Flying into a Baltimore or Washington D.C. airport for your cruise? Or maybe you simply don’t want to deal with the headache and expense of dealing with parking your car? Or perhaps you are taking the train into the area and need to know how to get to the port?
No matter the reason, if you’re needing transportation from anywhere in the area to your cruise ship, then we have you covered.
The good news is that you have a number of options in getting to the port. And depending on your budget, they run from relatively cheap to super stylish (and more expensive).
Below, we take you through all the options on getting to the Baltimore cruise port, so you can find the right mode of transportation for your situation.
Uber/Lyft (Recommended)
As for a mix of cost and convenience, we think rideshare services win hands-down in getting from anywhere in the area to the port. From your phone you can call a ride on demand, no matter where you are.
As well, rates are extremely affordable. When you mix a ride any time you want with a cheap price (remember, up to four people can ride with no increase in charges), we think taking an Uber or Lyft to the ship makes the most sense for most people.
Here are some example estimated rates you would pay for getting to the terminal. Note that that taxi rates include a 15% customary tip. Uber and Lyft make tipping optional.
For more on using rideshare services to the cruise port, see our write-up here for full details.
Taxis
If you don’t want to use rideshare services like Uber/Lyft, you can always take a cab from the airport or anywhere else around town. Expect the rates to be a little more expensive, but still reasonable and convenient for getting to the port.
We’ve listed the estimated taxi fare from popular areas to the Port of Baltimore in the table above.
Keep in mind that if you are coming directly from an area airport, you shouldn’t have to wait long to catch a taxi. If you are at a hotel or some other location in the area, you’ll want to call a cab in advance to give it time to come reach you before.
Cruise Shuttles
Flying into the Baltimore airport (BWI) to go to the cruise port? In the past, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offered shuttles from the airport to the cruise port. You can call to the cruise line to see if it’s an option for your cruise.
For a couple of reasons, we usually suggest going with another option than a cruise shuttle transfer, even if available. First, transfers are expensive.
For example, Carnival recently charged $25.99 per person, each way for their shuttle from BWI to the cruise port. So a family of four would pay $25.99 each ($104) just to get from the airport to the cruise port. Other options like Uber and taxis usually price based on the car, not the number of occupants, making it less expensive.
Second, cruise transfers are extremely limited. They typically run only from the airport to the terminal, and only on the day of sailing. So if you come in early or are staying at a hotel in the area, then the cruise line transfer isn’t a viable option.
If you decide anyway that you would prefer a cruise line transfer, simply contact your cruise company directly to book a reservation.
Independent Shuttles/Car Services
If you are traveling with a larger group or want to ride to your cruise in style, then your best bet is likely to look for an independent shuttle van or private car service. These providers can offer private service to the port, often for less per person than a taxi or other service, assuming you have five or more passengers. They can also give you a ride in an upscale car or even a limousine.
To be frank, the number of shuttles and car services in the area is extremely high. That means we can’t list them all here. Instead, we’ve rounded up a sample list of area companies to give you a good start to go from.
The prices quoted by these companies can vary widely depending on what sort of service you need and exactly where you are coming from. However, as a general rule expect it to be a better value the larger a group you need to transport. Be sure to shop around before selecting a service as it can save you considerable money.
One other thing to keep in mind is that the prices you are quoted won’t include gratuity, which can add on another 15-20% to your fare.
- http://www.theairportshuttle.com/baltimore_cruise_terminal
- https://thelimolady.com/airport-train-cruise-terminal/port-of-baltimore/
- https://onthetownlimousines.com/cruises/
- http://www.lastingimpressions1.com/cruise-port-service/
- http://www.amerlimo.com/
Arriving via Penn Station
If you are headed to Baltimore via train, the odds are likely that you will arrive via Baltimore Penn Station — the primary station in the city. Penn Station is only about four miles from the cruise terminal, or a 15-minute car ride.
We recommend taking either Uber/Lyft or a taxi from the train station to the port, once you arrive. Rides will cost about $15-20. Public transit to the port isn’t convenient given the location and the fact that you’ll be carrying your luggage.
Public Transportation
As mentioned above, we highly recommend taking a car over using public transit to the cruise terminal. The problem is that getting to the terminal typically involves one or more transfers, plus at least a 10-minute walk from the closest bus stop to the cruise terminal. That means what can be a 15-minute car ride turns into a longer commute.
Our suggestion? Just pay a few bucks for a cab or car, and start your trip off that much easier!
More on Cruising From Baltimore
Baltimore Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.
Dropping Off at the Port — Dropping off passengers? Not sure where to go once you get to the port? We have turn-by-turn directions to find your cruise terminal.
Baltimore Cruise Hotels — Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? We’ve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port.
