How to Get Around Miami: A Complete Guide to Transit, Parking & Local Tips
Why Transit in Miami Can Be Tricky (But Doesn’t Have to Be)
Miami is one of the most iconic cities in the U.S.—a cultural melting pot with sunshine, beaches, nightlife, and some of the busiest airports and cruise ports in the country. But let’s be honest: it’s not always known for its ease of transportation.
With sprawling neighborhoods, traffic-heavy roads, and limited parking in high-demand areas like South Beach, it can be intimidating for first-timers.
As a travel advisor who helps clients plan Miami trips year-round, here’s the good news: you don’t need a rental car for every kind of trip. The key is knowing what parts of the city are walkable, where transit actually works, and what the locals use to get around.
Miami Transit Options at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of your main options:
Flying Into Miami: From the Airport to Your Hotel
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Getting into the city:
Metrorail: Take the Orange Line from MIA to Downtown, Brickell, or Coconut Grove. You’ll need a reloadable EASY Card or use the GO Miami-Dade Transit app.
Uber/Lyft: Available at designated pickup zones. Expect $20–$40 to South Beach depending on traffic.
Taxi: Flat rate to South Beach is around $35–$45.
Airport shuttle vans: Best for groups or cruise transfers; book in advance.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Flying into FLL to save money? It’s about 30–45 minutes north of Miami. You can:
Take Tri-Rail from FLL to the Metrorail system
Or grab an Uber ($45–$70 depending on traffic)
Best Ways to Get Around Popular Areas
Downtown + Brickell
Metromover is your best friend here: It loops around downtown and Brickell completely free.
Brickell City Centre, Bayfront Park, and the Perez Art Museum are all walkable.
South Beach + Miami Beach
Walking is the easiest way to explore Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road.
Miami Beach Trolley (free) loops around South Beach and Mid-Beach.
Parking is expensive—expect $20–$40/day in garages.
Wynwood + Design District
Uber is the fastest way here from Downtown or the beach.
Wynwood is compact and walkable once you’re there.
Coral Gables & Miracle Mile
Use the Coral Gables Trolley (free), or take Metrobus from Metrorail stations.
It’s a quieter, upscale area with great restaurants and shops.
Coconut Grove & Key Biscayne
Metrorail to Coconut Grove station, then bike or Uber the rest of the way.
Key Biscayne requires a car or rideshare—no public transit crosses the causeway.
Should You Rent a Car in Miami?
It depends on your itinerary:
Skip the rental if:
You’re staying in South Beach, Downtown, or Brickell
You plan to use Uber/Lyft and stay mostly local
You're cruising and just need one or two nights in the city
Consider a rental if:
You’re visiting Key Biscayne, Everglades, or doing day trips to the Keys
You’re staying in the suburbs (Doral, Kendall, Aventura)
You need to visit multiple areas in one day
Pro tip: If you're only renting a car for day trips, consider renting by the day from a neighborhood Enterprise or Avis location to avoid airport surcharges.
Transit Apps & Local Tips
GO Miami-Dade Transit App: For real-time Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus info. Buy fares on your phone.
Transit App: Great for planning multi-modal trips, including rideshare and trolley integration.
ParkMobile: A must-have for street parking in Miami Beach and Downtown.
What About Parking?
Miami Beach: Use city parking garages (look for the blue “P” signs) or ParkMobile zones. Avoid residential zones.
Downtown/Brickell: Most hotels charge $30–$50/night. Use SpotHero to book cheaper nearby garages.
Street parking: Very limited in high-traffic zones and almost never free.
Travel Advisor Pro Tips for Smooth Transit
Pack for the heat + walking: Even if you’re not a beachgoer, you’ll be walking in hot weather—bring a sunhat, water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
Avoid peak rush hour on Metrorail: 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM are packed with commuters.
Use hotel shuttles when possible: Especially for cruise transfers.
Build in buffer time: Miami traffic is unpredictable, especially before big events or in bad weather.
Getting Around Miami Can Be Easy—If You Plan Ahead
Don’t let Miami’s sprawl or parking prices stress you out. With a little strategy and local knowledge (now you’ve got both!), you can navigate the city easily, stay cool, and focus on enjoying the culture, beaches, and incredible food scene.
Still unsure what’s best for your trip?
Let me help you build a custom Miami travel plan with the best routes, hotel locations, and time-saving tips. Whether you’re headed to the beach, port, or city, I’ll make sure you’re covered—no rental car drama required.