Transportation from Disney World & MCO to Port Canaveral
If you are traveling between MCO to Port Canaveral transportation options can be quite confusing. What can you book, from where, at what times. etc. This post should answer all of that and more- plus details on traveling between Port Canaveral cruise terminal and other locations such as the nearby theme parks – Disney World and Universal Studios.
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The main point is to determine what is the easiest option for your traveling group and to understand that Port Canaveral transportation is not the only way.
Don’t complicate choosing your transportation based on any one specific point, whether that is what is cheaper, what has most options, etc. Read through the tips below and book from there!
Logistics to Consider When Traveling To Port Canaveral
Are you looking into every way to get to your cruise ship from Orlando? Or are you extending your trip after a cruise? You could even be exploring excursions while in Port Canaveral for the day! No matter what, consider these logistics before booking.
- How big is your travel group? Will you fit into a standard car or SUV?
- How much luggage will you have? This makes a big difference in the options as well! If you have 4 people in your group, you may fit into a standard ride share or private car, but if everyone has a large suitcase, the luggage won’t fit.
- Time of day. What is your port arrival time? Do you need transportation early in the morning, later in the afternoon? Keep that in mind when looking into options. Usually, the earliest time you can board the ship is around 9-10am.
- Do you want to handle any aspect of getting to Port Canaveral? Some people prefer to have full control over transportation, which is understandable!
- Do you want to see anything on the way? Or explore the Cape Canaveral area of Florida? Maybe you want to make a stop at Kennedy Space Center or for groceries (don’t forget the bottle of wine you can usually bring on board!).
- Think about car seats. if you have a young family, be sure to look into which transportation options will require a care seat.
- Do you live close enough to drive your own vehicle? If so, look into parking fees between the port and nearby hotels or parking lots.
- Confirm your departure port! This may go without saying, and it’s not a specific logistic for port travel, but it’s important to note- there are multiple cruise ports within Florida! Be sure to confirm that you will be leaving from Port Canaveral. The same goes for the airport, there are a few other airports in Florida, though MCO is the most convenient airport in location to the Port Canaveral cruise ships.
MCO to Port Canaveral Transportation
Going between MCO and Port Canaveral can be an easy process if you have your transportation planned in advance. Depending on which cruise line you are traveling with, there may be a variety of options.
Travel Time: The drive between MCO and Port Canaveral typically takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Most options offer a smooth and direct connection to the cruise terminal.
1. Cruise Line Ground Transportation Service
Ground transportation between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral is convenient and easy if you are sailing away on a Disney cruise line vacation or on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
- Cost: Approximately $45 per person each way for Disney Cruise Line, $38 per person for Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean is included with Air2Sea purchases, I suggest calling for other travelers (subject to change).
- Convenient traditional shuttle for Cruise Line guests, including luggage transfer to the port.
- Availability: Pre-booked through your cruise line for before and after your cruise.
- For a Disney Cruise: Transfers can be utilized either upon arrival of your flight or after a pre-cruise stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. If transfers are purchased through the airport or hotel in advance, rather than through Disney, I suggest calling in advance to ensure they have accounted for your guest count.
- My favorite reason for booking this style service is that it can be booked round trip!
2. Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
- Cost: Lyft rides usually have lower surge pricing and can be booked around $70–$100 one way, depending on demand and vehicle size.
- Features: Private, direct service; options for standard, XL, or premium vehicles for families or groups.
3. Private Car Services or Shuttles
Most Private services can transport up to 14 passengers, though the amount of luggage will be important to note as well!
- Cost: $150–$250 one way, depending on vehicle type.
- Features: Direct, door-to-door service with luxury or large vehicle options.
- Another option you can book round trip.
4. Rental Cars
- Rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise, are available at MCO.
- The flexibility of a rental car is great for additional stops or sightseeing along the way.
- You could either rent a car as a one-way car rental or book a cr for your stay, but then you will be paying the parking fee as well. I suggest considering both options!
- Note: Most companies have drop-off locations near Port Canaveral with shuttle service to the cruise terminal.
5. Shared Shuttle Services
- Companies: Go Port, Cortrans Shuttle Service, and Cocoa Beach Shuttle.
- Cost: $30–$40 per person.
- Budget-friendly; may involve multiple stops en route to the port.
6. Hotel Shuttle Packages
- Some airport hotels offer shuttle packages to Port Canaveral as part of their stay.
- Ideal if you have an overnight layover or early arrival in Orlando.
7. Taxis
- Cost: Generally higher than ride-sharing, around $100–$150 one way.
- Reliable option but less popular due to cost and lack of app-based convenience.
8. Charter Buses
- Best suited for large groups.
- Pre-arranged service with comfortable seating and luggage storage.
9. Cruise Shuttle Services via Airlines
- Some airlines partner with cruise lines to offer shuttle services directly from MCO.
- Must be booked in advance; check with your airline or cruise provider.
Transportation from Port Canaveral to Disney World
If you are looking for transportation between Disney World and Port Canaveral, you are likely planning to experience the joy of a truly incredible Disney trip—between visiting the parks and setting sail on a Disney cruise or even another cruise line! Finding transportation from Port Canaveral to Disney World, or vice versa, can be overwhelming when you aren’t sure which options will work for your whole family.
One great thing about the Disney resort hotel to Disney cruise line transportation (Disney World to Port Canaveral or a return trip at the end!) is how easy it is for guests to stay in the magical vacation Disney Bubble throughout. However, there are plenty of options should you want to save a bit of money or look for something private or for a large group.
Travel Time: The drive between a Walt Disney World resort hotel and Port Canaveral typically takes about one hours, highly dependent on traffic in the Orlando area.
1. Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation
If you are staying at a Disney hotel before or after your cruise, and heading out on a Disney cruise vacation, this is the best option! You really stay in the Disney bubble throughout the entire trip! I’m also a huge fan of Disney transportation in general—from the transportation around the parks to the Disney cruise line shuttle bus, it’s all convenient, they have clean vehicles, and they help you leave the car at home!
- Disney offers a direct shuttle service between Port Canaveral and Disney World for cruise guests.
- Cost: Approximately $45 per person each way (subject to change).
- Comfortable, convenient, and includes luggage transfer to Disney resorts.
2. Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
- Cost: Around $70–$100 one way, depending on demand and vehicle size.
- Features: Private, direct service; options for standard, XL, or premium vehicles for families or groups.
3. Private Transfer Car Services or Shuttles
Most Private services can transport up to 14 passengers, though the amount of luggage will be important to note as well!
- Cost: $150–$250 one way, depending on vehicle type.
- Features: Direct, door-to-door service with luxury or large vehicle options.
4. Rental Cars
- Rental agencies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise, are available at MCO.
- Flexibility for additional stops or sightseeing along the way.
- Note: Most companies have drop-off locations near Port Canaveral with shuttle service to the cruise terminal.
5. Shared Shuttle Services
- Cost: $30–$40 per person.
- Budget-friendly; may involve multiple stops en route to the port.
6. Hotel Shuttle Packages
- Some airport hotels offer shuttle packages to Port Canaveral as part of their stay.
- Ideal if you have an overnight layover or early arrival in Orlando.
7. Taxis
- Cost: Generally higher than ride-sharing, around $100–$150 one way.
- Reliable option but less popular due to cost and lack of app-based convenience.
8. Charter Buses
- Best suited for large groups.
- Pre-arranged service with comfortable seating and luggage storage.
9. Hotel Shuttle Packages
- Some hotels near Port Canaveral offer shuttle services to Disney World as part of cruise stay-and-park packages.
- May include parking for your vehicle while on the cruise, which is a great benefit!
Each option varies in cost, convenience, and travel time, so choose based on your family’s needs and budget.
Transportation Between Universal Studios and Port Canaveral
Universal doesn’t offer the same style of transportation as Disney World, as they don’t have their own cruise line. So all options will be outside of Universal Studios as an entity. While this section is focused on Universal, it could work for any Orlando area resorts.
Travel Time: Universal Studios Orlando and Port Canaveral are approximately 60 miles apart, with a travel time of about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
1. Rental Cars
- Rental agencies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise, are available at MCO.
- Flexibility for additional stops or sightseeing along the way.
- Note: Most companies have drop-off locations near Port Canaveral with shuttle service to the cruise terminal.
2. Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
- Cost: Around $70–$100 one way, depending on demand and vehicle size.
- Features: Private, direct service; options for standard, XL, or premium vehicles for families or groups.
3. Private Car Services or Shuttles
Most private services can transport up to 14 passengers, though the amount of luggage will be important to note as well!
- Cost: $150–$250 one way, depending on vehicle type.
- Features: Direct, door-to-door service with luxury or large vehicle options.
- Finding a limo service would be a fun option as well! We have done this for a few vacations and it’s always been an incredible experience. I recommend looking into Happy Limousine if you go for this option!
4. Shared Shuttle Services
- Cost: $30–$40 per person.
- Budget-friendly; may involve multiple stops en route to the port.
5. Hotel Shuttle Packages
- Some airport hotels offer shuttle packages to Port Canaveral as part of their stay.
- Ideal if you have an overnight layover or early arrival in Orlando.
6. Taxis
- Cost: Generally higher than ride-sharing, around $100–$150 one way.
- Reliable option but less popular due to cost and lack of app-based convenience for anyone who has a love of digital tools (raising my hand).
7. Charter Buses
- Best suited for large groups.
- Pre-arranged service with comfortable seating and luggage storage.
8. Hotel Shuttle Packages
- Some hotels near Port Canaveral offer shuttle services to Disney World as part of cruise stay-and-park packages.
- It may include parking for your vehicle while on the cruise, which is a great benefit!
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Timing: Allow at least 2 hours for travel, especially if you’re heading to Port Canaveral on embarkation day.
- Don’t Forget Luggage: I know I already mentioned this, but it’s essential! Consider your luggage needs when choosing a transportation option, particularly for ride-sharing or shuttle services.
- Combining Stays: Many hotels near Universal or Walt Disney World offer parking packages and shuttles to Port Canaveral, which can simplify logistics.
Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly MCO to port canaveral transportation or a luxurious ride from a WDW resort, there’s an option to suit every traveler. I hope this guide gave you all the answers you were searching for and wish you smooth sailing as you are heading from Orlando airport, Disney World and Universal to Port Canaveral.
