Travel Guide: Mia Airport Train Access Explored

Miami International Airport (MIA) does not have an on-site train station. However, the MIA Mover provides a free, 4-minute transfer to the nearby Miami Central Station, which is 1 mile (1.6km) away. From there, passengers can board the Tri-Rail or the Metrorail. The Tri-Rail is a commuter train that connects MIA Airport to Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The Metrorail is a 25-mile dual-track system that provides service to MIA and runs through downtown Miami, South Miami, and Kendall, among other places.

MIA Mover

The MIA Mover has two stations: the MIC Station and the MIA Station. The MIC Station, located on the fourth floor of the MIC, provides direct access to the rental car centre and connections to Metrorail, Tri-Rail, buses, and taxicabs. The MIA Station, located on the third floor of the main terminal building between the Flamingo and Dolphin Parking Garages, is the western terminus of the line.

To access the MIA Mover from the airport, passengers need to go to the third level of the MIA terminals, between the Flamingo and Dolphin Garages. From there, they can take the MIA Mover to Miami Central Station, which is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the airport.

The MIA Mover is an important part of Miami's transportation network, providing a fast and convenient connection between the airport and the city's central station. However, there have been reports of breakdowns and long queues, with some travellers opting for alternative transportation methods when the MIA Mover is not operational.

MIA Metrorail Station

Miami International Airport (MIA) does not have a train station inside its premises. However, it is well-connected to the nearby Miami Central Station, which is only 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the MIA terminals. The MIA Mover provides a quick and free transfer from the airport to the train station.

The MIA Mover is an automated people mover system that connects the airport terminals to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC). It runs 24/7 and only takes about 4 minutes to get from the airport to the train station. To access the MIA Mover, passengers need to go to the third level of the MIA terminals between the Flamingo and Dolphin Garages.

Once at Miami Central Station, passengers can access the Metrorail or Tri-Rail services. The Metrorail is a 25-mile dual-track system that provides service to MIA and runs through several key areas in Miami. The Orange Line, in particular, is a popular and affordable option for travellers heading to and from the airport. It runs every 30 minutes from 6 am to 11:40 pm, seven days a week. The line covers stations such as Dadeland North, South Miami, University, Brickell, Government Center, and Historic Overtown. A one-way Metrorail ticket costs $2.25, with discounts available for seniors and passengers with disabilities.

In addition to the Metrorail, the Tri-Rail commuter train also serves MIA Airport. It connects MIA to three counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. The Tri-Rail operates from 4:15 am to 9:40 pm during the week, with varying frequencies depending on the time of day. On weekends, the Tri-Rail runs hourly. Passengers can purchase tickets for the Tri-Rail, with prices depending on the day of the week and the departure and destination points.

MIA Central Station

Miami International Airport (MIA) does not have a train station inside its premises. However, it is well-connected to Miami Central Station, which is only 1 mile (1.6 km) away. Passengers can take the MIA Mover from the third level of MIA terminals between the Dolphin and Flamingo Garages to reach Miami Central Station in just 4 minutes. The MIA Mover is free of charge and runs 24/7.

Miami Central Station, also known as Miami Airport Station, is a major transportation hub and an important part of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) plan. It serves as the main hub for connecting all transportation modes, including the Metrorail, MIA Mover, Metrobus, Tri-Rail, and Greyhound Lines. The Tri-Rail is a commuter train that links MIA Airport to three counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. It also connects the two main Miami airports: Miami International Airport and Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The Metrorail is a rapid transit system that provides convenient and affordable transportation options for locals and tourists. The Orange Line, which departs from Miami Central Station, stops at several stations, including Allapattah, Santa Clara, Historic Overtown, Government Center, Brickell, University, and South Miami. The Green Line, which can be accessed by transferring at Earlington Height Station, serves Brownsville, Hialeah, and the Palmetto area.

The MIA Mover, an automated people mover, provides seamless connections between MIA Airport and Miami Central Station. It is a 1.25-mile (2.01 km) elevated line that connects the airport terminals to the MIC. The MIA Mover station features a modern design with glass walls and canopies, offering a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Miami Central Station has received positive reviews for its clear signage and user-friendly design. It provides easy access to various transportation options, making it a convenient choice for passengers arriving at or departing from MIA Airport. The integration of different modes of transportation at Miami Central Station showcases the city's commitment to providing efficient and accessible public transportation for all.

MIA Skytrain

The Skytrain at Miami International Airport (MIA) is an automated people mover (APM) that transports passengers along the North Terminal's roof. The Skytrain was built to reduce long walking times for passengers, decreasing walking times by 70% for domestic passengers and 34% for international passengers. It can transport up to 9,000 passengers per hour per direction and served up to 40,000 passengers daily in 2015.

The Skytrain was constructed as part of a $6.3 billion capital improvement program to expand MIA's facilities, including the construction of a new passenger terminal exclusively for American Airlines. The North Terminal project was originally managed by American Airlines but was transferred to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) in 2005 due to schedule delays and budget overruns. Construction of the terminal was contracted to Parsons–Odebrecht and began in March 2007. The Skytrain began operations on September 15, 2010, with a total system cost of $130 million.

The Skytrain has four stations, three of which are currently in operation. On September 27, 2023, Skytrain service was suspended for six months due to structural damage and cracking in the concrete piers under the tracks near Station 1. After a $4.2 million in repairs, service resumed on March 29, 2024, between Stations 2, 3, and 4, with plans to fully restore service to all four stations by mid-2024. During the suspension of Skytrain services, MIA provided a courtesy trolley service for passengers between Stations 1 and 2.

MIA has also launched the "I AM MIA" campaign, deploying dedicated Lightning Crew teams of highly trained employees to patrol the terminal for maintenance issues requiring immediate attention. As part of the Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, MIA is investing a $7 billion in capital improvements and $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades, including replacing or renovating elevators, escalators, and walkways, as well as refurbishing passenger boarding bridges and renovating public restrooms.

MIA Tri-Rail

Although Miami International Airport (MIA) does not have a train station inside its premises, it is well-connected to the nearby Miami Central Station, which is only 1 mile (1.6 km) away. The MIA Mover provides a quick and free transfer from MIA Airport to the Miami Central Station, where passengers can access the Tri-Rail commuter train.

The Tri-Rail commuter train links MIA Airport to three counties: Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. It is the train that connects the two main Miami airports: Miami International Airport and Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The Tri-Rail is also accessible to passengers with wheelchairs, as the MIA Mover, Metrorail, and all Miami-Dade Transit buses are wheelchair-accessible.

To access the Tri-Rail from MIA Airport, passengers need to go to the third level of the terminal and follow the signs to the MIA Mover, which will take them to the Miami Central Station. The MIA Mover operates 24/7 and only takes about 4 minutes to get to the station. Once at the Miami Central Station, passengers can board the Tri-Rail train.

The Tri-Rail's schedule varies depending on the day of the week. During the week, the train operates from 4:15 am to 9:40 pm, with a frequency of 20-30 minutes during rush hours and 40-60 minutes during non-peak times. On weekends, the first train departs the airport at 5:17 am, and the last train arrives at 9:42 pm, with hourly routes. Ticket prices for the Tri-Rail vary depending on the day of the week and the departure and destination points, as the network is divided into six zones.

Frequently asked questions