Getting around

Question

I know questions about transfers are asked again and again but here goes. We are 2 adults and 2 kids, will need the following transfers:

Miami Airport to apartment in Brickell .

Apartment in Brickell to Fort Lauderale Cruise terminal.

Fort Lauderdale Cruise terminal to hotel in South Beach.

Hotel South Beach to Miami Airport.

We won't have a car and don't plan on using public transport for the above listed transfers, we will use it getting around Miami if it is easy and convenient. I read up a lot about transfers on here and Cruise Critic. Haven't seen any recommendations for these kinds of transfers other than uber, trains, bus .

Is Uber my best option for these transfers? TIA

Answer

For the transfers you’ve listed in Miami and Fort Lauderdale with 2 adults and 2 kids, Uber is generally a convenient and reliable option, but there are a few other alternatives to consider depending on your priorities for cost, comfort, and convenience.

Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Uber / Lyft: This is often the simplest and most flexible option, especially for airport transfers and cruise port trips. You can request a larger vehicle (UberXL) to comfortably fit 4 passengers plus luggage. Pricing is dynamic, so it may be higher during peak travel times, holidays, or cruise departure days.
Private Airport Transfers: You can pre-book private transfers from Miami Airport to Brickell, and for the other legs. These offer a fixed rate and a professional driver, often with meet-and-greet service at the airport. Companies like SuperShuttle, Go Airport Shuttle, and local private car services operate in the area.
Shuttle Services for Cruises: Some cruise lines partner with shuttle services from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports to the cruise terminals. These can be convenient but may require rigid scheduling and might be slower due to multiple stops.
Rental Car: You mentioned you don’t plan to drive, but for some, renting a car for a few days to handle airport, hotel, and cruise transfers can be cost-effective, especially if booked in advance.

Tips for using Uber or similar services:

Use UberXL for ample space for luggage and family comfort.
Check estimated fares ahead of time to avoid surprises.
For the cruise terminal, give yourself plenty of buffer time due to traffic, especially if your cruise has a strict check-in window.
Download both Uber and Lyft apps to compare prices at the time of travel; sometimes one is cheaper than the other.

Overall, UberXL or a pre-booked private car service is likely your best balance of convenience and flexibility for the specific transfers you listed. For getting around Brickell and South Beach itself, you can rely on public transport, walking, or short rides as needed.