PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world, surpassing Port Canaveral and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. As such, the Miami International Airport is the first point of entry for millions of passengers each year.
Getting from the Miami airport to the cruise port is easy enough, with the airport located less than 10 miles away. However, not all transportation options are created equally. While some cruisers may want the cheapest options, others might want to splurge on private transfers to kickstart their vacation in luxury.
Between shuttle buses, rideshares, taxis, and private transportation, there are plenty of ways to make the short journey from the Miami airport to the "Cruise Capital of the World."
Is there a free shuttle from Miami airport to the cruise port?
While there aren't any free shuttles available directly from the Miami airport to PortMiami, select hotels offer complimentary transportation for their guests. These include the Comfort Inn Suites Miami Airport and Comfort Suites Miami Airport North.
While not luxury hotels, they're convenient and budget-friendly options for cruisers who don't want to bother with arranging transportation. In addition to the free cruise shuttle, they also offer complimentary airport shuttles from 6:00am to midnight, making getting to their hotel after a long travel day hassle-free.
While not free, many hotels offer shuttles for an extra cost. For example, you can reserve a shuttle from the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon to PortMiami for $14 per person.
To arrange your pre-cruise transfer from the hotel to PortMiami, register at the front desk during check-in.
Read more: Where to stay in Miami before a cruise (with a shuttle)
What's the distance from the Miami airport to the cruise port?
Miami International Airport (MIA) is roughly 8 miles from PortMiami. As such, it's the most convenient airport for cruisers sailing from Miami.
However, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is also a viable option, especially since travelers may find cheaper flights or better departure times. FLL is located about 30 miles north of PortMiami, with the drive typically taking 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
The drive from MIA to PortMiami is shorter, at roughly 15 minutes. However, as the busiest cruise port in the world, traffic is a major concern, especially with MSC World America and Icon of the Seas, two of the largest ships in the world, departing on the same day each week — it's not uncommon for over 40,000 people to be disembarking and embarking within hours of each other.
Read more: Royal Caribbean offers clever solution for annoying problem at world's busiest cruise port
Ways to get from the Miami airport to the cruise port
First, you can take a taxi from the Miami airport to PortMiami. While taxis don't have set prices, you can expect a one-way fare to generally cost between $30 and $50.
Miami-Dade County used to charge a fixed $27 for rides from MIA to PortMiami. However, flat rates were abolished in 2022. Now, the metered rate is calculated at $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile, followed by $0.85 for each additional 1/6 mile until 1 mile and $0.55 for each 1/6 mile after that.
Additionally, there's a minimum fare of $15 for trips originating at MIA or PortMiami.
My preferred way to get to PortMiami is through rideshare, whether Lyft or Uber. Typically, I'll check both apps to see which is more affordable. Like taxis, the fare varies based on the demand and traffic conditions; however, fares usually cost around $20 to $40.
For example, I paid $23.62 for a Lyft ride from my pre-cruise hotel in Miami to PortMiami in November 2024 before my 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas. Most recently, my partner and I paid $30.97 for an Uber from our airport hotel to Terminal A when boarding our weeklong cruise aboard Icon of the Seas. Our Uber after disembarkation to MIA was slightly cheaper, coming in at $22.93.
If you're coming from FLL, don't be surprised if a rideshare costs anywhere from $50 to $80, as the drive is longer. For instance, after disembarking Allure of the Seas, my 40-minute ride to Fort Lauderdale was $63.92.
One advantage to taxis over rideshares is that if you have a larger group, you can choose a vehicle that will accommodate everyone in your party, whereas rideshares typically charge more for bigger cars.
Shuttle buses are another option. However, they're not as convenient, as you must wait for the bus to fill up before making your way to the cruise port. However, if you're traveling with a lot of people as part of a family reunion, it's easier than arranging multiple rideshares.
Reputable companies include Port Miami Shuttle, which charges $12 per person if you are booking for 5 to 7 people or $10 per person if you have 10 or more people in your party. Express Shuttle Miami also lets groups book a private shuttle from MIA to PortMiami.
Additionally, cruise lines offer day-of transportation from Miami International Airport. Carnival, for example, charges $22.99 per person for its service.
What about public transportation? In cities like New York, it's easy to navigate from major airports to the cruise terminal for less than $5 per person. Still, it's possible to take public transportation to get close to the cruise port, but it won't drop you off directly at your terminal.
First, you'll have to take the MIA Mover to the Miami International Airport Station, then board a train to Government Center, costing $2.25 per person. From there, you'll have to hail a taxi or schedule a rideshare to get you to the terminal, as the Government Center Station is roughly two miles from PortMiami.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
