MIA or FLL Airport?

Question

Hi everyone, we're flying in from the Northeast. Is MIA or FLL better? FLL is only a few miles away while MIA is about 30 min drive to Fort Lauderdale?

Thanks

Answer

Both Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) serve the South Florida region, but your choice really depends on a few factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is better for your trip:

Distance and Convenience:

FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport): If you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale or nearby areas (like Hollywood or Pompano Beach), FLL is the most convenient option. It’s only about 5-10 miles from Fort Lauderdale beach, which translates to a 15-20 minute drive. If you're heading to Fort Lauderdale itself, FLL is definitely closer and easier to get to.
MIA (Miami International Airport): MIA is about 30-40 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, making it a longer drive. While it’s a larger airport with more flight options, the additional travel time may be a factor to consider if you're specifically staying in Fort Lauderdale.

Flight Options:

FLL: Fort Lauderdale is a hub for low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, so if you’re flying on a budget, FLL might offer better deals. The airport is also smaller and less hectic than MIA, which can make it a more pleasant experience, especially for short-haul flights.
MIA: Miami International is a major international airport with more flight options, especially for long-haul flights and international destinations. If you're flying from a major international city or need more flexibility in flight times, MIA could have more options.

Airport Experience:

FLL: FLL is typically less crowded and easier to navigate, especially for shorter trips. It’s smaller and more compact, so getting from check-in to security to your gate is generally faster.
MIA: MIA is much larger, which can mean longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods. However, it’s also well-equipped with amenities and services, such as more shops, dining options, and international travel infrastructure.

Cost of Transportation from the Airport:

FLL: Since it’s much closer to Fort Lauderdale, taxis, Ubers, and shuttles from FLL will be cheaper and faster to Fort Lauderdale destinations.
MIA: Expect to pay more for transportation from MIA to Fort Lauderdale due to the greater distance. An Uber or taxi ride could cost more and take longer (around $40-60 depending on traffic and time of day).

Final Thoughts:

If your main goal is convenience and you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale or nearby, FLL is the better choice. It’s closer, easier to navigate, and more cost-effective when it comes to getting to your destination.

If you’re flying from a major international hub or want more flight options, MIA might be a better fit, but do keep in mind the longer drive to Fort Lauderdale.

In summary, if you're primarily visiting Fort Lauderdale, FLL is your best bet. If you're flying in from overseas or need more flight options, MIA is worth considering, but you’ll need to plan for the extra travel time.

MIA or FLL Airport?

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