When it comes to cruise ports, Mobile is definitely a driver’s destination. Drawing from cities ranging from Atlanta to Birmingham to Jackson, there are millions of people living within a short drive of the port. Add to this that the nearest city with a major airport is New Orleans… which already has its own cruise port.
Still, if you are in the area and looking to talk alternative transportation then you should pat yourself on the back. Not only is having someone else take care of the driving less stress on your part, but it’s also considerably cheaper than parking.
Parking at the port runs $18 per day. So only a five-day cruise, you save nearly $100 from finding alternate means to the port.
With that in mind, here is a roundup of options in getting to the Mobile cruise terminal without driving your own car.
Uber/Lyft
In our opinion, Uber and Lyft offers one of the easiest ways to get around any city and to the port, not just in Mobile. After all, there’s a good reason that the rideshare services have seemingly spread everywhere in just a few short years.
Uber and Lyft operate everywhere in the region. Rides are very affordable, especially for families (up to four people can ride for the rates listed below).
If you’ve never used these services, they are pretty simple. You download the app to your phone and request a ride. A car should arrive within just a few minutes. The entire transaction is handled on your credit card through the app — no money changes hands with the driver.
We’ve rounded up the estimated fares for Uber to get to the Alabama Cruise Terminal. (Note that the taxi fares include a customary 15% tip. Uber doesn’t use tipping.)
Taxi
There are several taxi companies in the area that can get you around town. Cabs can be hailed from the airport, or you can call to have them pick you up at other locations.
Expect cabs to cost a little more than Uber. If you are in the city limits of Mobile, then the extra cost likely won’t be a huge deal. However, you could have trouble finding a taxi willing to come pick you up if you are outside of Mobile. Charges for cabs are $2.50 charge for each pickup/drop-off plus $2.04 per mile and $18.00 per hour for waiting. Expect a cab to cost around $35 to take you from the Mobile airport to the cruise terminal.
You can contact the cab companies directly for more details.
Yellow Cab of Mobile: http://www.yellowcabofmobile.com/
A-1 Transportation and Taxi: http://taximobileal.com/
Allied Taxicabs: http://www.alliedtaxicabs.com/
Private Cars
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, usually for less per person than a taxi or other service, assuming you have a larger group (more than 6 passengers). They can also give you a ride in an upscale car or even a limousine.
We’ve rounded up a sample list of area companies to give you a good start to go from. (Note that while they have “limo” in their name, they also offer other cars/shuttle vans.)
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.
Southern Comfort Limousine: http://www.southerncomfortlimo.com/
Global Limos: http://www.globallimos.com
Cruise Line Transfers
At this time Carnival does not offer any shuttle service in Mobile like it does in other port cities.
Hotel Transportation
Several hotels in the Mobile area cater to cruise passengers. These hotels will provide transportation to and from the cruise port if you book a night with them. For more details, visit our page on Mobile cruise hotels.
More on Cruising From Mobile
Getting to the Mobile Cruise Terminal — Transportation options from airports and the Mobile area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Mobile Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.
Mobile 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.
