Is it easy to get around Miami without a car?

Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus all provide low-cost or free ways for you to get around Miami without splurging on taxis, rideshares or rental cars. Not only is public transit an excellent way to see the sights, it's also great for the environment and a smart way to avoid parking and garage fees.



In 2026, getting around Miami without a car has become significantly easier thanks to a multi-layered transit system that caters to both locals and tourists. The Metromover is a standout feature—a free, automated people-mover that connects the Downtown, Brickell, and Arts & Entertainment districts. For longer distances, the Metrorail connects Miami International Airport to key neighborhoods like Coconut Grove and South Miami. For those heading to the beach, the Miami Beach Trolley offers free, frequent loops around the island. Furthermore, the new MetroConnect service provides on-demand, shared rides for just $3.75 in designated zones, filling the "last-mile" gap where trains don't reach. While the city is still quite spread out and "car-centric" in suburban areas like Doral or Kendall, the combination of Brightline high-speed rail for north-south travel and a robust network of free trolleys makes it entirely possible to enjoy a Miami vacation without the stress of parking or the high cost of rentals, provided you stay within the primary urban corridors.

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If you're taking public transit in Miami, you should know that a one-way fare on the bus or MetroRail is $2.25 — cheaper than in some larger cities. But transit is far more limited than in most other major cities (except in the rest of Florida, where it's practically nonexistent), so most Miami residents need a car.

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The City of Miami's free, air-conditioned trolley service runs on most of its 13 routes from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with reduced or no service on some routes on Sundays.

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Miami's main attractions are too spread out to plan to walk everywhere but areas within Miami, such as South Beach, are very walker-friendly. Consider renting a bike for the day to bike along the boardwalks and beaches with packed sand.

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The best thing about using this public transport option is that everybody rides free on the Metromover. There is no need to buy a pass or ticket. Just wait for the car to come around and hop on. This makes staying in Downtown Miami or Brickell a cinch when you are out exploring the city.

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NBC Universal, Inc. Miami-Dade County buses and the Metrorail service, including the Metromover and MetroConnect, will all be free of charge until the end of the year starting Monday, Nov. 13. NBC6's Olivia Jaquith reports.

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Payment options accepted include:
  1. Contactless-enabled bank cards or credit cards. Just look for the little contactless symbol on your card (hint: it looks like a wave)
  2. Digital wallets. Such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Fitbit Pay.
  3. Mobile Passes. Buy these on the GO Miami-Dade Transit app.
  4. EASY Card. ...
  5. Cash payment.


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By far the easiest and cheapest option, just hop on the the MIA Mover, an automated train system, from the airport to the Miami Intermodal Center, which is located nearby. The MIA Mover train station at the airport is located on the third level between the Dolphin and Flamingo Garages.

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Downtown Miami is a safe place to explore during the day, and there is a visible police presence here. Still, you should still take basic precautions, particularly at night. Some neighborhoods, discussed below, are best avoided altogether after dark or when walking solo.

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Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are two of the safest neighborhoods in Miami proper; the beach areas are reasonably safe, especially during the day, but it's best not to venture onto the sands late at night.

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The City of Miami Gardens Express is a free circulator serving 2 routes (A and B), Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The system currently has 1 trolley on each route. Look for the Green Miami Gardens Express stop signs throughout the city.

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Service operates 7 days a week, 15 hours a day from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. at service frequency of approximately 20 minutes.

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