How to get around Miami

A practical guide to transportation in Miami

Miami is a large, spread-out city, and how you get around will depend on where you’re staying and what you plan to do. While certain areas like South Beach are walkable, many of Miami’s main attractions are spread across different neighborhoods, making transportation an important part of planning your trip. From public transit to rideshares, here’s a breakdown of the best ways to move around the city.

Arriving in Miami

Most travelers arrive through Miami International Airport (MIA), which is the main airport serving the city and located just a short drive from Downtown and Miami Beach. It has a direct connection to the Metrorail’s Orange Line, making it possible to reach central Miami without needing a car. Rideshares, taxis, and shuttles are also widely available at the airport, as well as car rentals.

Another option is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), about 30 miles north of Miami. Depending on traffic, the drive can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour. FLL can be a convenient (and sometimes cheaper) alternative, especially if you’re staying in North Miami, Aventura, or Sunny Isles. Transportation options from FLL include shuttles, rideshares, and the Tri-Rail commuter train, which connects to Miami.

Public Transportation

Miami has several public transit options, though they are more useful in certain areas than others, and overall, they are limited.

Metrorail

A rapid transit system connecting the airport, Downtown, Brickell, and some suburban areas. It’s not extensive enough to cover the whole city but can be convenient if you’re staying near a station.

Metromover

A free automated train that runs around Downtown and Brickell. It’s useful for short trips within the city center and connects to the Metrorail.

Metrobus

Covers many parts of Miami, including areas not served by rail, but travel times can be long due to traffic. It’s budget-friendly but not always the fastest option. It is also limited. A ride that would take 40 minutes by car can take up to 2 hours in the bus.

Brightline

A higher-speed train that connects Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Orlando. Good if you’re traveling beyond Miami without a car.

Driving

Car Rental

This is by far the best option, in my opinion, if you are visiting Miami and want to check many different attractions. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore outside Miami, like the Everglades or the Florida Keys. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours, and parking is expensive in many areas, particularly South Beach and Downtown.

Parking

Most hotels and attractions charge for parking, and street parking can be limited. Apps like PayByPhone are commonly used for meter payments.

Rideshares and Taxis

Uber & Lyft

Widely available throughout Miami and convenient for short trips between neighborhoods, especially at night or when public transport is less practical.

Taxis

Less common than rideshares but still available in busy areas like the airport and Miami Beach.

Walking and Biking

Walking

Some neighborhoods, like South Beach, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove, are pedestrian-friendly. However, Miami overall is not considered a highly walkable city due to its size and layout.

Biking

Miami has bike lanes in some areas and offers rental services like Citi Bike. Biking works well in flatter neighborhoods like South Beach, but traffic and heat can make it challenging in other parts of the city.