Public Transport
Miami’s public transit system is the most diverse and extensive of any locality in Florida making it is possible to travel to all commercial areas and major attractions within Miami without a car. Most buses are stroller accessible.
The Metrorail is a dual line, Green and Orange Line, elevated rail system serving Miami and surrounding cities, running 24.9 mi with 23 stations. It connects many areas of tourist interest, including downtown Miami, Miami International Airport (Orange Line – Only) Dadeland Mall, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Museum of Science, Village at Merrick Park and many other nearby shopping areas. Coconut Grove and downtown Coral Gables can be reached via short shuttle bus from various stations. Metrorail operates between roughly 5AM and midnight, with a bus serving all Metrorail stations operating in the overnight hours, effectively providing 24-hour service. Metrorail Green Line runs from Palmetto Station to Dadeland South with Orange Line trains traveling from Miami International Airport to Dadeland South. Both lines service the main trunk line from Earlington Heights Station to Dadeland South. Trains run as frequently as every 5 minutes to as infrequently as every 15 minutes along the main trunk. Mid-Day Weekday service along the main trunk averages seven minute service.
Fare for a single trip on both Metrorail and Metrobus is $2.25 per ride ($1.10 for persons with disabilities or on Medicare). Daily, weekly, and monthly pass are available.
Downtown Miami is served by a free elevated people mover system known as Metromover, which connects to Metrorail at two stations at Government Center in the central business district and at Brickell Station in Brickell. Metromover is free of charge and is the most efficient way to move around Downtown Miami. It is a great way to take a rest when walking around downtown, and a great time to take pictures of the skyscrapers and growing Miami skyline from above.
Taxis
Taxis are generally expensive with a surcharge of $2.50 for the pick-up and an additional $0.40 for each sixth of a mile traveled. Almost all cab companies in the area have pre-determined rates for travel into the barrier islands of Miami Beach and other beach and popular areas. Usually you will have to call a cab company and request a pick-up. Taxis operated by the major companies are not normally allowed to pick up passengers at random locations for safety and legal reasons except at MIA, the Port of Miami and train stations. However, some individual taxi drivers will not follow this rule. In any event, if you are not travelling with a car seat it is best to pre book a taxi with one. This can be done online or your hotel will be able to contact a cab company with car seats.
By Car
Unless you plan to stay downtown, Miami Beach/South Beach, or in a single location elsewhere, you will find that a car is very convenient in Miami, and car rentals are cheap in comparison to other major US cities. If you are not bringing a car seat, make sure you pre book a car with one to ensure availability.
By Shuttle
Super Shuttle (email sales@miamisupershuttle.com) offers shuttle services to where ever you need to go from MIA airport and is called Super Shuttle Miami. Approach any of the blue vans located on the outer island. They also have guest services representatives in the airport wearing a blue Super Shuttle shirt.
