Hi

We're thinking of taking a cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale but it will cost much more to fly into the airport there than Miami International. Can anyone tell me if it's feasible to get from Miami International to Fort Lauderdale without renting a car and what sort of costs would we be looking at. Many thanks.

Via cab it can cost you about $70-$100. There are airport shuttles that go to Fort Lauderdale Airport, I don't know about PORT EVERGLADES, which is where I believe the ships dock. Usually it's cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale than Miami.

Ask your cruise line - they may be able to sell you a transportation voucher to Port Everglades from MIA. Many cruise lines end up using both airports anymore - I have flown into FLL for Miami cruises and MIA for Port Everglades cruises, even when the cruise line arranged the flights. The cruise line may be able to sell you a round trip voucher for $50-60 per person that will transport you and your luggage both at the beginning and at the end of the cruise.

Tri-county express is located outside baggage claim at both airports-no reservations needed. A couple of years ago we used them and at the time it was $55 per car(they use lincoln towncars). They will drop yopu at the other airport, hotel or port (at that time it was no extra charge.)They have a website.

There is commuter rail available, if you're so inclined to use it. I never have, but I think there are shuttles between each of the two airports and the nearby rail station.

$5 roundtrip weekdays per person, less on weekends

http://www.tri-rail.com/

Find out if you can rent a chaep car that can be left at Ft. Lauderdale airport. I would guess that you can get something under $25.00 per day with perhaps a small penalty, if any, for the different dropoff.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.