How To Use Public Transport in Miami
If you need to get around Miami and Miami Beach without a car, it is easy to so using public transport. Miami-Dade Transit is the 14th largest public transit system in the USA, and the largest transit agency in the state of Florida. Not only does Miami have buses and trains, there is also a completely free metro system running through downtown. Here is a guide to the Miami Dade Public Transport system and how to use it.
Metrobuses
The Miami bus service runs throughout Miami-Dade County 365 days a year. You can get a bus pretty much anywhere, from Miami Beach and Key Biscayne to West Miami-Dade, as far north as Diplomat Mall in Broward County, and as far south as Homestead, Florida City, and the Middle Keys. There are more than 90 bus routes and some run 24 hours a day, including the S route that runs through South Beach.
A single bus fare costs $2 and you have to pay with exact change only. This can be as many nickels, dimes or quarters as you like, or $1 bills, but the bus driver will not give you change if you have a $5 bill or more. No bus accepts pennies. The driver does not accept cash, instead you pay the machine in front of you as you step on the bus. See bus routes and schedules
The South Beach Local
The South Beach local is a small bus that runs only throughout South Beach from 8am – 1am daily. It only costs 25 cents to ride the bus and is used by residents and tourists to get around South Beach. With a great route and schedule, this bus can get you anywhere you need to go within SoBe’s 23 block radius. South Beach local map
Airport Flyer
The 150 bus from Miami International Airport costs $2.35 and is the cheapest way to get to South Beach from the airport. The service runs every 30 minutes from the airport bus terminal located opposite Terminal E in arrivals. It has a section on the bus for luggage and is a very quick route straight to South Beach with only two stops along the way before stopping at the Collins Ave hotels through South Beach. The route runs all the way to South Pointe stopping every few blocks. 150 Bus route and schedule
Metrorail
Compared to other cities, the Miami Metrorail system is very easy to navigate. With only one line running north and south through the city of Miami, the train runs from 5am – midnight 7 days a week servicing all 22 stops. The rail system does not go to many of the tourist hotspots and it does not run to the airport or South Beach. The trains offer free wifi and is used mainly by residents at the cost of $2 for a single journey. The Metrorail system does not accept cash. You must purchase an Easy Card to pay your fare before you travel. Metrorail route and schedule
Metromover
The Metromover is a people mover system that runs above the streets of downtown Miami and Brickell. It is completely free to everyone and connects to some of the Metrorail and bus stations. Major destinations include American Airlines Arena, Bayside Marketplace, Miami-Dade College, and the James L. Knight Center.
The Metromover has no driver as it is an electric automatic system. As it is free, do not be surprised to be in a busy car with one or two homeless people amongst you. It is a great system to get around downtown quickly, but be sure to take your hand sanitizer with you in your bag. More Metromover info
Tri Rail
The Tri Rail is a commuter rail service, servicing Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Like the Metrorail, it is only one line running north and south. You can reach it in Miami from the Tri Rail Metrorail station or by an express bus from Miami airport.
The Tri Rail stations are not easy or convenient to get to if you are here on vacation. They are not near the coast line so if you are trying to reach your beach hotel, it will not be the best option to use. A one way fare costs between $2.50 and $7 and a return fare costs between $5 and $11.50, depending on your final destination. Tri Rail information
The Easy Card and Easy Ticket
Miami buses still accept cash as a form of payment but the Metrorail does not. An Easy Card looks like a credit card and is a pay as you go form of paying for your public transport. Buses and train stations all have fare boxes that you press the card up against and your fare is deducted from the value on your Easy Card. The cards are reloadable.
Tourists and visitors to Miami who will only be here for a short time can purchase the Easy Ticket. It works like the Easy Card but is made of paper and expires after 60 days. These cards can be purchased at any train station and in sales outlets throughout Miami, including LeAnn drugs on 9th and Washington in South Beach. Easy Card info
Check your route at the links above before you set out on your journey so you know exactly where you are going. Don’t be afraid to ask the bus driver if you are lost, they are happy to answer your questions. The Miami Dade Public Transport system is cheap and easy to use and is a great alternative to renting a car or taking cabs. So try it out on your next vacation here, you will be surprised at how quick it can be to get around Miami.
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45 Comments on
"How To Use Public Transport in Miami"
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Maria de los Angeles says:
Jess, great review. I have been using a lot of public transport lately due to some car issues. One thing to keep in mind: you may end up adding a lot more time to your trip if you use buses and rail. It took me two hours to get to Broward from South Miami via Metrorail and Tri-Rail as opposed to the usual 40 minutes without traffic.
One big plus is the Miami-Dade public transportation app. I use it all the time now on my iPhone. You can actually track the train in real time and schedules are published. Ditto for buses. This is a great bonus if you have a smart phone!
I have found Miami-Dade Public transportation customer service folks to be really helpful in planning itineraries. When I have had to use a train/bus combo, I usually call ahead, even though Google publishes itineraries as well. But I like talking to a real person who can give me direct instructions.
The Easy Pass is also great, too. You can load different cash values and it saves so much time.
Thanks again, Jess!
Posted on 02/18/2012 at 6:43 PM