Best way to get around Miami: Helpful tips and tricks

Navigating a city like Miami is simple when you know all your options from the moment you land at the Miami International Airport and beyond. Knowing the best ways to get around in Miami enhances your travel experience, allowing you to explore the city’s outdoor activities easily. Miami offers excellent public transportation, including an extensive subway system, buses, free tram rides, and convenient bike-sharing. Whether it’s your first time in Miami or a seasoned traveler, this guide makes getting around Miami effortless.

Getting around Miami: tips and tricks

• Take the Miami Airport Metrorail to get into the city: Travellers arriving from Miami Airport can easily access the city center with a train ride on the Metrorail. Head to the third level and take the Orange Line to head downtown.
• Purchase one-trip, one-day, and seven-day passes: Miami-Dade Transit offers multiple options for payment and ticketing, including one-trip tickets, one-day passes, seven-day passes, and a reloadable EASY Card. You can purchase EASY Cards and transit passes at various Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) throughout Miami-Dade County or through the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. Contactless payment is now offered, so you can tap your credit/debit card or digital wallet at the Metrorail and Metrobus entrances where indicated.
• Rent a bike with Citi Bike: Miami offers a bike-sharing service, Citi Bike, with stations conveniently spread throughout the city.
• Get around by metro or bus at night: Public transportation is available throughout the night in Miami. The Metrorail operates until midnight, except for Friday, when hours are extended until 1:00 AM. Most bus routes stop around midnight, but there are Night Owl Routes, which can operate through the night until 5:00 AM.
• Avoid rush hour: Public transportation can get crowded with longer wait times during peak hours, typically between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Explore on foot: Miami is a fantastic city to explore on foot, with highly walkable areas such as Miami Beach, Brickell, and Wynwood.

Useful apps

• Google Maps: Plan your routes and find real-time walking or biking directions. It provides public transportation schedules and updates for Miami’s metro, buses, and trams.
• Citymapper: An excellent app for mapping out Miami’s best public transportation routes. It includes live departure times, disruption alerts, and cycling and walking route options.
• GO Miami-Dade Transit: The official app for transit in Miami-Dade County keeps you updated on real-time information, such as bus and subway arrival times. The app also allows you to reload your EASY Car.
• Citi Bike App: The official app for Miami’s bike-sharing service. It allows you to find the nearest bike stations, check bike availability, start your journey, and manage your SEVICI account.

1. Getting around by train in Miami

Getting around Miami using the city’s train network is an affordable alternative to driving. Metrorail is a light rail system with two main lines that connect several of Miami’s key neighborhoods, including Brickell, Coconut Grove, South Miami, and Miami International Airport. There is also the Metromover in Miami’s downtown, an elevated train system that reaches many of the city’s popular attractions for free! The Kaseya Center, Pérez Art Museum, and the Art and Entertainment District can all be easily accessed with the Metromover. The Art and Entertainment District is one of the best places to visit in Miami.

How to plan your journey

How to buy and use train tickets in Miami

2. Taking the bus in Miami

Miami’s Metrobus operates more than 90 routes, serving areas that the Metrorail and Metromover do not reach, such as Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and Homestead. The routes are designed to intersect with the Metrorail and Metromover to cover all major shopping, entertainment, and cultural hubs in the city.

How to buy and use bus tickets in Miami

Try taking a trolley in Miami Beach or the city

3. Getting around Miami by bike

Traveling around Miami by bike is a fantastic way to explore the city. The beach, downtown, and many residential streets have dedicated bike lanes and paths. Miami’s flat terrain and ideal climate and weather make biking a pleasant way to explore.

Renting Bikes in Miami

4. Getting about Miami by boat

Experiencing Miami by boat is an essential way of experiencing the city, offering a scenic voyage from shore to shore through dedicated Water Taxis and Ferries. The Miami’s Water Taxi is a convenient transportation method between Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and nearby areas like Coconut Grove and Wynwood, stopping especially at critical locations such as Bayside Marketplace and Star Island. You can also travel between Miami Beach and Miami’s downtown core with a ferry ride.

Visiting the Miami Beach from downtown Miami

Get to the Poseidon Ferry Station’s Venetian Marina and Yacht Club terminal. The vessel departs from Pier 1 Slip1 of the Venetian Marina. After a scenic ride, the ferry docks at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park, at the corner of 18th Street and Purdy Avenue.

5. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in Miami

Miami’s taxis are an unmissable classic yellow and can be found around hotels and major tourist destinations. If you plan a ride, taxis can be booked on apps like Curb. Other ways to get around by car in the city include ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Or try MetroConnect, Miami’s official on-demand transportation service, which picks you up and connects you to a Metrorail, Metrobus, or anywhere else you need to go for free! You must be in their 11 designated zones for this service, so check beforehand.

6. Hourly car rental services in Miami

For flexibility, consider by-the-hour car rental services like Zipcar. These car-sharing platforms let you rent vehicles by the minute, hour, or day without the hassle of traditional rentals. Download the app, register with your driver’s license, and locate a nearby car. Fuel, insurance, and parking within designated areas are typically included.

FAQS

What’s the best way to get from Miami airport to the city center?

Miami’s airport, Sevilla-San Pablo, is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center. You can take the train on line C-1 (Cercanías Renfe), which operates directly into the center of Miami. The AE (Especial Aeropuerto) bus line is also available, offering rides to the city center.

How accessible is public transportation in Miami?

In Miami, all public transportation, including the metro, has lifts. Buses and MetroCentro are wheelchair accessible and have designated priority seating on board.

Does public transportation run all night in Miami?

Public transportation runs late, especially on weekends, but only some bus routes run late into the night. The Metrorail and Metromover transit run until 11:00 PM on weeknights and Sundays, with extended operating hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular Metrobus routes run until 11:00 PM, but there is a Night Owl Bus Service that operates from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, providing 24-hour services for major routes like Route 7 and Route 8.

Is it safe to use public transportation late at night?

Using public transportation in Miami at night is generally safe, but remember to take standard safety precautions: stay aware of your surroundings, stay in well-lit spaces, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas when possible.

Are there any transportation passes in Miami?

Miami offers transit passes, including 1-day, 7-day, and 30-day passes, which cover unlimited rides on the Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metromover. Passes can be purchased directly on the GO Miami-Dade app, at a Metrorail station, or at participating retailers.

What’s the best mode of transportation for travelers in Miami?

The best mode depends on your preferences and itinerary. For popular areas like South Beach, Downtown, or Miami Beach, the Metrorail, Metromover, or trolleys are the best options. Biking is also a popular mode of travel in the city, especially for short distances, due to Miami’s comfortable temperatures, its flat layout, and the many bike-friendly paths offered around the city’s main tourist destinations.