Baltimore/Washington International Airport to Port of Baltimore
Getting from Baltimore/Washington International Airport to Port of Baltimore — 15-20 min, 10 miles
Transfer Options
Hotel Shuttle Services
Several Inner Harbor and BWI-area hotels offer park-stay-cruise packages that include a night's stay, parking for the duration of your cruise, and a shuttle to the terminal.
The Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row is the closest hotel to the terminal — you can practically walk. Staybridge Suites Inner Harbor offers a solid park-and-cruise package. Book directly with the hotel for the best package rates.
Uber/Lyft from Anywhere
Rideshare is available throughout Baltimore. The port has a designated drop-off area at the terminal entrance.
Embarkation day mornings are usually calm for pricing in Baltimore — not as much surge as busier ports. The terminal area is straightforward for drivers.
Taxi
Traditional taxis are available at BWI Airport and throughout downtown Baltimore. Flat rate from BWI to the cruise port is common.
Taxis line up at the BWI ground transportation area. Confirm the flat rate before getting in. On embarkation days, taxis are generally the same price or cheaper than surging rideshares.
From Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
BWI is about 10 miles from the cruise terminal — roughly 15-20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. This is the closest major airport and the easiest option for fly-in cruisers.
Royal Caribbean sometimes offers a shuttle from BWI — check your sailing's details on their website. Carnival does not run an airport shuttle. If you're renting a car, return it at BWI and rideshare to the port — it's cheaper than cruise parking for shorter trips.
Driving & Port Parking
Baltimore is a major drive-to cruise port for East Coasters. The terminal at South Locust Point is easy to reach from I-95 (Exit 55, Key Highway). Secured outdoor parking is on site and within walking distance of the terminal — there is no shuttle to wait for.
Baltimore port parking is still cheaper than most other cruise ports. The lots are well-lit and secured. Drop off luggage and passengers at the terminal first, then park — the shuttle will bring you back. Credit card only — no cash.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Shuttle Services | Park-stay-cruise packages: $120-250 total (hotel night + parking + shuttle) | Cruisers who want to explore Baltimore the night before |
| Uber/Lyft from Anywhere | Inner Harbor: $10-15. BWI Airport: $20-30. Federal Hill: $8-12. Washington D.C.: $60-90. | Flexibility and door-to-door service from any location |
| Taxi | BWI to port: ~$30 flat rate. Inner Harbor to port: ~$12-15. | Cruisers who prefer fixed pricing |
| From Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) | Uber/Lyft: $20-30. Taxi: ~$30 flat rate. Shuttle services: $16-25/person. | Most cruisers flying in |
| Driving & Port Parking | $25/cruise night at the terminal lot. No reservation required. Credit card only. | Cruisers driving from the mid-Atlantic, Northeast, or Southeast |
Local Tip
BWI's MARC and Amtrak trains leave from the BWI Rail Station, reached by the airport's free shuttle bus (not a walk) — follow the signage from baggage claim. Any cruise line shuttle from BWI runs a scheduled departure, not on demand, so confirm your pickup time when you book. BWI handles limited international traffic, but if you're one of those arrivals, budget 60-90 minutes for immigration and customs first. If you are flying in from outside the US, sort your entry authorization before you book: most visa-waiver travelers need an approved ESTA, it is not issued at the airport, and without one the airline will not board you. Apply through the official CBP site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — never a paid intermediary.
Once you arrive, find your terminal:
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