivan for luggage space.

Tips for smooth experience

Book your rental in advance, specifying pickup at the airport and one-way drop-off in Orlando.
Ensure your vehicle can comfortably hold 4 large suitcases plus passengers—consider an SUV or minivan.
Allow 30–45 minutes to get from the cruise port to the airport and then pick up your car, including traffic buffer.
Have your driver’s license, credit card, and any rental confirmation ready for a quick pickup.

Overall, for reliability and speed, collecting at Miami International Airport after a short taxi or Uber ride from the cruise terminal is usually the best option, even if it means a small additional transfer cost.

Collecting car in Miami after leaving cruise ship

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