Miami trains & metro guide
Miami transit mixes elevated rail, a downtown mover, and buses. It works well for main corridors, but beach areas and nightlife spots often need buses, rideshares, or walking.
Pay using contactless credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly at turnstiles and bus fare boxes. You can also buy an EASY Card or use the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. Tap in at the start of your ride; tapping out is generally not required for buses or Metrorail.
Metrorail runs roughly from 5:00 AM to midnight daily. Metromover runs until midnight or later. Buses vary by route. Late-night options are limited; use rideshares after midnight.
The network
- Metrorail: Heavy rail with two lines connecting the airport, downtown, South Miami, and Dadeland. Use it to skip highway traffic.
- Metromover: A free, automated elevated train looping around Downtown and Brickell. Great for short hops and great views.
- Metrobus: Extensive bus network covering the wider county, including routes across the causeways to Miami Beach and Key Biscayne.
- Brightline: Private intercity train connecting Miami Central Station to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando quickly.
Tickets & typical fares
| Ticket | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride (Metro or Bus) | $2.25 | Includes free transfers within three hours using the same payment method. |
| Metromover | Free | No ticket or card needed; just hop on and off. |
| Brightline One-Way | $10–$40+ | Varies by destination, time of booking, and class of service. |
Day passes & visitor cards
| Pass | Typical cost | Worth it if… |
|---|---|---|
| EASY Card 1-Day Pass | $5.65 | Pays off if you take three or more Metro or bus trips in a single day. |
| EASY Card 7-Day Pass | $29.25 | Best for a full week of heavy commuting across buses and Metrorail. |
💸 Ways to ride for less
- Take advantage of the free Metromover for all downtown exploration instead of paying for rideshares.
- Use contactless payment to automatically benefit from daily fare caps on buses and trains.
- Book Brightline tickets well in advance to secure the lowest base fares before prices rise.
- Combine the $2.25 bus or rail fare with free transfers to stretch your single ticket across multiple legs.
⛴️ Ferries & water taxis
| Boat | Where & when | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Biscayne Bay Ferries | Connects downtown Miami to areas like Key Biscayne for commuters and sightseers. | $5–$15 |
| Water Taxi Miami | Scenic routes around Fort Lauderdale just north of Miami, great for beach days. | $35–$45 |
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From the airport
| Option | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metrorail Orange Line to Downtown | 30 mins | $2.25 |
| MIA Mover to Airport Station then Metrobus | 45–60 mins | $2.25 |
| Taxi or Rideshare to Miami Beach | 25–40 mins | $35–$55 |
Day trips & next stops by train or bus
Booking trains in United States
⏰ Amtrak and VIA Saver fares rise as the train fills — book 2–4 weeks ahead. Sleeper rooms sell out first.
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Apps that work here
- GO Miami-Dade Transit: Official app for trip planning, tracking buses, and managing passes.
- Google Maps: Reliable for routing and live arrival times across trains and buses.
- Brightline: Required for booking intercity train tickets to Orlando or Palm Beach.
🤖 Driverless rides
Self-driving taxis run in Miami. You book them in an app like any ride — there’s no driver, so check the pickup spot and that the car shows your name.
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Maps & live times
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Tips for riding like a local
- Rush hour brings heavy traffic delays to buses; add extra travel time during morning and evening peaks.
- Keep your transit card or phone ready at turnstiles to keep lines moving smoothly.
- AC is blasting inside trains and buses; carry a light layer even if it is hot outside.
- Stay aware of your surroundings on late-night buses or quiet station platforms.
- Luggage is easy to bring on Metrorail and airport connectors, but standard bus aisles can feel tight.
Step-free access & strollers
Most Metrorail stations, Metromover loops, and modern buses feature elevators, ramps, and step-free boarding. Check ahead for older bus models or temporary elevator outages.
AI-written guide: fares, hours and rules are typical and change often — check the official transit and rail sites before you travel. We may earn a commission from some booking links.