Port Everglades Cruise Terminal Guide: Fort Lauderdale Departures & Parking
Complete terminal navigation guide for Port Everglades: Terminal 21 Bahamas ferry departures, Palm Garage parking rates, airport shuttle connections, and Fort Lauderdale cruise hotel packages.
Port Everglades Cruise Logistics at a Glance
- Ferry Hub Location: Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive) serves as the primary embarkation point for high-speed Bahamas passenger ferries.
- Airport Proximity: Located just 2 miles east of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) for fast 10-minute transfers.
- Covered Parking Facilities: The 1,966-space Palm Garage provides covered, secure vehicle parking adjacent to Midport terminals at $25 per day.
- Strict Security Gates: Government photo ID is required for all passengers aged 18 and older at port security checkpoints prior to terminal entry.
- Direct Cruise Support Desk: Connect with Florida cruise specialists for sailing dates, terminal transfers, and hotel parking bundles at 954-969-0069.
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Port Everglades Terminal Guide
- One of the world’s top three cruise ports handling millions of passengers annually across modern terminals.
- Divided into distinct Northport, Midport, and Southport terminal zones connected by Eller Drive.
- Three primary entrance security checkpoints with electronic digital signage directing drivers to active berths.
- Full CBP facial biometric recognition kiosks for expedited boarding and re-entry processing.
- Accessible curbside luggage drops with uniformed ILA porters at every cruise terminal.
1. Port Layout & Terminal Zones
Port Everglades is a premier deep-water maritime gateway encompassing nearly 2,200 acres across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. The cruise facilities are logically organized into two primary passenger sections: Northport (Terminals 2 and 4, adjacent to the Broward County Convention Center) and Midport (Terminals 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29). Clear overhead electronic displays guide arriving motorists to their designated ship berth as soon as they clear port access gates.
- Terminal Groupings: Northport handles mega-ships while Midport hosts diverse cruise lines and high-speed passenger ferries.
- Overhead Navigation: Dynamic digital road signs update daily with cruise line names and active terminal numbers.
2. Security Checkpoints & Port Access Gates
Because Port Everglades is a secured federal maritime facility, all vehicles must enter through one of three guarded security checkpoints: the 17th Street Causeway entrance (Eisenhower Boulevard), the State Road 84 entrance (Spangler Boulevard), or the I-595/Eller Drive entrance. Every adult passenger aged 18 and older must present an unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) along with cruise or ferry boarding passes to the Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies at the gate. Commercial rideshares, hotel shuttles, and private vehicles must follow the same security inspection rules.
- Three Main Checkpoints: Eisenhower Blvd (North), Spangler Blvd (West), and Eller Drive/I-595 (South).
- Mandatory Identification: Government-issued physical photo IDs required for all adults at vehicle inspection gates.
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3. Curbside Bag Drop & Terminal Processing
Arriving at your cruise terminal is organized for speed and convenience, with designated lanes for passenger drop-offs, commercial tour buses, and parking access. Uniformed International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) porters are stationed curbside to take heavy checked bags directly to the vessel’s baggage hold. Inside the terminals, guests proceed through TSA-style security scanners followed by streamlined check-in counters and biometric facial screening kiosks that accelerate clearance into pre-boarding lounges.
- Curbside Porters: Tagged checked luggage taken directly from your vehicle to the onboard stateroom delivery stream.
- Biometric Screening: High-speed facial recognition cameras expedite U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing.
Terminal 21 Ferry, Parking & Hotels
- Terminal 21 address: 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (direct I-595 eastern terminus).
- Dedicated passenger terminal for high-speed Bahamas catamarans to Bimini and Grand Bahama Island.
- Palm Parking Garage provides 1,966 covered parking spaces directly walking distance from Terminal 21.
- Convenient airport taxi, Uber, and Lyft transit averaging 10 minutes from FLL terminals.
- Partner cruise hotels on 17th Street and Dania Beach offer park-and-cruise shuttle packages.
1. Terminal 21 Fast Ferry Check-in Logistics
Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive) is the dedicated passenger facility for high-speed ferry sailings to Bimini and Freeport. For typical 9:00 AM departures, terminal doors open for check-in and baggage intake at 6:00 AM. Terminal security doors close strictly one hour prior to sailing at 8:00 AM, as passenger manifests must be transmitted to international customs authorities before vessel clearance. All passengers must have valid passport booklets ready for inspection during check-in.
- Terminal Address: 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
- Strict Check-in Window: Doors open at 6:00 AM and lock promptly at 8:00 AM with no late exceptions permitted.
2. Palm Parking Garage Rates & EV Charging
Parking for Terminal 21 passengers is located directly next door at the Palm Parking Garage, a modern multi-level facility featuring 1,966 well-lit, covered spaces. The official port parking fee is $25.00 per day for standard vehicles (with hourly rates scaling from $5 for the first hour up to the daily cap). The garage accommodates vehicles with a clearance of up to 7 feet and provides dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on its lower levels. Payment is accepted via credit or debit card upon exit.
- Standard Rate: $25.00 daily maximum ($5.00 for hour 1; hourly increments up to the 24-hour maximum).
- Walking Distance: Short, direct covered pedestrian connection straight into the Terminal 21 entrance.
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3. Airport Shuttles & Fort Lauderdale Cruise Hotels
Travelers flying in will find Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) located just two miles west, with taxi and rideshare fares generally running between $15 and $22. For those arriving a day early, numerous cruise-friendly hotels along the SE 17th Street Causeway and Dania Beach provide park-and-cruise bundles that include multi-day vehicle parking and scheduled shuttles to the terminal. Booking an early-morning hotel shuttle ensures arrival at Terminal 21 well ahead of the 8:00 AM door closure.
- FLL Transfer Time: Fast 8- to 12-minute taxi or rideshare commute from airport baggage claim to the terminal curb.
- Park & Cruise Packages: Popular 17th Street hotels offer combined room reservations with extended parking and port shuttles.
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Port Everglades Terminal & Transit Logistics Overview
Key logistical reference for cruise travelers, day-ferry passengers, and motorists arriving at Port Everglades.
| Facility / Service | Location & Address | Operating Hours | Published Rates | Traveler Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 21 (Bahamas Ferry) | 2021 Eller Drive, Midport | 6:00 AM – Departure | Included in ticket | Arrive by 7:00 AM; doors close strictly at 8:00 AM |
| Palm Parking Garage | Adjacent to Terminals 19 & 21 | 24 Hours Daily | $25.00 / Day Max | Covered garage; payment by credit/debit upon exit |
| Heron Parking Garage | Northport (Terminals 2 & 4) | 24 Hours Daily | $25.00 / Day Max | Elevated pedestrian bridge to Terminal 2 |
| FLL Airport Taxi / Rideshare | Curbside Airport Arrivals | 24 Hours Daily | $15 – $22 Approx. | Fastest transit mode; 10-minute commute to port |
| 17th Street Hotel Shuttles | SE 17th Street Corridor | Varies by property | Package rates | Ideal for park-and-cruise pre-sailing hotel stays |
Need help with pre-cruise hotel accommodations, group transfers, or fast-ferry reservations from Fort Lauderdale? Call our local travel desk at 954-969-0069.
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