West Palm Beach to MIA

Question

I have an 8:00pm flight from Miami International Airport going to France on Wednesday next week. An uber to and fro will be close to $200. I'm thinking of driving; Parking at MIA will cost me $212 or $314 for valet parking. Thoughts? I also need some advice on timing; what time should I leave WPB to arrive at MIA no later than 5:30?

Answer

For your 8:00 PM international flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to France, planning your ground transportation carefully is important to avoid stress, especially considering traffic and parking costs.

Here are some key considerations:

Driving yourself to MIA: The drive from West Palm Beach to Miami International Airport typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes without heavy traffic. However, traffic on I-95 can be unpredictable, especially during weekday afternoons. Leaving some buffer time is recommended.
Parking options: On-site parking at MIA ranges from around $212 for standard self-parking to $314 for valet parking for several days. While expensive, it is convenient for international flights since you can leave your car directly at the terminal and avoid needing a shuttle.
Uber or taxi: A round trip is estimated at around $200, which is slightly cheaper than self-parking, but you will be dependent on ride availability and traffic.

Timing advice:

For an 8:00 PM international flight, airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours prior, which would be 5:00 PM.
Given possible traffic on I-95, plan to leave West Palm Beach around 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM. This gives you extra time for any unexpected delays, tolls, or stops along the way.
Check real-time traffic before departure; if there’s a heavy traffic alert, consider leaving closer to 3:15 PM to ensure you arrive by 5:30 PM latest.

Other considerations:

If you want to avoid the stress of driving and parking, Uber/taxi is simpler and allows you to relax on the way, but it is slightly more expensive than driving if you include parking.
Booking parking in advance can sometimes save a little money and guarantees a spot at MIA.
Consider airport hotels if you prefer leaving your car overnight and a short shuttle ride in the morning for very early flights.

In summary, leaving by 3:30–4:00 PM should get you to MIA comfortably by 5:30 PM, allowing time for check-in and security. Both driving and using Uber are viable; your choice depends on convenience versus cost.

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