Getting around in Miami does not have to be tricky if you know your options. There are plenty of ways to get around in Miami and we will present all of them to you. In this beautiful area, it is definitely easier to function with a car, but you can choose anything from a metrobus, metrorail or a taxi. The choice is up to you. When moving to Miami it is essential to know how can you get around in here, because it will make your life here so much easier. We certainly hope that whichever type of transport you choose, you will enjoy the sunny days and beautiful beaches here.
Car is one of the best ways to get around in Miami
If you own a car, you can be sure that this is one of the best ways to get around in Miami. This is the most efficient way to go from place A to place B. The only downside is the parking space. Make sure to have plenty of quarters in your pocket because the parking fee is paid in coins. If you do not like this, you can stop by any public grocery store and buy yourself a magnetic parking card in the amount of $10, $20 and 25$ denominations. These can also be found at the chamber of commerce at 1920, Meridian Ave. If you happen to park illegally or your parking ticket has expired, the fines begin at $18, so be careful where you park and for how long.
Rent a car
If you do not own a car, on the other hand, you can simply rent it. In Miami, you can rent a car for as little as $150 a week. There are numerous rental agencies throughout the city, but most of them are definitely located around the Miami international airport. Once you leave the moving services to the pros, you can relax and hop on a rented car as soon as you land in Miami.
Whether you are using your own car, or a rented one, make sure to always carry your driving license with you, as well as the insurance and car rental documents.
Remember the driving rules in Miami
- Always have the driving license with you, as we already mentioned
- You should drive on the right side of the road
- Wear a seatbelt
- No phones are allowed during the drive
- The speed limit in school zones is 15 mph, 30 mph in residential areas and 55 mph on the highway
Get around in Miami by using a taxi or Uber
You can certainly use taxis or Uber which can easily be found in Miami. Of course, the rush hour, from 5 p.m to 8 p.m is the time when you should avoid these. They are more expensive during this period, and also the drive is amazingly slow. Otherwise, Uber is really inexpensive and you should always opt for it.
Bus
If you are located on the mainland, you should prepare yourself for waiting at the bus station. The busses come every 15 minutes, usually. This does not make them one of the most desirable ways to get around in Miami. The ride per bus is $2.25, and you can pay in cash or coins when you get inside. The situation is a little bit better on the island, because of the tourists, so the buses arrive every few minutes. You can visit the Miami Dade government transit to see the map for buses.
Biking and walking
You can easily explore the coastline of Miami by bike. Like with cars, you can rent a bike for a day, but if you want to use them as one of the ways to get around in Miami on an everyday basis, we recommend that you invest in a good bike. It is vital that you lock your bike as soon as you get off of it because you will most likely have it stolen otherwise.
Metromover
If you are moving to Miami from abroad, you will be surprised by the metromover. Since it is not possible for Miami to have a subway, the city has a subway above the ground. The ride is completely free. They operate from 6 a.m until midnight. If you want to get to know the city and its attractions this is a fine choice. The metromover connects all major tourist attractions as well as shopping centers. Plus, you will have a great view since the line is elevated. The only downside is that you cannot go anywhere in Miami in this way.
Metrorail
Miami`s metrorail is also elevated and connects downtown Miami with the suburbs located in the South. If you live in the southern suburbs, this is a great option for you. The ticket is $2, and it operates also from 6 a.m until midnight. The locals, however, are not quite content with the metrorail, so they sometimes refer to it as the metrofail. However, you should check it out and decide for yourself whether this is just a joke, or there is some truth in it.
No matter which type of transport you choose, you will be able to adjust to the new neighborhood with ease if you explore the city and have fun throughout the day.
As we have seen, there are plenty of ways to get around in Miami. Be it the car, metrorail, metrobus, bus or a bike, decide which one suits your needs the most on an everyday basis. It is very important that you find the shortest and the cheapest route to your work, your kid`s kindergarten or to a place where you are going out. Miami has a lot to offer, and living there is certainly like a dream come true.