30–40 minutes from PBI to Fort Lauderdale or Miami by rail
Tri-Rail runs every 30 minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport station to stops like Fort Lauderdale Airport and Miami Airport, with typical trips taking 30–40 minutes. This is the only rail option serving PBI and connects with the Main Terminal via a short shuttle ride.
The airport–Tri-Rail shuttle picks up outside the Main Terminal baggage claim, in the ground transportation area, and runs to the PBI Tri-Rail station in about 5–10 minutes. Look for buses marked "Tri-Rail"; they are free and run roughly every 20–30 minutes to match train times.
Tri-Rail operates roughly from 4:00 a.m. to about 10:30 p.m. on weekdays, with slightly shorter hours on weekends, and trains run at a 30-minute frequency during most of the day. Always check the specific train you want, since the last northbound or southbound run can be earlier on Saturday and Sunday.
Fares on Tri-Rail are distance-based, with typical one-way tickets from PBI to Fort Lauderdale in the $5–$7 range and PBI to Miami in the $6–$8 range. Tickets are sold at the station ticket machines before boarding, and you can also buy passes through the official Tri-Rail mobile app.
Board Tri-Rail at the PBI station and remember that airport-bound stops for FLL and MIA are "Fort Lauderdale Airport Station" and "Miami Airport Station" on the schedule. Trains have basic seating and air conditioning, and most runs include dedicated luggage space near the doors so rolling bags stay out of the aisles.
At Miami Airport Station, the ride on the MIA Mover to the terminal areas takes about 5–10 minutes, and at Fort Lauderdale Airport Station, the airport shuttle to the terminals also takes around 5–10 minutes. Build this transfer time into your plan in addition to the 30–40 minute Tri-Rail segment from PBI.
Practical tip: For a morning flight before 8:00 a.m., pull up the exact Tri-Rail timetable the night before and aim for a train that gets you to your airport station at least 90 minutes before departure.
Step by step
- 01 Take the shuttle from the airport to the Tri-Rail station.
- 02 Purchase your ticket at the station or online.
- 03 Board the train heading to your desired destination.
- 04 Enjoy the ride!
- •Not checking the train schedule in advance.
- •Forgetting to purchase a ticket before boarding.