Rethinking life without a car in Miami? You are not alone. Between parking costs, traffic, and gas prices, many residents and newcomers want a simpler way to get around. This guide shows you how to use Metromover and Metrorail for everyday trips and Brightline for city-to-city travel, with realistic time ranges and planning tips. Let’s dive in.
Miami’s core transit options
Miami gives you three rail options that work together:
- Metromover: A free, automated people mover for downtown, Brickell, and the Arts & Entertainment/Omni area. Ideal for short, frequent trips and easy transfers.
- Metrorail: Countywide heavy rail that connects suburban corridors to downtown and key hubs. Best for longer commutes within Miami-Dade.
- Brightline: Higher-speed rail from downtown Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Great for business trips and day trips without driving on I-95.
Layer these with Metrobus, local trolleys, bikes, scooters, and rideshare to cover most daily needs.
Metromover: your free downtown circulator
Metromover serves downtown, Brickell, and the Omni/Arts & Entertainment District on three loops with dense station spacing. It is free to ride, which makes quick errands and transfers painless. Expect very frequent service during the day, often just a few minutes between trains. Short trips between adjacent stations commonly take 1 to 6 minutes, and an end-to-end loop ride is typically 10 to 20 minutes.
For maps, service alerts, and hours, check the official Metromover information page. You will find elevators and escalators at many stations for accessibility.
Metrorail: connect across Miami-Dade
Metrorail is the county’s heavy-rail backbone for longer trips. It links neighborhoods and park-and-ride areas to downtown hubs and Metromover transfer points like Government Center and Brickell. During peak periods, trains typically arrive in the single-digit to low-teens of minutes. Off-peak, evening, and weekend headways are longer, so plan ahead.
Travel times vary by route. Short city hops near downtown can be minutes in the single digits to low teens. Long north-south rides, like downtown to Dadeland South, are often about 20 to 35 minutes in the train. See Metrorail schedules and maps and review fares and passes. Metrorail uses the EASY Card and mobile options. Transfers to Metromover are free because Metromover itself is free.
Brightline: faster city-to-city trips
Brightline runs from MiamiCentral in downtown Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. It is designed for regional trips with reserved seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and lounge options. Schedules vary by time of day. Fares are dynamic, so booking early helps with pricing and seat selection.
Typical in-train times are about 30 to 40 minutes between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, roughly 60 to 75 minutes to West Palm Beach, and about 3 to 3.5 hours to Orlando. Remember to add time for boarding and last-mile travel at each station. Explore current schedules and fares on the Brightline schedule page. MiamiCentral is within walking distance of many downtown addresses and near Metromover and Metrorail connections.
Door-to-door examples you can plan around
Setting realistic expectations comes down to door-to-door time. Consider these typical ranges:
Downtown to Brickell for lunch or errands
- Metromover: Often 5 to 15 minutes total including a short walk, a 1 to 6 minute ride, and another short walk. Walking can be comparable for close addresses.
Downtown to Dadeland for a longer commute
- Metrorail: About 20 to 35 minutes in the train plus time for walking, waiting, and any transfers. Expect longer waits off-peak.
Downtown Miami to downtown Fort Lauderdale for a meeting
- Brightline: About 30 to 40 minutes in the train plus 10 to 30 minutes for station access, boarding, and last-mile transfers. Plan to arrive a bit early at the station.
Downtown Miami to Miami Beach
- No rail line crosses the bay. Use local buses, the Miami Beach trolley, rideshare, or bike/scooter. Times vary by traffic and route, often 15 to 30 minutes from downtown.
Always confirm current schedules and any service alerts before you leave.
First and last mile options
Rail gets you close. These options help you finish the trip:
- Metrobus and local trolleys: City and Miami Beach trolleys fill gaps. See Miami Beach trolley details for local beach circulation.
- Bikes and scooters: Citi Bike stations are available in many areas. Check Citi Bike Miami for locations and passes. Bike infrastructure varies by corridor, so ride carefully.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft bridge late-night or low-frequency hours and low-density areas.
- Tri-Rail: A commuter rail alternative for parts of the region, though typically slower than Brightline and with different station locations. Learn more at Tri-Rail.
When schedules matter most
- Peak vs off-peak: Metrorail is more frequent at rush hours. Off-peak, evenings, and weekends mean longer waits. Metromover is very frequent during the day but is not 24/7.
- Late night: Some services run later than others, but not all night. If you work late or enjoy nightlife, plan backup options like rideshare or check bus schedules.
- Check before you go: For the latest times and alerts, visit Metromover, Metrorail, and Brightline schedules.
Airport and special trips
Metrorail’s Orange Line connects to the airport area for flight days. Verify the best route and timings on the Metrorail page and allow extra time for luggage. Brightline is a strong option for regional trips with bags thanks to dedicated stations and onboard amenities. Check baggage policies and seat classes on the Brightline schedule page.
Is car-free living realistic in Miami?
If you live and work in downtown, Brickell, or other neighborhoods near Metromover, Metrorail, or major bus lines, a car-light or car-free lifestyle can work. In lower-density areas farther from rail, you will depend more on buses, bikes, and rideshare. Many residents combine a transit-first routine with occasional car rentals for special errands. The free Metromover plus Metrorail’s county reach and Brightline’s regional speed make a strong foundation.
Ready to find a transit-friendly home?
If you are exploring South Florida living and want easy rail access for work or play, we can help you focus on neighborhoods that fit your routine. Whether you are buying or selling in Palm Beach County or select Broward markets, our concierge approach makes the process smooth and clear. Get Your Instant Home Valuation and connect with our team at Unknown Company to start a plan that supports how you actually move through the region.
FAQs
Is living car-free in Miami realistic for downtown workers?
- Yes. If you live and work near Metromover or Metrorail hubs like downtown and Brickell, daily needs are often covered with rail, buses, micromobility, and occasional rideshare.
How long is the train from downtown Miami to Fort Lauderdale?
- Brightline’s in-train time is usually about 30 to 40 minutes. Add 10 to 30 minutes for station access, boarding, and last-mile connections.
Can I use one ticket for Metromover, Metrorail, and Brightline?
- No. Metromover is free. Metrorail uses the EASY Card and mobile fare options. Brightline requires its own ticket.
How often does Metromover run during the day?
- Very frequently. Trains typically arrive every few minutes in daytime hours. Always confirm current headways on the official Metromover page.
Does Metrorail go to Miami International Airport?
- Yes, via the Orange Line connection to the airport area. Check the Metrorail schedule and route details before your trip.
Can I bring a bike on Metromover, Metrorail, or Brightline?
- Policies vary. Many Metrorail trains allow bikes during certain hours, Metromover stations offer bike parking, and Brightline allows bikes under specific conditions. Check each operator’s rules in advance.
