Miami vs Fort Lauderdale Airport: Which Is Better for Your Flight?

Planning a trip to South Florida? One of the first choices you’ll make is whether to fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The two airports are only about 25 miles apart, but picking the wrong one can add an hour in traffic and extra ground transport costs to your trip.

This guide compares both airports on flight prices, distance, airlines and transportation, so you can choose the one that saves you the most time and money overall.

Miami vs Fort Lauderdale Airport: Quick Comparison

Neither airport is better for everyone. The right choice depends on where you’re staying and what your total trip costs. Here’s how they compare side by side.

Want to know more about Miami’s terminals and facilities? See our Miami International Airport guide.

Which Airport Is Cheaper to Fly Into: Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

Short answer: Neither airport is always cheaper. Many travelers believe Fort Lauderdale is the budget option, but fares at both airports change with your departure city, airline, season and travel dates.

Both airports have major airlines and low-cost carriers, so you can find cheap flights to Miami and to Fort Lauderdale. But the ticket price is only part of the cost. To find the real savings, add up three things for each airport:

• Airfare: The base ticket price for your dates.
• Airline fees: Checked bags, carry-ons and seat selection.
• Ground transfer: The rideshare, taxi, train or parking cost to reach your hotel.

For more ideas on budget-friendly airports in the state, read our guide to the cheapest city to fly into in Florida.

Miami vs Fort Lauderdale Airport: Distance to Popular Destinations

Distance matters more than most travelers expect. Traffic on I-95 between Miami and Fort Lauderdale can be heavy, especially during morning and evening rush hours, so a short distance on the map can still take a long time.

Distances are approximate driving distances. Travel time depends heavily on traffic, so always check a live map before you book your ride. Heading to the beach? Our Miami Beach travel guide covers the neighborhoods and how to get around.

Airlines and Flight Options at MIA vs FLL

The airlines and routes at each airport can decide the choice for you.

Airlines change their schedules and routes often, so neither airport always has the best options. Before you book, check nonstop availability, how many flights run each day and the layover times from your home airport.

Transportation from Miami and Fort Lauderdale Airports

Both airports offer rideshares, taxis, rental cars and public transit. Here’s what to expect at each one.

Getting Around from Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Metrorail: Take the free MIA Mover from the terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center, then ride the Metrorail Orange Line into Downtown Miami and Brickell.
• Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is also reached by the MIA Mover.
• Taxis and rideshares: Pick up from the marked zones on the arrivals level.

Check current options on the Miami International Airport official site.

Getting Around from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)

• Tri-Rail: A free shuttle runs from the terminals to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Tri-Rail station in Dania Beach. From there, the train runs south into Miami-Dade County.
• Rental cars: FLL has a central Rental Car Center close to the terminals.
• Taxis and rideshares: Pick up from the marked zones outside each terminal.

See the latest details on the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport official site and train times on the Tri-Rail official site.

Which Airport Is Better for Miami Beach and Cruise Travelers?

Your hotel and cruise port matter more than anything else here.

When Should You Choose Miami Airport Instead of Fort Lauderdale?

Fly into Miami International Airport if:

• You’re staying in Downtown Miami, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove or Miami Beach.
• You’re flying in from another country, especially Latin America or the Caribbean.
• You want to take Metrorail straight into central Miami.
• You’re boarding a cruise at PortMiami.
• You want the shortest possible ride after landing.

Timing affects both prices and crowds. Read our guide to the best time to travel to Miami before you pick your dates.

When Is Fort Lauderdale Airport a Better Choice?

Fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport if:

• You’re staying in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach or Boca Raton.
• Your cruise leaves from Port Everglades.
• Your total trip cost, including the ground transfer, is lower than flying into Miami.
• You prefer a smaller airport that’s easier to get through.

How to Compare Flights to Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Follow these five steps to find the best overall deal:

Looking at the wider state? Browse cheap flights to Florida for more options.

Final Verdict: Miami or Fort Lauderdale Airport?

Start with where you’re staying. If your trip is in Miami, Miami Beach or PortMiami, or you’re flying internationally, Miami International Airport is usually the better choice. If your trip is in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County, or you’re cruising from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is usually the easier pick.

If you’re unsure, compare the full door-to-door cost for both airports. The cheapest ticket isn’t always the cheapest trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

Neither airport is always cheaper. Fares depend on your departure city, airline and dates. Compare the total cost, including bag fees and the ride to your hotel.

2. Is Fort Lauderdale Airport close to Miami?

FLL is about 25 to 30 miles north of Downtown Miami and South Beach. The drive time depends heavily on traffic on I-95.

3. Which airport is better for Miami Beach?

MIA. It’s about 10 miles from Miami Beach, compared to about 30 miles from FLL.

4. Can I fly into Fort Lauderdale and stay in Miami?

Yes. Many travelers do. You can get to Miami from FLL by rideshare, taxi, rental car or Tri-Rail. Just add the transfer cost and time to your comparison.

5. Which airport is better for international flights?

MIA usually is. It has a much larger international network, especially to Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

6. What is the easiest way to get from FLL to Miami?

A rideshare or taxi is the most direct option. On a budget, take the free shuttle from FLL to the Tri-Rail station in Dania Beach and ride the train south into Miami-Dade County.