Miami Airport to South Beach and PortMiami Cruise Transfers

From Miami Airport to South Beach or the PortMiami cruise terminals, you can take a metered taxi, a rideshare app, a public bus, a cruise line transfer, or a pre-booked private car. Taxis and rideshare pick up on the arrivals level outside baggage claim, and Miami taxis run on the meter rather than the old flat zone fares. A private car booked in advance gives you a fixed price and a driver who tracks your flight, which is especially useful when you have cruise luggage and a boarding time to meet.

This guide covers both of Miami’s big airport runs: the beach trip and the cruise port transfer. For hotels, neighborhoods and other routes in South Florida, see our Miami airport transfer guide.

Miami Airport to South Beach and PortMiami: options at a glance

Taxis at Miami International Airport

Taxi stands are on the arrivals (ground) level, outside the baggage claim areas. Older travel guides often mention flat taxi fares from MIA to South Beach and the cruise port. Miami-Dade County eliminated those flat fare zones in 2022, and the airport now lists metered rates for all trips.

What the airport lists for taxis

• A metered fare by distance and waiting time, set by Miami-Dade County
• A minimum fare for trips that start at MIA
• An airport origination fee added to the meter
• A surcharge for larger vehicles such as SUVs and vans (wheelchair-accessible taxis are exempt)
• Tolls, where your route uses them, and a tip

Because the meter runs on time as well as distance, causeway traffic on a busy weekend can add to the final amount.

Rideshare apps at MIA

The airport says ride app pickups happen on the arrivals level and the departures level, with specific doors shown in the app. Prices are dynamic and are set when you request the ride, which you do only after collecting your bags. For a family with cruise suitcases, you may need to request a larger vehicle class.

Public transport to South Beach

Miami-Dade’s Metrobus Route 150, the Miami Beach Airport Express, runs seven days a week from the Miami International Airport Metrorail station across the Julia Tuttle Causeway to Mid Beach, then continues with limited stops to South Beach along Collins Avenue, Indian Creek Drive and Washington Avenue. It does not leave from the baggage claim curb: you take the MIA Mover from the terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center, where the airport’s Metrorail station is, and board there. It is the cheapest route to the beach, but it is slow with large bags.

Miami Airport to the cruise port

Many cruise passengers fly into MIA on embarkation day. That makes the Miami Airport to cruise port transfer one of the most time-sensitive rides in the city: you need to reach the right terminal, with all your luggage, within your check-in window.

Know your cruise terminal

PortMiami has many cruise terminals, identified by letters. The port routes traffic by terminal: according to Miami-Dade County, passengers for Terminals AA, A, B, C and D should enter through the PortMiami Tunnel, while those for Terminals E, F, G, J and V should use the PortMiami Bridge. Check your cruise documents for your terminal before you land and share it with your driver.

Cruise line transfers

If you bought a transfer from your cruise line, MIA says pre-arranged cruise line transportation departs from the North bus station (Concourse D, Level 1, Door 1) or the South bus station (Concourse J, Level 1, Door 33).

Taxis and rideshare at the port

Taxis are available at the cruise terminals on cruise days, and rideshare apps use designated pickup and drop-off zones. For the return trip after disembarkation, lines can be long when several ships are in port on the same morning.

Flying in on embarkation day

Flying in on sailing day leaves little margin for delays. If you do it, choose an early flight, keep essentials and travel documents in your hand luggage, and book a car that tracks your flight so a delay does not mean starting your search for a ride from scratch.

How a pre-booked Miami transfer works

With our service, the trip from Miami Airport to South Beach or PortMiami is arranged before you fly:

• A fixed price in US dollars, shown before you book, including tolls and the airport fee.
• Your driver tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup to your actual landing time.
• The driver’s name and phone number are sent before you land.
• Meet and greet at the terminal meeting point given in your confirmation.
• Rides operated by licensed, insured local car service companies we work with.

Choosing a vehicle for cruise luggage

Cruise travelers pack more than usual, so check bag counts. A Sedan takes up to 3 passengers and 3 bags, a Minivan up to 6 passengers and 6 bags, and a Sprinter Van up to 14 passengers, which suits families and friends sailing together. Child seats are available on request.

Here are our current fixed fares from Miami International Airport to popular destinations:

If you are wondering how much to tip a driver at the end, our guide to tipping airport drivers in the USA explains what is customary.

Miami arrival and cruise checklist

• Note your hotel address or your cruise terminal letter before you fly.
• Pack passports, cruise documents and medication in your carry-on.
• Count your bags and pick a vehicle with enough space.
• For taxis, go to the arrivals level outside baggage claim.
• For a private car, read the meeting point in your confirmation.
• Keep your phone charged for your driver’s details.
• Request child seats at booking if needed.
• For the return, book your port-to-airport ride with realistic time for disembarkation.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup, local time at the pickup, which helps if your cruise schedule changes; see our refund and cancellation policy. Your card is authorized at booking and charged 24 hours before pickup. For more Miami routes, visit our Miami and South Beach transfers page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a flat taxi fare from Miami Airport to South Beach?

Not anymore. Miami-Dade County eliminated the flat fare zones for trips to and from MIA in 2022, so taxis now run on the meter. The airport lists a minimum fare for trips starting at MIA, an airport origination fee and a surcharge for larger vehicles. Tolls and tip are extra, and traffic on the causeways affects the final amount.

Where do taxis and Uber pick up at Miami Airport?

Taxi stands are on the arrivals (ground) level outside the baggage claim areas. Ride app pickups can be on the arrivals level or the departures level, and the app shows the specific door. A pre-booked private car meets you at the terminal meeting point stated in your confirmation instead.

How do I get from Miami Airport to the cruise port?

You can take a taxi, a rideshare, a cruise line transfer if you bought one, or a pre-booked private car. Cruise line coaches leave from MIA’s North bus station at Concourse D or South bus station at Concourse J. Whatever you choose, know your PortMiami terminal letter so the driver uses the right entrance.

Can I fly into Miami on the day of my cruise?

You can, but leave a generous margin. Choose an early flight, keep documents in your carry-on and check your ship’s boarding window. Booking a car that tracks your flight helps, because the driver adjusts to your actual landing time. Many travelers still prefer to arrive the day before to protect against delays and cancellations.

Is there a bus from Miami Airport to South Beach?

Yes. Metrobus Route 150, the Miami Beach Airport Express, runs from the Miami International Airport Metrorail station over the Julia Tuttle Causeway to Mid Beach and South Beach. You reach the stop by MIA Mover rather than from the baggage claim curb. It is the cheapest option but less practical with heavy luggage.

Which vehicle fits a cruise group with lots of luggage?

A Minivan takes up to 6 passengers and 6 bags, which suits most families. For bigger groups sailing together, a Sprinter Van carries up to 14 passengers. If each person has a large suitcase, choose the bigger vehicle to be safe. Child seats are available on request when you book.

Book your Miami transfer

Start your trip without a taxi line or a crowded coach: book your Miami airport transfer to South Beach or PortMiami on our home page, see the fixed price before you pay, and your driver will be tracking your flight when you land.