Terminal guide
PortMiami Terminal AA Transportation
PortMiami Terminal AA is used by MSC Cruises. It is 15–30 minutes from Miami Airport ($166 for a private sedan) and 15–25 minutes from South Beach. Here is how drop-off, luggage, parking and access work.
Terminal AA at a glance
Which cruise lines use Terminal AA
Terminal AA is MSC Cruises' own building, opened in 2025 with the adjoining AAA berth, so MSC can handle more than one ship at once. It is one of the largest cruise terminals in the world, with separate check-in for MSC Yacht Club guests.
Lines here: MSC Cruises.
Terminal assignments change by ship and date — always check the terminal on your boarding pass or in the cruise line's app, and give us the letter when you book.
Getting to Terminal AA: travel times and prices
| From | Distance | Typical drive | Sedan price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Airport (MIA) | ~8–9 mi | 15–30 min | $166 |
| Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) | ~28 mi | 40–60 min | $203 |
| South Beach / Miami Beach | ~5–12 mi | 15–40 min | $113 |
| Downtown / Brickell | ~1–4 mi | 8–20 min | $113 |
| Palm Beach Airport (PBI) | ~75 mi | 75–110 min | Quote |
Every route ends on Dodge Island via the Port Boulevard bridge or the PortMiami Tunnel. The last few minutes depend on the terminal letter — another reason to give it to your driver.
Drop-off procedure
- Your chauffeur pulls into the Terminal AA passenger drop-off lane.
- Porters take tagged checked bags at the curb — keep passports, medication and valuables in your carry-on.
- You walk into the terminal for security and check-in with your carry-on only.
- Your chauffeur leaves; vehicles cannot wait at the curb.
Tip: Your documents say AA or AAA. Tell us which; the berths share the building but you want to be dropped at the right entrance.
Luggage at Terminal AA
Attach the cruise line's luggage tags before you leave the hotel or airport. Bags go to porters at the curb and are delivered to your cabin later in the day. It is customary to tip porters a few dollars per bag. Choose your vehicle by suitcase count — see the luggage and vehicle size guide.
Parking near Terminal AA
PortMiami operates parking garages and surface lots near the terminals, priced per day; current rates and the nearest garage for each terminal are on the official PortMiami website. For a seven-night cruise, parking for the whole week plus fuel and tolls often costs as much as a round-trip transfer for two — and a transfer avoids driving and parking on embarkation morning. See the PortMiami parking guide.
Accessibility
Request wheelchair assistance from your cruise line in advance; their staff meet you at the terminal entrance. Tell us about wheelchairs, walkers or scooters when you book so we provide a vehicle with space for them. Our chauffeurs help with boarding and luggage.
Cruise-day traffic
When two MSC ships turn around on the same morning the approach to AA is busy; arrive at your assigned time rather than early. Dodge Island has one main approach for passenger vehicles, so delays elsewhere on the island affect every terminal.
Transportation options to Terminal AA
Private transfer, taxi, rideshare (to the terminal's rideshare zone), cruise-line bus or your own car. Our neutral comparison: PortMiami transportation options.
Frequently asked questions
Which cruise lines use PortMiami Terminal AA?
MSC Cruises. Terminal assignments change by ship and date — always check the terminal on your boarding pass or in the cruise line's app, and give us the letter when you book.
How long does it take to get from MIA to PortMiami Terminal AA?
15–30 minutes. A private sedan costs $166, all-inclusive.
Can my driver wait at Terminal AA?
Not at the drop-off curb — it's for unloading only. On debarkation day your chauffeur waits in the ground transportation area and you text when you have your bags.
Related pages
One vehicle. One party. One flat price.
Private PortMiami transfers since 2004 — flight tracked, gratuity included, every terminal. Reserve in about two minutes.