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Getting There By Air:

Miami International Airport (MIA)
Tel: (305) 876 7000 or 1 800 TALK-MIA. Fax: (305) 876 7398.
Website: www.miami-airport.com

Located 11km (7 miles) northwest of the city, Miami International Airport is regarded as the ‘Hub of the Americas’ – the primary connecting point for air travel between the Americas and Latin America and a major gateway to Europe. It has the third highest international passenger traffic in the USA and is number one in the USA for international freight trade. Almost 40 airlines serve 34 million passengers per year.

The terminal building is in the shape of a horseshoe, with nine concourses (A-J). For easy access to any of the concourses, there is a moving walkway on Level 3. International flights arrive at concourses A, B, D, E and F.

Major airlines: National airline American Airlines (tel: (800) 433 7300; website: www.aa.com) serves Miami International Airport. Other airlines include Air Canada, Air France, Air Jamaica, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa, Northwest/KLM, TACA, TWA, United, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Approximate flight times to Miami: From London is 8 hours 30 minutes; from New York is 3 hours; from Los Angeles is 5 hours; from Toronto is 3 hours 45 minutes and from Sydney is 18 hours.

Airport facilities: Throughout the terminal, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, snack bars, gift and duty-free shops, newspaper stands and foreign currency exchange booths. A pharmacy (concourse F), a post office (concourse B, level 4) and a unisex hair styling salon cover additional passenger needs. Car hire firms include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National. There are five Tourist Information Centers (the main one, at level 2 of Concourse E, is open 0500-2400), a full-service bank (concourse B, level 4) and several ATMs (concourse C and G, level 2).

Business facilities: There are data port connections at various locations throughout the airport terminal. For specific locations, visitors should either pick up a white paging phone or ask at one of the Information Counters. There is also an Internet café at the Casa Bacardi restaurant located in the Concourse E food court. The Miami International Airport Hotel (Concourse E, upper level; tel: (305) 871 4100; fax: (305) 871 0800; website: www.miahotel.com) offers conference suites, boardrooms and other meeting facilities, with catering service available. Many airlines (including American Airlines, Delta and United) belong to the airline VIP club, enabling their business-class passengers to access executive lounges. There is a computer that can be used by the public to access the Internet, at the 7th level of the hotel.

Arrival/departure tax: US$50-95, depending on airline and destination, included in ticket.

Transport to the city: Some hotels provide a free minibus or limousine service to their visitors. In lieu of this service, perhaps the best mode of transport for the money is the SuperShuttle (tel: (305) 871 2000 or (800) 874 8885; website: www.supershuttle.com). Minivans depart from the lower level of the terminal outside baggage claim, with 24-hour service to points as far north as Palm Beach and to some of the Lower Keyes. On average, Miami destinations cost US$8-15 one way.

Public transport from the airport to Miami is somewhat complicated. A free 24-hour shuttle bus (departing from the ground level of concourse E, directly across from US Customs) connects with the Miami Airport Tri-Rail station. Tri-Rail (tel: (800) 874 7245 or (954) 942 7248; fax: (954) 788 7878; website: www.tri-rail.com) trains run from Miami Airport station as far as Mangonia Park station in Palm Beach (0416-2210 weekdays and 0700-2157 weekends). To reach downtown Miami by train, passengers must travel two stops on the Tri-Rail to the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station (cost: US$2 weekdays/US$4 weekends) and transfer to Metrorail, operated by Miami-Dade Transit Agency (MDTA; tel: (305) 770 3131; fax: (305) 654 6583; e-mail: transit@miamidade.gov; website: www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/mdta). Metrorail trains cost US$1.25 and operate 0500-2400.

Alternatively, Miami-Dade Metrobuses, also operated by the MDTA, and costing the same as the Metrorail, leave from the lower level of Concourse E. Bus 7, which goes to the Government Center in downtown Miami and the main bus terminal (journey time – 35 minutes), and bus 42, which goes to Coconut Grove, both leave every 40 minutes 0600-2200. Bus J goes to Miami Beach every 30 minutes 0440-2400 (journey time – approximately 1 hour). The Metrobus Airport Owl Line runs hourly (1150-0540) and goes as far as South Beach.

Taxis charge flat fares (tip is not included) from the airport to most destinations (Port of Miami US$18, Miami Beach US$24 and Key Biscayne US$31) and take about 20 minutes to downtown Miami. A porter matches travelers with taxis on the arrivals and departure levels.

Getting There By Water:

The Dante B Fascell Port of Miami (tel: (305) 371 7678; fax: (305) 347 4843; website: www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/portofmiami), under the authority of Miami-Dade County Seaport Department (tel: (305) 371 7678), is the world’s busiest cruise port. As the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’, it serves more than three million passengers a year and handles more ‘megaships’ (vessels capable of transporting 2,000-plus passengers) than any other port in the world. The port, near Bayside Marketplace, is home to 18 cruise ships and its terminal has such smart new facilities as VIP lounges and an outdoor observation deck, as well as a branch of the Avis car hire company. There is a fair amount of construction happening at the Port. Travelers are advised to consult the website for information regarding accessibility.

Boat services: Carnival Cruise Lines (tel: (305) 599 2600), Norwegian Cruise Line (tel: (305) 436 4000) and Royal Caribbean International (tel: (305) 539 6000) are among several cruise lines operating regularly from the port with services to the Caribbean and beyond.

Transport to the city: Bus 3, 16, 95, C or S goes from Bayside (Biscayne Boulevard) to downtown Miami.

Getting There By Road:

Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. Right turns at a red light are permitted (unless otherwise indicated) but only after stopping. Speed limits range from 24kph (15mph) to 72kph (45mph) in the city, 88kph (55mph) on most state highways, and 88-112kph (55-70mph) on Interstates and the Florida Turnpike. Speeding fines are hefty. There are also tough penalties for drink driving – the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.08%. All passengers must wear seatbelts and children under five must be fastened into a child safety seat. All drivers must be over 16 years and are required to hold a current driving license. The State of Florida recognizes valid driver’s licenses from the USA and other countries, as well as International Driving Permits. Visitors who plan on driving should have Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) as part of their standard travel insurance.

The road system is straightforward, consisting of interstate expressways, toll-paying motorways, primary state highways and other state roads, each identified by a number. The general rule for numbering on US freeways and interstates is that the odd numbers go north–south and the even numbers go east–west over their whole length, although at any single, localized point this may seem different.

The American Automobile Association – AAA (tel: (800) 222 1333 or (305) 661 6131; website: www.aaa.com) provides information and road maps and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown service:
AAA (800) AAA HELP/222 4357

Routes to the city: The I-95 is the major north–south expressway, providing access into Miami from Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. It runs through downtown Miami and into US-1 (also called Dixie Highway), which continues south to Key West. Another toll-paying expressway, the Florida Turnpike, heads southwards from Orlando and central Florida to the Golden Glades Interchange in the northern part of Miami. The major east–west expressway to downtown Miami is State Road 836 (Dolphin Expressway), connecting Florida’s Turnpike in the west with the I-95 and Miami Beach (via the I-395) in the east.

Driving times to Miami: From Fort Lauderdale – 1 hour; Palm Beach – 2 hours; Key West – 3 hours 30 minutes; Orlando – 5 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (800) 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com) operates three main coach stations in Miami – at 4111 NW 27th Street (tel: (305) 871 1810), near the airport, at 36 NE Tenth Street (tel: (305) 374 6160), near Bayside, downtown Miami, and at 16000 NW Seventh Avenue (tel: (305) 688 7277, in North Miami. Facilities at these terminals range from basic to non-existent. Greyhound operates direct links to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Key West, as well as further-flung destinations, such as New Orleans, Washington DC and New York.

Getting There By Rail:

Amtrak (tel: (800) 872 7245; website: www.amtrak.com) is the national railway provider. With comfortable trains and a reliable and efficient service, Amtrak is an excellent way to travel. For national rail enquiries, visitors should call the toll-free information line (tel: (800) USA RAIL/872 7245). Miami’s main Amtrak rail terminal is located at 8303 NW 37th Avenue (tel: (305) 835 1221). The station has very basic facilities, including a checked baggage service, an enclosed waiting area, payphones, vending machines and car hire from Hertz. The station is also fully accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

Rail services: Amtrak offers a comprehensive rail network to cities throughout the USA and Canada, including Fort Lauderdale (journey time – 45 minutes), Orlando (journey time – 5 hours) and Jacksonville (journey time – 8 hours). SilverMeteor and SilverStar trains operate up the Atlantic coast from Miami to New York City (journey time – 25 hours) three times daily. Amtrak has begun to strictly enforce its two carry-ons, three checked baggage limit since November 1st, 2004.

Transport to the city: Bus 42 connects the Amtrak station with downtown Miami.

Getting Around:

Public Transport
Getting around Greater Miami can be difficult, mainly due to the sheer size of the city. Nevertheless, Miami-Dade Transit Agency (MDTA; tel: (305) 770 3131; fax: (305) 654 6583; e-mail: transit@miamidade.gov; website: www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/mdta) provides a variety of useful transport options, including Metrorail, Metrobus and Metromover.

At 34km (21 miles), the Metrorail is the longest elevated rapid transit system in America. It runs from Kendall northwards through South Miami, Coral Gables, downtown Miami and then northwest to the Hialeah district. There are 22 stations (each about a mile apart) and the entire journey takes 42 minutes. Trains run 0500-2400 approximately every 10-20 minutes, every six minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes after 2000. Fares are US$1.25 each way – exact change only is placed in the slot at the entrance turnstiles. The trains connect to the Metrobus and Tri-Rail. Transfer to the Metromover (see below), at the Government Center station or Brickell station, costs US$0.25 and must be purchased at one’s original boarding station.

Metrobus (tel: (305) 638 6700; website: www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrobus.asp) operates a comprehensive bus service with 94 routes running 0400-0213 Monday to Friday (with extended hours at weekends). Blue and green bus-stop signs list the routes and destinations. Fares are US$1.25 each way – exact change only is handed to the driver upon boarding. A transfer from bus to bus or from bus to Metrorail costs US$0.25. Some express routes charge an additional US$1.50.

Downtown Miami is served by the futuristic, driverless Metromover (tel: (305) 770 3131; website: www.miamidade.gov/transit/metromover.asp), an elevated, three-loop, fully automated monorail. This links major business, entertainment and cultural centers, hotels, shopping malls, government buildings and the Brickell Financial District, and also connects with the Metrorail and Metrobus. It operates daily0500-2400, every three minutes or every 90 seconds during rush hour, with the outer Loop serving Brickell and Omni operating as one continuous loop from 1900-2400. The Metromover is free to all travelers. It is safe, air-conditioned and it also provides unparalleled views of downtown Miami.

The Electrowave (The Shuttle) (tel: (305) 535 9160; website: www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/electrowave.asp), South Beach’s electric shuttle service, provides transportation up and down Washington Avenue (between Lincoln Road and South Pointe Park) and along Collins Avenue (between Lincoln Road and Dade Boulevard). It operates every 12-15 minutes (0800-0100 Monday to Saturday, 1000-0100 Sundays and holidays) and costs just US$0.25 – tickets are purchased on board. It stops at 36 designated stops in the Art Deco Historic District.

A monthly Metropass, costing US$60, allows for unlimited travel on the Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover. This pass is available for purchase from the Transit Information Center on the second level of the Government Center Metrorail station and at designated outlets (website: www.miamidade.gov/transit/passtokens_outlet.asp). Passes bought in groups of five or more qualify for a discount. Please consult website for details.


Taxis
Taxis are plentiful but it is not the norm to hail one in the street. They are easily available from taxi stands outside most hotels and shopping malls, although it is more common to telephone for one.

Firms include Metro Taxi Co (tel: (305) 888 8888), Aventura Taxi (tel: (305) 599 9999), Coral Gables City Taxi (tel: (305) 899 9999) and South Dade Miami Taxi (tel: (305) 448 8888). All service providers offer flat-rate fares (including tolls but not tips) from Miami International Airport to some of the more popular destinations (see Getting There By Air), otherwise visitors should expect to pay US$3 for the first mile and US$2 for each mile thereafter. A tip of 15-20% of the fare is usual and expected.

Water Taxis
The waterways are served by a fleet of local ferries, known as water taxis. These operate along two main routes (from Bayside Marketplace to the Fifth Street Marina at the southwestern end of south Beach or to the western end of Lincoln Road) 1000-2300 daily. Fares are US$7 one way, US$12 round trip and US$15 for an all-day pass.


Limousines
Dolphin Limousine Service Inc (tel: (305) 651 1641; website: www.dolphin-limo.com), Protective Limousine Service (tel: (305) 255 3636; website: www.protectivelimo.com) and Signature Limousines (tel: (305) 717 5470; website: www.signature-limousine.com), all cater for both business and leisure needs. Visitors should expect to pay around US$150-175 per hour (for a minimum of three hours) or US$170-190 per hour at weekends.

Driving in the City
Greater Miami comprises 30 municipalities, so familiarization with the major neighborhoods is extremely helpful for drivers. Coral Gables (actually a city in itself), Coconut Grove and Little Havana are the popular neighborhoods in Miami, as well as the downtown area. Miami Beach, a city distinct from Miami, situated to the east, has the lively beachside and shopping center of South Beach. Visitors should also note that Miami is divided into quadrants. Flagler Street runs east–west, thus dividing the city into north and south sections, while Miami Avenue runs north–south, splitting the city into east and west sections. Most Miami addresses refer to these quadrants.

Highway interchanges can be very confusing, so visitors should be sure to read the signs carefully. Main routes include the major east–west expressway State Road 836 (also called the Dolphin Expressway), which leads from Miami International Airport to the major north–south I-95 expressway and onto Miami Beach via I-195. Four main causeways link Miami and Miami Beach and, once there, the A1A (Collins Avenue) is the main thoroughfare running parallel to the coast. The orange ‘sun’ signs visible on selected highways identify official tourist routes – to Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach and the Port of Miami, as well as to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Key West.

Construction is all-pervasive in booming Miami. Drivers should look for ‘smart’ signs, which convey alternate routes and warnings, and also keep an eye out for construction-induced potholes in torn-up areas. Greater Miami traffic can be terrible; cars can come to an absolute standstill along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue in South Beach during weekday rush hour and weekend nights. Visitors should be aware that short-tempered drivers are as prolific as road construction signs.

There is plenty of metered parking available in Miami but not elsewhere. Visitors should check displayed information for rates and hours of operation. The average rates for parking range from US$1 to US$3.25 per half-hour. The fine for an expired meter is US$18 (US$45 if not paid within 30 calendar days). On weekends, parking garages fill up with shoppers during the day and clubbers during the night, especially in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove. Further information on locations of car parks, hours and rates is available from the Miami Parking System, 190 NE Third Street, in downtown Miami (tel: (305) 373 6789; website: www.miamiparking.com).

Car Hire
Hiring a car is relatively straightforward. Drivers must be over 25 years old and possess a valid national driving license and a credit card to hold a deposit of at least US$500. When arranging car hire, visitors should inquire about an all-inclusive rate and ask how this compares to the regular daily rate. An all-inclusive rate should include all taxes, airport fees and car handling fees. CWD (also known as LDW), which makes the rental company, rather than the driver, responsible for damage to the car, and SLI (supplementary liability insurance), also sometimes called top-up liability insurance or EP (extended protection), increases third-party liability coverage. All-inclusive rates may also include a tank of petrol and additional drivers (otherwise around US$5 per driver). There is usually an extra charge for child seats (US$3-5 per day).

It is worth shopping around for the best rates. These vary considerably, from a minimum of around US$170 per week or US$40 per day for a compact car with air conditioning, although this may vary from branch to branch and season to season. Convertible cars for travel in sunny Miami start at a higher rental rate. Free one-way drop-offs are normally possible within Florida, although rarely with the cheapest cars.

Major providers include Alamo, 3355 NW 22nd Street, Miami International Airport (tel: (305) 633 6076; website: www.alamo.com), Avis, 2300 NW 37th Avenue, Miami International Airport (tel: (305) 341 0936; website: www.avis.com), Budget, 3901 NW 28th Street, Miami International Airport (tel: (305) 871 3053; website: www.drivebudget.com), Hertz, 3795 NW 21st Street, Miami International Airport (tel: (305) 871 0300; website: www.hertz.com), Interamerican, Miami International Airport (tel: (305) 635 3060; website: www.interamerican.com), and Thrifty, 2875 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami International Airport (tel: (877) 283 0898; website: www.thrifty.com).


Bicycle Hire
While Miami has busy thoroughfares, Miami Beach has smaller neighborhood streets so most rental outlets are in bike-friendly Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Bicycle Center, 601 Fifth Street (tel: (305) 674 0150), charges around US$20 per day. Bikes to Go, 6600 SW 80th Street (tel: (305) 666 7702; website: http://bikestogo.net/), sells and rents bikes in Miami itself. Visitors interested in hiring an Italian scooter should visit Ride, 710 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach (tel: (305) 673 3307).

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