Miami to FL - Transport & Accommodation

Question

A number of questions here to sort out where we will overnight, Miami or FL. We are trying too keep the $$ down if we can & the moving around to a logical minimum.

We will be flying into Miami International on a Saturday, ETA 6pm (for a cruise the next day). Am I reading the schedule correctly that the last tri-train north to FL, which I hope we will be able to catch, is at 8.52? I'm assuming a taxi/uber is the only alternative?

Also, would anyone be able to suggest any budget accomodation near the FL station in walking distance?

We could overnight in Miami & go straight to the port the next day. Is it best to catch the Tri-train to Fort Lauderdale station & then....? Are there shuttles or is it a taxi or uber? Thanks!

Answer

Flying into Miami International (MIA) at 6pm on a Saturday gives you a few logistical considerations if you plan to use the Tri-Rail to Fort Lauderdale or nearby Florida stations for a cruise the next day. The Tri-Rail does run on a fixed schedule, but the last southbound and northbound trains vary by station and day of the week. If you’re reading that the last northbound train is at 8:52pm, you would need to clear customs, collect luggage, and travel to the Miami Tri-Rail station quickly. This can be tight depending on arrival delays, so many travelers opt for a taxi, Uber, or Lyft instead for reliability and timing.

Regarding budget accommodations near the Florida (Fort Lauderdale) station, there are several options within walking distance or a short drive, which can save money and simplify your morning commute to the port:

Budget motels or chain hotels such as Days Inn, La Quinta, or Holiday Inn Express—often 5-15 minutes from the station.
Airbnb or short-term rentals in the surrounding Fort Lauderdale area, which may be cost-effective for a single overnight stay.
Consider accommodations near the Tri-Rail Fort Lauderdale station itself, which provides easy access without needing additional transfers.

If you prefer to overnight in Miami instead, this simplifies the first evening after your flight. You can stay near Miami International or downtown Miami, then travel to Fort Lauderdale the next morning via Tri-Rail or shuttle to the cruise port. Most cruise lines offer shuttles from Fort Lauderdale hotels or you can take a taxi/Uber for convenience.

Tri-Rail from Miami to Fort Lauderdale: morning trains are available, but check the exact schedule closer to your travel date.
Shuttles from Fort Lauderdale hotels to cruise terminals: many hotels participate in these, often booked through the hotel front desk.
Uber or Lyft: reliable if you want door-to-door service without worrying about Tri-Rail schedules or luggage handling.

Summary suggestion: If your arrival time is 6pm, catching the last Tri-Rail north may be risky. Consider either a budget hotel in Miami for the night and traveling north the next morning, or using Uber/taxi directly to Fort Lauderdale to ensure you make your cruise schedule stress-free. Staying overnight near the Fort Lauderdale station or port can minimize moving around early in the morning and reduce the risk of missing connections.