If you’ve ever looked at a map of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale and Miami look like they’re basically neighbors. In the grand scheme of the United States, they are. But if you are standing at a baggage carousel at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) and your connecting flight is at Miami International (MIA), that distance can feel like a cross-country trek if you don't time it right.
So, how far is FLL airport from MIA airport exactly?
The short answer is 21 miles as the crow flies. If you’re driving, you’re looking at roughly 28 to 30 miles depending on the route. On a perfect day with no traffic—which, let’s be honest, is a rare gift from the Florida gods—you can make the drive in 35 minutes.
But South Florida isn't known for "perfect days" on the road.
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The Reality of the I-95 Grind
The primary artery connecting these two hubs is I-95. It is a legendary stretch of concrete that can either be your best friend or your absolute worst nightmare. During peak rush hour (roughly 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM), that 30-mile drive can easily balloon into 90 minutes.
I’ve seen travelers miss international connections because they assumed "30 miles" meant "30 minutes." Don't be that person.
If you are traveling between airports on a weekday afternoon, you are fighting against thousands of commuters heading south toward the Magic City. If there’s a sudden tropical downpour—standard 3:00 PM business in Miami—traffic basically grinds to a halt. Always check a real-time app like Waze or Google Maps before you even step foot out of the terminal.
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Breaking Down Your Transit Options
Honestly, you've got plenty of ways to get across the county line. It really just comes down to your budget and how much you value your sanity.
1. Rideshares (Uber and Lyft)
This is the go-to for most people. It’s convenient, door-to-door, and you don’t have to lug your bags onto a train.
- Cost: Usually anywhere from $45 to $65 for a standard UberX or Lyft.
- Surge Pricing: If you land at FLL during a massive event (like a music festival or a major cruise departure day), expect those prices to double.
- The Pickup: FLL has very specific rideshare zones at each terminal. Follow the signs to "Ground Transportation" or "Ridesharing" on the lower level.
2. The Tri-Rail (The Budget King)
If you want to save your cash for expensive South Beach cocktails, the Tri-Rail is your best bet. It’s a commuter train that links the entire region.
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- How it works: You take a free shuttle from the FLL terminals to the Dania Beach Tri-Rail station. You ride south to the Miami Airport Station.
- Cost: Roughly $5.00. You literally cannot beat that price.
- Time: It takes about an hour once you’re on the train. Factor in another 20-30 minutes for the shuttles on both ends.
3. Brightline (The High-Speed Luxury)
Now, Brightline is the fancy new kid on the block. It’s fast, clean, and serves drinks. However, there is a catch: the stations aren't inside the airports.
- The Route: You’d have to take an Uber from FLL to the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station, ride to MiamiCentral, then Uber again to MIA.
- Verdict: It’s a great experience, but for an airport-to-airport transfer, it's often more hassle than it's worth unless you just really want to see the train.
Why the Route Matters
Most GPS apps will default to I-95 because it’s the most direct path. But if the "95" is a sea of red brake lights, look for the Florida’s Turnpike.
The Turnpike is a toll road. You’ll need a SunPass (most rentals have them built-in), but it is often much smoother and less chaotic than the free highway. Another alternative is US-441, though that involves a lot of traffic lights and is generally a "last resort" if the highways are totally closed due to an accident.
Pro Tips for the Transfer
- Buffer Time: If you are self-connecting (meaning you booked two separate tickets), give yourself at least 4 hours between landing at one and taking off at the other. You have to clear security again at the second airport, and MIA security lines can be brutal.
- The Cruise Effect: On Friday and Monday mornings, the "distance" feels longer because thousands of cruise passengers are flooding the roads and rideshare queues.
- Terminal 4 at FLL: This is where many international flights land. Customs at FLL can take a while, so don't assume you'll be in your Uber 10 minutes after landing.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning this trip right now, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check the Clock: If it’s between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, do not take a taxi or Uber unless you are okay sitting in traffic for an hour plus. Consider the Tri-Rail if you're on a tight schedule.
- Download the Apps: Get the Tri-Rail app or ensure your Uber/Lyft is updated.
- Confirm the Terminal: MIA is huge. Make sure your driver knows exactly which airline you are flying so they drop you at the right door; walking from the North Terminal to the South Terminal at MIA is a workout you don't want with suitcases.
- Book Ahead: If you prefer a private shuttle or a car service, book it at least 24 hours in advance to lock in a flat rate and avoid surge pricing.
The distance between FLL and MIA isn't just about the miles—it's about the timing. Plan for the traffic, expect the humidity, and you'll get there just fine.