From the airport to the city centre Miami

Florida has four international airports: Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Tampa (TPA). From France, it is recommended to land in Miami (direct flights from Paris CDG in 9:45 am). If you come to Florida to visit the theme parks, it is wise (and cheaper) to land directly in Orlando, but you will have to transit through an American airport because there is no direct flight from France.

To reach downtown Miami from the airport, the fastest option is a VTC (Uber or Lyft); it costs about US$20 per ride (30 minutes to South Beach, a little less to Downtown). If you are staying in Downtown, you can take the Orange line of the Metrorail (US$2.25 per trip). There are also bus lines that make the trip (line 150 in particular), but we do not recommend this option as it will take much more time. You can also book private shuttles.

Arrival by train Miami

Miami is served by the U.S. company Amtrak (english.amtrak.com).

In the second half of 2023, the high-speed train company Brightline (gobrightline.com) will make it possible to connect Miami to Orlando in 3 hours, compared to about 4h30 by car.

Arrival by boat Miami

There are many options if you want to cruise from Miami to the Bahamas (from 2 nights).

Public transport Miami

Miami's city buses are often very late and the stops are very (too!) numerous. When you are in the Downtown area, prefer the Metrorail (US$ 2.25 per ticket) or the Metromover (free). You can buy single tickets directly on the buses (cash only, bring extra money) or at the Metrorail stations (credit card accepted). There are also 1-day (US$ 5.65) and 7-day (US$ 29.25) passes valid for the bus and metro networks, which can be loaded onto an Easy Card (cost US$ 2). This card can be purchased online or at a Metrorail station.

Bike, scooters & co Miami

Citi Bike (http://citibikemiami.com) is Miami's bike share rental service. Rentals are available by the hour and by the day.

With a driver Miami

VTCs such as Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous, and the rates are cheaper than in France. However, there can be price differences between the two companies for the same trip, so we advise you to download both applications to make the comparison. If you are alone or in pairs, you should know that shared rides are even cheaper.

Tip: It's easy to find a coupon code to use on your first few rides.

It is customary to leave 10% to 15% of the fare as a tip. Usually, cab drivers will take it from you automatically or you can add it via the Uber or Lyft app.

By car Miami

If you do not plan to leave Miami, it is better to drop the car rental and circulate by foot, bike, bus and Uber! Indeed, the traffic in the city is increasingly tense. Not only is free parking almost non-existent, but parking lots are very expensive (between 30 and 50 US$ per 24 hours), even if it is always possible to find some exceptions. Most of the hotel parking lots in Miami are also not free.

Accessibility Miami

Florida is a highly accessible destination for people with disabilities and families with strollers. Thanks to modern infrastructures and accessibility standards, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and public transport, as well as beaches and national parks, are generally well adapted.

Tourist traps Miami

Be aware of common pitfalls: beware of unofficial cabs, dubious tickets for transport or theme parks, hidden charges for car rentals or restaurants in very touristy areas, and overly attractive offers (excursions, time-shares). Always give preference to official service providers, check contracts and tickets carefully, and avoid buying from unauthorized vendors. By using reputable platforms for your bookings, you'll be able to enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind.