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.
Trains, mover, and bus
The free Metromover serves downtown, Omni and Brickell through three loops. Check current notices while its upgrade work continues, as individual loops can start late or use replacement shuttles. Metrorail has Green and Orange lines: Green serves the main Palmetto–Dadeland South corridor, and Orange connects the airport. Metrobus covers additional neighborhoods and routes across the county.
Metrorail and Metromover do not cross the bay to Miami Beach, but Metrobus does serve the beach. A downtown or Brickell base is convenient for rail connections; for a beach-side base, compare the specific bus route, walking distance and travel time instead of assuming that public transit is unavailable.
Getting to and around Miami Beach
Miami Beach is connected to the mainland by causeways and Metrobus routes. Once there, South Beach and the Art Deco district are flat and walkable, the Miami Beach Trolley provides free local trips, and Citi Bike docks offer short rentals. Check current bike availability and local riding restrictions; Citi Bikes cannot be taken on Metrorail or Metromover.
Rideshare and taxis are convenient options between the city and the beach, but there are public alternatives. The city also operates a free weekday water taxi between Venetian Marina in Miami and Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach. It currently has no weekend or observed federal-holiday service unless announced; check its timetable and service notices before relying on it.
Driving and rideshare
A car gives the most freedom for spread-out neighborhoods and day trips to the Everglades or the Keys, but downtown and South Beach parking is scarce and pricey, and causeway and I-95 traffic is heavy at peak times.
Many visitors skip the rental for a city-only trip and use rideshare, then rent a car only for the days they leave the metro area.
Reviewed source trail
- Go Miami-Dade Transit — Metromover — checked 2026-09-12
- Go Miami-Dade Transit — Metrorail and Metrobus — checked 2026-09-12
- Citi Bike Miami — checked 2026-09-12
- Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — getting around — checked 2026-09-12
- Miami-Dade Transit — Green and Orange Metrorail lines — checked 2026-09-12
- City of Miami Beach — free weekday water taxi — checked 2026-09-12
- Greater Miami — Miami Beach Trolley routes — checked 2026-09-12