Getting Around Miami: Complete Transportation Guide

Miami is a sprawling, car-friendly city, but you don't always need to rent a vehicle to get around. From a free downtown monorail to high-speed intercity rail, the options are surprisingly varied. Here's everything you need to know to move through the Magic City efficiently.

From the Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA) connects to the rest of the city in several ways. The free MIA Mover automated train runs 24/7, departing every few minutes to the Miami Intermodal Center, where you'll find Metrorail, Tri-Rail, buses and the rental-car center. From the MIA Metrorail station, the Orange Line is the cheapest route into the city at $2.25 a ride. If you'd rather skip the connections, a private transfer is the easiest door-to-door option - see our airport transfers guide. Prefer to drive yourself? Compare options in our car rentals guide.

Metrorail

The Metrorail is the backbone of Miami's transit system, an elevated rapid-transit line covering roughly 25 miles across two routes. The Green Line runs the full length from Palmetto in the northwest to Dadeland South, while the Orange Line branches off toward the airport. A single trip costs $2.25, with daily fares capping around $5.65 for unlimited rides. Pay with an EASY Card, EASY Ticket, the GO Miami-Dade Transit app or contactless cards. It's a reliable way to reach Coral Gables and points south while avoiding traffic.

Metromover (Free!)

For exploring the urban core, the Metromover is a hidden gem and it's completely free. This elevated electric monorail loops through Downtown Miami and Brickell, arriving as often as every 90 seconds at peak times and running from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. It's perfect for hopping between offices, hotels, museums and restaurants without spending a cent or hunting for parking.

Brightline

For travel beyond Miami, Brightline high-speed rail departs from the gleaming MiamiCentral station downtown. It connects Miami with Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and, on a roughly two-hour cadence, all the way to Orlando in about 3.5 hours. Choose between SMART (business class) and PREMIUM service, with comfortable seats and Wi-Fi. It's a stress-free alternative to I-95 for day trips to Fort Lauderdale.

Rideshare and Taxis

Uber and Lyft operate throughout the metro area and are often the simplest choice for short hops, late nights or reaching spots without transit access. Expect roughly $25-$35 to Downtown or Brickell from the airport and $35-$45 to South Beach, depending on traffic and demand. Traditional metered taxis are also available at the airport and major hotels.

Citi Bike and Walking

For short distances and great weather, Citi Bike offers solar-powered bike-share stations across the county, with hourly and daily rentals and the freedom to pick up and drop off at different docks. It's ideal for cruising the flat, scenic paths of South Beach or the galleries of Wynwood. Many neighborhoods, including Coconut Grove, are also very walkable.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• Staying downtown or in Brickell: Use the free Metromover and walk.
• Beach hopping or going out at night: Rideshare is fastest and most flexible.
• Day trips up the coast: Take Brightline.
• Exploring the suburbs or south Miami: Ride the Metrorail.
• Maximum freedom: Rent a car, but budget for parking.

Plan the rest of your trip with our full Miami travel resources, and you'll be navigating the city like a local in no time.