Port Canaveral sits 45 miles east of Orlando International Airport, making your cruise departure simple and convenient.
You’ll find seven cruise lines operating here, including Royal Caribbean, Disney and Carnival.
You can reach the port from Orlando in these ways:
- Airport shuttle services
- Taxis
- Rental cars
The journey takes about 45 minutes by road.
You’ll spot many hotels near the port offering special cruise packages, perfect for pre-voyage stays.
Before your cruise, you can visit:
- Kennedy Space Center
- Cocoa Beach
- Port Canaveral’s Cove district
The port ranks as Florida’s second-busiest cruise terminal, with modern facilities and straightforward check-in processes.
You’ll discover everything you need within the terminal buildings, from luggage handling to comfortable waiting areas.
To make your departure smoother, you can book transport and accommodation well ahead of your sailing date.
The port’s location combines easy airport access with beachside attractions, giving you a holiday feel before you even board your ship.
Map of Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida
Port Location and Transportation Options
Getting to Port Canaveral
You can reach Port Canaveral from Orlando International Airport in under an hour. The port sits 45 miles east on Florida’s Space Coast.
Transport options to the port:
- Drive yourself via FL-528 (Beachline Expressway) or A1A
- Book a shuttle service
- Take a taxi
- Use a rideshare app
- Arrange private car transport
At the port:
- Clear signage guides you to your terminal
- Parking structures stand opposite the ships
- You can walk from car park to ship in minutes
Travel tip: Many local hotels offer park-and-cruise packages, including:
- Overnight accommodation
- Secure parking during your cruise
- Transport to your terminal
Cruise Lines and Terminal Information
Port Canaveral’s Cruise Lines and Terminals
You can choose from seven major cruise lines at Port Canaveral: Carnival, Disney, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Virgin, and Port. Each cruise line uses specific terminals:
Royal Caribbean: Terminal 1
Disney Cruise Line: Terminals 8 and 10
Carnival: Terminals 3 and 5
Norwegian: Terminal 10
Multiple Lines: Terminal 2
You’ll find modern facilities at each terminal with:
- Clear directional signs
- Organised check-in areas
- Dedicated staff to assist you
- Streamlined boarding processes
The terminals offer you easy access to your ship, with dedicated areas for baggage handling and security screening. You can move through the boarding process efficiently, as each terminal has been designed with passenger flow in mind.
Parking and Ground Transportation Services
Transportation Options at Port Canaveral
You can park directly at your cruise terminal for £17 per day. Book your parking space online to save money and guarantee availability.
Getting from Orlando International Airport to the port:
- Take a direct shuttle service
- Book a private car
- Share a shuttle with other passengers
- Use a rideshare app (Uber or Lyft)
- Hire a taxi from marked pickup zones
Car hire options:
- Major rental companies operate near the port
- You can collect your vehicle at the airport
- Drop-off locations are available around the terminal area
Travel tips:
- Pre-book your transport to secure better rates
- Allow extra time during peak cruise periods
- Compare shuttle prices from different providers
- Keep your cruise documents ready for drivers
All transport services run daily, and you can find booking desks at both the airport and port terminals.
Nearby Hotels and Accommodations
You’ll find several hotels near Port Canaveral’s cruise terminal for your pre-cruise stay. Popular chains like Radisson, Residence Inn, and Country Inn & Suites sit just 5-10 minutes from the port.
You can book your stay with added benefits. Many hotels offer free cruise parking and shuttle services to the terminal.
You’ve got two main areas to choose from:
- Port area hotels: closest to the terminal
- Beach area hotels: in Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral
The Hilton Cocoa Beach and Hampton Inn welcome many cruise passengers and provide seaside locations. Your budget will determine your choice, ranging from basic hotels to luxury beachfront resorts.
Local Attractions and Pre-Cruise Activities
Ready to explore Port Canaveral? You’ll find plenty of exciting activities before your cruise begins. The Kennedy Space Center sits just minutes from the port, offering you space exhibits and potential rocket launch viewings. You can relax at Cocoa Beach‘s famous pier or browse its surf shops and seafood spots.
You can visit the Brevard Zoo to see native Florida wildlife, or wander through Cocoa Village‘s boutiques and restaurants. For nature adventures, take a kayak through Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge or book a local fishing trip. The Exploration Tower gives you the best views of the port – perfect for watching massive cruise ships depart.
Each attraction sits within easy reach of Port Canaveral:
- Kennedy Space Center – 15 minutes away
- Cocoa Beach – 10 minutes away
- Brevard Zoo – 20 minutes away
- Cocoa Village – 15 minutes away
- Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge – 10 minutes away
- Exploration Tower – at the port
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tipping Policy for Porters Handling Luggage at Port Canaveral?
The standard tip for porters at Port Canaveral ranges from £1.60-£2.40 ($2-3) per bag. You should hand the tip directly to your porter after they handle your luggage. These porters help you by:
- Loading your bags onto trolleys
- Moving luggage to the ship
- Ensuring safe delivery to your cabin
Tips help support these essential workers who manage hundreds of bags daily. Regular cruise passengers typically follow this tipping range to maintain good service standards.
Are There Wheelchair Rentals Available at the Cruise Terminals?
You can rent wheelchairs at Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals through two main options:
- Pre-book with specialist providers:
- Special Needs at Sea
- Care Vacations
- Contact your cruise line directly for their wheelchair services
Making advance arrangements gives you better availability and a smoother start to your cruise. Your cruise line’s guest services team can guide you through their specific wheelchair assistance programmes.
What Items Are Prohibited From Being Brought Into Port Canaveral?
You cannot bring these items into Port Canaveral:
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Alcoholic beverages
- Explosive materials
- Flammable items
- Undeclared food items
You need to follow these security rules to ensure a smooth entry into the terminal. Security staff will check all bags and belongings at the entrance points.
Is Wi-Fi Available in the Cruise Terminals for Passengers?
Free Wi-Fi connects you to the internet at all Port Canaveral cruise terminals. Connect your device to the “PortCanaveralGuest” network whilst you wait for boarding. You can browse, check emails, or message friends and family before your cruise begins.
Are There Medical Facilities or First Aid Stations at Port Canaveral?
You’ll find medical support readily available at Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals. Each terminal houses a first aid station staffed by trained professionals. You can access immediate medical assistance by alerting terminal staff, who will connect you with emergency services if needed.
