This research discusses the different spatial configurations of the nexus between inland city and port gateway. A comparative analysis of 64 inland capital cities is proposed based on port, transport, trade, and urban indicators. The obtained trends suggest that there is a trade-off between remoteness and trade openness, which differentiates three clusters of inland cities: major logistics hubs, constrained metropolises, and underdeveloped corridors. We review more qualitatively intermodalism and port choice issues along six selected corridors.