Transportation from Ft. Lauderdale Cruise Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport

[Jordie's home alone]

On 11/14 we "self-disembarked" the Crown Princess at 7:15 am and were among the first ten parties queueing for a cab. I was surprised at the small trickle of cabs at that early point, and probably needlessly feared what the scene was like just 15 minutes later. (Oasis of the Seas was in port but only to receive hundreds of plants and trees at that point.) We were at Southwest's counter by 7:45 for a 12:45 flight and even had to sit for an hour awaiting the 4-hour checked-bag window. The terminal wait went fast as we gazed over at Oasis and the Crown Princess beyond her, imagining the new lucky, those 3000 guests boarding her as we awaited our flight.

Hey, I got off topic.

Our cabbie shared that he didn't see any way that cab capacity was ready for the post-inaugural Oasis onslaught. "Cruise line and regional officials might say everything's in place, but we're on the front lines and we know better."

Guess we'll find out.

[Wheretonext???]

Originally Posted by kiawahdon

We are flying into FFL a couple of days early and renting a car from Avis. Can we get Avis to shuttle us to the port when we return our car?

I just did this on Nov 1--took the car back to the airport, an Avis employee hopped in and drove us to the port.

[Wheretonext???]

Originally Posted by Bob and Deb

The Oasis is on the same weekly schedule as the Crown. Their innagural 7 day sail is the same day we return, 12/05/09, YIKES! We are running out of the terminal with a $100 bill and looking for a taxi to get to MIA for our 1:00pm flight back to St. Thomas.

The Oasis will have as many passengers as 2 ships. We had no problem getting taxis in Jan and there were 13 ships in port that day. Check
http://www.cruisett.com/ports.php?PortID=212 and see how many ships will be in port when you return to FLL.

You can also hire a private car to be there to pick you up--cost is about $80-90. I've done this with www.afamilylimo.com

[Langley Cruisers]

^ Not to mention, Oasis has her very own terminal. Taxis will have an easier time going exclusively to pick up Oasis passengers. I don't think it will be the headache people think it's going to be. But yeah, we'll see.

[graycottag]

<<<<Interesting! How can you take a free rental car shuttle, when you have not rented a car?>>>>

To use the rental car shuttle you need to have rented a vehicle from one of the participating rental companies. Currently National, Alamo & Hertz participate (that's as of the middle of October when I checked at the airport). It runs from 11 to 3.

[reggielew]

Hi!


If you want to get to the airport quickly and easily, GET A PORTER. He will help you find your luggage in the terminal, get you quickly through customs, and most importantly take you to a cab WITHOUT going to a cab line. This will be the best $10 (or more or less depending what you want to tip him) that you'll spend on the trip!!!

Reggie

[Colo Cruiser]

[quote=graycottag;22144317To use the rental car shuttle you need to have rented a vehicle from one of the participating rental companies. Currently National, Alamo & Hertz participate (that's as of the middle of October when I checked at the airport). It runs from 11 to 3.[/quote]


No you do not.

[graycottag]

Originally Posted by Colo Cruiser

No you do not.

possibly you got lucky... I had a couple of hours to kill while taking a flight out of FLL last month and after returning my car went to the counters of Enterprise, Avis, Dollar, Hertz and Alamo to specifically check on which company uses the shuttle as I wanted to know what companies to use from the somewhat murky info I was getting on the FLL/MIA departures board. That's where I got the information of who can use the shuttle.... plus, while I was there I had a chance to speak to one of the shuttle bus drivers while he was between trips and he told me to make sure I bring my rental car receipt with me or I won't be able to get on the shuttle unless I use the three comanies I mentioned...Alamo, National and Hertz.

Perhaps if they are empty they will take anyone, or a generous driver, but it is not a public shuttle.

I was also thrilled when I got home to be able to book a one day rental with National for $33.00.... can't beat that in early February, specially Super Bowl Weekend

[Colo Cruiser]

Originally Posted by graycottag

possibly you got lucky... I had a couple of hours to kill while taking a flight out of FLL last month and after returning my car went to the counters of Enterprise, Avis, Dollar, Hertz and Alamo to specifically check on which company uses the shuttle as I wanted to know what companies to use from the somewhat murky info I was getting on the FLL/MIA departures board. That's where I got the information of who can use the shuttle.... plus, while I was there I had a chance to speak to one of the shuttle bus drivers while he was between trips and he told me to make sure I bring my rental car receipt with me or I won't be able to get on the shuttle unless I use the three comanies I mentioned...Alamo, National and Hertz.

Perhaps if they are empty they will take anyone, or a generous driver, but it is not a public shuttle.

I was also thrilled when I got home to be able to book a one day rental with National for $33.00.... can't beat that in early February, specially Super Bowl Weekend

Oh well, we have rode it with and without a res many times and have never been asked for one.
I know the individual companies will on their own shuttle.

Anyhoo its another option for passengers.

[Langley Cruisers]

Originally Posted by Colo Cruiser

Oh well, we have rode it with and without a res many times and have never been asked for one.
I know the individual companies will on their own shuttle.

Anyhoo its another option for passengers.

I think you know it's a dishonest option, hence your use of winking smilies in this and other posts previously.

It's just embarrassing to try and get on a shuttle you are not entitled to ride for free, and get caught, and have to back peddle with family and luggage in tow. I know specifically at the Port of Miami, you must have a reservation to use the rental car shuttle bus. Too many dishonest folks were taking advantage, obviously.

[Colo Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Langley Cruisers

I think you know it's a dishonest option, hence your use of winking smilies in this and other posts previously.

It's just embarrassing to try and get on a shuttle you are not entitled to ride for free, and get caught, and have to back peddle with family and luggage in tow. I know specifically at the Port of Miami, you must have a reservation to use the rental car shuttle bus. Too many dishonest folks were taking advantage, obviously.

The shuttle is free and its in Ft Lauderdale not Miami.
Thanks for policing my comments as you seem to follow me around and comment on it each time I do.

[CruzVinnieCruz]

Originally Posted by Colo Cruiser

The shuttle is free and its in Ft Lauderdale not Miami.
Thanks for policing my comments as you seem to follow me around and comment on it each time I do.

The shuttle is not free in Ft. Lauderdale. It is paid for by the participating car rental agencies and not all of them participate. I rented from Thrifty and asked how to get to the port after turning the rental in. We were told to take the shuttle. When we boarded the driver asked for my rental slip and thats when we found out that Thrifty does not participate and we were asked to exit the shuttle. It was a little embarrassing to have the wrong information but it was no big deal to take a cab.

[Colo Cruiser]

Originally Posted by CruzVinnieCruz

The shuttle is not free in Ft. Lauderdale. It is paid for by the participating car rental agencies and not all of them participate. I rented from Thrifty and asked how to get to the port after turning the rental in. We were told to take the shuttle. When we boarded the driver asked for my rental slip and thats when we found out that Thrifty does not participate and we were asked to exit the shuttle. It was a little embarrassing to have the wrong information but it was no big deal to take a cab.

Good for you, I am flattered by all the concern for my well being.

[TERESAh]

We are going on Dec 4th cruise on Ruby and just booked our transportation to airport with SAS Transportation--SAS9897@aol.com--there are six of us in our group and we were quoted $8 each. They said just to call them when we are entering customs and they will tell us where to meet their shuttle bus.

[jewels95]

The quickest way to get to the airport is to grab a cab. The are readily available as soon as you walk outside the termianl. The fare is about $20 for the cab and you will have no problem making a noon time flight.

[Langley Cruisers]

Originally Posted by TERESAh

...there are six of us in our group and we were quoted $8 each. They said just to call them when we are entering customs and they will tell us where to meet their shuttle bus.

Well, like it's been said, a cab from the pier to the airport is about $15.00 (this includes the tip). They are very close to each other, just a few minutes' drive. Six of you times $8.00 each, plus you might tip the driver also is just more than you need to pay, IMO. I hope you'll reconsider this option; you can certainly fit 3 of you plus luggage in each of 2 cabs for a lot less money.