Miami Airport to Fort Lauderdale Airport
Part of the full Miami in One Day: Biscayne Boulevard
Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are about 25 miles apart on Florida’s coast, and the regional commuter train links them in about an hour door to door for a few dollars, with a free shuttle at each end; a taxi up Interstate 95 takes 30 to 60 minutes.
The commuter train between the two airports
The train route has three short legs. At Miami International, take the MIA Mover, the airport’s free automated shuttle train, from the third floor of the terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center, the transport hub beside the airport, a ride of a few minutes. From the Miami Airport station there, Tri-Rail, the region’s commuter train, runs north to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport station in about 30 minutes, every 20 to 30 minutes on weekdays from early morning to mid-evening, less often at weekends, for a few dollars.
From that station, a free shuttle bus for train passengers runs to the airport terminals every 15 to 20 minutes while the trains are running. Allow about an hour to an hour and a quarter from terminal to terminal.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale’s airport has four terminals in a horseshoe around its parking garages, and the train shuttle bus calls along the terminal road, so check which one the onward airline uses before setting out.
A taxi or car up Interstate 95
By road the airports are about 25 miles apart, north up Interstate 95. A taxi takes about 30 minutes without traffic and closer to an hour at rush hour, roughly $95 to $120 on the meter; pre-booked cars and shared shuttles between the airports cost less, around $70 to $85 for a private car.
A long gap between flights in Miami
With six hours or more between flights, the main Miami guide covers a few hours in the city, and a luggage storage point keeps the bags out of the way.
How much time to leave between the two flights
Allow at least three to four hours from landing at Miami to departure from Fort Lauderdale, or the other way round: an hour to leave the plane and collect bags, an hour or so between the airports, and time to check in and clear security again. On separate tickets, a late train or a jam on Interstate 95 is your own risk, so the longer the gap, the better.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale airport?
The cheapest way is the train. Take the free MIA Mover, the airport's automated shuttle train, from the third floor of the terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center, then the Tri-Rail commuter train north to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport station, about 30 minutes, and a free shuttle bus to the terminals; allow about an hour to an hour and a quarter in all, for a few dollars. A taxi takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic on Interstate 95, roughly $95 to $120, and pre-booked cars and shared shuttles cost less.
How far is Miami airport from Fort Lauderdale airport?
About 25 miles by road, north up Interstate 95. Without traffic a car takes about 30 minutes, but the interstate is often slow at rush hour, when an hour is more realistic.
How much time do I need between flights at Miami and Fort Lauderdale?
At least three to four hours from landing to departure. Leaving the plane and collecting bags at Miami can take an hour, the transfer takes an hour or so, and Fort Lauderdale needs bags checked and passengers through security again well before the flight. On separate tickets, a missed flight is your own cost.
When do the trains between the airports run?
Tri-Rail trains run from early morning to mid-evening, roughly every 20 to 30 minutes on weekdays and less often at weekends, so check the timetable for a late arrival or an early departure; outside those hours, a taxi or a pre-booked car is the only option.