How to get to Miami

Miami is a world-renowned resort metropolis on the sunny coast of Florida in the USA, attracting travellers with its endless beaches and vibrant lifestyle. When planning a trip, it is important to know in advance how to get to Miami, as you can reach this city through various convenient methods: by direct flight, by train, by bus, or by setting off on an exciting journey by car.

The main air gateway to the city is Miami International Airport (MIA). It is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the USA, receiving hundreds of international and domestic flights daily. The airport is conveniently located: just 13 kilometres from the centre, so the transfer to your hotel or the beach will not take much time.

Alternatively, you can consider arriving at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL), which is located approximately 40 kilometres north of Miami. Low-cost carriers often fly here, allowing travellers to save on tickets. There are excellent transport connections between the cities, including trains and buses.

Getting to Miami by rail is a comfortable and scenic option for travellers. The city is served by the national Amtrak network: Silver Service routes connect South Florida with New York and other major cities on the East Coast. Long-distance trains arrive at the Miami Amtrak Station, located northwest of the centre.

For quick trips within the state, the modern high-speed Brightline trains are an excellent choice. They connect the metropolis with Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The final stop, MiamiCentral station, is located in the very heart of Downtown, allowing tourists to immediately find themselves in the midst of the action.

Bus services connect Miami with numerous cities in Florida, offering a budget-friendly and comfortable alternative to a private car. One of the most popular routes is the trip from neighbouring Fort Lauderdale: the bus covers the distance of about 50 kilometres in an average of 40–60 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the urban coastal scenery.

It is also convenient to travel from the south, for example, from the city of Homestead, which is located approximately 60 kilometres from the metropolis centre; travel time is usually about one hour. Major carriers provide regular services on these routes, offering passengers air-conditioned cabins and Wi-Fi, making travel on the roads of the USA comfortable.

Travelling by car to Miami is a great opportunity to appreciate the quality of American highways and enjoy the views of Florida. The most popular route from the north runs from the city of Fort Lauderdale along the I-95 highway: a distance of about 50 kilometres can be covered in an average of 40 minutes, although travel time may increase during peak hours. A trip by taxi or Uber in this direction will cost travellers approximately 40–60 dollars.

For tourists heading from the south, for example, from the city of Homestead, the journey will take about an hour, covering approximately 60 kilometres via Florida’s Turnpike or the legendary US-1 highway. This direction is particularly convenient for those exploring the region's nature parks before visiting the metropolis. Renting a car in the USA gives freedom of movement, but it is worth remembering the heavy traffic at the city entrance and the cost of toll roads.

Preparing for a trip to Miami requires attention to detail so that your holiday goes perfectly and without unnecessary hassle. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations that will help you adapt quickly and feel confident in this sunny metropolis.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is tropical and humid, so prefer light clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as a light cardigan or jacket, as air conditioners in shopping malls and hotels often operate at full power.
2. Transport: In the city centre (Downtown and Brickell), it is convenient to move around on the free automated Metromover train, which offers excellent views of the city. For trips to beaches or other districts, it is better to use taxi apps (Uber, Lyft) or rent a car, although it is worth remembering the high cost of parking in popular places.
3. Finances: The official currency is the US Dollar. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, from large restaurants to street kiosks, so carrying large amounts of cash is not necessary. However, having small bills is useful for tips for valets, porters, or housekeeping staff.
4. Health and Safety: Tourist zones, such as South Beach, are well-patrolled and safe, but as in any large city, you should watch your personal belongings and not leave them unattended on the beach. Pharmacies of major chains (CVS, Walgreens) are found at every turn, and many of them work around the clock.
5. Communication: Although English is the official language, Spanish is very widely spoken in the USA, and especially in Florida. Knowing a couple of basic phrases in Spanish can be useful and help you connect with locals, many of whom are bilingual.
6. Local Etiquette: Americans are open and friendly; it is customary to smile and say hello when entering a shop or lift. Tipping culture is very developed here: in restaurants, cafes, and taxis, it is customary to leave 18–20% of the bill amount if the service was good.
7. What to Avoid: Do not underestimate the strength of the sun even in cloudy weather — you can get sunburnt very quickly. Also, avoid smoking in public places (parks, beaches), as strict bans and fines apply in many zones.
8. Additional Tip: Carefully check bills in restaurants and cafes, especially in the tourist area of Ocean Drive. Often a service charge or gratuity is already included in the total amount, so adding anything extra is not required unless you wish to do so yourself.

By following these simple and practical tips, you can avoid common tourist mistakes and focus on your relaxation. May your introduction to Florida be comfortable, safe, and full of pleasant discoveries!