Morning and daytime riders save the most with Tri-Rail
Tri-Rail runs from the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station to Miami Airport Station and up to West Palm Beach, making it the cheapest airport-to-airport move between FLL and MIA during the day. The station sits just west of FLL, not in Terminals 1, 2, 3, or 4, so you ride a short shuttle first before you see tracks.
From FLL terminals, follow signs for “Tri-Rail/Commuter Train” and take the free green-and-white shuttle from the lower level, which loops between Terminals 1–4 and the Fort Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail Station roughly every few minutes. The shuttle ride usually takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic around the terminal loop.
At the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station you’ll find ticket vending machines, platforms for northbound and southbound trains, and posted timetables showing first and last trains for the day. Trains run on a set schedule, with more departures in the weekday peaks and lighter service on weekends, and there is no true late‑night service, so plan earlier flights or have a backup like Uber after midnight.
Southbound trains go through Hollywood, Golden Glades, and Hialeah Market before reaching Miami Airport Station, where a people mover links you directly into MIA’s terminals after a short ride. Northbound trains hit stations such as Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, giving you a straight shot up the coast without paying I‑95 rideshare prices.
Ticket prices are based on zones from Fort Lauderdale Airport Station to your destination, and round-trips usually cost less than two separate one-way rides bought at peak walk-up fares on competing services. Buy at the machine before boarding, keep your ticket handy for onboard checks, and factor in a few minutes to learn the interface the first time you use it.
Step-by-step from FLL to Miami (MIA):
- 1. Land at FLL and exit to the lower level at Terminals 1, 2, 3, or 4.
- 2. Follow “Tri-Rail/Commuter Train” signs to the curb and board the free airport Tri-Rail shuttle.
- 3. Ride 10–15 minutes to the Fort Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail Station and get off at the main stop.
- 4. Use the ticket machine to buy a ticket to “Miami Airport” before the next southbound train arrives.
- 5. Wait on the southbound platform, checking the electronic board for train numbers and times.
- 6. Board the train, keep your ticket ready for inspection, and ride to Miami Airport Station.
- 7. At Miami Airport Station, follow signs to the MIA Mover people mover and ride a few minutes into MIA’s terminal complex.
One practical tip: pull the current Tri-Rail timetable on your phone while taxiing in at FLL so you can time your shuttle ride and avoid a 30–40 minute wait on the platform.