Last updated: October 11, 2026 · By Ronen, Stay Near The Venue
Miami International Airport (MIA) sits only about 8–9 miles west of the PortMiami cruise terminals on Dodge Island, so the transfer is short, but how you make it changes the cost from a couple of dollars to $40-plus. This guide covers every option, from taxi and Uber to cruise-line buses and the Metrorail-plus-trolley route. If you are still choosing where to sleep the night before, see our main guide to hotels near PortMiami.
Quick answer: A taxi or rideshare from MIA to PortMiami takes about 20–30 minutes. Miami-Dade dropped the old flat taxi fare between the airport and the port in 2022, so taxis now run on the meter, with a $15 minimum and a $2 airport fee. Expect roughly $30–$40 plus tolls and tip. Cruise-line transfers (Carnival’s start at $22.99 per person) are easiest for flights landing by late morning. The cheapest option is Metrorail ($2.25) plus the free Coral Way Trolley.
Top hotel picks at a glance
| Hotel | Location & highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Sonesta Miami Airport | 950 NW LeJeune Road, a few minutes from the terminals with a free 24-hour… | Check price |
| Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon | lakeside hotel on Blue Lagoon Drive with a free scheduled airport shuttle (listed as… | Check price |
| Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown | 340 Biscayne Blvd, across from Bayside Marketplace and about a 10-minute ride to the… | Check price |
| InterContinental Miami | 100 Chopin Plaza on Bayfront Park, with views over Biscayne Bay toward the cruise… | Check price |
| Kimpton EPIC Hotel | 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, where the Miami River meets the bay. It has a… | Check price |
| Hyatt Regency Miami | 400 SE 2nd Avenue by the James L. Knight Center, on the edge of… | Check price |
Prices change daily – tap “Check price” for live rates on your dates.
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See hotels near PortMiami – compare live prices for a pre-cruise night by the airport or in Downtown Miami.
Hotel map: live prices near PortMiami
MIA to PortMiami: options compared
| Option | Distance / time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (metered) | About 8–9 miles, 20–30 min | Groups of 3–4 with luggage, no app needed |
| Uber / Lyft | About 20–30 min | Comparing prices up front in the app |
| Cruise-line transfer | Scheduled coach, wait time varies | Solo travelers and anyone who wants a no-thinking transfer |
| Metrorail + free trolley | About 45–60 min including transfers | Light packers on a budget |
| Night before in Downtown Miami | About 10 min drive to the terminals | Anyone who would rather not fly in on sailing day |
Pre-cruise hotels near MIA (with free shuttle)
- Sonesta Miami Airport – 950 NW LeJeune Road, a few minutes from the terminals with a free 24-hour airport shuttle, and about a 20-minute drive to the port the next morning. Good for late-night arrivals.
- Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon – lakeside hotel on Blue Lagoon Drive with a free scheduled airport shuttle (listed as running 5am–12:30am). It also offers a paid cruise-terminal shuttle. Ask the front desk for current times.
Closest to the port: Downtown & Bayfront
- Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown – 340 Biscayne Blvd, across from Bayside Marketplace and about a 10-minute ride to the terminals. A practical mid-range pick for one night.
- InterContinental Miami – 100 Chopin Plaza on Bayfront Park, with views over Biscayne Bay toward the cruise ships and a short taxi hop to Dodge Island.
- Kimpton EPIC Hotel – 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, where the Miami River meets the bay. It has a 16th-floor pool deck and an evening wine hour, which makes a nice start to a vacation.
Best for Brickell & families
- Hyatt Regency Miami – 400 SE 2nd Avenue by the James L. Knight Center, on the edge of Brickell. It is a large hotel with plenty of room types, close to the Riverwalk, and roughly a 10–15-minute ride to the port.
Getting there, shuttles & parking
Taxi. Taxis wait on the arrivals (ground) level outside baggage claim. Miami-Dade Resolution R-700-22 (July 2022) removed the flat rate between MIA and the Port of Miami, along with the other flat-fare zones, so every trip now runs on the meter. The rates are $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile, $0.85 per 1/6 mile up to one mile, then $0.55 per 1/6 mile, plus $0.40 per minute of waiting. A $2 airport origination fee applies, as does a $15 minimum for trips starting at MIA. Tolls are extra, and vans or SUVs may add 30%. At those rates, our estimate for the trip to the cruise terminals is about $30–$40 before tolls and tip. Heavy traffic pushes it higher. Extra passengers and bags cost nothing extra.
Uber and Lyft. According to MIA, ride-app pickups are available on both the arrivals (level 1) and departures (level 2) curbs. The app gives you the exact door number. Uber’s MIA guide says to follow the “Ride App Pickup” signs and cross to the middle median. PortMiami has designated rideshare zones at each terminal. Prices can surge on busy weekend mornings, when several ships turn around at once.
Cruise-line transfers. PortMiami notes that most cruise lines offer a shuttle from MIA. As an example, Carnival’s MIA-to-PortMiami transfer starts at $22.99 per person. Your flight must land by 12:00pm on sailing day, and coaches run hourly from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Carnival guests meet at Terminal D Carousel 6 (American and British Airways) or Terminal J Carousel 32 (all other airlines). Other lines sell their own transfers through your booking, so check the price and flight cut-off there. A transfer only makes sense for one or two people. A family of four usually pays less in a single taxi.
Metrorail + free trolley (cheapest). Take the free MIA Mover to the MIA Metrorail station, then the Orange Line to Government Center ($2.25 a ride; Miami-Dade has approved an increase to $2.75 from January 2027). Ride the free Metromover to Freedom Tower Station and catch the free City of Miami Coral Way Trolley across the bridge to Dodge Island. The trolley runs Monday–Saturday 6:30am–11pm and Sunday 8am–8pm. Some PortMiami stops have been moved for construction, and the far terminals (A, AA/AAA) mean a long walk. It works for light packers, not for anyone hauling big suitcases.
Flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) instead? FLL is roughly 30 miles north by road, so allow at least an hour, and more when I-95 is busy. Carnival’s FLL-to-PortMiami transfer starts at $36.99 per person and requires landing by 11:30am. PortMiami also lists Brightline’s Vacation Service for cruise passengers. If your ship actually leaves from Fort Lauderdale, read our FLL to Port Everglades guide. Driving yourself? See PortMiami cruise parking.
Sources: MIA taxis & ride apps, Miami-Dade Resolution R-700-22, PortMiami directions & transportation, Carnival MIA transfer, Carnival FLL transfer, Miami-Dade transit fare guide, City of Miami trolley routes.
Tips for a smooth transfer
- Fly in the day before if you can. One delayed connection on embarkation day can cost you the cruise, and the night before is when a cheap airport or Downtown hotel pays for itself.
- Know your terminal letter before you get in the car. Most PortMiami terminals line North Cruise Blvd, from Terminal AA at No. 2200 down to Terminal G at No. 909, and Terminals V and J sit on separate streets.
- Ask for a receipt and check that the meter is running. There is no flat fare to quote any more.
- On busy Saturdays and Sundays, compare Uber, Lyft and the taxi line before you commit.
- Have a SunPass-friendly route in mind. Tolls are added on top of the fare, but you never pay more than the SunPass rate.
FAQ
Is there still a flat taxi fare from Miami Airport to PortMiami?
No. Miami-Dade County removed the MIA–Port of Miami flat rate in July 2022 (Resolution R-700-22). Taxis now charge the meter, with a $15 minimum and a $2 airport fee, plus tolls.
How far is Miami Airport from the cruise port?
About 8–9 miles by road, which is usually a 20–30-minute drive. Allow more time on weekend mornings, when many ships embark at once.
Where do I catch an Uber at MIA?
Ride-app pickups are on the arrivals (level 1) and departures (level 2) curbs. Follow the “Ride App Pickup” signs, and your app will show the exact door.
Can I take public transit from MIA to PortMiami?
Yes. Ride the MIA Mover to Metrorail, take the Orange Line to Government Center ($2.25), then the free Metromover and free Coral Way Trolley to the port. It is cheap but slow with luggage.
Is a cruise-line transfer worth it?
For solo travelers or couples, often yes. Carnival’s starts at $22.99 per person, and your bags are handled for you. For three or more people, one taxi or rideshare is usually cheaper and faster.
More venue guides
- Hotels near PortMiami
- PortMiami cruise parking
- Hotels near Port Everglades
- Fort Lauderdale Airport to Port Everglades
- Hotels near Port Canaveral
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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.
