You just landed. The humidity hits you the second you step off the plane at FLL, and honestly, all you want to do is get to your hotel in South Beach or catch your cruise at PortMiami. But here is the thing: asking how far from Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami is a bit of a trick question.
On paper? It is about 28 to 30 miles.
In reality? It’s a journey through one of the most unpredictable traffic corridors in the United States. If you time it right, you're looking at 35 minutes of smooth sailing. If you time it wrong—say, a Tuesday at 5:30 PM when there’s a minor fender-bender on I-95—you might be sitting in your Uber for an hour and twenty minutes watching the palm trees barely move.
The distance isn't the problem. The "Florida-ness" of the drive is.
The basic breakdown of the mileage
If we are talking strictly about the distance from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to downtown Miami or the Miami International Airport (MIA) area, you are looking at roughly 28 miles. Most people are headed to the cruise port or the beach, though.
To get to PortMiami, it is roughly 25 miles. To get to the heart of South Beach (around Ocean Drive), it’s about 28 miles. If you’re heading all the way down to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, you’re pushing 35 miles.
Geography in South Florida is basically a long, skinny strip jammed between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades. Because of that, everyone is funneled onto the same three north-south veins: I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, and US-1.
Why the "28 miles" can feel like 100
South Florida drivers are... unique. You have a mix of tourists who are lost, retirees who are cautious, and locals who treat I-95 like the Autobahn. When people ask how far from Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami, they are usually looking for a time estimate, not a mileage count.
On a Sunday morning at 7:00 AM, the drive is a dream. You’ll cruise down the 95 Express lanes and be at Bayside Marketplace before your coffee gets cold. But try that same drive on a weekday afternoon. The bottleneck at the Golden Glades Interchange—where I-95, the Turnpike, and Palmetto Expressway all scream at each other—is legendary for its ability to ruin a vacation schedule.
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Your transport options (and what they actually cost)
You have plenty of ways to bridge that 30-mile gap. Most people default to rideshares, but that isn't always the smartest or cheapest play.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $70 for a standard X or Lyft. If you land during a "surge"—maybe there’s a massive boat show or a music festival like Ultra—that price can easily balloon to $120. It's convenient because they pick you up right at the arrivals level, but you’re at the mercy of the traffic.
Brightline: The game changer
This is the "fancy" train. It doesn't run directly into FLL airport, but it’s close. You have to take a quick shuttle or a 10-minute Uber to the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station. From there, it’s a straight shot to Miami Central Station. It takes about 30 minutes on the train. It’s clean, has Wi-Fi, and serves drinks. If you want to avoid the stress of I-95, this is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more than the commuter rail.
Tri-Rail
This is the budget-friendly commuter train. It’s significantly cheaper (usually under $5), but it’s slower and feels more "public transit." You take a free shuttle from the FLL terminals to the Dania Beach Tri-Rail station. It works, but if you have six suitcases and three kids, it might be a headache.
Private Shuttles
Companies like GO Airport Shuttle have been around forever. They offer shared rides or private town cars. If you're a solo traveler, a shared shuttle can save you money, but you might be the last person dropped off, turning that 28-mile trip into a two-hour tour of every Marriott in Miami-Dade County.
Timing is everything: When to make the move
If you have a choice in your flight arrival time, use it.
Avoid landing between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. That is the morning rush where everyone from Broward County is heading south into the city for work.
The afternoon "window of doom" starts around 3:30 PM and doesn't really let up until 7:00 PM. On Fridays, start that clock at 2:00 PM. Everyone is trying to get out of town or get to the beach.
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If you land at 11:00 AM on a Tuesday, you've hit the sweet spot. The road is clear, the sun is out, and the 28-mile distance actually feels like 28 miles.
The PortMiami factor
A huge percentage of people asking about the distance are cruisers. If your ship sails at 4:00 PM, do not land at FLL at 1:00 PM and think you’re fine. Between deplaning, getting your luggage (which can take a while at FLL), and the potential for a wreck on the Julia Tuttle Causeway, you are cutting it way too close.
Always aim to be in the Miami area at least four hours before your "all aboard" time. Better yet, fly in the day before. The distance isn't what kills you; it's the lack of alternatives if the main highway shuts down.
Route alternatives most people miss
Usually, your GPS will shove you onto I-95. It’s the most direct route. But if the map is glowing deep red, look at the alternatives.
The Florida Turnpike is a toll road. It's often slightly less chaotic than I-95, but it sits further west. If you're going to the western parts of Miami (Doral or Kendall), the Turnpike is your best friend.
A1A (The Scenic Route)
If you aren't in a rush and want to see the ocean, take A1A. You’ll drive through Hollywood, Hallandale, and Sunny Isles. You will hit a million traffic lights and drawbridges. It will take you two hours. But you’ll see some of the most expensive real estate in the world and have a great view of the Atlantic. It's a "vibes" choice, not a "speed" choice.
US-1 (Biscayne Blvd)
Basically the middle ground. It's full of stoplights, strip malls, and local traffic. Only take this if I-95 is completely stationary.
Real talk on costs and hidden fees
Florida loves its tolls. If you rent a car at FLL to drive to Miami, the rental agency will probably try to sell you a "PlatePass" or some version of an unlimited toll package. These are usually a ripoff—charging you $10-$15 a day just for the privilege of paying tolls.
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However, you can’t pay cash on most Miami express lanes or the Turnpike. They use "SunPass." If you’re driving your own car, make sure your transponder is active. If you’re in a rental, just know that the 28-mile drive might end up costing you an extra $5 to $10 in tolls if you use the express lanes to bypass traffic.
Navigating the airports
FLL is actually a much easier airport to navigate than MIA. It’s smaller, more linear, and generally less stressful. This is why many savvy travelers choose to fly into Fort Lauderdale even if their final destination is Miami.
When you land at FLL, follow the signs to the "Rental Car Center." You actually have to take a bridge/walkway from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. If you’re in Terminal 4, there’s a shuttle. The rideshare pickup is also clearly marked and usually located on the innermost curb between the terminals.
Common misconceptions about the trip
One big mistake people make is thinking they can just "wing it" with a city bus. While there is a bus system (Broward County Transit connects to Miami-Dade Transit), it is not designed for travelers with luggage. You will be transferring multiple times and it will take three hours. Don't do it.
Another misconception: "The airport is in Miami, so FLL must be far." FLL is actually closer to North Miami than MIA is to some parts of the city. Depending on where you are staying, FLL might actually be a more convenient hub.
Planning your arrival
When calculating how far from Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami, always add a 30-minute "buffer."
- Check your GPS (Google Maps or Waze) the second you turn your phone on after landing.
- If I-95 is a mess, check the Brightline schedule immediately.
- If you're heading to a cruise, use a dedicated shuttle service for peace of mind.
- If you're on a budget, Tri-Rail is your best bet, but give yourself plenty of time.
The drive is beautiful in its own chaotic way. You'll pass the massive "Guitar Hotel" (Hard Rock) in Hollywood, which is a great landmark to let you know you're about a third of the way there. Keep your eyes on the road, watch out for sudden lane changes, and enjoy the transition from the laid-back Broward vibe to the high-energy neon of Miami.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the Brightline App: If you see heavy traffic on Google Maps upon arrival, you can book a train ticket in seconds and skip the highway entirely.
- Check the PortMiami Schedule: If there are five ships in port the day you arrive, expect rideshare prices to be higher and traffic near the tunnel to be backed up.
- Pin Your Pickup: At FLL, make sure you are in the designated rideshare zone (usually marked by a letter or number) before you request your ride to avoid cancelation fees from frustrated drivers.
- Keep Small Bills: If you happen to take a private shuttle or need a quick tip for a porter, having $5s and $1s is helpful, though almost everything else is digital now.
- Verify Your Terminal: FLL has four terminals. Ensure your return driver knows exactly which one to drop you at, as looping back around the airport circuit can add 15 minutes to your trip during busy hours.