Last updated: October 19, 2026 · By Ronen, Stay Near The Venue
Cape Liberty Cruise Port sits at the end of a long pier on the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor in Bayonne, New Jersey, across the harbor from the Statue of Liberty. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises sail from here. Bayonne itself has very few hotels, so most cruisers stay in Jersey City, near Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or in Manhattan, then drive to the ship. If you are still choosing between New York-area ports, compare this guide with our hotels near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal guide.
Quick answer: Stay on the Jersey City waterfront (about 8.5 to 9 miles away) if you want restaurants, skyline views and light rail access, or near Newark Airport (about 9 to 11.5 miles) if you are flying in or want a park-and-cruise package. Both areas are usually a 20 to 35 minute drive to the terminal, and the official port garage costs $35 per day.
Top hotel picks at a glance
| Hotel | Location & highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson | about 8.5 miles; right on the Exchange Place waterfront with ferry, PATH and light… | Check price |
| The Westin Jersey City Newport | about 9 miles; in the Newport neighborhood near the mall, PATH and light rail.… | Check price |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Jersey City | about 20 minutes by car; a reliable mid-range option on the Newport waterfront. Good… | Check price |
| Hyatt House Jersey City | about 25 minutes by car with no bridge crossing; apartment-style rooms with kitchens. Suits… | Check price |
| Best Western Plus Newark Airport West | about 10 miles; its cruise package includes a transfer to Cape Liberty along with… | Check price |
| Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott | about 10 miles; located on the airport grounds, with a 24-hour airport shuttle and… | Check price |
| Residence Inn Newark Elizabeth/Liberty International Airport | about 20 minutes to the port; suites with kitchens, a free airport shuttle and… | Check price |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport | about 11.5 miles; two-room suites and an airport shuttle. Best for families who need… | Check price |
Prices change daily – tap “Check price” for live rates on your dates.
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See hotels near Cape Liberty Cruise Port and compare live prices on the map below.
Hotel map: live prices near Cape Liberty Cruise Port
Best areas to stay near Cape Liberty
| Area | Distance / drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bayonne | 0-3 miles; very few hotels | Only if you find a well-reviewed option close to the 34th Street light rail stop |
| Jersey City waterfront (Exchange Place, Newport) | About 8.5-9 miles; roughly 20-25 min | Dining, skyline views, light rail and PATH access, car-free travelers |
| Newark Airport / Elizabeth | About 9-11.5 miles; roughly 20-35 min | Fly-in cruisers, park-and-cruise packages, free airport shuttles |
| Staten Island | About 8-10 miles via the Bayonne Bridge | Drivers coming from the south, lower rates |
| Lower and Midtown Manhattan | About 30-40 min by car, traffic permitting | Making a city break out of your cruise |
Jersey City hotels near the light rail
Jersey City offers Manhattan views, restaurants and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail south to Bayonne. These hotels don’t run cruise shuttles, so plan on a taxi or rideshare on embarkation morning.
- Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson – about 8.5 miles; right on the Exchange Place waterfront with ferry, PATH and light rail nearby. Best for couples who want skyline views and a polished full-service hotel.
- The Westin Jersey City Newport – about 9 miles; in the Newport neighborhood near the mall, PATH and light rail. A comfortable pick for travelers who want restaurants and shopping within walking distance.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Jersey City – about 20 minutes by car; a reliable mid-range option on the Newport waterfront. Good for first-time cruisers who want a familiar brand.
- Hyatt House Jersey City – about 25 minutes by car with no bridge crossing; apartment-style rooms with kitchens. Suits families and anyone arriving a few days early. Note that it has no on-site parking.
Newark Airport hotels with park-and-cruise or shuttles
Airport hotels suit fly-in cruisers and drivers. Most include a free airport shuttle, and several sell park-and-cruise packages that keep your car at the hotel during your sailing. Terms change often, so confirm the nights of parking and any port transfer with the hotel.
- Best Western Plus Newark Airport West – about 10 miles; its cruise package includes a transfer to Cape Liberty along with parking, plus a free airport shuttle. Best for drivers who don’t want to arrange their own ride to the ship.
- Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott – about 10 miles; located on the airport grounds, with a 24-hour airport shuttle and a park-and-cruise style package. Ideal if your flight lands late the night before sailing.
- Residence Inn Newark Elizabeth/Liberty International Airport – about 20 minutes to the port; suites with kitchens, a free airport shuttle and a cruise parking package. A good fit for families and longer pre-cruise stays.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport – about 11.5 miles; two-room suites and an airport shuttle. Best for families who need space to repack luggage.
Getting there, shuttles & parking
Address: The terminal is at 14 Port Terminal Blvd, Bayonne, NJ 07002, at the end of the pier. Royal Caribbean lists the parking and drop-off entrance as 4 Port Terminal Boulevard, so either address will get your GPS to the gate.
Official parking: The garage next to the terminal costs $35 per day for cars and SUVs, taxes included, according to Royal Caribbean. No reservation is needed. The operator, SP+, lists RVs and mini buses at $70 per day and buses at $105 per day. It says payment is by credit card when you exit, with sign-up online or by QR code in the garage (SP+ Cape Liberty parking). The garage height limit is 7’4″, and taller vehicles use an open lot next door.
From Newark Airport (EWR): The port is about 9 miles from the airport. Royal Caribbean’s directions take you up the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 14A, then Route 440 South to Port Terminal Boulevard. Allow about 25 to 35 minutes, more at rush hour. Taxis and Uber or Lyft are the simplest option, and fares change with demand, so check in the app before you book.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: The nearest stop is NJ Transit’s 34th Street station in Bayonne, about 2 miles from the terminal across Route 440. Trains connect it with Exchange Place, Newport and Hoboken, but no shuttle runs from the station, so you’ll need a taxi or rideshare for the last stretch. NJ Transit raised fares on July 1, 2026, so check the current fare on the NJ Transit fare guide. Overnight parking is not permitted at the station, so don’t leave a car there for your cruise.
Tips for a smooth embarkation
- Fly in the day before. Weather and air traffic delays at EWR are common, and the ship won’t wait.
- Ask whether a hotel’s shuttle goes to the port or only to the airport. Most airport shuttles do not serve Cape Liberty.
- Bring a credit card for parking, even if you’ve read that cash is accepted. The operator’s own page lists card only.
- Leave extra time for the security checkpoint at the guard gate on turnaround days.
- Book a refundable rate with free cancellation in case your plans change.
FAQ
Are there hotels within walking distance of Cape Liberty?
No. The terminal is on a secured pier in a former military port with no hotels on the peninsula, so every option requires a drive.
How much is parking at Cape Liberty Cruise Port?
Parking costs $35 per day for standard cars and SUVs, taxes included, and no reservation is required. RVs and mini buses pay $70 per day.
How far is Cape Liberty from Newark Airport?
About 9 miles, usually a 25 to 35 minute drive via the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 440. Allow extra time on weekday mornings.
Can I take public transit to Cape Liberty?
Partly. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail takes you to the 34th Street station in Bayonne, but the terminal is still about 2 miles away, so you’ll need a taxi or rideshare for the final leg.
Is Jersey City or Newark Airport better for a pre-cruise night?
Jersey City is better for an evening out and skyline views, though parking there is limited and often paid. The Newark Airport area suits fly-in travelers and drivers who want a park-and-cruise package.
More venue guides
- Hotels near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal
- Hotels near MetLife Stadium
- Hotels near the Baltimore Cruise Port
- Hotels near the Boston Cruise Port
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We start at the venue and work outward: walking time, shuttle and transit options first, then guest review scores and value for money. Hotels can’t pay to be listed. Some links are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change daily, so always check live rates before you book.
