Miami International Airport is the gateway to South America, with over 80 airlines flying to 150 countries across the globe. Everyone loves a direct flight. But if you could save a significant amount per ticket, would you consider flying into a neighboring city?
One of the smartest strategies for keeping cash in your pocket is to fly into Fort Lauderdale rather than Miami International Airport, and then take either a shuttle, rail, shared taxi, or even a limousine into town. You have to consider time as a factor into your decision, particularly if you come from the “time is money” school. But if you’ve heard of collaborative consumption, you may choose from among these choices. This is an opportunity to make the shared economy work for you.
Tri-Rail Service: Most Economical
Tri-Rail is perhaps the most egalitarian mode of transportation, with convenient bus connections to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Miami International Airport. Weekday trains begin around 5:00 a.m. and run until 9:45 p.m. On weekends and holidays, trains begin at 6:56 a.m. and run until 10:06 p.m. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes. As you might imagine, cost is very reasonable.
Shared Ride Van Service: Economical Choice
The airport vans run on a schedule and will drop you off at your home, office, hotel, or anywhere you actually want. You’ll need to make advance reservations, at which time the company will give you a number to call once you’ve landed and picked up your luggage. Ask for a flat rate if you are traveling as a group.
Taxi: Affordable Option
With traffic, Fort Lauderdale to Miami International Airport is roughly a 45-minute drive. You can save time with a taxi by not sharing a van ride and avoiding the need to drop others off. To make this a most desirable choice however, you’ll need to share a taxi with perhaps someone you don’t know. Finding someone is easier than you think. Just ask someone in the taxi line if they’d like to share a taxi into town. In fact, ask two others to make the price right.
Limousines: Baller option
Affordable limousine service actually exists between the Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale’s airport. Sometimes you just have to go for it. Spend the money on what matters. And if you’ve saved money on your flight, why not head into the city in style and on your own personal schedule. Expect nothing but the best if this is your choice: direct, non-stop service with no shared rides and no shuttling.
When traveling, you have to keep an open mind. Remember that sometimes the most direct route is not the fastest way. Indeed the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But the best choice is often the least stressful choice, one that actually saves an interestingly measurable amount of money. And if you are looking for activities to spend all the money you’ve saved, take a look at Excursiopedia for some great ideas. And if you’ll be staying in Miami for a day or two before heading to your next destination, visit Hipmunk.com for cheap Miami hotels.
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