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Question

Best way to get from fort Lauderdale to Palm beach or west Palm beach ( popular tourists?) preferred water taxi if possible ,in March for 2 middle aged ladies, Thank you all for your help!Sarah

Answer

Traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach or West Palm Beach is fairly straightforward, though a direct water taxi the whole way isn’t available due to distance. The two cities are approximately 50–55 miles apart, so the main options involve driving, bus, or a combination of train and water taxi once you arrive.

Here’s a breakdown of the most convenient ways for two middle-aged travelers in March:

Rental Car / Rideshare: Driving is the simplest option if you want flexibility. The trip along I-95 or US-1 takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. You can park near downtown West Palm Beach or Palm Beach and then walk or take local shuttles/water taxis along the Intracoastal.
Tri-Rail + Taxi/Local Water Transport: Tri-Rail is a commuter train connecting Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach. Take Tri-Rail from Fort Lauderdale Station to West Palm Beach Station (~1 hour). From there, you can use a taxi, rideshare, or local water taxi services to explore the downtown waterfront or Palm Beach Island. This avoids driving and parking hassles.
Private Shuttle or Tour Service: Some private companies offer round-trip transfers from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach with optional sightseeing stops. This is comfortable, but more costly than public transport.

Regarding water taxis:

There isn’t a direct water taxi from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach due to distance, but once in West Palm Beach, you can enjoy the Intracoastal water taxis that service downtown, the waterfront restaurants, and nearby marinas.
In Fort Lauderdale itself, you could combine a short water taxi ride along the canals (Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America”) to start your day, then switch to train or car travel north to West Palm Beach.

Tips for March travel:

Weather is generally pleasant: highs around 75–80°F, lows around 60°F. Comfortable for walking and water taxi exploration.
Book Tri-Rail or shuttle tickets in advance if possible, as March can be busier due to spring break traffic.
Pack light if using trains or water taxis, and wear sunscreen if spending time outdoors along the Intracoastal.

In summary, for two middle-aged ladies looking for convenience and minimal hassle, taking Tri-Rail to West Palm Beach and then using local water taxis or short rideshare trips is a comfortable and scenic way to enjoy both the city and the waterfront without driving yourself.

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