Florida - TriRail Airport Connections (FLL & PBI)

I've only ever taken Tri-Rail to/from MIA which is a relatively painless connection

I'd like any opinions on the reliability, ease or other factors to consider, before I choose to try to transfer to/from Tri-Rail at either FLL or PBI?

thanks

For the few times I've used Tri-Rail to travel from MIA to/from FLL, I found the shuttle bus service between the airport and the station(s) to be reliable. The most important factor for a successful trip is to carefully plan your timings nu checking both the Tri-Rail train schedule and the airport-to-station shuttle schedule.

Here's the FLL - Dania Beach station schedule:

http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/bus_shuttle/schedules_pdf/FLA1.pdf

i appreciate the info.

Apologies if I wasn't clear but I'm asking about the ease & other connection factors when getting to/from Tri-Rail from either PBI or FLL?

In the past, I've only ever used Tri-Rail when flying in/out of MIA.

thanks

Apologies if I wasn't clear but I'm asking about the ease & other connection factors when getting to/from Tri-Rail from either PBI or FLL?Apologies for using oblique language - I live 3 miles from FLL, so I don't use Tri-Rail super-frequently - but having used it on occasion, I hope I can offer some detailed, pertinent info for the FLL connection.

The reason I wanted to be sure that you had the schedules available is that the shuttle buses are "generally" timed to meet the trains (both directions). The idea is to try to avoid making riders wait for a long time before the next connection.

The Dania Beach/FLL station is about two miles or so from the airport terminals. Tri-Rail does not own its track system - instead, they lease rights to use the existing CSX freight line (also used by Amtrak). Because of this fact, it is not feasible to extend the tracks all the way into the area where the FLL terminals are located. As a public service, Broward County, not Tri-Rail. funds the shuttle service that connects the train station to the airport terminals - as a Broward taxpayer, I say "you're welcome" :)

When you step off the train, you walk away from the platform to an immediately-adjacent driveway area where the buses pick up and discharge passengers. In other words, no long walks, no having to walk exposed to the rain, etc. The buses have some interior racks for luggage, not a huge space but usually more than adequate.

Arriving at the airport, the buses make three stops, all on the Arrivals Level. The first is at the (far) western end of Terminal 1 (Continental, Southwest, etc), The second is in the loading area between the western end of Terminal 2 and the beginning of Terminal 3 (USAirways, Airtran). The third and final stop is in the space between the southern end of Terminal 3 (American, Jet Blue) and the beginning of Terminal 4 (Spirit). To reach the departure terminals, it is just a short walk to the inside, and an escalator or elevator up one floor to the Departures level.

From a distance perspective, the ease of use at FLL is a little better than MIA - the train platform dropoff is similar, and the amount of walking from the baggage claim areas to the bus stops is shorter.

Tickets are not sold at FLL - when departing from the Dania Beach/FLL station, you will need to purchase your ticket, either from the ticket booth or from the machines. You don't need a ticket for the shuttles - they are free (see above).

As you're a past rider out of the MIA station, you're probably aware that Tri-Rail is a commuter-driven system, with service frequencies predicated on that fact.

If you'd like further info, please post additional questions. With planning, Tri-Rail is a very viable possibility - don't hesitate to use it if it meets your needs and time schedules.

Is there a free shuttle from the PBI airport to the west palm beach tri-rail station? Does it run on the weekends? Is there a published schedule for this shuttle?

A related question, how do you get from Concourse D (AA) to the MIA Tri Rail station. Can you walk to it or do you need to take a shuttle bus.

For sntrao - the Tri-Rail website doesn't list a dedicated shuttle between the WPB Station and PBI -they instruct riders to use Palm Trans Route 44. Here is a link to the page with Rt. 44 map and schedule:

http://www.pbcgov.com/palmtran/maps_schedules/rt44.htm


For newyorkgeorge - as you probably know Tri-Rail's MIA station is being reconstructed in the Intermodal Center - it'll open sometime in 2013. Until then, the southern terminus is at the Hialeah Market station, where a free dedicated bus (Miami-Dade route 133) completes the journey to and from MIA.

http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=133


To find the 133 stop, exit the lower level of Concourse E, look both ways for crazy drivers, cross the roadway, then look to your near right for the bus area (look for small glass-enclosed waiting room):

http://www.miami-airport.com/pdfdoc/MIA_Mover_Flyer.pdf

Is it possible to go from MIA to FLL via tri-rail or is it better to do something like a Super Shuttle? Car rental one way is not an option. Thanks!

Is it possible to go from MIA to FLL via tri-rail or is it better to do something like a Super Shuttle? Car rental one way is not an option. Thanks!Yes - as follows:

1) Free shuttle bus from MIA (lower level outside of Concourse E) to Tri-Rail Hialeah Market Station

2) Ride Tri-Rail train to Dania Beach Station,

3) Free shuttle bus from Dania Beach station directly to FLL terminals

Check schedules on Tri-Rail website to see if this is a viable option for you.

Bumping this up. Has there been any update on the date that Tri Rail will be finally moving to the MIA Metro Station. Supposedly it was to have been opened in March.