Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Beach

Question

What is the best way to reach Miami beach (South) from Fort Lauderdale Airport, preferably by public transport or a shuttle service?

Answer

Traveling from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to South Beach, Miami, can be done using several options depending on your preference for convenience, cost, and travel time. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Public Transport Options:

Tri-Rail + Bus: Take the Tri-Rail from Fort Lauderdale Airport Station to the Miami Airport Station. From there, transfer to the Miami-Dade Transit bus (Route 150, the Miami Beach Airport Express) to South Beach. This is the most cost-effective public transport method but can take around 2-2.5 hours.
Bus Only: You could take Broward County Transit buses to reach a connection to Miami-Dade buses going toward South Beach. This method requires multiple transfers and is slower, not ideal if you have luggage or kids.

Shuttle Services & Private Transfers:

Shared Shuttle Services: Companies like SuperShuttle, Go Airport Shuttle, or local Miami Beach shuttles offer shared rides from FLL to South Beach. These are convenient and cheaper than private taxis, usually taking 45-70 minutes depending on traffic and number of stops.
Private Car Service or Taxi: A private car or taxi can take you directly from the airport to South Beach in 30-45 minutes, but it is more expensive, typically $70-$120 depending on traffic and company.
Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft): These are very convenient, can pick you up directly at the airport terminals, and take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Costs are usually $50-$80 for standard rides, sometimes more during peak times.

Recommendation:

If you want the cheapest method and don’t mind transfers, the Tri-Rail + Bus combination works well. For more convenience with luggage and direct service, a shared shuttle or Uber/Lyft is the best compromise between cost and comfort.