Miami International Airport, FL (MIA) MIA: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Miami International Airport

Find out the best way to get from Miami International Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to Miami International Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Travel from Miami to Miami International Airport

Miami prides itself as the host to the world's biggest collection of art deco architecture and is the only American city founded by a woman. There are various modes of transportation connecting Miami city center to Miami International Airport. Situated just east of the airport, the ultra-modern Miami Intermodal Center is Miami's key transportation hub and provides numerous transportation alternatives to the airport. The airport is easily accessible via local and intercity buses, rental cars, and trains. Miami Airport is linked to the metrorail system, offering travelers access to the public train transportation network which services the entire city. Other modes of transportation to the airport include rental cars, airport shuttles, taxis and ridesharing services (Uber and Lyft) which are all readily available to take you to the airport.

Traveling from Miami City Center to the airport

The best, most practical and easiest mode of transportation to Miami International Airport is the automated train system which operates from the Miami Intermodal Center, just one mile (1.6 kilometers) away. The train normally leaves Miami Central railway station which is linked to the airport by the metrorail system, ushering travelers to Miami's public train transportation network that provides service throughout the entire city. Moreover, the metrorail station operates an Orange Line (a 2.4 mile raised metrorail extension rising from Earlington Heights to the Miami Intermodal Center) aimed at speeding up accessibility to the airport. The other mode of transportation that is easily accessible are buses that run from the city center to the airport.

Distance from Miami City  Center to Airport

Miami International Airport is located 6.8 miles (11 kilometers) from Miami (Bayfront Park). The travel time is usually 15 minutes when the traffic is not heavy. The Miami Intermodal Center is centrally located at the city center and provides connections to Greyhound Bus. Thus travelers can also use the Miami Mover to Miami Airport, a free shuttle train that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Travelers can also ride the metrorail (Miami-Dade and Orange Line transit) to commute from the city center to Miami International Airport. The subway operates between 5:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. and runs on a frequency of 15 to 30 minutes to and from the airport.

Facilities at Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport has a wide range of facilities for the convenience and comfort of travelers. The airport has numerous facilities, amenities, shops aimed at making their time at the airport more pleasant. The airport offers ultra-modern communication facilities which include WiFi and postal services. The airport also has animal relief areas, baggage storage facilities, a chapel, currency exchange booths, lost and found facilities and executive lounge facilities including VIP lounge. Other services offered include spa services, yoga services and nursing suites. The airport offers a wide range of food and dining options ranging from fast food to snacks to fine dining like the Top of the Port restaurant, providing exceptional panoramic views; a great place to savor lunch, dinner or breakfast.

Accessibility of the route for those with limited mobility

Taking the train is the best route for passengers with limited mobility. The railway has state of the art facilities designed to give passengers more flexibility and ease of access when traveling. The railway service provides ramps to help disabled travelers, and railway employees are on hand to help when boarding or leaving the train.

Traveling to Miami Airport like a local

Buying a train ticket is not only the most practical but also the easiest and fastest way to travel from the city center to the airport especially when carrying luggage. metrorail, Tri-rail and metrobus connections are all located at the Miami Central Station and travelers require an EASY Card pass to use public transit. The tickets are also easy to purchase using the vending machines conveniently placed at the Miami Central Station. There are lots of places to eat at the airport, no need to carry your own food. The best ticket to purchase for your journey from the city center to the airport is the EASY ticket or an EASY card which should be purchased before boarding since cash is not accepted at the fare gates.