Getting from the Airport to Port of Baltimore
If you're flying in for a Port of Baltimore cruise, the airport transfer is your first decision. The main choices — a taxi or rideshare, a pre-booked private car, a shared shuttle van, a rental, and public transit where it's practical — trade off cost, speed, and how much luggage juggling you'll do. Here's how they compare.
Last updated July 9, 2026
Which airport you're coming from
BWI — Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
~11 miles to the port. About 25-30 minutes by car outside rush hour via I-195/I-95. No direct public transit runs to the terminal itself — plan on rideshare, taxi, a private/shared transfer, a rental car, or a hotel shuttle.
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Compare your options
| Option | Type | Booking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber / Lyft from BWI | Taxi / rideshare | On demand | Solo travelers and couples who want door-to-door service without pre-booking |
| Private Car/Van Transfer | Private car | Book ahead | Families or groups wanting a fixed price and a driver waiting with a name sign |
| Door-to-Door Airport Shuttle (e.g., GO Airport Shuttle) | Shared shuttle | Book ahead | Solo travelers or couples comfortable sharing a van to save money over a private transfer |
| Rental Car from BWI, drive to the terminal | Rental car | Book ahead | Travelers who want to add a pre- or post-cruise road trip, or split the driving with companions |
Our take on each option
Uber / Lyft from BWI
Best for Solo travelers and couples who want door-to-door service without pre-booking
- Type
- Taxi / rideshare
- Timing
- About 25-30 minutes outside rush hour
- Luggage
- Standard trunk space; request a larger vehicle for 3+ large suitcases
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicle options are available through both apps in the Baltimore market, subject to availability
Check current price in-app
See detailsPrivate Car/Van Transfer
Best for Families or groups wanting a fixed price and a driver waiting with a name sign
- Type
- Private car
- Timing
- About 25-30 minutes
- Luggage
- Vehicle sized to the party; specify luggage count when booking
- Accessibility
- Ask the operator about wheelchair-accessible vehicles when booking
Check current price
Check transfers via KiwitaxiDoor-to-Door Airport Shuttle (e.g., GO Airport Shuttle)
Best for Solo travelers or couples comfortable sharing a van to save money over a private transfer
- Type
- Shared shuttle
- Timing
- About 30-45 minutes with other stops
- Luggage
- One standard bag plus a carry-on per person is typical; confirm limits when booking
- Accessibility
- Contact the operator ahead of time for accessibility needs
Check current price
Check transfers via KiwitaxiRental Car from BWI, drive to the terminal
Best for Travelers who want to add a pre- or post-cruise road trip, or split the driving with companions
- Type
- Rental car
- Timing
- About 25-30 minute drive from the BWI rental center to the terminal
- Luggage
- No luggage limits beyond the vehicle's own capacity
- Accessibility
- Request hand controls or other adaptive equipment directly from the rental company in advance
Check current price
Check rental cars via DiscoverCarsBWI is only about 11 miles from the Cruise Maryland Terminal, but no direct transit line reaches South Locust Point, so getting from the airport to the pier means choosing among rideshare, a private transfer, a shared shuttle, or a rental car.
Getting from BWI to the pier
Uber or Lyft is the simplest door-to-door option for solo travelers and couples, running about 25-30 minutes outside rush hour via I-195/I-95. A private car or van transfer costs more but gets you a fixed price and a driver waiting with a name sign, which suits families or groups traveling together. A shared shuttle saves money over a private transfer in exchange for extra stops. Given how much on-site parking the terminal has, plenty of travelers within driving distance skip flying altogether and drive straight to South Locust Point instead of arranging a rental.
Timing your arrival
We recommend arriving the day before your cruise rather than flying in same-day — BWI's distance from the pier and I-95 traffic leave little room to absorb a delayed flight. If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for any of these options, confirm availability directly with the provider in advance rather than assuming.
Check current pricing with whichever operator you choose; we recommend based on traveler fit, not commission.
Port of Baltimore airport transfer FAQ
How long does it take to get from BWI to the cruise terminal?
Typically about 25-30 minutes outside rush hour, longer during peak traffic.
Is there a flat-rate taxi from the terminal to BWI?
Curbside taxi service is available at the terminal; check current price for the flat rate, which applies regardless of how many passengers share the ride.
Should I rent a car instead of flying and taking a transfer?
Since the port has ample on-site parking, many travelers within driving distance find it simpler to drive straight to the terminal rather than fly in and arrange a rental.
Sources & verification
Transfer costs, routes, and schedules change and are never guaranteed. Confirm current fares, pickup rules, and timing with the operator or the airport's ground-transportation page before you travel.