Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:36 am Post subject: GETTING THERE/AROUND IN MIAMI / MIAMI TRANSPORTATION
GETTING THERE/AROUND IN MIAMI
GETTING THERE
By Air
Miami International Airport ( MIA ) ( +1 305 876 7000/ http://www.miami-airport.com ) looms just seven miles west of downtown. It annually welcomes 34 million passengers making it the nation's third largest airport for international travellers. It serves more than 150 destinations with 1,400 daily flights. Each if the eight concourses are loaded with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Major airlines servicing MIA consist of:
MIA's ground transportation options are many, but none offer quick exits. An ongoing 5.4 billion dollar expansion project surrounds the airport with dashboard pounding gridlock. Taxis can be found at Level 1 ( Arrivals ) just outside the baggage claim area. Fares to downtown are based on a zone system and with fares running around USD20 for a ride into downtown. A flat rate of USD27 is charged for rides to trendy South Beach. Metro Taxi ( +1 305 888 8888 ) and Central Taxicab Service ( +1 305 532 5555 ) are good options.
Supershuttle ( +1 800 874 8885/ http://www.supershuttle.com ) van service operates around the clock and provides door-to-door access to most hotels. Fares range from USD9-USD19.
Rental car companies, not surprisingly, are numerous. Rates fluctuate by season, with prices highest during the winter months. Some of the major rental car companies include:
Metrobus ( +1 305 770 3131/ http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/transit ) offers a cheap alternative, but is painstakingly slow. It does, however, connect with the more expeditious Metrorail transit system. It can be found on Level 1 across from Concourse E.
TriRail ( +1 800 874 7245/ http://www.tri-rail.com ) is the perfect choice for anyone traveling to Miami's outlying counties such as Broward and Palm Beach. One-way fares fall between USD2-USD5.50.
By Train
Amtrak ( +1 800 872 7245/ http://www.amtrak.com ) frequents Miami on a daily basis. The appropriately named Silver Meteor arrives daily from New York via Charleston, South Carolina, while the Silver Star also chugs in daily from New York but via Columbia, South Carolina. The Sunset Limited wanders into Miami three times a week from Los Angeles via New Orleans. The train station ( +1 800 872 7245 ) sits at 8303 NW 37th Avenue.
By Bus
Both Greyhound ( +1 800 231 2222/ http://www.greyhound.com ) services Miami from all points north, west and south. Downtown's station is located at 100 NW Sixth Street.
By Car
Interstate 95, the most direct route into the city, slices through the heart of Miami in a north/south direction Gridlock is common during morning and afternoon rush hours. Highway 41 scenically shoots into Miami from the west, crossing the famed Everglades in the process. Services along this stretch are limited, especially for east coast driving standards, so plan accordingly with the car's fuel.
GETTING AROUND MIAMI
The Miami-Dade Transit System ( +1 305 770 3131/ http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/transit ) stands as the 16th largest public transit offering in the United States, providing passengers with a slew of options starting with its popular fleet of Metrobuses. More than 800 buses service 84 routes, providing easy access to all of Miami's attractions. Most routes operate from 4a-2:30a.
Metromover offers free shuttle service on an automated people mover in the downtown area only, with stops at popular destinations such as American Airlines Arena, Miami-Dade College, and the Bayside Marketplace. It consists of two loops: The inner loop which operates 24 hours daily and the outer loop which runs from around 5:30a-midnight daily. Twenty one stations are stretched between the Omni and Brickell districts. Buses pass each stop every 90 seconds during rush hours, and every three minutes during off-peak.
Metrorail, an elevated rapid-transit rail system, is the perfect alternative for maneuvering around the surrounding area. With 22 miles of track it offers 22 stations ( most about one mile apart ), making stops in heavy traffic areas including downtown and the University of Miami. It operates 24 hours daily. During peak hours each stop is serviced every six minutes and every 15 minutes during weekday midday hours.
The Tri-Rail ( Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority; +1 800 874 7245/ http://www.tri-rail.com ), a double-decker train, wanders through Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties while making stops at such popular attractions as the Metrozoo, the Miami Seaquarium and the Art Deco District. Depending on destination one-way fares range from USD2-USD5.50. Tickets must be purchased before boarding.
Electric trolleys offer a novel alternative in negotiating the Miami Beach area. They cost only USD.25 and operate on a daily basis.
If you are planning on limiting your movement to only in and around the South Beach area you can easily do without a car. Otherwise snaring a rental car is a must for most of Miami's attractions are generously spaced. Driving through Miami is relatively easy compared to most major metropolises. The numerous drawbridges, however, can slow movement. Most drawbridge openings last five to ten minutes.
If you plan to bicycle you will be gravely disappointed. Outside of Miami Beach's boardwalk the greater Miami area woefully lacks in bike paths.
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