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Miami Public Transportation Info (updated for 2011).. for those who want to save cash
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View this Thread in Original format
| PatMcGroin |
Want to save a little cash during conference? Don't really want to spend $20 for each cab ride from Downtown to South Beach? Don't mind waiting a little bit? Well then here's a solution for you. The Miami-Dade Transit system. Everything you need to know for getting from your South Beach Hotel to Ultra or Space with only spending $2 instead of $20.
Okay, people here's the deal. I've ridden the Miami buses for years, and while they aren't always on time or the cleanest, they will get you to where you need to go for cheap. As long as you don't mind, then this is a good option for you.
The most important thing to remember is these buses do run on a schedule, and they may not always be on time, so I usually like to be at a bus stop 10 minutes before the schedule says the bus is going to be there. Also these buses do NOT run 24 hours a day. There are some that do, but not all of them. If you plan on leaving Space at 4am and want to catch a bus, you are better off catching a cab. But if you stay for a marathon terrace session and leave space at noon, then by all means catch a bus to save some cash.
Also remember, these buses require EXACT change. If you've got a $5 bill, sucks for you, because they don't have change.
Easy Card: Miami-Dade Transit now has basically debit cards for the bus. Instead of using cash you can simply tap your card on the machine on the bus and it'll deduct it from your account. You simply need to pre-load the card, and the card costs $2. You can order them online here: http://easycard.miamidade.gov/fullfare.html. They will even be shipped to you. If you would like to purchase your card in Miami rather than online you can at any one of these locations: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/fares_sales.asp. Obviously Miami Beach and Downtown will be the most logical locations for most of you. I don't think anyone will be using the MetroRail, but if you do, cash is no longer accepted there, only the Easy Card. Metro Mover however is still free.
NOTE: Each person traveling needs a card for themselves! You cannot tap the same card for two people.
Easy Card Picture:
Transfers: Bus-to-bus transfers using an Easy Card are now FREE! However if you do not have an Easy Card you will need to pay full fare for each bus you get on. Paper transfers purchased on the bus are no longer available. Bus-to-train transfers are still the same cost.
7-Day Visitor Passport: You can purchase a one time ticket that will allow you unlimited access to the entire public transportation system. It costs $26 and is obviously only valid for seven consecutive days. More information and sales locations can be found here: http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/tran..._day_passes.asp They sell them on South Beach, the Airport, Downtown Miami, so you should have no problem getting on if you want one.
2010 Update: The 7-Day Visitor Passport now only comes in the form of an "Easy Card" which costs $2 to obtain bringing the total cost of a 7-Day Visitor Passport to $28. For more information regarding the Easy Card, see above.
So let's get to it. There's a lot of different ways to get to Downtown from Miami Beach, so I'm going to try and make this as simple as possible. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.
Note: All of the ways I am listing here are using a bus to get to the Omni Bus Terminal. From there you can either walk to Space (probably not more than a 5 minute walk) or take the Metro Mover. I do recommend taking the Metro Mover (if it is running) because the area all the clubs are in are quite sketchy. Plus the Metro Mover is FREE! You probably can however take the bus a little bit closer to the night clubs or Ultra, but I do not know where those bus stops are, so you can either ask the bus driver or just get off at the Omni Bus Terminal.
1) C - Downtown Miami - goes from 41st street Miami Beach all the way to Downtown
This will probably be the most commonly and easiest bus to use. Also if you have a hotel a little further north on Collins, you can also take this bus. This bus does not service anything north of 41st St though.
If you are going towards Downtown Miami, the bus will read "C Downtown Miami"
If you are going towards Miami Beach, the bus will read "C Mt Sinai Hosp"
The highlighted part of the route will probably be the most commonly used part of the route for you guys, that's why I highlighted it.
Full route map available here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/routes/103.pdf
All other bus information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...l.asp?route=103
Here are the schedule's. Not every bus stop is listed, only major ones, so just use it as a guide. Generally the buses run around every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day. You can also pick up these schedules on some buses or maybe your hotel might have them. Ask the receptionist at your hotel if you want hard copies of these schedules. They may be able to help.
Weekday Schedule (5am-midnight) from Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=103
Weekday Schedule (5am-midnight) from Downtown to Miami each
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=103
Saturday Schedule (5am-midnight) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=103
Saturday Schedule (5am-midnight) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=103
Sunday Schedule (6am-11pm) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=103
Sunday Schedule (6am-11pm) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=103
2) 120 - Beach Max - goes from Aventura to Downtown
This route has replaced the K route. This bus because its a MAX bus has limited stops. Please check below for more information.
This will probably also be a commonly used bus. If you get on South Beach this bus has the exact same route to the Omni Bus Terminal as the C bus. If you have a hotel that is WAY north, around 85th & Collins, you can take this bus all the way to South Beach and even to Downtown.
Bus reads "120 Beach Max"
Full route map available here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/routes/120.pdf
All other bus information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...l.asp?route=120
Weekday Schedule (5am-11pm) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=120
Weekday Schedule (6am-11pm) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=120
Saturday Schedule (6am-10pm) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=120
Saturday Schedule (6am-10pm) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=120
Sunday Schedule (6am-10pm) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=120
Sunday Schedule (6am-10pm) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=120
3) S - Downtown Miami - goes from Aventura Mall (North Miami) to Downtown
This is essentially the same bus as the C only it runs on Alton Rd rather than Washington Ave. So for those who are staying down there, this is the bus you will need. Also this bus runs very far north, so if you are staying somewhere crazy like 160th & Collins, then you can take this bus.
This bus does run 24 hours, but notice if you look at the schedules, in the middle of the night it only runs once every hour. If you time it right though, you can take this bus if you are leaving downtown in the middle of the night.
If you are going towards Downtown Miami, the bus will read "S Downtown Miami"
If you are going towards Miami Beach, the bus will read "S Aventura Mall"
Full route map available here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/routes/119.pdf
All other bus information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...l.asp?route=119
Weekday Schedule (24 hours) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=119
Weekday Schedule (24 hours) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=119
Saturday Schedule (24 hours) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=119
Saturday Schedule (24 hours) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=119
Sunday Schedule (24 hours) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=119
Sunday Schedule (24 hours) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=119
5) A Route goes from Lincoln Road on Miami Beach to the Omni Bus Terminal.
This bus is usually smaller so it fits less people. But it doesn't go very far. Essentially this is only a replacement to the C, 120, or S if you are staying closer to Lincoln Road. This bus will probably have less crazy people on it too, so if you want, try it out. ;)
Full route map available here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/routes/101.pdf
All other bus information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...l.asp?route=101
Weekday Schedule (6am-12am) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=101
Weekday Schedule (6am-12am) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=101
Saturday Schedule (6am-12am) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=101
Saturday Schedule (6am-12am) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=101
Sunday Schedule (6am-12am) Miami Beach to Downtown
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=101
Sunday Schedule (6am-12am) Downtown to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=101
4) South Beach Local goes all around South Beach
This bus is very handy to take if you want to get from one side of Miami Beach to the other. It only costs $0.25 and runs almost every 10 minutes. This is perfect if you're staying on 15th and need to get down to Nikki Beach which is on 1st street or something.
Bus will always read "South Beach Local"
Full route map available here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/routes/123.pdf
All other bus information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...l.asp?route=123
Weekday Schedule (8am-2am) Clockwise
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...kwise&route=123
Weekday Schedule (8am-2am) Counter Clockwise
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...lockw&route=123
Saturday Schedule (8am-2am) Clockwise
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...kwise&route=123
Saturday Schedule (8am-2am) Counter Clockwise
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...lockw&route=123
Sunday Schedule (10am-2am) Clockwise
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...kwise&route=123
Sunday Schedule (10am-2am) Counter Clockwise
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...lockw&route=123
5) Metro Mover
This is a little mini train. Its free so don't worry about that, but it does not run too often. It is very easy to jump on this thing from the Omni Bus Terminal and get off 2 stops later at the 11st St Station and walk 2 blocks to Space or even Ultra.
The Metro Mover runs from 5am to midnight seven days a week.
There are three routes or "loops" on the Metro Mover. Most people should not need anything more than the "Omni Outer Loop" which is marked in blue on the map below. For more information please visit: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/mover_stations.asp
Printable version of map: http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/tran...y/mover_map.pdf
Trip Planner
Here's a nice little link too. I give a couple more options because sometimes you can take more than one bus, but this is basically the same thing:
http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy
Coming from the Aiport???
Flying in and want to save yourself $50 by not taking a cab? Well here are some options.
a) MIA --> South Beach Bus
b) FLL (or PBI) --> MIA Train
c) Shuttle Buses
a) MIA --> South Beach Bus aka 150 Airport Flyer
This bus will take you from the Miami International Airport all the way to Miami Beach with minimal stops. This bus will only take you to 16th St on Miami Beach, so you are staying a bit further down, you can either walk or simply catch the South Beach Local.
Full route map available here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/routes/150.pdf
All other bus information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...l.asp?route=150
Weekday Schedule (6am-12am) Miami Beach to MIA
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=150
Weekday Schedule (6am-12am) MIA to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=150
Saturday Schedule (6am-12am) Miami Beach to MIA
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=150
Saturday Schedule (6am-12am) MIA to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=150
Sunday Schedule (6am-12am) Miami Beach to MIA
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=150
Sunday Schedule (6am-12am) MIA to Miami Beach
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/ro...bound&route=150
b) FLL (or PBI) --> MIA Train
There is a train available from the Fort Lauderdale Airport or even the West Palm Beach airport all the way down to Miami International Airport. If you are flying into FFL or PBI and don't want to pay full fare for a shuttle to take you to Miami-Dade county you can take this. From MIA you can then take the bus to either Downtown or Miami Beach to your hotel.
Remember isn't just a train from airport to airport, so it makes stops along the way. The journey from FFL to MIA is about 45 minutes with stops in between.
An All Day ticket costs $5, but if you are only traveling from FLL to MIA one way on one day it will only cost you $2.50. Tickets must be purchased before you get on the train. Here is more detailed information: http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/fare_information.htm
Full route map available here: http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/system_map.htm
All other bus information here: http://www.tri-rail.com/
Weekday Schedule (4am-11pm) Southbound PBI/FLL to MIA
http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/stm_wday.asp
Weekday Schedule (4am-11pm) Northbound MIA to PBI/FLL
http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/ntm_wday.asp
Weekend/Holiday Schedule (6am-10pm) Southbound PBI/FLL to MIA
http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/stm_wend.asp
Weekend/Holiday Schedule (6am-10pm) Northbound MIA to PBI/FLL
http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/ntm_wend.asp
c) Shuttle Buses
Think you're better than public transportation? Would you rather take a shuttle bus? That's okay too I guess (you stuck up &%_^$). Here are a couple options...
http://www.supershuttle.com/
http://goairportshuttle.com/
TAs... I need your help here... what else have you guys used that you can recommend. I've only ever taken Super Shuttle and it worked great.
F.A.Q. Section
Q: If I'm already staying on South Beach how do I know which bus to take? You listed like 20 different ones.
A: If you are staying closer to Washington Ave, like on Collins or Ocean, you need to take the C or 120. They all follow the same exact path. If you are staying closer to Alton Road. then you need to take the S. If you are staying closer to Lincoln Road, you can take the A.
Q: How do I find the nearest bus stop to my hotel?
A: Simple, walk down to the main street closest to your hotel (Washington or Alton) and walk down until you see a bus stop. You'll notice a bench and a green sign that says "Bus Stop" and will have various buses listed on the sign. Here are pictures of what a typical Miami Transit bus stop looks like as well as the sign you should be looking out for.
Q: The bus stop by my hotel on 13th and Washington is not listed in the schedules you gave us links to, what gives?
A: Only the major bus stops are listed. There are bus stops in between those. Just use the schedule as a guide. If it says the bus will arrive at Lincoln & Washington at 9:45 and at 5th & Washington at 9:55. Then if you're stop is in the middle, it will more than likely arrive at your stop at 9:50.
Q: How do I know if I'm on the right bus?
A: Well you could pay attention to what the bus and my guide says or you could also ask the bus driver. They SHOULD know how to speak some English.
Q: How will I know when to get off?
A: The bus has a speaker system that will say "Omni Bus Terminal" very loud. Unless you're retarded, you won't miss it. It also looks like a bus terminal where many buses stop. So get off there. Or if you're still in doubt, ask the bus driver to tell you when you get there and how to get to the Metro Mover.
Q: What if I need to take two buses back to back? How do I transfer?
A: Ask the bus driver for a transfer ticket when you pay for your fare. They cost $0.50 each and are available for bus-to-bus and bus-to-rail. Then simply get off at the right stop, step onto your next bus when it arrives and hand the bus driver a transfer ticket.
2010 Update: Bus-to-bus transfers are now free with the Easy Card. If you do not have an Easy Card you must pay full fare on the second bus. Bus-to-rail transfers however are not free and you will need an Easy card as the MetroRail no longer accepts cash.
Q: Where'd you get all this information from and how can I look up some stuff on my own?
A: I knew most of it from experience, but the maps and everything I grabbed from http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/transit/home.asp
Q: I paid my $2 and the bus driver is yelling at me telling me to put more even though I correctly put the right amount. What do I do?
A: Those machines can sometimes be wrong. The bus drivers are trained to let you on even if they think you put the wrong amount of money in. In short, you're right, they are wrong. But if they keep giving you a hard time threaten to file a complaint against them and they'll shut up.
Q: How come you only colored in the first map?
A: Because I got lazy.
Q: How come your Photoshop skills suck and you couldn't make better maps for us?
A: Because I suck. ;)
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask, I will try and answer all your questions so none of this is confusing. I know it can be a bit confusing to read, but trust me, the bus system down here isn't that hard. And if you use it, just watch out for the crackheads on the bus. :p
***2011 Changes***
- Not much route wise changed thankfully. Only needed to update the links in this guide as half of them died. :)
***2010 Changes***
- The K route has been discontinued and replaced with the 120 Beach Max.
- The Night Owl route has been changed and no longer services the Miami Beach area so it has been removed.
- Added A route.
- Easy Card section added.
- 7-Day Visitor Passport section updated.
- Added Airport transportation section.
***2009 Changes***
- The K no longer runs all the way into Downtown Miami: it stops at the Omni station.
- The 51 no longer runs to Miami Beach: its last stop is the Omni station. So this bus route has been removed all together.
- Added a few more Q&A questions.
- Added 7-Day Visitor Passport Section.
- Added Trip Planner.
Additional Notes: That's it folks. Another years guide is now done. Please feel free to make corrections if you find any, or comment on how I can make this guide better. I'm always looking to improve it. Also, ASK QUESTIONS. If it's not covered here, I might still know the answer or I can atleast point you in the right direction. Hope this all helps. :) |
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| RyanVice |
DUDE! You are the ING MAN for putting this together!!!
Thank you SOOOOO much!!! |
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| mnemonic. |
| quote: | Originally posted by RyanVice
DUDE! You are the ING MAN for putting this together!!!
Thank you SOOOOO much!!! |
Echoing Ryan's sentiments.
This is quality, dude. |
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| swerve311 |
| Props for doing this once again! The last couple of years I've used this guide to map out my bus routes to/from parties. I never actually used the buses, I ended up cabbing it everywhere but it was nice to have as a backup haha thanks man |
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| suntrancin |
| WOW, some really valuable info and very well put together...thanks Pat! Really appreciate it!!! |
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| Dream Beamz |
| flo, me and you need to have MSPaint wars one day.............. lol |
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| PatMcGroin |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dream Beamz
flo, me and you need to have MSPaint wars one day.............. lol |
that sounds like it would be an insanely funny thread. why hasnt it been made yet? :p |
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| Dream Beamz |
| quote: | Originally posted by PatMcGroin
that sounds like it would be an insanely funny thread. why hasnt it been made yet? :p |
i would have already challenged you but my only breaks away from traveling for work this entire month are WMC weekend and UMF week
I have 12 flights to other cities this month alone
extra time comes at a huge premium this month. |
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| AY STAR |
def a good thread
it did me alot of good last year gettin around
altho from my expereince...if your gonna be traveling on the bus from south beach to downtown at like 10 or 11 at night please travel with a large group of friends....the passengers on the bus arent the most friendly or normal
last year some homeless guy tryed paying the bus driver in potato salad to get on the bus, true story |
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| PatMcGroin |
| quote: | Originally posted by AY STAR
last year some homeless guy tryed paying the bus driver in potato salad to get on the bus, true story |
:stongue:
love it. need more of these stories please. |
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| MJM74 |
| quote: | Originally posted by PatMcGroin
:stongue:
love it. need more of these stories please. |
Flo! Your transportation guides get better & better by the years.
Great Job homeboy! You've really out done yourself.
:toocool: |
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| PatMcGroin |
| quote: | Originally posted by MJM74
Flo! Your transportation guides get better & better by the years.
Great Job homeboy! You've really out done yourself.
:toocool: |
cheers manny. :) thanks for stickying this again too. |
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