Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by Mike
PortMiami sits on an island next to downtown Miami, about 9 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA) and about 27 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Which airport you fly into changes the trip a lot, so this guide covers both.
Prices are typical figures from official and operator sources, checked in October 2026. The rideshare averages come from Uber’s published route data, last updated in December 2024, so treat them as a starting point. Rideshare and shuttle prices move with demand, especially on weekend cruise mornings.
Quick comparison
| From | Option | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIA | Rideshare (Uber or Lyft) | About $28 per car | About 25 minutes |
| MIA | Taxi | About $36 and up on the meter | About 25 minutes |
| MIA | Metrorail plus free trolley | $2.25 per person | 45 minutes or more |
| MIA | Cruise line transfer | Set by the cruise line | Varies |
| FLL | Rideshare (Uber or Lyft) | About $50 per car | About 55 minutes |
| FLL | Shared shuttle | About $30 to $35 per person | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| FLL | Brightline train plus rideshare | Train fare plus two short rides | About 1.5 hours |
| FLL | Tri-Rail plus Metrorail | A few dollars per person | About 2 hours |
From Miami International Airport (MIA)
Rideshare
For most people this is the answer. Uber’s own route data puts the average trip at about $28 and 24 minutes. Pickups are on the arrivals level and the departures level, and the app tells you which door to use.
One car costs the same for one person or four, which makes it cheaper than a per-person shuttle for almost any group.
Taxi
Taxis wait outside baggage claim on the arrivals level. Miami-Dade County eliminated the old flat fares between the airport and the port in 2022, so the trip now runs on the meter:
- $2.95 for the first sixth of a mile
- $0.85 for each additional sixth of a mile up to one mile
- $0.55 for each sixth of a mile after that
- $0.40 per minute of waiting time
- A $2 airport fee, and a $15 minimum for trips starting at MIA or the port
- A 30 percent surcharge for SUVs and vans
Over 9 miles that works out to roughly $36 before any time stuck in traffic. If someone quotes you a “flat rate,” ask for the meter. Rates are posted by Miami-Dade County and on the airport’s taxi page.
Cruise line transfers
Most cruise lines sell a bus transfer from MIA. These are pre-arranged, and pickup is at the airport’s bus stations: the North station at Concourse D, level 1, Door 1, or the South station at Concourse J, level 1, Door 33.
They are priced per person, so they suit solo travelers better than families. The advantage is that the cruise line knows you are on the way.
Public transit for $2.25
It is possible, and it is cheap, but it takes patience and a willingness to walk with your bags.
- Take the free MIA Mover from the terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center.
- Ride the Metrorail Orange Line ($2.25) to Government Center.
- From Government Center, take the free Metromover to Freedom Tower station.
- Board the free City of Miami Coral Way trolley, which crosses the bridge onto the port.
Things to know before choosing this:
- Weekends are slower. On Saturdays and Sundays the Orange Line runs only as a shuttle between the airport and Earlington Heights, where you change to the Green Line.
- The trolley does not stop at every terminal. Its port stops were relocated in August 2025 because of construction. Depending on your ship, you may have a long walk with luggage.
- Sunday trolley service starts at 8 a.m. and frequency varies, so this is a poor choice if you are cutting it close.
If you are traveling light and have time, it works. With a family and checked bags, take a car.
From Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)
FLL is often cheaper to fly into, but it is three times as far from PortMiami. Do not confuse it with Port Everglades, the Fort Lauderdale cruise port, which is right next to FLL. Check which port your ship sails from.
Rideshare
Uber’s route data puts the average FLL to PortMiami trip at about $51 and 54 minutes over 27 miles. Expect more on weekend mornings and with a larger vehicle.
Pickup points depend on your terminal. For Terminals 1 and 2, the rideshare area is between the two terminals on the arrivals level. For Terminals 3 and 4, it is in the Palm Garage. Follow the signs, since the airport moved these in 2025.
Shared shuttle
Several companies run shared vans from FLL to PortMiami, generally around $30 to $35 per person. For one or two people that can beat a rideshare. For three or more, a private car is usually cheaper and faster. Book ahead and leave a wide margin, since shared vans wait for other passengers.
Brightline train
Brightline is the fast, comfortable option, though it involves three legs:
- Airport to station. Brightline’s Fort Lauderdale station is downtown, not at the airport. Brightline runs an Airport Connector Shuttle twice an hour for $12 per person plus a $3 fuel surcharge with a same-day train ticket.
- Train. Fort Lauderdale to MiamiCentral takes about 38 minutes. Fares vary by train and how early you book.
- Station to port. MiamiCentral is about a 10-minute rideshare from the cruise terminals.
It makes the most sense if you are staying overnight in downtown Miami before sailing. Check fares on Brightline’s site.
Tri-Rail
The budget route. A free shuttle bus runs from the FLL terminals to the Fort Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail station at Dania Beach about every 15 to 20 minutes. From there, Tri-Rail runs south to Miami, where you connect to Metrorail or a Tri-Rail shuttle train into downtown, then take a short ride to the port.
Weekday fares are based on distance and come to a few dollars. On weekends and holidays Tri-Rail charges a flat $5 for the whole day. The local tourism bureau estimates about two hours for the full trip. See Tri-Rail’s site for the schedule and fare calculator.
Driving and parking at PortMiami
If you are driving in, or dropping off a rental car, here is what port parking costs. Rates are per vehicle and come from PortMiami’s parking page.
| Where | Overnight rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| County garages C, D, F and G, and Lot E | $28 per day | $10 for same-day parking with no overnight stay |
| Garage B (Norwegian) | $35 per day | Reserve through the cruise line |
| Garage AA | $35 per day | $20 for same-day parking; 7-foot clearance |
| Garage A (Royal Caribbean) | Set by the operator | Reserve through the cruise line |
| Lot E, oversized vehicles | $25 per day per space | RVs and trailers; $50 per day for two spaces |
Good to know:
- Each day or part of a day counts. A seven-night cruise spans eight calendar days, which is about $224 at $28 a day.
- No debit cards. The port accepts cash, major credit cards and traveler’s checks.
- Garages are staffed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on cruise days.
- A free shuttle between garages and terminals runs on cruise days only.
- Disabled permit holders get two hours free under county rules, and some vehicles and plates are exempt from charges. The port’s page has the details.
For a week-long cruise, parking costs far more than a rideshare from either airport. If you rented a car for a few days before sailing, return it and take a ride to the port. Our guide to the MIA Rental Car Center explains the return process.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Miami airport from the cruise port?
About 9 miles. The drive usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, longer in rush hour.
How much is an Uber from Miami airport to the Port of Miami?
Uber’s route data shows an average of about $28. Prices rise at busy times.
Is there a flat taxi rate from MIA to PortMiami?
No. Miami-Dade County eliminated flat taxi fares in 2022. Taxis run on the meter, with a $15 minimum for trips starting at the airport or the port.
Should I fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a PortMiami cruise?
MIA is much closer and the transfer is cheaper. FLL can still come out ahead if the flight savings are larger than the roughly $25 extra each way for the ride, and you have the extra hour.
Is there a free shuttle from Miami airport to the cruise port?
No. The free City of Miami trolley reaches the port, but only from downtown, and you need Metrorail to get downtown from the airport. Some hotels include airport and port shuttles in cruise packages.
The bottom line
From MIA, take a rideshare unless you are traveling solo and light. From FLL, compare a rideshare against a shared shuttle for your group size, and consider Brightline if you are spending a night in Miami first. If you have a day to spare before boarding, the free trolleys are an easy way to see downtown.
Prices and schedules were checked against official and operator sources in October 2026. They change, so confirm before you travel.
