How Does Port Canaveral Cruise Transportation Work?

collage showing a jet flying over palm trees, a go port shuttle bus to port canaveral and a cruise ship in the ocean
Last Updated: July 14, 2025

If you’re planning a cruise from Port Canaveral, figuring out how to get to your ship on time without breaking the bank is just as important as booking your stateroom.

Let’s break down how cruise transportation to Port Canaveral works and why you need to work with a trusted provider like Go Port to get you to the ship on time, stress-free, and at the best value.

Getting to Port Canaveral For a Cruise

Port Canaveral sits on the ocean about 45 miles from Orlando in Florida. Cruisers have several transportation options to choose from to get to their ship, depending on their needs, budget, and travel plans: 

#1. Shuttle Service

  • Typically the most convenient option for getting to Port Canaveral
  • Several cruise lines offer shuttle service from Orlando Airport, but it’s most affordable to book with a transportation provider like Go Port
  • Plenty of space for cruisers’ luggage (check with your shuttle provider about mobility devices such as wheelchairs)
  • Large families and groups cruising together can often reserve a private shuttle

Pro tip: book ahead of time to ensure your spot, and consider bundled packages that offer round-trip transportation in one booking, or a hotel stay with shuttle service on cruise day.

#2. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

  • Offers flexible pick-up times and door-to-door service
  • More costly when you have a large party or a lot of luggage
  • Surge pricing can multiply the cost during high-demand times like busy cruise days with thousands of passengers traveling to the port

#3. Taxi

  • Frequently available, especially at the airport
  • Significantly more expensive than a rideshare service or shuttle
  • Luggage and passenger space is usually limited

#4. Rental Car

  • Often the most expensive option for getting to Port Canaveral
  • Requires cruisers to navigate unfamiliar roads to the port
  • Cruisers still need to get to their ship’s terminal after dropping off the rental car at the port

Why Choose Go Port for Cruise Transportation?

Go Port’s shared shuttle services to Port Canaveral eliminate the stress of coordinating rideshare pickups, renting a car, or overpaying through your cruise line. With complimentary luggage assistance, friendly greeters at every terminal, and consistent departure schedules, Go Port makes cruise transportation to Port Canaveral convenient and cost-effective.

Compare prices from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral:

  • Go Port $29.99 vs. $36-$40 for a cruise line shuttle
  • Go Port $29.99 vs. $62-$83 for a rideshare service (without surge pricing)
  • Go Port $29.99 vs. $140+ for a taxi 
  • Go Port $29.99 vs. $180+ for a rental car

Save even more when you bundle your transportation to Port Canaveral with a hotel stay! Go Port’s Fly Snooze Cruise hotel packages offer unbeatable convenience plus peace of mind knowing you’ll be at the port in plenty of time for your cruise.

Cruise Transportation When Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport for a Port Canaveral Cruise, here’s what you can expect:

  • Check-in at the Go Port counter inside Terminal A, Level 1, next to the car rental counters
  • A greeter will seat you on the next available shuttle to Port Canaveral.
  • Shuttles run on cruise days between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, ensuring timely arrival before cruise boarding begins
  • For those who choose the round-trip option, Go Port staff will meet you outside your cruise terminal starting at 7:00 AM until debarkation is complete after you disembark and guide you to your shuttle back to MCO

Cruise Transportation Options When Staying at an Orlando Hotel

Go Port offers cruise transportation from Orlando hotels to Port Canaveral:

  • If you’ve already booked your own hotel, choose a hotel-to-port package from Go Port
  • If you’re looking to save more, Go Port’s Fly Snooze Cruise bundles combine a hotel stay, airport transportation, and cruise transfers in one simple package
  • We’ll pick you up at your hotel the morning of your cruise and take you directly to your ship

Cruise Transportation When Arriving at Sanford Airport (SFB)

Cruisers flying into Sanford Airport can rely on Go Port service too:

  • Shuttles pick up outside the main terminal between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM
  • Friendly greeters assist you after baggage claim and direct you to the right shuttle
  • If you choose a round-trip package, the return shuttle departs Port Canaveral at 9:00 AM after debarkation, giving you time to reach SFB with ease

Important: If you’re flying out of Sanford, we recommend booking return flights after 12:00 PM to allow enough time for customs and transit.

Cruise Transportation Options When Staying at a Sanford Hotel

If you’re staying overnight near Sanford Airport before your cruise, Go Port has you covered:

  • Select our Sanford hotels to Port Canaveral shuttle package
  • We’ll pick you up at your hotel the morning of your sailing and deliver you to your cruise terminal
  • For your return after your cruise, you can upgrade to include a transfer back to the airport or hotel

Port Canaveral Shuttle Transportation FAQ

What Are Go Port’s Shuttles Like?

Go Port’s fleet features clean, comfortable shuttles with air conditioning and space for your luggage. 

All rides include:

  • Luggage assistance
  • Friendly greeters at every pickup point
  • Direct drop-off at your cruise terminal for Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Princess and Celebrity cruises

Please Note: You’re welcome to tip the driver as a courtesy, though it’s not required.

Do Go Port’s Shuttle Accommodate Passengers with Special Mobility Needs?

Go Port’s Port Canaveral transportation services can accommodate guests with mobility challenges:

  • Simply note any accessibility needs and mobility devices when you book your transportation package
  • An ADA-compliant shuttle is available and will be arranged accordingly

What Happens When My Cruise Ship Returns to Port Canaveral?

Go Port’s transportation services help make your debarkation day easy:

  • After you disembark, follow Go Port signs outside your terminal to reach our podium.
  • Our greeters will seat you on the next available shuttle to either Orlando or Sanford airports.
  • No need to disembark super early as our team monitors ship schedules and debarkation progress to make sure you’re picked up promptly.

When Should I Book My Return Flight to Align with My Transportation?

Timing is everything when it comes to planning your post-cruise travel, especially if you’re flying home the same day you disembark. Cruise ships typically begin debarkation around 7:00 AM, but the process can vary depending on your ship, disembarkation group, and port logistics. Go Port recommends scheduling your return flight with ample buffer time.

If You're Flying Out of Orlando International Airport (MCO)

To ensure a smooth connection:

  • Book your return flight for 12:00 PM or later. This allows time for potential delays during debarkation or unexpected traffic.
  • Earlier flights may result in missed connections or rushed travel.

If You're Flying Out of Sanford Airport (SFB)

Sanford Airport is located farther from Port Canaveral than Orlando International, and Go Port shuttles to Sanford are timed accordingly.

For the best experience:

  • Schedule return flights no earlier than 1:00 PM. This gives you enough time to clear customs, travel to Sanford, and go through airport security without stress.
  • Debarkation delays or road congestion can impact earlier itineraries.

Why Cruisers Love Go Port’s Shuttle Services to Port Canaveral

From seamless bookings to stress-free travel days, our customers consistently share how Go Port makes Port Canaveral cruise transportation simple and worry-free.

Here’s what one recent cruiser had to say about our transportation services:

“Used Go Port for round trip service to Carnival Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral and back to airport. Easy to book, friendly, much more convenient than using ride share or taxi. Also saved much stress on debarkation day.” – Amanda Grant, Google Review

Book Your Port Canaveral Cruise Transportation Services with Go Port Today

Whether you’re flying into Orlando or Sanford airports or staying at an area hotel, Go Port’s reliable cruise transportation to Port Canaveral is easy and affordable.

View our packages for Port Canaveral cruisers and book today!

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