17 Most Ideal Hotels Near Jacksonville Cruise Port

Jacksonville cruise port is 7 miles from downtown and 12 miles from Jacksonville Airport (JAX). You’ll find a good choice of hotels near Jacksonville cruise port to choose from. The city is huge and widely spread out around the sprawling loops of the broad St Johns River.

Essential Things to Know

The cruise port is actually 11 miles from downtown Jacksonville which means that is you want to stay close to shopping, nightlife, museums and restaurants you will have a journey of at least 25 minutes to reach the cruise port.

It’s advisable for cruisers departing on a Bahamas cruise from Jacksonville to arrive the night before and stay overnight in a hotel before boarding the following day.

Staying in one of the hotels near Jacksonville cruise port is a good way to extend your cruise with a relaxing pre- or post-cruise visit. It is especially smart in winter when driving conditions in northern states can be tricky and could delay your planned arrival time. It also means that if there are any flight delays you will not risk missing your cruise.

Arriving the day before your cruise means you can relax and do a bit of sightseeing in Jacksonville, get a full night’s rest and enjoy breakfast before departing for the cruise port.

Some hotels include a courtesy shuttle to the Jacksonville cruise terminal and we include these in our comprehensive list of Jacksonville hotels near the cruise port.

If you arrive by air, Jacksonville hotels near the cruise port are about 11 miles away. However, hotels in the downtown area are even further from the airport. Some hotels include a courtesy airport pick-up service and/or cruise shuttle so it pays to shop around and get the most for your money.

Choosing one of the hotels near the cruise port means you are within easy reach of the beautiful sandy beaches such as Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Shopping, dining and nightlife in downtown Jacksonville means that your cruise vacation starts the moment you arrive in Jacksonville and let down your hair!

Also Read: Must-Know Things About Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking

We have a whole bunch of hotels near Jacksonville cruise port to suite every budget and requirement. Why not start your Bahamas cruise in style with a night in a luxury hotel in Jacksonville and book a limousine transfer to the cruise terminal? If you’re with a group, that could be fun and affordable.

Alternatively, pick one of our affordable budget hotels near Jacksonville cruise port and spend the money you save on trips and treats during your cruise.

We’ve divided the hotels into headings so you can quickly find the closest hotels to Jacksonville port, luxury hotels, budget-friendly hotels, hotels with parking and Jacksonville hotels with cruise port shuttle.

Browse our hotels near Jacksonville cruise port and find the best deal for you then sit back and plan what you’re going to do first on your luxury Bahamas cruise!

Closest Hotels to Jacksonville Cruise Port

Holiday Inn Express Blount Island

This modern Holiday Inn Express is just off I-295 on Blount Island near the St Johns River. It’s the closest hotel in Jacksonville to the cruise port and is just 3 minutes by taxi or hotel shuttle from cruise check-in. With comfortable rooms, a free hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, outdoor pool and spa, it really does get your cruise off to a great start! Park and Cruise packages are also available. 

• Distance from port: 1.1 miles
• Address: 10148 New Berlin Rd
• Phone number: (904) 696-333
• Shuttle? Yes

Woodspring Suites

Woodspring Suites is a mid-level hotel near Jacksonville cruise port and just off I-295 East making it very easy to find for those driving to Jacksonville. It has the advantage of offering suite accommodation for extended stays. Kitchenettes include a refrigerator, stove top, microwave and coffee makers. There’s a dining table and a sofa-bed in some suites plus TV and onsite guest laundry room.

• Distance from port:  5.9 miles
• Address: 8341 Dames Point Crossing Blvd
• Phone number: (904) 743-7100
• Shuttle? No

Candlewood Suites

Conveniently close to Jacksonville cruise port, Candlewood Suites East Merrill Road is ideal for families and groups of friends. More than just a bed for the night, the air-conditioned suites include a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, flatscreen TV and plenty of space. This hotel also has an outdoor pool, fitness center and fully equipped business center for staying in touch before and after your cruise. 

• Distance from port: 6 miles
• Address: 2700 Jane St
• Phone number: (904) 744-1244
• Shuttle? No

Hotels with Shuttle to Jacksonville Cruise Port

Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park

Enjoy a relaxing stay at Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park. This mid-range hotels has very good reviews and above average amenities with high-tech rooms including speedy Wi-Fi. There’s a pool and fitness room for working out, children’s activities and a restaurant. It’s one of the top hotels near Jacksonville cruise port with a  room-to-ship shuttle service.

• Distance from port: 12.5 miles
• Address: 4812 Deer Lake Drive West
• Phone number: (904) 998 4448
• Shuttle? Yes

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows

A little further south from the port, Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows offers beautiful upscale accommodation and includes shuttle transport to the airport and cruise port.

Recently renovated, this all-suite hotel is close to shopping and dining in downtown Jacksonville. Rooms have a refrigerator, safe and housekeeping as well as room service. Enjoy a free breakfast and make use of the gym during your stay.

• Distance from port: 18.3 miles
• Address: 9300 Baymeadows Road
• Phone number: (904) 731-3555
• Shuttle? Yes

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Jacksonville South

The smart Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Jacksonville South has spacious rooms and suites with refrigerators and microwaves for fixing snacks. This mid-price hotel includes cable TV with HBO in all rooms along with Wi-Fi, roll-away beds and blackout shades. A buffet breakfast is included and there’s always a pot of coffee in the lobby. The cruise port shuttle is another bonus!

• Distance from port: 14.4 miles
• Address: 4675 Salisbury Road
• Phone number: (904) 332-9500
• Shuttle? Yes

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson

Close to the I-95 and south of Jacksonville, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson is one of the best three star hotels near Jacksonville cruise port, within easy reach of sports stadiums and beaches. This upscale hotel has beautiful rooms, an outdoor pool for cooling off, Wi-Fi, fitness center and business center as well as a delicious hot breakfast every day.

• Distance from port: 14.3 miles
• Address: 4690 Salisbury Road
• Phone number: (904) 281-0443
• Shuttle? Yes

Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport

One of the best hotels near Jacksonville cruise port for those arriving by air is Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport. As well as being minutes from the airport, it offers a free shuttle service direct to and from the cruise terminal all included in your room price. Rooms are comfortably furnished to a high standard and the hotel has a pool, fitness center and coffee shop.

• Distance from port: 9.7 miles
• Address: 14670 Duval road
• Phone number: (904)741-4404
• Shuttle? Yes (Free)

Doubletree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport

Doubletree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport is a luxury hotel within walking distance of check-in at Jacksonville airport although it does have a shuttle service for those with luggage.

It also offers shuttle transport to Jacksonville cruise terminal. Enjoy the saltwater pool and fitness center along with delicious meals at the onsite restaurant and cool after-dinner socializing in the Frequency Lounge Bar.

Rooms and suites are immaculate and comfortable making this one of our top hotels near Jacksonville cruise port.

• Distance from port: 12.1 miles
• Address: 2101 Dixie Clipper Drive
• Phone number: (855) 605-0318
• Shuttle? Yes

Downtown Jacksonville Hotels Near Cruise Port

One of the advantages of choosing a waterfront hotel in downtown Jacksonville (besides the magnificent views of the St Johns River and boat traffic) is the Jax Water Taxi. It’s a great way to get around without having to drive and park. Tickets are just $10 and you can ride all day (not Mondays). There are 6 main stops:

• Doubletree Stop
• Hyatt Stop
• Omni Stop
• Friendship Fountain Stop
• Lexington Stop
• Arena Stop

By staying at or near one of these luxury Jacksonville hotels you are within a boat ride of Jacksonville Landing shops, Florida Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, MOSH Museum of Science and History, Southbank River Walk and River City Brewing Company.

Doubletree by Hilton Riverfront

Doubletree by Hilton Riverfront is one of the luxury hotels near Jacksonville cruise port overlooking the St Johns River. It is within easy reach of the beautiful Friendship Fountain and Southbank Riverwalk. There’s a waterfront pool and sun deck, two restaurants, fitness center and a warm welcome that includes a cookie on arrival!

• Distance from port: 11.7 miles
• Address: 1201 Riverplace Blvd
• Phone number: (904) 398-8800
• Shuttle? Yes

Omni Jacksonville Hotel

The waterfront Omni Jacksonville Hotel is a luxurious experience for guests with poolside views of the river and city skyline. It has a full service restaurant and J-Bay, fitness center and the River Taxi stops right outside!

• Distance from port: 11.2 miles
• Address: 245 Water Street
• Phone number: (904) 355-6664
• Shuttle? Yes

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is an enviably located Jacksonville hotel near the cruise port. Situated overlooking the broad St Johns River in the heart of the CBD, it is surrounded by restaurants and attractions which are served by the Jax Water Taxi.

Spacious well-appointed rooms are complemented by on-demand movies, room service, high-speed internet, fitness center, pool and lounge bar. There’s a shuttle bus to and from the airport and the cruise port making this a convenient choice for cruisers.

• Distance from port: 11.3 miles
• Address: 225E Coastline Drive
• Phone number: (904) 588-1234
• Shuttle? Yes

Budget Hotels near Jacksonville Cruise Port

Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge is one of the best value hotels near Jacksonville cruise port. This motel-style establishment has in-room coffee maker, free breakfast and shuttle to both the airport and cruise terminal. It has everything you need including Wi-Fi and cable TV.

• Distance from port: 10.1 miles
• Address: 1181 Airport Road
• Phone number: (904) 741-4000
• Shuttle? Yes

Knights Inn Jacksonville

Knights Inn Jacksonville at Harts Road is a two-star budget hotel. It is well located for visiting Jacksonville Zoo and within easy reach of the cruise port. Rooms are clean and comfortable but basic. The hotel has an outdoor pool, free Wi-fi, TV, laundry room and mini-refrigerator. Prices include breakfast.

• Distance from port: 7.5 miles
• Address: 10885 Harts Rd
• Phone number: (904) 757-6006
• Shuttle? No

Red Roof Inn Jacksonville Cruise Port

Red Roof Inn Jacksonville Cruise Port has a high reputation as one of the best budget hotels near Jacksonville cruise port for those wanting comfort and service at a fair price. Rooms are simply furnished with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. This pet-friendly hotel has an outdoor pool and free coffee is always available in the lobby. 

• Distance from port: 7.6 miles
• Address: 10901 Harts Road
• Phone number: (937) 328-4261
• Shuttle? No

Jacksonville Hotels with Stay & Cruise Parking

Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville East

Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville East is a top choice for those wanting a package that includes a night’s stay, parking for the duration of your cruise and transfers to and from the port. This modern hotel also has a pool and serves free hot breakfast.

• Distance from port: 8.5 miles
• Address: 53 Jefferson Road
• Phone number: (904) 997-9190
• Shuttle? Yes

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport

Close to the airport, Hilton Garden Inn has a pool and comfortable mid-range rooms with complimentary port transfers for those booking a Stay and Cruise package. It’s also one of the closest Hotels to Jacksonville cruise port.

• Distance from port: 9.9 miles
• Address: 13503 Ranch Road
• Phone number: (904) 421-2700
• Shuttle? Yes

Jacksonville Cruise Port Hotels FAQ