Miami essentials

The practical answers a first Miami trip actually needs — getting in from MIA or Fort Lauderdale and by Brightline train, getting around between Miami Beach, Brickell, and the neighborhoods, when to visit around heat and hurricane season, money and costs, and staying safe in the sun and water.

Arrival

Arrival Getting to Miami Most visitors fly into Miami International, a major gateway about eight miles from downtown that connects to Metrorail. Fort Lauderdale's airport to the north often has cheaper fares, and Brightline trains now link Miami with West Palm Beach and Orlando.

Getting around

Getting around Getting around Miami Miami is spread out, so how you get around depends on your base. The free Metromover loops around downtown and Brickell, Metrorail and Metrobus cover longer hauls, and Miami Beach is walkable — but many visitors rely on rideshare to bridge the gaps.

Planning

Planning When to visit Miami Miami's dry winter season from December to April is the warm, sunny, and busiest stretch, with the highest prices. Summer is hot, humid, and rainy, and Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in late summer. Planning Money and costs in Miami Miami runs more expensive than much of Florida, especially in South Beach and Brickell. Sales tax is 7 percent in Miami-Dade, resort fees are common, and — the local catch — many restaurants add an automatic service charge, so check the bill before you tip again.

On the ground

On the ground Staying safe in Miami Miami is a normal big city: ordinary street sense covers most of it. The cautions that catch visitors out are the ocean — rip currents and the lifeguard flag system — plus strong sun, summer storms, and busy nightlife districts late at night.