Let's be real. If you’re flying into South Florida, you’ve probably heard the horror stories about Miami International (MIA). It’s huge. It’s loud. The TSA lines look like they belong at a theme park on a holiday weekend. So, if your actual destination is West Palm Beach, you definitely don’t want to land in Miami unless you absolutely have to.
The short answer is Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
It is, quite literally, right there. You can be off the plane and sitting at a bar on Clematis Street in about 15 minutes if the traffic gods are smiling on you. But while PBI is the obvious winner for proximity, there’s a bit more nuance to picking the right airport for your trip than just looking at a map. Sometimes, the "closest" airport isn't the one that makes the most sense for your wallet or your schedule.
The Champion: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
PBI is basically the crown jewel of easy travel. It’s located just 2.5 to 3 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach. Honestly, if you’re staying at a hotel near the Brightline station or the waterfront, you’re looking at a 10-minute Uber ride.
Most people don't realize how chill this airport is. It’s been voted one of the best in the country by Condé Nast Traveler readers for a reason. It’s small enough that you won't get lost, but big enough to have a decent Starbucks and a putting green—yes, a real indoor 8-hole putting green—on the second level of the terminal.
The Perks of PBI
- Insane Proximity: You aren't just in the "general area." You are in the city.
- Manageable Lines: Security is usually a breeze compared to its southern neighbors.
- Rental Car Ease: The rental car desks are right there. No weird shuttle rides to a remote lot five miles away.
If you can find a direct flight here, take it. Even if it costs $50 more than a flight into Fort Lauderdale, you’ll probably save that much just on the Uber fare or the sheer value of not losing two hours of your life to I-95 traffic.
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The Runner-Up: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)
What happens if PBI is too expensive or your hometown doesn’t fly there? You look at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL).
FLL is located about 50 miles south of West Palm Beach. On a good day (read: 11:00 AM on a Tuesday), you can drive it in 50 minutes. On a bad day (any afternoon between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM), you might be staring at the taillights of a semi-truck for an hour and a half.
FLL is the land of budget carriers. If you’re flying Spirit, Southwest, or JetBlue, this is likely where you'll end up. It’s a massive hub, but it’s still significantly easier to navigate than Miami.
Getting from FLL to West Palm Beach
Don't want to drive? You have options:
- Brightline: This is the high-speed rail that changed the game. You take a quick shuttle or Uber from FLL to the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station, and it’s a smooth, 45-minute ride to downtown West Palm. It’s pricey but very "vacation vibes."
- Tri-Rail: This is the commuter train. It’s cheap (around $5-$8), but it stops everywhere. It’ll take you over an hour, and the stations aren't always in the "pretty" parts of town.
- Uber/Lyft: Expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $120 depending on the time of day.
The Last Resort: Miami International Airport (MIA)
Look, Miami International (MIA) is about 75 miles south of West Palm Beach. It’s a trek. We’re talking nearly two hours of driving if the Florida traffic is doing its usual thing.
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The only reason you should fly into MIA for a West Palm trip is if you’re coming in on a long-haul international flight or if you found a deal that is so insanely cheap it covers the cost of a rental car and a bottle of aspirin. MIA is massive, chaotic, and about as far as you can get from West Palm Beach while still being in "South Florida."
If you do end up at MIA, the Brightline is your best friend. The station is connected to the airport via the MIA Mover, and it will zip you straight to West Palm while you sip a drink in a leather seat.
Comparing the Distances (At a Glance)
| Airport | Distance to West Palm Beach | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach International (PBI) | 3 miles | 10–15 minutes |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | 51 miles | 50–90 minutes |
| Miami International (MIA) | 72 miles | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Orlando International (MCO) | 160 miles | 2.5–3 hours |
Wait, Orlando? Yeah, some people actually do this. Since the Brightline now connects Orlando (MCO) to West Palm Beach, it’s a viable—though long—alternative if you’re trying to combine a Disney trip with some beach time. The train ride from MCO to West Palm takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The "Secret" Alternative: North Perry or Stuart?
If you’re flying private or using a small charter, you might hear about places like Witham Field (SUA) in Stuart or North Perry in Hollywood. These are great for avoiding the commercial crowds, but for 99% of travelers, PBI is the only one that makes sense. Stuart is about 45 minutes north of West Palm, so it’s really only "closer" if you’re staying in Jupiter or Tequesta.
What Most People Get Wrong About West Palm Travel
The biggest mistake is underestimating the I-95 factor.
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Distance in Florida isn't measured in miles; it’s measured in "incidents." A 50-mile drive from FLL can turn into a three-hour odyssey if there’s a fender bender in Boca Raton.
When you're booking your flight, check the arrival time. If you land at FLL at 5:00 PM on a Friday, you aren't getting to West Palm Beach until well after the sun goes down. In that scenario, paying the premium to land at PBI is basically paying for your sanity.
Actionable Tips for Your Arrival
If you're heading to West Palm Beach soon, here is exactly how to handle the airport situation:
- Priority 1: Book PBI. Use a flight aggregator like Google Flights and specifically filter for PBI first. If the price difference is under $75, just book it. The Uber savings and time saved make it a wash.
- Check Brightline Schedules. If FLL is significantly cheaper, check the Brightline website immediately. See if the train departure times align with your flight arrival. If you have to wait 2 hours for a train, the "savings" are gone.
- Download the Apps. Before you land, have Uber, Lyft, and the Brightline app ready. At PBI, the rideshare pickup is incredibly easy to find right outside baggage claim.
- Avoid the "Shuttle" Traps. Many third-party websites offer "cheap airport shuttles" from MIA or FLL to West Palm. These are often shared vans that make ten stops. You’ll be the last person dropped off, and you’ll hate every second of it. Stick to the train or a private car.
Ultimately, PBI is the closest, easiest, and most pleasant way to start a trip to West Palm. It’s one of the few airports where the travel experience actually feels like part of the vacation rather than a hurdle to overcome.
Next Steps: Check your airline's direct routes into PBI; many seasonal flights from the Northeast open up between November and April, offering way more options than the standard year-round schedule.