Getting around Miami
Miami is a car-friendly city, but it also has free transit, bike rentals, scooters and everything you need to get around without renting a vehicle. Here's the best of each option for your travel style.
Uber and Lyft (the easiest option)
Available 24/7 throughout Miami with wait times of 3–8 min. Both work the same — worth having both to compare prices (they can differ a lot).
TIP: Activate 'shared price' (UberX Share / Lyft Shared) to save up to 50% if you're not in a rush. With kids, request Uber Family (includes car seat) or Lyft Comfort.
Traditional taxi
Yellow taxis exist but are less convenient than Uber. They have flat rate from the airport ($41) and metered otherwise. They accept cards.
TIP: Only worth it if Uber has very high surge pricing. Taxi stands at the airport, big hotels and downtown.
Miami Beach Trolley
Free trolley system running Miami Beach north-south. Every 15–20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 4 different routes covering the whole neighborhood.
TIP: Download the free 'Miami Beach Trolley' app for real-time arrivals. The South Beach Loop connects Mid-Beach to Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive and South Pointe.
Closest stop: 5631 Collins Ave (Mid-Beach Loop)1 block from the building · no cost
Metromover (downtown)
Free elevated train running through downtown Miami and Brickell. Full loop in 25 min. An experience in itself: you ride suspended between skyscrapers.
TIP: Combine with Metrorail to go farther south. Best way to see downtown without parking or traffic. Kids love it.
Metrobus and Metrorail
Bus and light rail system covering all Miami-Dade. Not very tourist-friendly (locals use it more) but Metrorail connects the airport to downtown.
TIP: More useful for long trips (e.g., airport-downtown) than for daily tourism. Uber + Trolley is usually more practical.
Biscayne Bay Water Ferry (Poseidon Ferry)
New ferry service connecting Miami Beach with downtown Miami across Biscayne Bay. A fast, scenic alternative to avoid bridge traffic at rush hour, with skyline views from the water.
TIP: Started as a subsidized pilot (some routes free). Check the current fare at poseidonferry.com or biscaynebayferry.com before going — the service changes fast. Departure dock: Sea Isle Marina (1635 N Bayshore Dr).
Water Taxi Miami (hop on/off by water)
Water taxi hop on/off service running Bayside Marketplace, Sea Isle Marina, Fisher Island and other docks. Departs every 30–60 min by route. Ideal to combine transport + sightseeing.
TIP: Great alternative to reach downtown without traffic. Sunset from the water is spectacular. Book at watertaximiami.com or at the dock directly.
Big Bus Tours Miami (Hop On Hop Off)
Classic open-top tourist bus running Miami's main highlights. Get on and off as many times as you want at each stop. Includes audio guide in English, Spanish and other languages. Ideal for day one.
TIP: Tickets from $49 adults / $39 kids (1 day). Combo of 2 days + bay cruise from $79. Buy online for ~10% off. Departures every 30 min.
Main stops: Bayside, South Beach, Wynwood, Vizcaya, Coconut Groveclosest stop: Lincoln Road · 10 min by car from The Pavilion
Miami City Sightseeing (alternative)
Another Hop On Hop Off company with two circuits: Beach Loop (Miami Beach + Bal Harbour) and City Loop (downtown, Wynwood, Design District). Covers different stops than Big Bus.
TIP: Tickets from $45 / $35 kids. Combo with cruises and attractions (Frost Science, PAMM, Jungle Island). Better deal if doing 3+ attractions.
Citi Bike Miami
Shared bike system with stations on every block in Miami Beach and parts of downtown. Regular bikes and e-bikes.
TIP: Download the Citi Bike app. E-bikes are pricier ($0.18/min) but climb bridges effortlessly. Always return to a station, don't leave loose ($50 fine).
Traditional bike rental
Several shops in Miami Beach rent bikes by hour, day or week: Beach Bike Rental, Miami Beach Bicycle Center. More comfortable models than Citi Bikes (padded seats, baskets).
TIP: From $12/hour or $30/day. Worth the weekly pass if you'll use a lot. Take the bike to the Boardwalk at sunrise: top experience.
Is renting a car worth it?
If you're only doing Miami Beach + downtown + some museums, NO need: Uber + Trolley covers everything. If you're doing day trips (Key West, Everglades, Naples, Orlando), YES.
TIP: A week of Ubers in Miami Beach + South Beach + Wynwood + Aventura easily adds up to $250–400. A compact car that week is $280–400 with full coverage. Do the math.
Gas and tolls
Gas costs $3.20–3.80 per gallon at nearby stations. Florida tolls are electronic: SunPass or Toll-By-Plate. Rentals usually come with SunPass enabled.
TIP: Cheapest gas is usually Costco (need membership), Sam's Club or Wawa. Closest station to The Pavilion is Shell at 6701 Collins Ave.
Rush hours to avoid
Monday to Friday: 7-9 a.m. (office commute) and 5-7 p.m. (return). Sunday afternoons, returning to Miami Beach from Key Biscayne or Aventura can be very slow.
TIP: If heading to the airport at rush hour, leave 90 min early. For long excursions, start before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m.