Getting from MIA Airport to PortMiami (2026 Guide)

Fees, policies, and figures in this guide reflect what we verified as of Oct 2026 and can change afterward. Our live tools and the data behind them are re-verified more often than the written guide.

The distance from Miami International Airport to PortMiami is 7.1 miles (11.4 km), per the port, and a taxi or rideshare from the arrivals level is the simplest way to cover it. Neither the airport nor the port publishes a drive time, and embarkation days, especially Saturday mornings, bring port traffic and causeway congestion.

If you are flying in for a cruise, here is everything you need to know about getting from MIA to PortMiami. New to cruising? See our first-time cruise tips for everything from embarkation to disembarkation.

Transport options

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): The most common option. MIA puts its ride app pickup zones on the arrival (ground) level, outside the baggage claim areas; your app shows the exact door. MIA publishes no rideshare fare or ride time, so check the quote before you book.

Taxi: Taxis wait on the arrivals (ground) level, outside baggage claim. They run on the meter: $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile, $0.85 for each additional 1/6 mile up to one mile, then $0.55 for each 1/6 mile after, plus a $2.00 airport origination fee. A trip from MIA has a $15 minimum fare, and SUVs and vans add a 30 percent surcharge.

Pre-booked shuttle: Shuttle companies run pre-booked transfers from MIA to PortMiami and set their own prices, so book in advance, especially during peak cruise season (November through April). PortMiami says most cruise lines offer shuttle service from the airport; MIA’s cruise line buses leave from the North bus station (Concourse D, level 1, Door 1) or the South bus station (Concourse J, level 1, Door 33).

Rental car: If you are driving to the port, PortMiami’s general cruise garages run $25 per vehicle per day for overnight (long-term) parking, while the dedicated cruise-line garages (Royal Caribbean’s Garage A, Norwegian’s Garage B, and MSC’s Garage AA) run $35 per day. At the $25 rate a 7-night cruise adds up to $175. Rideshare is almost always cheaper unless you need the car before or after the cruise.

PortMiami terminals

PortMiami has nine cruise terminals (lettered A through V, with Royal Caribbean’s Terminal G due to open in 2027) and is the busiest cruise port in the world. Its homeport lines include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, and Virgin Voyages, and Cunard runs roundtrip Caribbean cruises from Miami. Browse the ship database to compare ship specs and cabin sizes. Your cruise line’s embarkation terminal will be listed on your boarding documents. Confirm your terminal letter before telling your driver where to go, because the port is large enough that terminal-to-terminal walks with luggage are impractical.

What to do if your flight is delayed

Call your cruise line’s emergency embarkation number immediately. Most lines will hold boarding or arrange late check-in procedures if you notify them before the ship’s departure time. Keep your booking confirmation number on your phone, not just in your email. If you are arriving the same day as embarkation, book the earliest flight you can. A direct morning flight is the safest option.

If your delay is severe, ask the cruise line about joining the ship at the first port of call. This is a last resort and not always possible, but it is better than missing the entire sailing.

Pro tips

1. Fly in the day before. This is the single best thing you can do. A pre-cruise hotel night in Miami eliminates the stress of same-day flight delays. Miami Beach hotels and downtown options are plentiful.
2. Pack a carry-on change of clothes. If your checked luggage is delayed, you will still have what you need for embarkation day and the first evening on board.
3. Screenshot your boarding pass and terminal assignment. Port WiFi can be unreliable on busy embarkation days.
4. Do not eat at the airport. The ship’s buffet opens to boarding passengers immediately. Save your money and eat on board.
5. Tip your driver. Cash tips are customary for taxi and rideshare drivers in Miami.

Before you go

• Check our MIA airport guide for terminal info, security tips, and layover tips
• See the full PortMiami cruise port guide for parking, cruise lines, and itineraries
• Compare cruise cabin sizes by ship and category
• Pack smart with our cruise packing list
• Flying into Fort Lauderdale instead? See our FLL to Port Everglades guide