How To Get To Miami And Miami Beach From Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is Miami’s neighbor to the north by approximately 30 miles. If you’re flying in or out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or simply wish to explore more of South Florida during your visit, there are a handful of transportation options to get you to Miami and Miami Beach from Fort Lauderdale. Read on for your complete guide!

Tri-Rail Transport from the Airports

Tri-Rail is a commuter train service that runs from Palm Beach to Miami International Airport, with multiple stops along the way, including the Fort Lauderdale airport. To access Tri-Rail from the Fort Lauderdale airport, catch a shuttle at the ground transportation level to the Tri-Rail station. You can expect to pay around $3.75 per person for a one-way ticket to Miami.

The train makes six stops—Sheridan Street, Hollywood, Golden Glades, Opa-Locka, Metrorail Transfer and Hialeah Market—before reaching its terminal at Miami International Airport. It generally takes just under an hour to reach the final stop at Miami International Airport, where you can then get to your final destination in Miami via Uber, Lyft, rental car, cab or public transportation.

If you’re heading to Miami Beach from the Miami airport, the Airport Flyer offers daily express bus service every 15 to 30 minutes for about $2.65 per person one way. You’ll travel aboard a 40-foot bus equipped with luggage racks and comfortable seating. It makes stops in Miami Beach at 41st Street, Indian Creek Drive, Lincoln Road and South Pointe Drive, with travel time ranging from about 15 to 40 minutes, depending on your stop.

Traveler Tip: There are multiple apps for your mobile device that will help you navigate public transportation in Miami, including the TriRail Train Tracker, Go Miami-Dade Transit, City of Miami Trolley (available for iPhone and Android) and City of Miami Beach E-Gov.

Driving

If you’re traveling by car, getting to Miami and Miami Beach from Fort Lauderdale is simple. While the two cities are only 30 miles apart, it’s smart to schedule at least an hour to allow for traffic, which can be heavy at times, especially during rush hour. The fastest and easiest route is a straight shot down I-95. Alternatively, the Florida Turnpike runs parallel to I-95 a few miles west before reconnecting with I-95 near Miami Gardens.

For a scenic, slightly longer drive, you can hop onto A1A as far north as Dania Beach. It runs along the beaches of Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour and Miami Beach, giving direct access to resorts and attractions along the oceanfront.Group in convertible driving in Miami A good rule of thumb is to consult your favorite GPS-based app to plot your trip to Miami or Miami Beach from Fort Lauderdale and then drive safely.

Brightline High Speed Rail (Temporarily Suspended)

With its first train pulling out of Miami Central station in May 2018, Brightline revolutionized the way we travel between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The high-speed rail service connects the three cities, cutting down on travel time and offering affordable rates, which start at about $10 for a one-way trip. The service is temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, but keep Brightline in mind for future travel.

A 30-minute train ride connects the downtown urban cores of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale’s Brightline station is located at 101 NW Second Avenue, close to the area’s best museums and performing arts centers. It’s also just a few miles west of the beaches.

Miami’s Brightline station is located at 600 NW First Avenue, part of a six-block development that includes office and residential towers, as well as a Central Fare marketplace. It also serves as a hub for Miami’s Metrorail and Metromover public transportation, so getting to your final destination from Miami Central is very convenient.

Onsite parking is available at both Fort Lauderdale and Miami Brightline stations, and it’s easy to access the rest of either city by Lyft, Uber, cab or public transportation.