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How to Get to Miami

How to Get to Miami

Miami Florida, USA Travel Guide

Major Airports & Airlines

Miami International Airport MIA

MIA is the main international gateway, approximately 8 miles (13 km) to the to the northwest of Downtown Miami. It handles a vast number of domestic and international flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • Major hub for Aa; focus city for Avianca, Frontier, LATAM.
  • Has extensive domestic connections and routes to other countries to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and some Asian cities.
  • High season (Dec-Apr) sees higher demand and prices; low season (Jun-Sep) has lower prices.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int. Airport FLL

Located about 25 miles (40) north of Miami, FLL often has a cheaper alternative for domestic and some international flights. Factor in additional travel time to Miami.

Airlines & Routes

  • Hub for Spirit Airlines; focus city for Allegiant Air and JetBlue.
  • Has direct flights largely from From The usa or canada cities, some Caribbean destinations, and select European routes.
  • Reasonable prices and availability during shoulder seasons (May, Oct-Nov).

Airport Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both MIA and FLL terminals.

Shopping & Dining

Both airports have a lot of restaurants, cafes, and shops, duty-inclusive-free options.

Car Rental

On-site car rental facilities or shuttle services make vehicle pick-up straightforward.

Transfer Options from Airports

From MIA Miami International Airport

  • MIA Mover & Metrorail: Free MIA Mover connects terminals to Miami Central Terminal (MIA Airport Station) for Metrorail connections to Downtown, Brickell, Coral Gables. Fares are $2.25.
  • Metrobus: Several routes link MIA to various parts of Miami-Dade County.
  • Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): Designated pick-up areas. MIA to South Beach is typically $30-50 for ride-share or a $35-45 flat rate for a taxi.
  • Car Rental: MIA Rental Car Center accessible via the MIA Mover.

From FLL Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int. Airport

  • Shared-ride shuttles: Transport passengers to Miami destinations.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Fares to Miami range from $40-80+.
  • Brightline (High-High-speed Train): Connects The Venice of america station to MiamiCentral. Requires shuttle/taxi to FLL Brightline station.
  • Broward County Transit Bus (Route 1): Connects FLL to Metrorail/Tri-Rail for Miami connections.

Airport Facilities & Services

Dining Options

Numerous restaurants, cafes, and speedy-food choices at the two MIA and FLL.

Shopping

Duty-free shops, various retail stores, and newsstands.

Lounges & Comfort

Airline-specific and independent lounges yield comfort for eligible passengers.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

When traveling within Florida or other parts of the U.S., land transportation has several choices. Miami is not a land border city for the U.S.; direct international land border crossing procedures does not apply.

Rail & Bus Options

  • Amtrak: Connects Miami's Hialeah station to East Coast cities (Orlando, NYC) via the Silver Service route.
  • Brightline: High-speed rail links MiamiCentral to The Venice of america, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Boca Raton, and Orlando International Airport. It presents a comfortable and quick travel option.
  • Greyhound/FlixBus/RedCoach: Intercity bus services serve various cities across Florida and the U.S.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a car yields flexibility for exploring Miami and beyond. Check DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid national driving license; IDP recommended if not in English.
  • Considerations: Drive on the right. Toll roads are common (SunPass recommended). Parking can be expensive and scarce.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, but expect heavy traffic during rush hour.

Safety Concerns for Driving

While roads are generally good, certain factors warrant attention for safe driving.

Safety Points

  • Expect heavy traffic, especially on I-95 during rush hour.
  • Aggressive drivers are present; maintain situational awareness.
  • Occasional heavy rain can reduce the ability to see and cause localized flooding.

Parking & Tolls

Practical Advice

  • Parking can be expensive and scarce in popular areas like Sobe.
  • Toll roads are common; consider a SunPass transponder with your rental.
  • Pay-by-phone apps like PayByPhone are widely used for street parking.

Road Safety Reminders

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Cell phone use while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.
  • There are strict speed limits.
  • A right turn on red after stopping is generally permitted unless signs indicate otherwise.
  • Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, specifically in urban areas.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise Ports & Ferry Services

Miami's coastal location makes it a prominent destination for sea travel. PortMiami is among the busiest cruise ports globally.

PortMiami Highlights

  • Serves major cruise companies (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Disney).
  • Departures go to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, and other destinations.
  • No major international car or passenger ferry services operate directly to Miami.

River Transportation & Immigration

No significant river transportation exists for tourism within Miami. The Miami River mostly caters to commercial barges and private boats.

Details

  • Immigration Procedures at Seaports: For cruise passengers, U.S. Immigration and Customs (CBP) procedures mirror airport entrys. This comprises passport inspection and possible questioning.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: PortMiami connects to The central business district Miami via a port tunnel and various bridges.
  • Taxis, ride-shares, and pre-booked shuttles are available for transfers to lodging or MIA/FLL.

Coastal Charms

Enjoy Miami's coastal scenery upon arrival, with views of the bay and city skyline.

PortMiami

A global leader in cruise operations, facilitating access to Caribbean and international waters.

Waterfront Access

The city's waterfront areas are easily accessible from the port.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

The U.S. Does not levy specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers. Any taxes are typically covered by your airfare.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights: Arrive at MIA at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at MIA at least 2 hours before departure.
  • Web check-in-in stands recommended. Prepare for TSA security screening.

Departure Facilities

Airports and train stations are equipped to handle departing travelers comfortably.

Available Services

  • Waiting areas and restrooms.
  • Dining and retail options.
  • MIA and FLL feature extensive duty-vat-free shopping for international travelers.

Travel After Departure

Flight Compensation

If your flight was delayed or canceled, you might be eligible for compensation. AirHelp assists passengers in claiming up to 600 euros.

Future Flight Deals

Stay informed about future low-cost flights from Miami to other destinations with services like Dollar Flight Club.

Continued Travel Planning

Use sources such as Skyscanner for arranging your next adventure, comparing flights and accommodation worldwide.

Final Check

Ensure all travel documents, including your passport and boarding pass, are readily available before proceeding to security.