Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL to PortMiami via Tri-Rail offers the cheapest transportation options for cruise passengers. It may not be the most convenient but you do not have to deal with rush hour traffic and you can save a good bit of money.
How long will FLL to PortMiami take?
- The FREE shuttle bus from FLL to the Tri-Rail Station – about 15 minutes
- The main Tri-Rail section of the ride – about 30 minutes
- The Downtown Miami Link from MetroRail Transfer Station to Miami Central Station – about 20 minutes – NOTE this transfer link will be replaced with DIRECT service later in 2024!
- From Miami Central Station to PortMiami via a rideshare service – about 10 minutes
- Waiting Time? Add 20-30 minutes to be safe
Total travel time = about 1h45mins
How much will FLL to PortMiami with Tri-Rail cost?
In early 2024:
- Current Tri-Rail Weekend Flat Fare – $5 per person ($2.50 for seniors)
- Weekday Fare – $3.75 (because it covers 2 Zones and the transfer to Miami Central is included)
- UberXL – $12
How does Tri-Rail compare to other transfers?
With two people traveling, a taxi or private sedan fare from FLL is roughly $43 per person, a shared shuttle about $25 pp and Uber roughly $23 pp. Then consider the tip as well.
A road transfer takes 45 minutes to an hour but is very traffic-dependent.
The question is, can you and your party handle the following challenges:
- Lifting and pulling luggage into a transfer bus at FLL, off the bus, into the train, off the train then onto another train, off the train, into elevators or up and down escalators, into an Uber, and out of an Uber
- Waiting outside (under cover) in the Florida heat
Route Map
In the map below you can trace the complete route from FLL to PortMiami.
How to Tri-Rail from Fort Lauderdale Airport to PortMiami
Fort Lauderdale Airport Procedure
You may want to purchase water and/or a snack for your train trip.
Once you claimed your luggage, look for the signs to Ground Transportation then step outside looking for the Tri-Rail bus stop.
There are 3 stops – at the west end of Terminal 1, between Terminals 2 and 3, and between Terminals 3 and 4. The bus arrives at Stop 1 then Stop 2 then Stop 3 in this order. See the image below.
You are looking for a TRI-RAIL bus as shown below.
The route to the station changes somewhat between weekends and weekdays but the trip takes only 15 minutes or less.
I suggest using the Tri-Rail App within 4 hours of departure, but at the Tri-Rail Station, purchase your ticket to Metrorail Transfer (in late 2024, you can choose Miami Central) from one of the kiosks, cash, credit, or debit cards. You CANNOT purchase tickets on the train!
For Tri-Rail Schedules, please visit Tri-Rail. I highly recommend installing the Tri-Rail App on your phone.
Restrooms are available onboard. Do not expect much in terms of scenery along the route! You can take a nap and not miss a thing.
Arriving at the Tri-Rail/MetroRail Transfer Station
Exit Tri-Rail and look for the Downtown Miami Link train going south to Miami Central Station. An attendant is available to assist you during the day but hours are limited!
TIP – In my travels, the LINK train pulled in on the same track (Track 2) soon after my Tri-Rail departed. So do not leave the track unless the signage says to go elsewhere.
The ride to Miami Central Station takes about 20 minutes.
Arriving at Miami Central Station
I suggest arranging your Uber or Lyft ride while a few minutes away from the station! This way you do not have to wait long.
Tell your driver which cruise line/ship and/or terminal (if you have this information).
The ride should take about 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions.