The cruise industry has become a significant component of the Mediterranean tourism economy over the past several years. The use of a tourist destination region calls for an increase in the number of medium-distance trips from the ports of call to the tourist attractions of the hinterland; thus, its accessibility should acquire a relevant role for its enhancement and viability. The development of a sustainable model of tourist mobility requires analysing the potential use of public transport by cruise passengers to access the hinterland. This paper proposes a model of estimated times using the Google Maps platform to compare public transport with traditional ‘tourist buses’ and cars. The results confirm the potential of regionalisation of main cruise destinations, and promoting bicycles for tourist use is recommended as a key strategy to increase the use of public transport. •The existence of a potential tourist region for the main Mediterranean port of calls is.•Established.•Public transport may be highly competitive with resources located within a range of 60'.•Italy stands out for its great potential of tourist regionalisation.•The tourist bicycle can enhance the use of public transport in the cruise tourism hinterland.