So you just landed at MIA. You're standing by the baggage claim, checking your watch, and realizing you have a connecting flight at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) in three hours. Or maybe you're heading to Port Everglades for a cruise. Either way, you're staring at a map of South Florida and wondering how a mere 30 miles can feel like a cross-country trek.
Honestly, getting from Miami Airport to FLL isn't as scary as the I-95 traffic makes it look. But if you just walk out the door and hop in the first yellow cab you see, you’re probably going to pay about $120. Sometimes more if the driver hits a "parking lot" situation near the Golden Glades Interchange.
You've got options. Real ones. From a train that costs less than a fancy latte to a high-speed rail that feels like a private club. Let's break down how you actually make this jump without losing your mind—or your entire vacation budget.
The Tri-Rail: The $5 Savior
If you want the absolute cheapest way to handle the Miami Airport to FLL trek, this is it. It’s not flashy. It’s a double-decker commuter train. But it works.
Basically, you take the MIA Mover (the free automated train at the airport) to the Miami Airport Station. From there, you buy a ticket for the Tri-Rail. On weekdays, it’s about $5; on weekends, they usually have a flat $5 all-day pass.
Why the Tri-Rail is kinda great (and kinda not)
- The Good: It bypasses all the road rage on I-95. You get a seat, there’s Wi-Fi (mostly), and you aren't paying $60 for an Uber.
- The Catch: The train doesn't actually drop you inside FLL. It drops you at the Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale Airport Station.
- The Last Mile: Once you hop off, you have to wait for a shuttle bus to take you to the terminals. It’s free, but if you just missed one, you’re standing in the South Florida humidity for 15 minutes.
Plan for about 90 minutes total door-to-door. If you're in a rush, this isn't the move. If you're a backpacker or a solo traveler with time to kill, it's the smartest five bucks you'll spend.
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Brightline: For When You’re Feeling Fancy
Everyone is talking about Brightline right now. It’s the high-speed, neon-yellow train that’s basically the "cool" older brother of the Tri-Rail.
To use it for Miami Airport to FLL, you first have to get from MIA to MiamiCentral station in downtown. You can take a $10 Uber or the Metrorail Orange Line for $2.25. Once you're at the station, the train ride to Fort Lauderdale is a lightning-fast 33 minutes.
Tickets usually start around $16 for "Smart" class (which is still nicer than most domestic first-class flights) and can go up to $70+ for "Premium" which includes snacks and drinks.
Here is the thing though: the Brightline station in Fort Lauderdale is in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It is not at the airport. You’ll still need a 10-15 minute Uber from the station to the FLL terminals. It’s a slick experience, but it’s definitely the "scenic route" for an airport transfer.
Rideshares: The Uber and Lyft Reality Check
Most people just pull out their phones and call an Uber. It’s easy. It’s direct.
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Expect to pay anywhere from $55 to $85 for an UberX. If it’s raining—and in Miami, it’s always about to rain—or if there's a massive event like Art Basel or a boat show, those prices will spike to $120 faster than you can say "surge pricing."
Pro tip: Check both Uber and Lyft. For some reason, one is often $15 cheaper than the other for this specific route. Also, look for the "Wait & Save" option on Lyft if you aren't in a panic; it can shave ten bucks off the fare.
Shared Shuttles and Private Transfers
If you’re traveling with a family of five and ten suitcases, don't even try to squeeze into a standard Uber. You’ll get rejected by the driver, and you’ll be sad.
Companies like RedCoach or Go Airport Shuttle are the "old school" way to do Miami Airport to FLL.
- RedCoach: They have a bus that runs between the airports. It’s actually pretty comfy with reclining seats and outlets. Prices vary, but it’s often around $21.
- Private Vans: If you have a big group, booking a private Sprinter van is actually cheaper per person than multiple Ubers. You’re looking at around $150-$180 total, but divide that by 8 people and it's a steal.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Timing
The distance is only about 30 miles. In a normal city, that’s 35 minutes. In South Florida, "normal" doesn't exist.
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I-95 is a chaotic beast. A single fender flare near Hollywood Boulevard can turn a 40-minute drive into a two-hour nightmare. If you are booking a flight out of FLL, do not—I repeat, do not—give yourself less than a 4-hour window between landing at MIA and your departure at FLL.
You need:
- 45 minutes to get off the plane and grab bags.
- 60-90 minutes for the actual transfer.
- 2 hours for TSA (FLL security lines can be surprisingly brutal, especially in Terminal 3).
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make this as painless as possible, follow this checklist based on your vibe:
- The Budget Hunter: Take the MIA Mover to the Airport Station, buy a $5 Tri-Rail ticket to the FLL Airport Station, and hop the free shuttle. Total cost: ~$5. Total time: 1.5 - 2 hours.
- The "I'm Over It" Traveler: Walk to the rideshare app pickup zone (follow the signs, MIA is picky about where Ubers can park), compare Uber vs. Lyft, and pay the $65 to get dropped right at your terminal. Total cost: $60-$90. Total time: 45 - 75 minutes.
- The Luxury Seeker: Take a quick car to MiamiCentral, ride Brightline Premium to Fort Lauderdale, and Uber the final 15 minutes. Total cost: ~$100. Total time: 1.5 hours (but with a cocktail in your hand).
- The Cruise Passenger: Check if your cruise line offers a shuttle. If not, don't bother with the trains; just grab an UberXL directly to Port Everglades. It’s right next to FLL anyway.
Check the Tri-Rail schedule before you land. If you land at 11:00 PM, the trains might not be running frequently, and your "cheap" plan will vanish, leaving you at the mercy of the late-night Uber rates. Stay flexible, keep an eye on the traffic apps, and remember: the Florida sun is hot, so keep a bottle of water in your bag for those shuttle bus waits.