How to get from Miami Airport to South Beach
Miami International Airport (MIA) to South Beach is easy: the Airport Express Bus 150 is cheap and frequent, taxis/rideshares are the fastest door-to-door, private transfers add meet-and-greet comfort, Metrorail+bus works off-peak, and rental cars only make sense if you’ll explore beyond the beach. Pick your match below with step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Miami Airport to South Beach)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Airport Express Bus 150 (MIA → Miami Beach) | ~45–65m (traffic-dependent) | Cheapest, frequent, simple |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$2–3 standard transit fare | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door) | ~20–35m (traffic/bridge) | Fastest with luggage or family |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$30–50 per car + tip | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & greet) | ~25–40m | Groups, guaranteed pickup |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–120 per vehicle » compare quotes | GYG transfers | Klook options | ||
| 🚇🚌 Metrorail (Orange Line) + Beach Bus | ~40–60m (connection-dependent) | Budget travelers outside 150’s stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$2–3 total with transfers | ||
| 🚘 Rental Car (Only if exploring) | ~25–40m drive | Day trips beyond Miami Beach |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$45–90/day + parking » compare rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most convenient: Taxi or rideshare straight to your hotel on South Beach.
- Cheapest & simple: Airport Express Bus 150 to Collins/Washington Ave stops near most hotels.
- Meet & greet + fixed price for groups: Private transfer/van.
- Transit fans or off-peak budget: Metrorail + bus combo.
- Planning day trips (Keys/Everglades): Rent a car—otherwise skip the hassle of South Beach parking.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Ride-hailing: Uber/Lyft are widely available; request from the designated app zones at MIA. For fixed quotes and large vehicles, compare GetTransfer.
- Contactless transit: You can pay standard fares on buses/rail with contactless bank cards and mobile wallets (or buy transit tickets at stations).
- Luggage solutions: If your room isn’t ready, stash bags via Radical Storage Miami and start exploring.
- Parking on South Beach: Expect high nightly fees and limited street spaces—factor this before choosing a car.
- Staying on the beach: Compare oceanfront and Collins/Washington Ave hotels on Booking.com (Miami Beach).
🚌 Option #1 — Airport Express Bus 150 (Most Popular, Great Value)
Low cost Frequent Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Route 150 runs from MIA’s Airport Station (connected by the free MIA Mover tram) to Miami Beach along 41st St and Collins/Washington Ave, stopping near most South Beach hotels.
- How to book (with price): No booking; pay onboard/at station ~US$2–3. Official info: Miami-Dade Transit Route 150 (PDF).
- Pros: Cheapest, luggage-friendly buses, drops near hotels. Cons: Can fill up at peaks; ride time varies with causeway traffic.
Step-by-step: Airport Express Bus 150
- Follow airport signs to the MIA Mover (free tram) and ride to Airport Station.
- At Airport Station, look for signage for Route 150 – Miami Beach Airport Express.
- Pay fare (contactless card/mobile wallet or ticket) and board. Luggage goes in the designated area.
- Alight at the stop closest to your hotel (e.g., Collins Ave & 17 St) and walk a few minutes to check-in.
Getting to the main embarking points (MIA Airport Station → South Beach)
- Airport Station: Reached via the free MIA Mover from terminals; elevators/escalators available.
- South Beach corridor: Common stops include 41 St, 23 St, 17 St along Collins/Washington—check the map before boarding.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Fastest Door-to-Door)
Convenient 24/7 Price varies
- Overview: Official taxis queue outside arrivals; Uber/Lyft operate from designated app pickup zones. Typical ride via MacArthur or Julia Tuttle Causeway.
- How to book (with price): Request in the app or take a metered taxi. Expect ~US$30–50 plus tip. For fixed quotes and large vehicles, compare GetTransfer.
- Pros: Direct, fast, private. Cons: Surge pricing/traffic can raise costs.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare
- Exit arrivals and follow signs to Taxi or Ride App pickup zones.
- For rideshare, set destination to your hotel; confirm the correct pickup area in the app.
- Ride ~20–35 minutes depending on traffic; pay in-app or by card/cash for taxis.
Getting to the main embarking points (MIA forecourt → your hotel)
- Taxi stands: Clearly signed at each terminal curb.
- App pickups: Follow the app’s zone letter/number; message your driver if needed.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Great for Groups)
Meet-and-greet Fixed price More costly
- Overview: A driver waits in arrivals with a name sign, helps with bags, and drives you straight to your South Beach address.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$60–120 per vehicle (sedan/van). Compare options on GetTransfer, GetYourGuide, or Klook.
- Pros: No lines, fixed pricing, car seats on request. Cons: Higher cost than bus/ride-hail.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Prebook with flight number and party size on your preferred platform.
- After baggage claim, meet your driver at the stated point (arrivals hall or curb).
- Ride directly to your hotel; pay included tolls/gratuity as per booking.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals hall → South Beach)
- Meet point: Look for your driver’s name sign or app message.
- Drop-off: Hotels/condos throughout South Beach; confirm building access/concierge.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚇🚌 Option #4 — Metrorail (Orange Line) + Beach Bus (Cheapest Combo)
Budget Frequent One transfer
- Overview: Ride the MIA Mover to Miami Intermodal Center / Airport Station, take Metrorail Orange Line to a transfer point (e.g., Government Center), then a Miami Beach bus to South Beach.
- How to book (with price): Buy transit fare at the station or tap a contactless card—~US$2–3 total with transfers. Official rail info: Metrorail (Miami-Dade).
- Pros: Inexpensive, good off-peak. Cons: One extra transfer vs. the 150; watch luggage space at rush hour.
Step-by-step: Metrorail + Bus
- Take the MIA Mover to Airport Station (Miami Intermodal Center).
- Buy fare and board the Orange Line toward downtown; ride to Government Center.
- Exit and connect to a Miami Beach bus heading to South Beach (or switch to the 150 if it’s convenient).
- Alight near your hotel and walk a few minutes.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Station / Government Center)
- Airport Station: Elevators/escalators from MIA via the MIA Mover.
- Government Center: Major rail/bus hub with clear signs to street-level bus bays.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #5 — Rental Car (Only if You’ll Explore Beyond the Beach)
Freedom Day trips Parking costs
- Overview: Pick up at the MIA Car Rental Center (via MIA Mover) and drive to South Beach via the MacArthur or Julia Tuttle Causeway. Parking garages/hotel valet are common but pricey.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$45–90/day plus parking. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Ideal for the Keys/Everglades or multiple neighborhoods. Cons: Traffic, bridge tolls, and high parking fees on South Beach.
Step-by-step: Rental Car
- Ride the MIA Mover to the Car Rental Center; pick up your vehicle.
- Set GPS to your hotel; choose MacArthur Causeway (I-395) or Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195) depending on your location.
- Park at your hotel or a public garage (e.g., 17th Street Garage) and walk to check-in.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Center → South Beach)
- Car Rental Center: All major brands; open late with easy returns via the MIA Mover.
- South Beach parking: Consider garages on 5th St or 17th St for better availability.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Miami Airport to South Beach)
What’s the absolute cheapest way?
The Airport Express Bus 150—a couple of dollars and it stops near most hotels.
How long does a taxi/rideshare take?
Usually 20–35 minutes depending on traffic and which causeway your driver uses.
Is the 150 bus luggage-friendly?
Yes—newer buses have space by the front area; keep valuables with you and don’t block aisles.
Do I need a car on South Beach?
Not for beach stays—walking, bikes, and rideshares cover most needs. Rent a car only for day trips.
Where can I store bags if my room isn’t ready?
Use Radical Storage locations around Miami or ask your hotel concierge.
Any late-night options?
Taxis and rideshares run 24/7. Route 150 runs late but check the current schedule; otherwise consider a prebooked transfer.