Tri-Rail Schedule 2026: Timetables, Fares, Routes, And Station Connections
Tri-Rail is South Florida’s premier regional commuter rail system, operated by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA). Spanning 18 stations across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties along a 71.5-mile corridor, Tri-Rail offers direct rail links to major international airports, local transit networks, and the downtown financial core of Miami via the Downtown Miami Link at MiamiCentral.
2026 Tri-Rail Operating Schedules: Weekday vs. Weekend Timelines
Tri-Rail operates 365 days a year, providing structured timetables designed around commuter movement, airport transfers, and regional travel. Trains run northbound (toward West Palm Beach/Mangonia Park) and southbound (toward Miami Airport and MiamiCentral).
Weekday Schedule Structure (Monday through Friday)
Weekday service is divided into peak commuter rush hours and off-peak mid-day/evening intervals:
- Morning Peak (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Trains depart key terminals every 20 to 30 minutes to accommodate regional commuters heading into major commercial districts in Fort Lauderdale, Downtown Miami, and West Palm Beach.
- Mid-Day Off-Peak (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM): Trains run on standard 1-hour headway schedules across all zones.
- Afternoon Peak (3:30 PM – 7:00 PM): Frequencies return to 20-to-30-minute intervals to handle outbound evening commuter surges.
- Late Evening (7:00 PM – 11:30 PM): Service throttles back to 1-hour to 90-minute intervals, with final departures from terminal stations operating near 11:00 PM.
Weekend and Holiday Schedules (Saturday, Sunday, Major Holidays)
Weekend and designated holiday schedules run on a streamlined fixed-interval pattern:
- Operating Hours: Service begins at approximately 5:15 AM and runs through 11:45 PM.
- Frequency: Trains operate on consistent 1-hour to 2-hour headways throughout the day.
- Holiday Calendar: Weekend timetables apply to New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Transit Operational Note Train schedules are strictly anchored to departure times from key control points: Mangonia Park (northern terminus), West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami Airport / MiamiCentral (southern termini). Commuters transferring between the main line and the Downtown Miami Link branch at Metrorail Transfer Station should verify transfer buffers during peak congestion hours.
Complete Tri-Rail Station Directory and Zone System Matrix
Tri-Rail calculates fares based on a 6-zone system. Crossing zone boundaries increases the base fare, while rides contained within a single zone cost the minimum rate.
| Zone | Station Name | Physical Location | Primary Transit & Airport Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Mangonia Park | 1910 45th St, West Palm Beach | Palm Tran Bus System |
| Zone 1 | West Palm Beach | 203 S Tamarind Ave, West Palm Beach | Brightline WPB Station (0.5 mi), Amtrak, PBI Airport Shuttle (Route 44) |
| Zone 1 | Lake Worth Beach | 1700 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth | Palm Tran Connectors |
| Zone 2 | Boynton Beach | 2800 High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach | Palm Tran Route 70 / Local Feeder Buses |
| Zone 2 | Delray Beach | 345 S Congress Ave, Delray Beach | Amtrak, Downtown Delray Trolley, Palm Tran |
| Zone 2 | Boca Raton | 680 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton | Palm Tran Routes 2, 91 |
| Zone 3 | Deerfield Beach | 1300 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield | Amtrak, Broward County Transit (BCT) |
| Zone 3 | Pompano Beach | 3301 NW 8th Ave, Pompano Beach | BCT Routes 20, 34, 42 |
| Zone 3 | Cypress Creek | 5910 NW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale | BCT Key Commercial Commuter Hub |
| Zone 4 | Fort Lauderdale | 200 SW 21st Terrace, Fort Lauderdale | Amtrak, BCT Local Routes |
| Zone 4 | FLL Airport / Dania Beach | 3500 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale | Direct Shuttle Transfer to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl Airport (FLL) |
| Zone 4 | Sheridan Street | 2900 Sheridan St, Hollywood | BCT Express Bus Connections, Park-and-Ride |
| Zone 5 | Hollywood | 3001 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood | BCT Routes 1, 7, 12 |
| Zone 5 | Golden Glades | 16000 State Rd 9, Miami | PortMiami Express Buses, MDT Express, BCT |
| Zone 5 | Opa-locka | 480 E Ali Baba Train Way, Opa-locka | Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) Buses |
| Zone 6 | Metrorail Transfer | 1155 E 25th St, Hialeah | Direct Seamless Transfer to Miami-Dade Metrorail (Green Line) |
| Zone 6 | Hialeah Market | 1251 SE 10th Court, Hialeah | MDT Local Routes |
| Zone 6 | Miami Airport Station | 3861 NW 21st St, Miami | MIA Mover to Miami Intl Airport (MIA), Metrobus, Intercity Coaches |
| Zone 6 | MiamiCentral (Branch) | 600 NW 1st Ave, Miami | Metrorail, Metromover, Brightline Miami Station, Downtown Core Access |
Future of Tri-Rail remains uncertain despite increase in ridership
Fares, EASY Card Integration, and Ticketing Options
Tri-Rail offers flat-rate weekend passes, distance-based single ride tickets, and recurring transit passes tailored for daily commuters, students, and seniors.
TRI-RAIL FARE TIER BREAKDOWN +------------------+-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+ | Ticket Type | 1 Zone Base Fare | Multi-Zone Max Fare| Discount Rate* | +------------------+-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+ | Single One-Way | $2.50 | $6.90 | $1.25 - $3.45 | | Round-Trip Day | $5.00 | $11.00 | $2.50 - $5.50 | | Weekend Day Pass | $5.00 (Flat Rate) | $5.00 (Flat Rate) | $2.50 (Flat Rate) | | Monthly Pass | $110.00 | $110.00 (System) | $55.00 | | Employer Discount| Variable | Systemwide Access | Corporate Savings | +------------------+-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+ * Discount rates apply to qualified Seniors (65+), Persons with Disabilities, Medicare recipients, and Students (ages 5-18).
Payment Methods and Tap-and-Ride Technology
Passengers can purchase fare media across several channels:
- Contactless Tap-and-Ride: Riders can tap any physical Visa, Mastercard, or American Express contactless credit/debit card, or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly at platform validators before boarding and upon exiting at their destination station.
- EASY Card Systems: Interoperable with Miami-Dade Transit's EASY Card system, allowing stored value to transfer across regional bus and heavy rail networks.
- TVMs (Ticket Vending Machines): Located on platforms at all 18 stations, accepting cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
- Tri-Rail Mobile App: Digital tickets can be purchased on iOS and Android devices, stored in digital wallets, and presented to conductors onboard.
Connecting South Florida: Airports, Metrorail, and Downtown Miami Link
Tri-Rail serves as a central spine linking South Florida’s three major international airports and urban centers.
SOUTH FLORIDA AIRPORT & URBAN CONNECTIONS [ Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) ] <--- Route 44 Shuttle ---> [ West Palm Beach Station ] | [ Ft. Laud / Hollywood Airport ] <--- Free Airport Shuttle --> [ Dania Beach Station ] | [ Miami Intl Airport (MIA) ] <--- MIA Mover (Free) ------> [ Miami Airport Station ] | [ Downtown Miami Financial District ] <-- Direct Spur Line ----> [ MiamiCentral Station ]
Direct Airport Access Guidelines
- Miami International Airport (MIA): The southern terminus at Miami Airport Station connects directly to the MIA Mover, an automated people mover system operating 24/7 that places passengers inside the main passenger terminal in under 4 minutes.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Riders exit at the FLL Airport / Dania Beach Station and board dedicated airport shuttle buses that run continuously every 10 to 15 minutes between the platform and Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): Commuters alight at the West Palm Beach Station to board Palm Tran Route 44, providing direct feeder service into PBI terminal arrival doors.
The Downtown Miami Link to MiamiCentral
The Downtown Miami Link branch enables select southbound Tri-Rail trains to split off near the Metrorail Transfer Station and proceed into MiamiCentral in Brightline’s downtown terminal complex.
This branch provides direct foot-access to Miami’s financial corridor (Brickell/Downtown), direct interchange with Metrorail lines, and connection to the free Metromover automated loop serving Downtown and Brickell.
Tri-Rail vs. Alternative South Florida Travel Options
Evaluating regional transportation along the Interstate 95 corridor involves weighing transit time, cost predictability, and regional coverage.
| Travel Factor | Tri-Rail Commuter Rail | Brightline High-Speed Rail | Interstate 95 Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Corridor | Mangonia Park to Miami/Downtown | West Palm Beach to Miami / Orlando | Express Lanes along I-95 |
| Cost Structure | $2.50 - $6.90 per ride ($5 Weekends) | Premium distance/demand pricing | Variable toll rates + Fuel/Parking |
| On-Time Reliability | High (Dedicated corridor right-of-way) | Very High (Dedicated express tracks) | Variable (Subject to traffic crashes) |
| Airport Connections | Direct link to MIA, direct shuttle to FLL | Indirect (Taxi/Rideshare from downtowns) | Direct ground driving to terminals |
| Target Audience | Daily commuters, workers, budget travelers | Intercity business & leisure travelers | Personal vehicle operators |
Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Tri-Rail Passengers
Navigating the Tri-Rail system involves a simple four-step process:
- Check Schedule & Select Departure Time: Review the official timetable online or via the mobile app. Select a northbound or southbound train departure from your nearest station.
- Purchase Fare or Tap-In: Before entering platform boarding areas, purchase a paper ticket at a TVM, activate a digital ticket in the app, or tap your contactless payment card at the platform validator.
- Locate Correct Platform Side: Look at digital station boards to ensure you are standing on the correct platform (Northbound platform for Palm Beach direction; Southbound platform for Miami/MiamiCentral direction).
- Board Train and Store Luggage: Step onto the double-decker passenger car once doors open. Keep ticket media handy for inspection by onboard conductors. Store large suitcases in the lower-level rack spaces or bike racks provided in designated cars.
- Tap-Out at Destination: When paying via contactless card or stored-value EASY Card, tap your payment method again at the platform validator upon alighting to compute the accurate distance-based fare and prevent maximum penalty charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weekend fare for Tri-Rail?
Tri-Rail offers a $5 flat-rate Weekend Day Pass that allows unlimited travel across all six fare zones for an entire Saturday or Sunday. Discounted weekend passes are available for $2.50 for qualifying seniors, children, and riders with disabilities.
Does Tri-Rail go directly inside Miami International Airport?
Yes, Tri-Rail terminates directly at the Miami Airport Station inside the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC). From there, passengers take the free MIA Mover automated train directly into the airport’s main terminal buildings.
Can I transfer from Tri-Rail to the Miami Metrorail system?
Yes, transfers can be made at two primary locations: the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station in Hialeah, or at MiamiCentral Station in Downtown Miami. Joint fare options and EASY Card integration streamline connection payments between networks.
How frequent are Tri-Rail trains during weekday commute hours?
During peak weekday morning and evening rush hours, Tri-Rail operates trains every 20 to 30 minutes. Mid-day off-peak and weekend services run on hourly intervals.
Are bicycles allowed onboard Tri-Rail trains?
Yes, every Tri-Rail train features designated "Bike Cars" equipped with onboard bicycle racks where passengers can store standard bicycles at no additional cost. Bicycles must not block aisles or exit doorways.
Optimizing Your South Florida Commute with Tri-Rail
Tri-Rail provides a cost-effective alternative to I-95 highway traffic across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. By linking urban centers, business parks, and three international airports through predictable timetables and modern fare payment options, the commuter rail system remains an essential backbone of South Florida's transportation network. Always verify platform departure monitors and real-time transit apps before departing to account for minor schedule adjustments or maintenance trackwork.
