Jazmin Li
Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are two different airports in South Florida. They are about 20 miles apart, with MIA located in Miami and FLL located between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. While MIA is the bigger airport with more international connections, FLL is often considered more convenient and easier to get to for those living in certain areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Miami | FLL is 20 miles from Miami, while MIA is within the city |
| Travel time from Miami | FLL is 34 minutes away from Miami by car, while MIA is 10 minutes away |
| Transport options | FLL is accessible by car, Brightline train, and shuttle van. MIA is accessible by car and Brightline train. |
| Transport cost | It costs $25 more to travel to Port Miami from FLL than from MIA. |
| Hotel cost | Hotels near FLL are cheaper than those near MIA. |
| Convenience | FLL is easier to get in and out of, and less crowded than MIA. |
| Size | MIA is huge, while FLL is smaller and more laid-back. |
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What You'll Learn
- MIA is the main connection for flights to the Caribbean, South America and Europe
- FLL is easier to get to and from, but MIA is more convenient for some
- MIA is a larger airport with more international connections
- FLL is preferred by some due to its size and ease of access
- MIA is considered to have better transport links to the port
MIA is the main connection for flights to the Caribbean, South America and Europe
Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) are two separate airports. MIA is located about five miles north of Downtown Miami and 13 miles west of Miami Beach. It is around a 15- to 20-minute drive from most parts of the city. FLL, on the other hand, is located 20 miles north of Miami.
MIA is the primary international airport serving Miami and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is also known as the Gateway to Latin America and is a major connection for flights to the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. The airport covers 3,300 acres and is Florida's busiest airport in terms of aircraft operations, cargo traffic, and passenger traffic. It is the tenth busiest airport in the US, serving nearly 56 million passengers and recording three million tons of cargo in 2024.
MIA is American Airlines' third-largest hub and serves as its primary gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. It is also a hub for Avianca, Frontier Airlines, and LATAM, catering to both passengers and cargo operations. The airport hosts over 1,000 daily flights to 185 domestic and international destinations, including most countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The airport has one large terminal building that is split into the North Terminal, Central Terminal, and South Terminal. The North Terminal is for the exclusive use of American Airlines, while the Central Terminal has varied uses. Concourse E, which is part of the Central Terminal, is mainly used by American Airlines and its Oneworld partner airlines, along with some Caribbean and Latin American airlines. The South Terminal is the main non-Oneworld international terminal, with Concourse H largely used by Delta and non-Oneworld international carriers operating narrow-body planes from Central and South America.
While FLL may be more convenient for those living in Fort Lauderdale or north of Miami, MIA is a major global airport that offers nonstop flights to many destinations. Its proximity to Miami and the range of international flights it offers make it a convenient and attractive option for travellers.
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FLL is easier to get to and from, but MIA is more convenient for some
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA) are two of the biggest airports in South Florida. While FLL is easier to get to and from, MIA is more convenient for some travellers.
FLL is often described as a more relaxed airport with shorter security lines. It is also more accessible for those who live in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or North Miami. However, for those who live in Downtown Miami, Midtown, or Brickell, MIA is a more convenient option. One source notes that it would take them 10 minutes to get to MIA, while it would take 34 minutes to reach FLL. During busy traffic periods, the difference in travel time can be even more significant.
Another factor to consider is the proximity of the airports to the desired destination within Florida. For instance, if you are travelling to Key West, MIA would be a better option as it is closer. On the other hand, if you are travelling to Broward County, FLL would be a more direct choice.
The mode of transportation is also an important consideration when choosing between the two airports. While FLL is generally easier to get to and from, MIA offers a more seamless connection to the Brightline train, providing an affordable and convenient travel option to other parts of Florida, including Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. However, it is important to note that FLL also has a Brightline station downtown, and travellers can take a shuttle to and from the airport, although this may be subject to traffic conditions.
Both airports offer unique advantages, and the preference between the two often comes down to personal circumstances and travel plans. While FLL is generally easier to navigate and access, MIA serves as a crucial hub for international travel and provides efficient connections to specific destinations within Florida.
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MIA is a larger airport with more international connections
Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are two separate airports. MIA is a larger airport with more international connections. It is located 10 miles from downtown Miami and 21 miles from Fort Lauderdale. MIA is a major global airport, offering nonstop flights to many destinations worldwide. It is a convenient option for those living in South Miami, Brickell, Downtown, and Midtown. The airport has a tourist information centre located at Central Terminal E, which is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
FLL, on the other hand, is situated 3 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles from Miami. While it is also a significant airport, serving as an intercontinental gateway, MIA handles more long-haul flights in and out of South Florida. FLL is the second busiest commercial airport in the Miami metropolitan area and primarily serves the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton areas. It also acts as a secondary airport for some parts of Miami and regions north of Boca Raton.
MIA provides a more extensive network of international connections than FLL. MIA is a hub for global travel, with convenient access to numerous nonstop flights. Its proximity to certain areas of Miami, such as South Miami, makes it a preferred choice for travellers from those locations. In contrast, FLL is more conveniently located for residents of Fort Lauderdale and specific northern regions of Miami.
Both airports offer various amenities and services to ensure a smooth travel experience. MIA allows passengers with layovers to explore dining and shopping options within the airport or even venture out to discover Miami's attractions if time permits. FLL provides luggage storage facilities in all terminals, duty-free shops, and a quiet room for meditation and prayer in Terminal 3. Additionally, FLL operates a consolidated rental car facility accessible directly from Terminal 1 and other terminals through a free shuttle bus service.
In summary, while both MIA and FLL are important airports in the region, MIA stands out as the larger airport with a broader network of international connections. Its status as a major global airport and its convenient location for specific areas of Miami give it an edge over FLL in terms of international travel options. Nevertheless, FLL remains a significant gateway to the region, particularly for travellers from Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas.
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FLL is preferred by some due to its size and ease of access
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is preferred by some travellers due to its size and ease of access. FLL is located just 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. It is a major hub airport, serving as a primary airport for the Fort Lauderdale area and a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton.
One of the main advantages of FLL is its size. The airport is smaller than Miami International Airport (MIA), which makes it easier to navigate. At MIA, passengers may need to walk long distances to reach their gates, especially since multiple airlines share the same security and terminal areas. In contrast, FLL is more compact, and passengers can usually reach their gates with a short walk.
Another advantage of FLL is the variety of transportation options available. The airport is easily accessible by bus, shuttle, train, taxi, and private transfer. The Broward County Route 1 bus connects FLL with various locations in Fort Lauderdale. The Tri-Rail train provides connections to different counties, including Broward, Palm Beach, and Dade, as well as Miami. Taxis and private transfers are also available for those who prefer a more direct journey.
In addition to its convenient transportation options, FLL also offers a range of amenities within the airport. Terminal 4, also known as the International Terminal, features restaurants, cafes, shops, duty-free stores, ATMs, currency exchange services, and luggage carts. The airport also has car rental services, providing travellers with the flexibility to explore the region at their own pace.
For travellers looking for a more relaxed experience, FLL can be a preferable option. The airport generally has shorter security lines and less crowded terminals compared to MIA. This can be especially advantageous during peak travel times or when travelling with families or large groups. The overall layout and size of FLL contribute to a less hectic atmosphere, making it a more appealing choice for those who value convenience and ease of access.
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MIA is considered to have better transport links to the port
MIA and FLL are two different airports. MIA, or Miami International Airport, is located in the heart of Miami, while FLL, or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, is situated in Fort Lauderdale, about 20 miles north of MIA.
Another factor contributing to MIA's perceived better transport links is the availability of public transportation options. MIA offers convenient access to the MIA Mover, a free service that connects the airport to the Rental Car Center. Additionally, the MIA Metrorail station provides connections to various locations, including the City of Hialeah, the City of South Miami, and the City of Miami Beach. The Green Line and Orange Line trains also serve MIA, offering connections to a wide range of destinations within the region. These comprehensive public transportation options make MIA more accessible for those without cars or those looking for alternatives to driving.
Furthermore, MIA is considered to have better transport links to the port due to the availability of shuttle services offered by hotels. Many hotels in the area provide customary shuttle services to both the airport and the port, enhancing the convenience for travellers. This added convenience of not having to arrange separate transportation can be a significant factor when choosing an airport, especially for those arriving the night before their cruise or requiring a day-of-travel option.
While FLL also has transportation options, such as the Brightline train, the convenience of MIA for those living in specific areas of Miami and the availability of public transportation and hotel shuttles contribute to the perception that MIA has better transport links to the port.
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Frequently asked questions
No, FLL and MIA are different airports. FLL is the code for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, whereas MIA is the code for Miami International Airport.
FLL is about 20-30 miles from MIA, depending on where in each airport you are travelling to or from.
You can travel between the two airports by car, rideshare, or train. The Brightline train is a popular option for travelling between the two airports, with fares starting at $79 one way.
This depends on personal preference and your travel plans. FLL is generally considered to be a smaller, more laid-back and less crowded airport with shorter security lines. MIA is the bigger airport with more international connections and longer lines. FLL may be more convenient if you are located in Fort Lauderdale, whereas MIA may be more convenient if you are in Miami.
