Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Tri-Rail at Miami Airport
The Tri-Rail is the commuter train service that connects Miami Airport (MIA) with Broward (Fort Lauderdale) and Palm Beach counties. It is the ideal option for travelers who need to cover long distances in South Florida economically and while avoiding the dense traffic of the I-95 highway.
Quick Questions about the Tri-Rail
- Where does the Tri-Rail depart from? From the Miami Central Station (Miami Intermodal Center). To get there, you must take the free MIA Mover train from Level 3 of the airport terminal.
- Is it a good option to go to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)? Yes, it is one of the most economical and efficient ways. The train leaves you at a station near FLL, from where you can take a free shuttle to the terminals.
- How do I pay? You need an EASY Card or to use the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. You can buy and reload the card at the vending machines in the Central Station.
- Is it expensive? No, it is very economical. The fares are based on zones and are significantly cheaper than a taxi or Uber for the same distance. On weekends, there is a flat rate of only $5.
- Is it punctual? Generally yes, which makes it a reliable option to avoid traffic. However, like any train service, there can be occasional delays.
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Key Points to Keep in Mind
- It is not a 24-hour service: The service ends relatively early in the evening (around 9:50 pm). If your flight arrives late, you will have to find an alternative.
- The first step is always the MIA Mover: As with the Metrobus and Metrorail, it is an indispensable preliminary step to get to the train station from the airport terminal.
- The frequency can be low: With trains every 40-60 minutes on weekdays, it is crucial to plan your trip in advance to avoid long waits at the station. Check the schedule in real-time.
- Ideal for long trips with little luggage: It is perfect for going from county to county. However, if you are traveling with many suitcases, moving them through the stations can be inconvenient.
- Communication during delays: Some travelers complain about the lack of clear information when there are delays or changes in service, especially on weekends.
Tri-Rail Train Service
The Miami Tri-Rail service is a regional transport option that connects Miami International Airport (MIA) with other main areas of South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The direct connection is made through the Miami Central Station, which is linked to MIA by the free MIA Mover train.
Location and Hours
To access the Tri-Rail, go to the third level of any of the terminals and follow the signs to take the free MIA Mover service to the Miami Central Station. The first train leaves at 3:45 am from the airport and the last one departs at 9:50 pm. Frequencies vary from 40 minutes to 1 hour.
User Experience:
Passengers value the Tri-Rail as a comfortable and economical alternative to avoid traffic and the high costs of taxis between counties. Its punctuality during regular hours is a plus. However, complaints focus on the low frequency of the trains, especially on weekdays, which requires planning well in advance. During peak hours, the trains can get crowded, affecting the comfort of traveling with luggage.
Fares by Zones and Destinations
The system is divided into 6 zones and the fares depend on the number of zones you cross.
| Destination | Fare (Weekdays) |
| Zone 1 (Hialeah Market, Opa-locka, Golden Glades) | USD 2.50 |
| Zone 2 (Hollywood, Sheridan Street, Ft Lauderdale Airport) | USD 3.75 |
| Zone 3 (Fort Lauderdale, Cypress Creek) | USD 5.00 |
| Zone 4 (Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton) | USD 6.25 |
| Zone 5 (Delray Beach, Boynton Beach) | USD 7.50 |
| Zone 6 (Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Mangonia Park) | USD 8.75 |
Weekend and Holiday Fares
The Tri-Rail has a flat rate of USD 5.00 for unlimited travel all day on weekends and holidays.
Payment Method
To travel, you need the EASY Card. You can buy and reload it at the vending machines located at the Miami Central Station. The physical card costs USD 2.00.