Exploring Miami without a car is easier than many travelers expect. The city’s trains, buses, trolleys, rideshares, and bike paths connect major neighborhoods, while walkable districts like South Beach, Brickell, and Wynwood make it simple to get around on foot. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, you can skip the rental car and still see Miami’s beaches, art, nightlife, and culture with ease.
TL;DR – Car-Free Miami
- Use Metrorail for longer trips (airport, Brickell, Coconut Grove)
- Ride the Metromover free in Downtown and Brickell
- Buses & free trolleys reach Miami Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana
- Rent CitiBikes or scooters for short hops and beach cruising
- Rideshare apps fill the gaps; South Beach & Brickell are walkable
Jump to: Metrorail • Metromover • Buses & Trolleys • Biking & Scooters • Rideshares • Walkable Areas • FAQ
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Metrorail
Miami’s Metrorail is a fast elevated train system that connects major areas of the city. It has two lines (Orange and Green) serving more than 20 stations, including Miami International Airport, Downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove, and parts of Coral Gables. Trains run every day from about 5:00 AM until midnight , providing a reliable way to cover longer distances without traffic.
Using Metrorail:
Stations have automated fare gates – you’ll need a prepaid EASY Card/Ticket or a contactless payment (no cash is accepted at the turnstiles). A one-way trip costs $2.25 , with free transfers to Metrobus available if you continue your journey by bus. Cars are air-conditioned, and trains typically arrive every 10–15 minutes (more frequently during rush hours).
For visitors, the Orange Line is especially handy as it runs from the airport’s MIA Station directly to central areas. For example, you can hop on the Orange Line at MIA and be downtown in roughly 25 minutes, avoiding road traffic. Metrorail is generally safe and used by commuters and travelers; security and cameras are present, but it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night when stations are quieter.
Convenience:
Metrorail is great for quickly reaching neighborhoods like Brickell (financial district with restaurants and shops) or Vizcaya (for the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens near Coconut Grove). It also connects at certain hubs to other transit: for instance, at Government Center and Brickell Station you can transfer directly to the free Metromover system.
If you plan to explore extensively, consider buying a day pass on your EASY Card for unlimited rides. Overall, taking the Metrorail can save you time and cab fares for trips across the city, and you’ll avoid the hassle of parking in busy areas.
Metromover
If you’re exploring Downtown or Brickell, the Metromover will be your best friend. The Metromover is a free, driverless light rail system that loops around Downtown Miami, the Brickell financial district, and the Omni/Arts District. It has over 20 stations, with stops every couple of blocks in the urban core. Metromover trains arrive frequently (typically every 3–5 minutes), so you can just walk up and hop on – no tickets or payment needed.
Using Metromover:
Simply step onto the platform and board the next available car. There are three interconnected loops/routes that cover areas like Bayfront Park/Bayside Marketplace, American Airlines Arena (Kaseya Center), Museum Park, the Adrienne Arsht Center, Brickell City Centre, and more. The system runs from about 5:00 AM until midnight daily. Because it’s free and frequent, you can easily use it to hop between downtown sights – for example, riding from the shops at Bayside to the restaurants in Brickell without any cost.
Convenience & Safety:
The Metromover is air-conditioned and typically safe, often used by office workers, locals, and tourists alike. It can get a bit crowded during weekday rush hours or when there’s a big event downtown, but generally you’ll find it a comfortable way to get around the city center. One convenience is that Metromover stations at Government Center and Brickell connect directly to the Metrorail , allowing you to transfer from the larger rail system to the Metromover for free last-mile transit into downtown neighborhoods.
At night, cars may be emptier – if riding late, try to travel with a companion and use the middle cars if that feels safer (as those may have security cameras). Overall, the Metromover offers an easy, no-cost way to experience central Miami, and even provides some great elevated views of the downtown skyline as you ride above the streets.
Buses and Trolleys
Miami’s Metrobus network covers the entire city and beyond, reaching places the rail lines don’t go. Buses are the main way to get to areas like Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Wynwood, and residential neighborhoods.
The standard bus fare is $2.25 per ride (exact cash is accepted on buses, or you can tap your EASY Card/app). Buses run 7 days a week, and certain popular routes operate 24 hours, which is great for late-night travel. While buses can be slower than trains due to traffic, they are an inexpensive and reliable solution for many destinations. Below are a few key bus routes and services useful for visitors:
- Miami Beach Airport Express (Route 150): This is an express bus that connects Miami International Airport to Miami Beach. It runs frequently and makes limited stops from the airport to spots across Miami Beach (covering 41st Street down to South Beach). The fare is only about $2.25, making it a cheap and convenient way to reach South Beach from the airport. Buses have luggage racks for suitcases. Travel time from MIA to South Beach is around 30–40 minutes, and it operates early until late (roughly 6 AM into late evening).
- Route 120 (Beach-Downtown Shuttle): The 120 Beach MAX is a popular circulator route for both tourists and locals on Miami Beach. It runs along Collins and Washington Avenues in South Beach, then across the causeway to Downtown Miami. Northbound, it even goes up to Midtown and Aventura Mall. Visitors love this route because you can ride from South Beach to Downtown’s bus terminal (near Bayside and Government Center) easily, then connect to Metrorail or Metromover. If you’re staying in South Beach and want to visit attractions like the Downtown waterfront, Bayside Marketplace, museums, or vice versa, the 120 bus is a handy option.
- Free Neighborhood Trolleys: In addition to county buses, the City of Miami and City of Miami Beach operate free trolley buses on various routes. These look like old-fashioned trolleys but are essentially free shuttles. For example, the Miami Beach Trolley has loops covering South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach at no cost – very useful for getting around the beach neighborhoods without walking in the heat. In the city, the Miami Trolley runs routes through Downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, Little Havana, Coral Gables and more. You can hop on a trolley at designated stops (usually every 15-20 minutes) and ride for free. They are a scenic and budget-friendly way to explore local areas. Check the city’s trolley maps to see if one serves the area you’re in – chances are there’s a free trolley nearby if you’re in a major neighborhood.
Tips for Bus Travel:
Plan your route in advance using a transit app or Google Maps – the Miami-Dade Transit app (“GO MDT”) provides real-time bus tracking. At bus stops, look for the route number on the sign; many stops serve multiple routes, so flag down the correct bus as it approaches.
Buses are generally safe, but as with any city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially if the bus is crowded. Late at night, try to use well-lit bus stops or sit near the driver if it makes you more comfortable. Also, note that some Metrobus routes run 24/7 (for example, there are overnight buses between Miami Beach and downtown), which can be very useful if you’re out enjoying nightlife and need a ride back at 2 AM.
Overall, the bus network can take you virtually anywhere in Miami-Dade County – from as far north as Aventura or Fort Lauderdale to as far south as the Florida Keys – so it’s a powerful car-free tool in your arsenal.
Biking and Scooter Rentals
Exploring Miami on two wheels is both fun and practical. The city’s flat terrain and scenic routes (especially near the beaches and bayfront) make biking a great option for short trips.
Miami’s bike-sharing program, Citi Bike, has over 160 stations across Miami Beach and the city, available 24/7. You can rent a sturdy cruiser bicycle from a kiosk or via the Citi Bike app and drop it off at any station when finished. Rates start around $4.50 per 30 minutes for a casual ride , and there are also daily or monthly passes if you plan to ride often.
For instance, you might rent a bike to cruise along South Beach’s Ocean Drive or the paved beachwalk, to explore the murals of Wynwood, or to ride from Downtown over the Venetian Causeway for amazing bay views. Many popular areas (South Beach, Wynwood, Coconut Grove) have bike lanes or trails, making cycling relatively safe and enjoyable.
In addition to bikes, Miami also has electric scooters available for rent in certain neighborhoods. Companies like Lime and Bird operate app-based e-scooter rentals (particularly in Downtown, Brickell, and parts of Miami Beach). You simply locate a scooter via the app, unlock it with your phone, and ride to your destination, then park it out of the way.
E-scooters can be a quick way to cover a few city blocks or to zip between attractions without breaking a sweat. However, be mindful of local rules: you should ride scooters in the street or bike lanes, not on crowded sidewalks, and helmets are strongly recommended. The cost for scooters usually includes an unlock fee (around $1) plus a per-minute charge.
Safety & Convenience:
When biking, always follow traffic laws – ride in the direction of traffic, obey lights, and use designated bike lanes when available. Miami drivers can be aggressive, so stay alert. Fortunately, the city has been adding bike lanes (for example, Ocean Drive and parts of Downtown have protected green bike lanes as shown above).
If you’re not comfortable on busy roads, consider sticking to dedicated paths like the Miami Beach Boardwalk or park trails. Lock your bike securely when you park (bike theft can happen in tourist areas), and keep valuables with you. For scooters, ride defensively and watch out for potholes or uneven pavement. Both biking and scootering are best done in comfortable weather – in summer mid-day heat or rain, you might opt for a motorized ride instead.
Always carry water and wear sunscreen if you’ll be out for long rides. By using bikes or scooters, you can cover a lot of ground while enjoying Miami’s outdoor atmosphere, all without needing a car or paying for parking.
Rideshare Services
When public transit doesn’t get you directly where you want to go, or if you’re out late, rideshare services are abundant in Miami. Uber and Lyft operate citywide , offering door-to-door transportation at the tap of an app. You can request a ride from virtually anywhere in Greater Miami and get picked up within minutes, usually.
Rideshares are extremely useful for reaching places not well served by transit (for example, a remote attraction or a late-night outing in Key Biscayne or Little Havana). They’re also a good backup if you miss the last train or bus of the night.
Cost:
Rideshare pricing depends on distance and demand. For most short trips within the city (say 10-15 minutes), you can expect to pay roughly $10–$20. For example, a ride from Miami International Airport to Downtown Miami might cost around $15–$25 in normal traffic – still much cheaper than a private airport shuttle.
During peak times or special events, prices can surge higher, so keep an eye on the app’s fare estimate before you confirm. Even with occasional surge pricing, using Uber/Lyft is generally more affordable than traditional taxis in Miami, which have set meter rates and additional fees. (Taxis are available at the airport and around major hotels, but locals and visitors alike tend to prefer the convenience of rideshare apps.)
Using Rideshares Safely:
When requesting a ride, the app will designate a pickup spot – in busy areas like the airport or South Beach nightlife districts, look for the rideshare pickup zones. Always verify the driver and car before you get in (check the license plate and the driver’s name/photo in the app) for safety.
Miami’s rideshare drivers are used to tourists, so feel free to ask for local tips or just enjoy the air-conditioned ride. If you’re splitting costs, both Uber and Lyft offer fare-splitting or carpool options which can save money. One thing to note is that traffic in Miami can be heavy, so a 5-mile Uber ride could take longer during rush hour – factor that into your timing.
Also, if you plan to visit areas like Everglades National Park or Key Biscayne beaches where transit doesn’t reach, a rideshare or taxi might be your only option (aside from renting a car). In those cases, consider scheduling the ride in advance or confirming return options, since some remote areas might have fewer drivers around.
Overall, Uber and Lyft are widely available 24/7 and very user-friendly for getting around Miami without a car. They provide a comfortable, air-conditioned refuge on hot days and a safe way home after a night out. Just remember to tip your driver and buckle up, as safety belts are required.
Note: Miami also has a service called Freebee, which offers free electric shuttle rides in certain neighborhoods via an app. If you’re in areas like Brickell, Downtown, or South Beach, you might see small golf-cart-style vehicles offering free rides sponsored by local governments. These can be a fun, cost-free supplement to your transportation options, though availability can be limited during peak times.
Walkable Neighborhoods and Areas
Miami is often thought of as a car-centric city, but there are several neighborhoods perfect for exploring on foot. Once you arrive in these areas by transit or rideshare, you can comfortably stroll around to take in the sights, shop, or dine, all without a vehicle.
Walking is free, healthy, and lets you experience the city at a relaxed pace (just don’t forget sunscreen and water!). Here are some of Miami’s most walkable neighborhoods and what you can find in each:
- South Beach (Miami Beach): South Beach is a walker’s paradise, with its concentration of attractions in a compact area. The Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue is filled with colorful architecture, cafés, and hotels in a short stretch. You can easily walk from Lummus Park (along the beach) to famous spots like the Versace Mansion or Lincoln Road Mall – a pedestrian-only shopping street lined with shops and restaurants. The streets are busy with other pedestrians, especially in the evening when the neon signs light up. South Beach’s grid layout and slower traffic make it comfortable to navigate on foot. (Many visitors don’t use a car at all when staying in South Beach, opting to walk or bike everywhere.)
- Downtown Miami: Downtown’s central blocks (near Flagler Street, Bayfront Park, and Biscayne Boulevard) are quite walkable, especially during the daytime. You can walk between major sites like Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), and the Frost Science Museum. Sidewalks are wide, and crosswalks are present at every intersection – just be mindful of turning vehicles. The dense cluster of shops and eateries around Flagler Street makes for an interesting urban walk. Plus, the free Metromover can always be hopped on if you want to rest your legs or if it rains. At night, some parts of downtown get quiet (as the business crowd leaves), so stick to well-lit main streets or use Metromover/rideshare if feeling uneasy. Overall, in daylight hours, downtown is easy to traverse by foot and offers great skyline views by the waterfront.
- Brickell: Just south of Downtown, Brickell is Miami’s modern financial district, and it’s very pedestrian-friendly, especially in the Brickell Village area. Skyscrapers, upscale shops, and dozens of restaurants/bars are concentrated around Brickell Avenue and Miami Avenue. Brickell City Centre is an open-air mall spanning a few blocks, which you can cover entirely on foot. Sidewalks in Brickell are shaded by trees and buildings (helpful in the sun) and the area is busy with walkers, especially in the evenings when young professionals fill the bars and eateries. Walking from Brickell into Downtown is also feasible (or take the Metromover one stop). Brickell’s sidewalks are well-maintained, though crossing the broad Brickell Avenue requires using the crosswalk signals. It’s a safe area to walk, with lots of people around, and even at night the popular restaurant strips stay active. Brickell Key, a small island just off Brickell, has a short waterfront walking trail with great views if you’re up for a scenic detour. (Brickell and South Beach are both noted as highly walkable areas in Miami.)
- Wynwood Arts District: Wynwood is a compact neighborhood known for its vibrant street murals and art galleries. The heart of Wynwood (near NW 2nd Avenue and 25th Street) is best explored on foot – you can wander freely to admire the Wynwood Walls outdoor mural park, pop into art galleries, and try food from trendy eateries and food trucks. The area of interest spans just a few city blocks, making it very walkable. Keep in mind that Wynwood is an old warehouse district, so some side streets can feel a bit deserted, but the main strips are usually full of fellow pedestrians and art enthusiasts. Daytime is best for walking here (to see the murals in natural light and because the area gets quieter late at night apart from a few bars). Wear comfy shoes as the streets are concrete and you’ll likely be doing a loop around to catch all the amazing artwork. Wynwood’s pedestrian experience is one of the highlights of Miami – you’ll find Instagrammable murals around every corner.
- Coconut Grove: “The Grove” is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, with a charming, lush, and village-like center that’s ideal for walking. Along Grand Avenue, Main Highway, and McFarlane Road, you’ll find boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and the CocoWalk shopping center. It’s a small district where everything is a short walk away – from the bayfront Peacock Park to historical sites like The Barnacle State Park. Shaded by trees and cooled by the bay breeze, Coconut Grove’s streets are pleasant for a stroll. Many locals walk or bike around here, and events like the weekly farmer’s market make it lively. It’s also relatively safe and family-friendly to walk, even after dark, due to the area’s popularity and community feel (though late at night some quiet residential lanes will be empty, so stick to the main roads if heading back to a hotel). If you take Metrorail to Coconut Grove station, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk or a quick trolley ride down to the central commercial streets.
- Little Havana (Calle Ocho): Centered on Southwest 8th Street (“Calle Ocho”) around 15th Avenue, Little Havana offers a short but culture-packed stroll. This historic Cuban-American neighborhood is best known for its Calle Ocho strip of Cuban restaurants, cigar shops, murals, and the famous Domino Park where locals play dominoes. You can easily walk this stretch in an afternoon, tasting Cuban coffee, watching cigar rollers, and listening to Latin music pouring from storefronts. The walkable part of Calle Ocho is roughly between 12th and 17th Avenues – beyond that the area becomes more residential. It’s a bustling pedestrian scene during the day. Sidewalks are a bit narrow in spots and the street is busy with traffic, so use caution crossing. But it’s definitely worth exploring on foot to soak in the atmosphere. Little Havana also runs a free trolley loop from Downtown, or it’s a short rideshare from Brickell. By walking, you won’t miss any of the colorful details (like the Walk of Fame stars honoring Latin artists in the sidewalk). Just be prepared for the Miami heat here; there’s not much shade, so a hat and water are a good idea.
General Walking Safety:
In Miami’s walkable areas, you’ll often find crosswalks and pedestrian signals at major intersections – always use them, as traffic can be fast on main roads. Miami drivers may not always yield to pedestrians, so make eye contact and wait for cars to stop before crossing, even at a crosswalk.
It’s wise to avoid walking alone through unfamiliar or dimly lit areas late at night; stick to the main streets or use a rideshare if needed. Also, midday heat, especially in summer, can be intense – plan to walk in the mornings or evenings if possible, and carry water to stay hydrated. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must, since Miami’s sidewalks and surfaces can be uneven or hot.
Despite these cautions, walking is one of the best ways to discover Miami’s character. You’ll find hidden gems – a street art mural, a cozy café, an architectural detail – that you might miss when driving. Plus, you can spontaneously duck into an art gallery or stop for a fresh coconut water from a street vendor when you’re on foot. Enjoy the stroll!
FAQ
How much is Miami’s Metrorail fare?
A one-way trip costs $2.25 using an EASY Card or contactless payment.
Is the Metromover really free?
Yes, it’s free and runs daily in Downtown and Brickell with over 20 stops.
What’s the cheapest way from Miami Airport to South Beach?
The Airport Express Bus (Route 150) costs about $2.25 and takes 30–40 minutes.
Are Miami neighborhoods walkable?
Yes. South Beach, Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Little Havana are best explored on foot.
Miami might be famous for traffic, but visitors don’t need to drive to enjoy it. With Metrorail from the airport, free Metromover loops downtown, express buses to the beach, and safe areas to walk or bike, the city is built for car-free exploration. Add in rideshares when you want door-to-door convenience, and you’ll find that leaving the car behind often saves time, money, and stress.
Many visitors find that a car is more hassle than it’s worth, between traffic and parking, and that these alternatives give a more local, engaging experience of the city.