Transportation in Miami
Located at the mouth of the Miami River, and bordered by Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, Miami is a buzzing metropolis of sharply contrasting neighbourhoods and scattered mini-paradise islands.Most visitors base themselves by the ocean at Miami Beach, from which all local attractions are accessible. Public transport links cover much of the city but driving is the most convenient way of exploring further afield.Miami Beach below 21st Street is the major oceanfront destination, now world-famous as South Beach (or SoBe). It remains popular for its magnificent Art Deco Historic District and celebrity-filled nightclubs. Jumping west across the causeways are the soaring towers of Downtown, and ethnic enclaves of Little Havana and Allapattah. Tranquil Key Biscayne is often overlooked in the headlong rush south from Downtown to the upscale settlements of Coral Gables and quirky Coconut Grove. Further south along US1 is a straight run to the Everglades and Florida Keys.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
By far the easiest and quickest option for getting around Miami, taxis are bright yellow and can be flagged down in the street; a green light indicates that they are free. There are also plenty of taxi ranks throughout the city. All taxis are metered and a tip of about 15% is customary.
Car
Driving in traffic-snarled Miami can be challenging and parking can be tiresome. However, hiring a car may be the best option for venturing down the main highway US1 to the Everglades or Florida Keys. Valet parking is available at most restaurants but is expensive. Hotels charge a daily rate for stowing your car. Carry lots of coins for parking meters.
Bus
The infamously slow Metrobus service in Miami is run by the Miami-Dade Transit Department and covers South Beach and the Art Deco Historic District as well as integrating with all other public transport systems. All buses are wheelchair accessible and exact change, a token or a Metropass is required. Don't expect buses to run to posted timetables.
Train
The elevated Metromover train is free to use and is the most useful way of getting around Miami Downtown while taking in the spectacular skyscraper architecture. The Downtown Loop takes in most of the major attractions and there are links to Omni in the north and Brickell in the south. Trains run from 5am-midnight.
Rail
A reliable and inexpensive commuter rail line, Tri Rail links Miami with Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach for visitors who want to get out of town. There is also a service to Miami International Airport.
Bus
With numerous stops along the seafront, the colourful South Beach Local Circulator electric bus trundles up and down South Beach every 10-15 minutes, providing sun-lovers with a regular and inexpensive (there is a flat fare) way to travel in between beach and hotel.
Rent your car
Miami is easy to navigate with expressways leading straight from Miami Airport to Miami Beach and connecting roads to the north and south. Parking can be expensive though with hotels charging upwards from $15. There is also some on-street parking, payable by coin, card or over the phone.
Transportation Tips
A car is helpful unless you are staying in South Beach. A toll applies on most causeways between the airport and the beach: have small change ready when heading eastbound. Parking spots are as elusive as the Holy Grail in South Beach and traffic wardens are ruthless. Metropass tickets for Metrorail and Metro-Bus are available from the Transit Service Center at Downtown's Metrorail Center.
Special Transportation
Monorail
For sightseers wanting to explore all Miami, the Metrorail is a 34-km (21-mile) elevated rail system linking Plametto in the north with Dadeland in the south of the city. Flat fares operate and exact change, a token or a Metropass is required for travel.
