Miami Airport Transfers: MIA & Fort Lauderdale Guide

Miami is served by Miami International Airport (MIA) for most direct arrivals, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) approximately 30 miles to the north — a popular alternative with lower fares on many routes. Here’s how to reach Miami Beach, downtown Brickell, Wynwood, and other popular neighbourhoods from each.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

MIA is 8 miles west of South Beach and 5 miles west of downtown Miami (Brickell). The airport is centrally located relative to Miami’s main visitor neighbourhoods, making transfers faster than at many comparable US airports.

Metrorail (MIA Mover + Orange Line)

The MIA Mover is a free automated people mover connecting the Rental Car Center and all terminal areas to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), where the Metrorail Airport station is located. This connection runs 24 hours a day and takes approximately 5 minutes.

From the Airport Metrorail station, the Orange Line runs:

• South to Dadeland South (end of line), stopping at Douglas Road, Coconut Grove, Vizcaya, Brickell, Government Center, and Overtown
• North to Earlington Heights (transfer point for Green Line to Tri-Rail)

Key connections:

• Government Center — transfer to the free Metromover circulator for Brickell, Bayfront, and Arts/Entertainment District
• Brickell station — ideal for hotels in the Brickell financial district
• Coconut Grove — direct access to Grove neighbourhoods

Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $2.25 per Metrorail trip with a EASY Card. A single-use ticket is approximately $2.25 at station machines.

To reach South Beach from Metrorail: Exit at Government Center and board a Miami-Dade Transit bus to Miami Beach. The Route 150 (Airport-South Beach Flyer) runs directly between MIA and Lincoln Road/South Beach for approximately $2.65. This is the most direct transit route to Miami Beach from the airport.

Journey time to South Beach: approximately 45–65 minutes total via Metrorail and bus, depending on connections.

Route 150 Airport-South Beach Flyer

For South Beach specifically, the Route 150 bus runs directly between MIA and South Beach without requiring a Metrorail transfer. It departs from the MIA Ground Level near the Rental Car Center bus bays.

Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $2.65 one-way. Runs daily approximately 6am–11pm with departures roughly every 30 minutes. Not available overnight.

Journey time: approximately 40–60 minutes depending on traffic on the MacArthur Causeway.

Taxi

Licensed taxis are available at the Ground Transportation level of all terminals. Miami taxis are metered.

Approximate fares from MIA (as of 2026):

• South Beach (South of 5th to Lincoln Road): approximately $35–$50 before tip
• Downtown Miami / Brickell: approximately $25–$35 before tip
• Wynwood / Design District: approximately $28–$40 before tip
• Coral Gables: approximately $20–$28 before tip
• Port of Miami (cruise terminals): approximately $25–$35 before tip

All taxis at MIA charge a $2 airport surcharge. Available 24 hours.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Rideshare pickups are at the designated Ground Transportation level of each terminal. Look for the rideshare zone signs on the lower level.

Approximate fares from MIA (as of 2026):

• South Beach: approximately $25–$45
• Downtown / Brickell: approximately $18–$30
• Wynwood: approximately $22–$35
• Port of Miami: approximately $22–$32
• Fort Lauderdale (if needed): approximately $45–$70

Surge pricing is common on Friday and Saturday evenings, particularly during Art Basel (December), Ultra Music Festival (March), and Miami Grand Prix weekend (May).

Private Transfer

For a guaranteed fixed price with meet-and-greet service at arrivals, pre-booked private transfers are efficient at MIA. Drivers monitor flight delays and adjust pickup time accordingly. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] (Kiwitaxi) or compare options at [/go/transfers-usa-gettransfer] (GetTransfer) and [/go/welcome-pickups-usa] (Welcome Pickups).

Typical pre-booked transfer rates from MIA (as of 2026):

• To South Beach: approximately $55–$80 for a standard sedan
• To downtown / Brickell: approximately $45–$65
• To Fort Lauderdale: approximately $75–$100

Private transfers operate 24 hours.

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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

FLL is approximately 30 miles north of Miami Beach and 23 miles north of downtown Miami. Fares from FLL are often significantly cheaper than MIA on many US routes and budget airlines. The transfer distance to Miami adds time but is very manageable.

Tri-Rail

Tri-Rail commuter rail connects FLL to Miami via the FLL Tri-Rail station, accessible by a free shuttle from the terminal (Tri-Rail/Amtrak Shuttle, approximately 5–10 minutes, departs every 15–20 minutes).

From FLL Tri-Rail station, trains run south to Miami Airport station (approximately 35–45 minutes), where you can connect to Metrorail for downtown, Brickell, or onwards to South Beach.

Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $3.75–$6.50 each way depending on the number of zones. Day passes are approximately $10.

Direct to Miami Airport: Approximately 35–45 minutes on Tri-Rail, then allow 20–40 minutes more to reach South Beach via Metrorail and bus.

Tri-Rail runs daily approximately 4:30am–11:30pm, with trains every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes off-peak.

Rideshare

Rideshare pickups at FLL are at the designated zone on the Ground Transportation level of Terminal 1 (accessible from all terminals via internal walkways or shuttles).

Approximate rideshare fares from FLL (as of 2026):

• Miami Beach (South Beach): approximately $40–$65
• Downtown Miami / Brickell: approximately $35–$55
• Wynwood: approximately $40–$60
• Fort Lauderdale Beach / Las Olas: approximately $15–$25

Taxi

Taxis from FLL are metered. Approximate fare to Miami Beach: $70–$90 before tip, plus any tolls. Significantly more expensive than rideshare for this distance.

Private Transfer

For the FLL-to-Miami journey, a pre-booked private transfer is particularly practical — fixed pricing, no surprises on surge, and the driver meets you at arrivals. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] or [/go/welcome-pickups-usa]. Rates from FLL to Miami Beach typically run approximately $80–$110 for a standard sedan as of 2026.

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Comparing Your Options

Route	Method	Approx. cost	Approx. time
MIA → South Beach	Route 150 bus	$2.65	40–60 min
MIA → South Beach	Rideshare	$25–$45	20–35 min
MIA → South Beach	Private transfer	$55–$80	20–35 min
MIA → Brickell	Metrorail	$2.25	20–30 min
FLL → South Beach	Tri-Rail + Metro + Bus	$6–$8	75–100 min
FLL → South Beach	Rideshare	$40–$65	40–60 min
FLL → South Beach	Private transfer	$80–$110	40–55 min

Costs and times as of 2026. Traffic on causeways to Miami Beach varies significantly on weekends.

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Tips for Miami Airport Transfers

Use the Route 150 if South Beach is your destination. It is significantly cheaper than rideshare and surprisingly reliable outside peak hours. The MacArthur Causeway scenery is a pleasant start to any Miami stay.

Book ahead for event weekends. Miami hosts several major events annually (Art Basel, Ultra, Formula 1, the Calle Ocho Festival) that cause extreme rideshare surge pricing and traffic delays. Pre-booked transfers through [/go/transfers-usa] hold their price.

FLL often beats MIA on flight cost. If your accommodation is in South Beach or Brickell and you are comfortable with a 40–60 minute rideshare, flying into FLL and taking a rideshare can save considerably on airfare.

Port of Miami connections. If you are arriving or departing on a cruise, taxis and rideshares from MIA to the cruise terminals run approximately $22–$35. Allow 20–30 minutes outside rush hour.

Metrorail is excellent for Brickell. The financial district around Brickell Avenue has several Metrorail stations, making it the easiest Miami neighbourhood to access by public transit from the airport.

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