Transportation in Miami
Coach
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.
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.
Car
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.
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.
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.
