Moving and neighborhoods
Commuting in South Florida by Brightline, Tri-Rail, Metrorail or I-95
Three rail systems carry South Florida commuters: Brightline, the fast intercity train with five stations from Miami to West Palm Beach, Tri-Rail, the commuter line along the I-95 corridor across all three counties, and Metrorail with the free Metromover inside Miami-Dade. They meet at MiamiCentral downtown. Everyone else drives, so renting near a station, or near the job, is the single biggest commute decision you'll make.
Updated Last checked 3 min read
Quick answer
- Brightline: Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, plus Orlando.
- Tri-Rail: Mangonia Park to Miami Airport and MiamiCentral. Fares rose 10% on October 1, 2026.
- Metrorail and Metrobus: $2.25 a ride. Metromover: free.
- Average one-way commutes: 30.9 minutes in Miami-Dade, 29.1 in Broward, 26.5 in Palm Beach.
On this page
The three rail lines at a glance
| Topic | Brightline | Tri-Rail | Metrorail and Metromover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Miami to West Palm Beach, and Orlando | Mangonia Park to Miami, through three counties | Miami-Dade only |
| Stops | Five in South Florida | Many, mostly along I-95 | Dadeland to downtown, the airport and Palmetto, plus the downtown loop |
| Speed | Fastest, few stops | Slower, more stops | Local |
| Cost | Highest, with ride packs and peak pricing | Zone fares, raised 10% in October 2026 | $2.25 a ride, Metromover free |
Brightline
Brightline's South Florida stations are MiamiCentral, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, all near downtowns. When the Aventura and Boca Raton stations opened in December 2022, Brightline put the ride to MiamiCentral at about 20 minutes from Aventura and about an hour from Boca. It's the fastest way between downtowns, and the priciest. Fares change often, and ride packs bring the per-trip cost down for regular commuters.
Brightline works best when both ends of the trip are downtown. If your office is a 20-minute drive from the nearest station, the time saved on the train goes back into the car.
Tri-Rail
Tri-Rail is the commuter railroad, running from Mangonia Park, north of West Palm Beach, through Broward to Miami, with a station inside Miami International Airport and, since January 2024, service into MiamiCentral downtown. Most trips to MiamiCentral change trains at the Metrorail transfer station in Hialeah, except on the express trains. Fares rose 10% on October 1, 2026, about 30 cents to a dollar a trip depending on distance, and the agency has warned that weekend service depends on state funding.
Most Tri-Rail stations sit west of downtown near I-95, with parking and connecting buses or shuttles. Check the last train of the night before you count on it.
Metrorail and Metromover
Miami-Dade's February 2026 fare guide lists Metrorail and Metrobus at $2.25 a ride, a one-day pass at $5.65 and a monthly pass at $112.50. Metromover, the automated people mover looping downtown and running to Brickell and Omni, is free. For a renter in Brickell or downtown working on the line, this is the cheapest commute in the region.
Driving
Most South Florida commuters drive. I-95's express lanes charge tolls that change with traffic, and Florida's Turnpike charges by distance. A SunPass or compatible transponder saves money on both.
- Brickell, near a Metromover stop
- Walk or ride free. Higher rent.
- Pembroke Pines, west Broward
- Lower rent for more space. Drive to a Tri-Rail or Metrorail station, or drive the whole way and pay tolls and parking.
Price both with the commute included, in money and in hours a week.
Picking a rental around the commute
- Time the trip at your real hour, both directions
- Price parking at work and at home
- Check the first and last trains, and weekend service
- Count tolls for a month, not a day
- Walk from the station to the door of the rental
Questions people ask
How long is Brightline from Boca Raton to Miami?
About an hour, Brightline said when the Boca station opened, and about 20 minutes from Aventura. Times vary by train.
Does Tri-Rail go to downtown Miami?
Yes. Since January 13, 2024, Tri-Rail has run into MiamiCentral downtown, where it meets Brightline, Metrorail and Metromover. Most trips change trains at the Metrorail transfer station.
How much does Metrorail cost?
Miami-Dade's February 2026 fare guide lists $2.25 a ride, $5.65 for a day pass and $112.50 for a monthly pass. Metromover is free.
Did Tri-Rail raise fares?
Yes. A 10% increase took effect October 1, 2026, about 30 cents to a dollar a trip depending on distance.
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Words in this guide
Sources
- Brightline: Brightline opens new stations in Boca Raton and Aventura (December 20, 2022)gobrightline.com
- Brightline: Brightline welcomes Tri-Rail to MiamiCentral (January 13, 2024)gobrightline.com
- WPTV: Tri-Rail fare increase takes effect (October 7, 2026)wptv.com
- Discover The Palm Beaches: Tri-Rail in The Palm Beaches, stations and ticketsthepalmbeaches.com
- Miami-Dade County: Transit fare guide (February 2026)miamidade.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Miami-Dade County, Floridacensus.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Broward County, Floridacensus.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Palm Beach County, Floridacensus.gov
Checked against these sources on by Rentvana Editorial. If something has changed, email hello@rentvana.com and we'll fix it.
Questions?
Call 888-601-8344 to talk to a licensed agent, or email hello@rentvana.com and one gets back to you within 1 hour, 8am to 9pm. Renters never pay Rentvana.