Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Tri-Rail at Miami Airport
Quick Questions about Tri-Rail
- Where does Tri-Rail depart from? From the 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's one of the most economical and efficient ways. The train drops you off 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 the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. You can buy and reload the card at the vending machines at the Central Station.
- Is it expensive? No, it's very affordable. Fares are zone-based and significantly cheaper than a taxi or Uber for the same distance. On weekends, there's a flat rate of just USD 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
- Not a 24-hour service: service starts around 5:15-5:40am and ends relatively early in the evening (around 9:50pm-10pm). If your flight arrives very early or very late, you'll need an alternative.
- The first step is always the MIA Mover: just like with Metrobus and Metrorail, it's an essential preliminary step to reach the train station from the airport terminal.
- Frequency can be low: with trains every 40-60 minutes on weekdays (and up to 20-30 minutes during peak hours), it's 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's perfect for traveling from county to county. However, if you're traveling with many suitcases, moving them through stations can be inconvenient.
- Communication during delays: some travelers complain about the lack of clear information when there are delays or service changes, especially on weekends.
- Arrive 20 minutes early: Tri-Rail officially recommends being on the platform 20 minutes in advance — trains don't wait for delayed passengers.
Pros and Cons of Tri-Rail
- Pros:
- Avoids I-95: a real alternative to dense traffic between counties.
- Weekend flat rate: USD 5 for unlimited travel all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- Great option to FLL: connects with a free shuttle to Fort Lauderdale terminals.
- Cons:
- Not 24-hour service: no trains late at night or past midnight.
- Low frequency on weekdays: up to 60 minutes between trains outside peak hours.
- Uncomfortable with lots of luggage: stations aren't designed for groups with many suitcases.
Tri-Rail Train Service
The Tri-Rail service in Miami is a regional transportation option that connects Miami International Airport (MIA) with other major areas of South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The direct connection is made through the Miami Intermodal Center, which is linked to MIA by the free MIA Mover train.
Location and Schedules
To access Tri-Rail, head to the third level of any terminal and follow the signs to take the free MIA Mover service to the Miami Intermodal Center. Service starts approximately between 5:15 and 5:40am from the airport, and the last train departs around 9:50pm-10pm. Frequencies range from 20-30 minutes during peak hours to 40-60 minutes during off-peak times.
User experience:
Passengers value Tri-Rail as a comfortable and affordable alternative to avoid traffic and the high costs of taxis between counties. Its punctuality during regular hours is a plus. Complaints focus on the low frequency of trains on weekdays, which requires planning in advance, and that cars can get crowded during peak hours, affecting comfort with luggage.
There are reports of cigarette smoke odor in some cars, and a recurring problem of platform announcement confusion: recorded messages sometimes systematically indicate the wrong platform, something that station staff themselves acknowledge and recommend ignoring. Bike space is very limited (only 2 per car, with no securing system), so if you're traveling with one, count on it possibly not fitting.
There are specific cases of major delays (one train stopped for almost 2 hours due to a disruptive passenger and a subsequent power outage), although they are the exception rather than the rule. Compared to other options in the area, Tri-Rail is cheaper than Brightline but with less modern and comfortable trains, and more expensive than Metrorail but with better regional coverage.
Zone-Based Fares and Destinations
The system is divided into 6 zones and fares depend on the number of zones you cross.
| Destination | Fare (Weekdays) |
| Zone 1 (Hialeah Market, Opa-locka, Golden Glades) | USD2.50 |
| Zone 2 (Hollywood, Sheridan Street, Ft Lauderdale Airport) | USD3.75 |
| Zone 3 (Fort Lauderdale, Cypress Creek) | USD5.00 |
| Zone 4 (Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton) | USD6.25 |
| Zone 5 (Delray Beach, Boynton Beach) | USD7.50 |
| Zone 6 (Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Mangonia Park) | USD8.75 |
Weekend and Holiday Rates
Tri-Rail offers a flat rate of USD5.00 for unlimited travel throughout the day on weekends and holidays.
Payment Method
To travel, you need the EASY Card (the same one you use on Metrobus and Metrorail) or the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. You can purchase and reload it at the vending machines located at the Miami Intermodal Center. The physical card costs USD 2.00.
