What time to arrive for the Bahamas ferry at Port Everglades
The ferry to Bimini and Freeport leaves from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Check-in opens 3 hours before departure and the terminal doors close 1 hour before, with no exceptions. For the usual 9:00 AM sailing, plan to be at the terminal by 7:00 AM.
No articles match those words. Try other words or contact us.
Timeline for a 9:00 AM sailing
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Check-in opens at Terminal 21. |
| By 7:00 AM | Our advice: be at the terminal, parked and with your luggage. That leaves time for the port security gate, parking and the line. |
| 8:00 AM | Terminal doors close. After this time you cannot check in and you lose the ticket. |
| 9:00 AM | The ferry sails. About 2 hours to Bimini and about 3 hours to Freeport. |
Sailing times can change by date and season, so always check the time on your booking confirmation. If your sailing is at another time, count back the same way: check-in opens 3 hours before, doors close 1 hour before.
Where the terminal is
- Address: Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (Port Everglades).
- Best entrance: the port's Eller Drive entrance, at the end of I-595 East. Its security checkpoint is open 24 hours. The other two entrances (SE 17th Street and State Road 84) open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Parking: the Palm Parking Garage serves Terminal 21. Follow the green signs with a palm frond. See parking at Port Everglades.
- Port Everglades is a cruise port with several terminals. On some dates the ferry may use a different terminal. It will be on your confirmation, and we will tell you if it changes.
At the port security gate
Every adult in the car (18 or older) shows a government photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and your travel documents: have your ferry confirmation or boarding pass ready. Vehicles can be searched, and weapons are not allowed anywhere on the port, not even inside your car.
Step by step at the terminal
- Drop off or park. If someone drops you off, use the passenger drop-off area at the terminal. Do not leave the car unattended there.
- Check in. Show your passport and boarding pass. If you checked in online, you go straight to boarding control. Get your digital boarding passes before you leave home.
- Extra luggage. Check bags over the free allowance, coolers, bikes and pets at the luggage desk and pay there.
- Boarding. Passengers who asked for assistance board first. The crossing to Bimini takes about 2 hours.
Coming back from Bimini or Freeport
- Bimini: the ferry office opens at 9:00 AM on sailing days. Check in early; boarding closes 1 hour before departure and there is no last-minute check-in.
- Freeport (Freeport Harbour, Terminal 2): check-in opens 3 hours before departure and the doors close 1 hour before.
- On a day trip, the ferry back leaves Bimini at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the season, and Freeport at 6:30 PM. Be back at the terminal at least 1 hour earlier.
- When you arrive at Port Everglades, allow at least 1 hour for U.S. customs. Read coming back through customs.
Frequently asked questions
What time should I arrive for the Bimini ferry?
At least 2 hours before departure. Check-in opens 3 hours before and the doors close 1 hour before. For a 9:00 AM sailing, be there by 7:00 AM.
What terminal does the Bahamas ferry use at Port Everglades?
Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Your confirmation shows the terminal for your date.
What happens if I arrive after the doors close?
You cannot board. The doors close 1 hour before departure and there is no late check-in. Missing the ferry is not refunded.
What do I need at the Port Everglades security gate?
A government photo ID for every adult in the car and your ferry confirmation or boarding pass.
What time does the ferry leave Bimini to come back?
On day trips, at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the season. Your booking shows the exact time.
How to get to Port Everglades from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Up to date as of October 28, 2026. Rules and fees can change, so check again close to your travel date. Written by the I Love Ferry team. Questions? Contact us.
Help template v4 · 28/10/2026