Car Rentals Near Miami Port?

krunch · #1 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 12:34 AM

Considering the Eastern Caribean cruise, but might be restricted by flights into Miami from Canada. Considering renting a car and driving from Orlando to the port in Miami. What car rental agencies are closest to the Miami cruise ship port for Carnival?

Thanx,
Krunch

Tompo8190 · #2 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 02:19 AM

Hi Krunch,

Is flying into Ft. Lauderdale an option for you? It's a lot closer than Orlando (approx. 45 minutes) and you can take a shuttle to the port if you are flying in the same day as your cruise. It would be about $40 per person. When you get off the ship there will bus transportation back to the airport and if I remember correctly it is a little cheaper about $20 pp.

Otherwise, I have rented from Enterprise in the past. They said they had a Port of Miami location. That's bit misleading because it isn't actually at the Port. However, it isn't too far and they will drive you to there when you check in to return your car. Hope that helped.

krunch · #3 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 08:50 AM

No, due to the time of year, my only option of flying in from Canada is Orlando. From what I see, it's about 4 hours from Orlando to Miami, is that right? That's not a bad drive, just an aftenoon, plus I get to see the Florida landscape a little.

Is enterprise the closest location to the Miami port? I guess it doesn't matter if Enterprise would drop me off at the port and then take the car back. Will all car rental places do that? If not, I am looking for the ones that will, and are closest to the Miami port, and the best price.

Thanx,
Krunch

Tompo8190 · #4 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 12:35 PM

I really can't say if there are any other car rental companies that will drop you off at the port, but it is such a big business in Florida (crusing) it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of them offer that service. Good luck with your search. It is a nice drive from Orlando to Miaimi....we did that in reverse for our honeymoon. Cruised and then went to Disney World.

broberts · #5 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krunch

Considering the Eastern Caribean cruise, but might be restricted by flights into Miami from Canada. Considering renting a car and driving from Orlando to the port in Miami. What car rental agencies are closest to the Miami cruise ship port for Carnival?

If you are flying out of Toronto you shouldn't have any flight problems to/from Miami. Last time I checked there were more flights to/from Miami than Orlando, but that may depend on the time of year.

Regardless, most of the major car rental agencies have shuttles to/from the port area to a nearby rental location. Check their location list for Port of Miami or call them and ask.

loanshark · #6 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 09:46 PM

Krunch,

If you rent from Alamo or Thrifty, they will let you drop the car off at the Miami airport. Both companies have a free shuttle from their airport locations to the Port of Miami.

David West · #7 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2006, 10:23 PM

Krunch,
Have you tried www.sidestep.com to research your air options. This may help, and may not. Just a thought.

Happy Sailing;
David

krunch · #8 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2006, 07:03 PM

The problem with the flight is not where I am flying from, it's the airline I have chosen. I am using my air miles, and West Jet flies for much less air miles. But they only do seasonal flights to Miami, so I have to fly to orlando and rent a car, or use up a lot more air miles to fly a different airline to Miami.

I like the car rental idea anyway, give me an opportunity to see the Florida landscape too.

Krunch