How to get to Miami
All the Ways to Get to MiamiMiami is an international hub with nonstop flights from pretty much everywhere. But flying’s not the only way to get to the Magic City.
Because Miami has become a global destination, getting there is easy. With two major airports within half an hour of downtown, finding an affordable and convenient flight is usually just a matter of searching on KAYAK. If you’re not into planes, Miami is also accessible from two major interstates and a high-speed toll road. Or you can even take a cool, high-speed train to get into the city.
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Getting to Miami by Plane
Taxis and rideshares to Downtown and Brickell should cost about $25-30. Taxis to Miami Beach should cost around $35-$40, depending where in Miami Beach you’re going. Also, taxi vans and minivans post regular taxi prices on the outside, but the fares are about 30% higher than posted. Finally, make sure your driver turns the meter on before leaving the airport. Some will quote you a higher fare than the meter and then leave the meter off.
Metrorail’s Orange line runs direct service from MIA to downtown and other points on weekdays. On weekends, you’ll need to take the Orange Line to the Earlington Heights station, then transfer to a southbound Green Line train to reach your destination.
You can often find more affordable flights to Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), about 25 miles north of the city. It’s a somewhat smaller, easier airport where most major airlines offer flights as well as several discount carriers. It’s about a 30–45-minute ride to Miami or Miami Beach without traffic and can cost anywhere from $40-85, depending on surge pricing. Be aware that rush hour in South Florida is from about 6-9 am, so if you arrive during these hours a drive to Miami can take upwards of two hours.
You can also take a $10 shuttle to the Brightline train in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, which runs high-speed rail service to downtown Miami. This will take you about an hour door-to-door from the airport to Miami. Another option is taking a free shuttle to the TRI-Rail, the local commuter train running through South Florida’s three counties. Depending on train timing, this can take from 90-120 minutes.
Some people fly into West Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) which is about 75 miles from Miami. It’s a long, expensive taxi or rideshare into the city and is only advisable if you are also visiting the Palm Beaches. If you do end up at PBI, take a $10 shuttle to West Palm’s Brightline station, and take the 70-minute train ride into downtown Miami.
Getting to Miami by Car
Miami is the end point of Interstate 95, which runs the length of America’s eastern coastline from the Canadian border in Maine to just south of downtown. If you live on the East Coast, this will be the most direct driving route to Miami, though traffic can get snarled if you’re headed into the city during rush hour.
The Tamiami Trail is easily the most scenic way to drive into Miami. It’s like a trip through old Florida before you end up in this major metropolis and is especially magical if you drive around sunset.
If you’re coming from the Midwest, I-75 is the best route into Florida, as it runs along the state’s Gulf Coast. For a faster drive, transfer onto Florida’s Turnpike around Ocala, and take it to the Golden Glades interchange in northern Miami-Dade County. Tolls will cost you about $20, but the drive is far more pleasant and less congested.
For something a little more scenic, take I-75 to Ft. Myers and get on US-41 East, also known as the Tamiami Trail. It was the first highway from Tampa to Miami and runs through the Everglades, so your drive will have you cruising under a canopy of Big Cypress trees as herons and egrets soar overhead. Look to the side of the road, and you may see an alligator sunning itself. Just remember if you decide to get out of the car for a closer look, put on plenty of bug spray.
Getting to Miami by train
Amtrak services Miami via two lines, the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star. Both routes run from New York City down the East Coast and end in Miami. For train aficionados who live in major cities along the eastern seaboard, it can be a scenic and educational trip through the Mid-Atlantic and Deep South. The ride will take about 28 hours, so booking a sleeper compartment is a good idea. Do note, the Miami Amtrak station is nowhere near downtown or South Beach, sitting far out west near Hialeah. It’s a short walk from the Northside Metrorail stop, which will take you downtown in about 25 minutes. A taxi into downtown or Miami Beach will be in the $30-40 range and will take 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
If you’re in South Florida, you can also take the Brightline train to Miami. It runs from West Palm Beach to downtown Miami with stops in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, and Aventura. Later in 2023, it’s slated to extend up to Orlando as well. The ride from West Palm Beach to Miami takes about 70-75 minutes and includes an onboard bar cart, snacks, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
What are the Visa and Passport Policies?
All U.S. passport holders and legal residents can get into Miami. Foreign nationals should consult their local embassies and/or consulates to learn which visas they will need to enter the United States. You can also find more information on our Restrictions Page.