marisylvia

My husband and I are taking a cruise leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and will fly into Miami because we want a nonstop flight and can upgrade to Business/First with our Aadvantage miles.
I went to the MIA website to check transportation options. We will stay overnight at the Sheraton on 1140 Seabreeze Blvd. I saw that the shuttles charge $40 pp and they estimate the taxi fare at around $82, without tip. I will thus opt for the taxi, but it's always the luck of the draw in that you get stuck with whatever taxi is in the queue, and could get taken for a ride in more ways than one. We could also book a limo. Any suggestions?

Orlando_Vic

From MIA to FLL (Yes, the Fort Lauderdale Airport) you could get a 1-way car rental on Thrifty http://www.thrifty.com for much, much less. Use corporate # 004M001010 (the Orlando Magicard rate, available to all). You only other challenge will be getting from the airport to your hotel. It looks like a taxi to your hotel will run $20 https://www.starwoodhotels.com/shera...propertyID=664

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Mahya2

Why not check with your hotel to see if they have a shuttle pickup service at the airport? and from the airport to the pier? Your hotel should be able to give you names and numbers .

marisylvia

Thanks, Orlando Vic--great idea. I'd wondered about renting a car, and I really appreciate getting the corporate #.
Mahya, I'm afraid the hotel in Ft. Lauderdale won't pick us up in Miami.

Orlando_Vic

If you do decide to go with Thrifty, sign up for their Blue Chip Express Rental Program. It's free and you avoid lines at the rental counter by going directly to the car. I didn't catch on until one day I waited one hour in line at the rental counter when I could have bypassed it completely.

One other bonus: FF miles on the rental.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

J62

There is a Hertz office just up the road in Ft Lauderdale beach, and another next door at the Marriott.

You could do a 1 day rental from Hertz for

DMBTraveler

What time will you arrrive in MIA? Is it possible for you to book a room at the Sheraton (FLL)?

If so the Tri-Rail service from MIA maybe a good option for you. About $6 per person to FLL and a Sheraton Hotel is located less than 5 minutes from the FLL train stop.

To Port Everglades there is a free rental car shuttle from the airport or less than $20 by taxi from area hotels.

Tri-Rail Info:http://dmbtravelertnt.blogspot.com/2...west-palm.html

Heartburn333

If you choose to take the Tri-Rail, get off at the Ft Lauderdale Airport location. Take a cab from there to your hotel. It looks like you are staying at the Sheraton on Ft Laud beach. The fare is $5 or less per person. It will take less time than a shuttle or cab from MIA, and at a lower expense. And you won't have to deal with the South Florida traffic...YAAAY! I grew up near Ft Lauderdale and traffic in South Florida is terrible, especially if you have no idea where you are going.

Here is the website for the fare calculator which will give you access to all Tri Rail info:

http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/fare_calculator.htm

The Sheraton might have a free shuttle to Port Everglades, which is about five minutes from your hotel. It's a beautiful area of Ft Lauderdale to be staying, you'll enjoy your time there. I miss South Florida beaches... the beaches here in South Carolina don't compare.

Heartburn333

Just to clarify, the fare of $5 or less is for the Tri Rail. The cab ride will be more.

marisylvia

Thanks for more good suggestions!
We are booked at the Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort. DMBTraveler, I like your idea of using the Tri Rail service. I used the link and see that I can get service to FLL from MIA. I went to the MIA site and apparently there is a shuttle to the Tri Rail station. I'll call them tomorrow.
I haven't made my plane reservations yet.

DMBTraveler

marisylvia,

Tri-Rail offers a free shuttle from the airport to train station. Shuttle departs from airport bus terminal area (outside Term D, I think near AA arrivals) about 30 minutes before the train departs. Less than 10 mins from MIA to Tri-Rail Station. About 50 minutes from MIA-FLL on Tri-Rail.

In FLL check out Elbo Room or Blonde's for a cheap FLL Beach experience. Other nice restaurants along the beach for dining options.