It is the primary gateway to the subtropics, the two major air hubs in the region handle a massive volume of international and domestic traffic for those arriving on flights to Miami. Travellers can choose between a centrally located international terminal or a secondary hub situated slightly further north along the coast.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International Airport, known by its IATA code MIA, is located approximately 13 km northwest of Downtown Miami. It operates as one of the busiest international gateways in the United States, serving as a primary hub for American Airlines and a major connection point for travel to Latin America and the Caribbean. The airport has a large, U-shaped terminal layout divided into North, Central, and South zones, accommodating hundreds of daily flights to Miami from across the globe.
To reach the city centre, travellers can use the automated MIA Mover to reach the Miami Intermodal Center. From there, the Metrorail Orange Line provides a direct connection to Government Center and Brickell in about 15-20 minutes. The Miami Beach Airport Express bus also departs from the same hub, reaching South Beach in approximately 30-40 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available outside the arrivals level, offering a 20-minute commute to the urban core depending on traffic conditions.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, identified as FLL, is situated about 45 km north of Miami in the city of Fort Lauderdale. This airport is a significant base for low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines, and offers a wide range of domestic and regional international routes. The facility consists of four distinct terminals and is often preferred by travellers who seek alternative flight options within the South Florida region.
Commuting to Miami from this northern gateway is most efficient via the Brightline higher-speed rail or the Tri-Rail commuter train. A dedicated shuttle bus links the airport terminals to the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station, where Tri-Rail passengers can reach Miami Airport Station or Metrorail transfer points in roughly 45-60 minutes. For a faster experience, the Brightline departs from the Fort Lauderdale city centre station and arrives at MiamiCentral in Downtown Miami in about 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing apps provide door-to-door service, typically taking 45-75 minutes to reach Miami destinations via the I-95 highway.