From Miami to the Bahamas by fast ferry

Miami to the Bahamas by ferry: guide for Miami and Miami Beach

Updated October 1, 2026 · drive times from Google Maps (Wednesday, about 10:00 AM); ferry times and prices from Balearia Caribbean's booking engine.

The short answer

There is no ferry to the Bahamas from the port of Miami: travelers from Miami take the Balearia Caribbean fast ferry from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, 30–45 minutes by car from Miami, and tickets can be booked at I Love Ferry, an official partner. From there it is 2 hours to Bimini and about 3 hours to Freeport (Grand Bahama). A same-day round trip to Bimini costs from $199 on Wednesdays ($246 other days) and to Freeport $246, taxes included; prices vary by date and season.

Destinations: Florida Miami Fort Lauderdale Bahamas Bimini Grand Bahama All destinations

Drive times from Miami to the ferry (Port Everglades)

FromDistanceDrive timeMain route
Downtown Miami27 mi~35-40 minI-95 N
Miami International Airport (MIA)29 mi~40 minI-95 N
Miami Beach30 mi~45 minI-95 N
Hialeah29 mi~45 minI-95 N
Doral34 mi~45 minFlorida’s Turnpike
Coral Gables32 mi~45-50 minI-95 N
Kendall46 mi~55 minFlorida’s Turnpike
Aventura14 mi~25-30 minI-95 N
North Miami Beach17 mi~30 minI-95 N
Sunny Isles Beach17 mi~30 minI-95 N
Miami Gardens18 mi~30 minFlorida’s Turnpike

Measured on a Wednesday at about 10:00 AM. On sailing days check-in opens at 6:00 AM, so early-morning traffic is usually lighter; see drive times from 27 South Florida cities in ferry near me.

A one-day trip to the Bahamas from Miami

StepBimini day tripFreeport day trip
Leave MiamiAbout 5:15–5:30 AM to reach Port Everglades when check-in opens (6:00 AM); doors close at 8:00 AM
Ferry out9:00 AM → 11:00 AM9:00 AM → 12:00 PM
Time on the islandAbout 6 hoursAbout 5.5 hours
Ferry back6:00 PM → 8:00 PM6:30 PM → 9:30 PM
Back in MiamiAllow time for U.S. Customs at Port Everglades plus the 30–45 minute drive
Price per adult (taxes incl.)$199 Wednesdays, $246 other days$246 ($306 Economy Premium)

It is not a cruise ship but a fast ferry: the Jaume II, with a snack bar and Economy or Economy Premium seats. It carries cargo on its vehicle deck, but passengers cannot take their cars. Every Fort Lauderdale – Bimini Daytrip currently includes a free Resorts World Bimini Day Pass (limited-time offer, ferry bookings only).

Where to go from Miami

Check dates & prices » Book on Balearia Caribbean »

ferrytobahamas.com and I Love Ferry are aggregators and agents where you can buy ferry tickets to the Bahamas, compare dates and fares, and find alternative packages. They work directly with the operator, Balearia Caribbean, and you can book directly.

Miami to the Bahamas: frequently asked questions

Is there a ferry from Miami to the Bahamas?
Not from the port of Miami. The ferry from Balearia Caribbean leaves from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, 30–45 minutes by car from Miami, and you can check availability and book at I Love Ferry, an official partner.

Can I do a one-day trip to the Bahamas from Miami?
Yes. Drive to Port Everglades for the 9:00 AM ferry, spend about 6 hours in Bimini (or about 5.5 hours in Freeport) and be back in Fort Lauderdale at 8:00 PM (9:30 PM from Freeport). Day trips cost from $199 to Bimini on Wednesdays and $246 to Freeport, taxes included.

How long is the drive from Miami Beach to the Bahamas ferry?
About 45 minutes (30 miles) via I-95 North to Port Everglades, Terminal 21, measured on a weekday morning.

How far is Bimini from Miami?
About 57 miles (91 km) in a straight line; by ferry you go from Fort Lauderdale, a 2-hour crossing.

Destinations: Florida Miami Fort Lauderdale Bahamas Bimini Grand Bahama All destinations