Miami Travel Essentials

Our Miami Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the USA. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Miami Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Miami, Florida.

1. When is the best time to travel to Miami?

Miami has a tropical monsoon climate, with average temperatures ranging from 67°F in winter to 83°F in summer.

1. Most rainfall occurs from June to September, with an average of 12-15 rainy days per month.
2. December to February is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly.
3. March to May is a great time to visit as the weather is warm and pleasant, you’ll avoid the peak season’s throngs, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable.

2. Miami basics

1. Languages: Primary:English, Spanish
2. Plug types: A and B
3. Electricity: 120 V
4. Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
5. International dialing codes: +1 305
6. Emergency telephone number: 911

3. How to get to my hotel in Miami?

Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport is the primary airport for Miami. One of the busiest airports in the States, it sits roughly 9 miles west of the city center. It features a huge, U-shaped terminal, which has 3 storeys. There’s a great range of dining and shopping options, as well as facilities including banking, currency exchange and even spa services. You should carry some warm clothes with you as some areas of the airport are freezing, due to the air conditioning used at full blast. There are several transfer options to reach Downtown Miami:

1. A taxicab takes around 15-25 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found outside arrivals, on the ground level, just outside the baggage claim area.
2. You can also use Uber and Lyft in Miami International Airport, but only if called.
3. Many hotels offer free shuttle services. The pick-up area is on the upper – departure – level of the airport.
4. Shared shuttle services are available to get you to the city center. They take around 20-30 minutes. You’ll find them on the arrivals level, near the taxi ranks.
5. The MIA Mover can take you for free to Miami Central Station. From there, you can take the Metrorail - Orange Line to reach the city center. It takes around 40-50 minutes.
6. The Metrobus can also take you directly to the city center. It takes around 40-50 minutes. Metrorail and Metrobus are the cheapest ways to transfer from the airport.
7. If you want to rental a car, take the MIA Mover to get to the Rental Car Center, located near Miami Central Station.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is located roughly 21 miles north of Downtown Miami. It features 4 terminals home to restaurants, shops, newsstands and facilities such as banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach central Miami:

1. A taxicab takes around 45-55 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found on the lower level of each terminal in the baggage claim area.
2. You can also use Uber and Lyft apps which are usually slightly cheaper than a standard taxi.
3. Many hotels offer free shuttle; the pick-up area is on the lower level of each terminal.
4. Shared-shuttle services can take you to Miami city center in around 35-45 minutes. You’ll find them on the lower level of each terminal in the baggage claim area.
5. You can also take the free shuttle bus to the Fort Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail (commuter train) station. From there, you can get to the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station. Take the Metrorail to Miami Central Station then the Metrorail Orange Line to reach Downtown Miami. It will take you around 2 hours. It’s the cheapest way to get to Downtown Miami from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Airport.
6. Car rental companies’ counters can be found in a building next to Terminal 1. You can use the free shuttle bus to get there from all the other terminals.

4. How to get around Miami?

Travel Tips

Downtown Miami covers a 1.5-sq mi area that can easily be explored on foot. You’ll find many landmarks and attractions, such as the Miami Tower, the Bayfront Park Amphitheater and the Bayside Marketplace, as well as a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options. For longer journeys, a good choice of public and private transportation services is available.

5. Metrobus & Metrorail

1. The Metrobus and Metrorail networks cover the entire Miami-Dade County.
2. EASY Passes are available for 1 and 7 days. You can get them by downloading the EASY Pay Miami app.
3. The ticketing system is the same on Metrobus and Metrorail. There’s just a small extra charge when you transfer from Metrobus to Metrorail. This gives you the opportunity to go wherever you want in Miami.

6. Taxi

1. There are many taxi companies that operate in Miami. They can be hailed on the street.
2. You can easily find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions and shopping areas.
3. You can also directly call popular companies such as Call Taxi Miami (305-848-6666), Miami Downtown Yellow Cab Taxi (786-766-9044) or OnCabs Miami (786-296-0917), just to name a few.
4. Most taxis accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
5. It’s common to give a 15% tip to the taxi driver.
6. Uber, Lyft and local apps such as Freebee can also be used to hail a taxi in Miami.

7. Cycling around Miami with Citi Bike

1. Citi Bike is a bike sharing scheme run by Decobike LLC. It’s available in Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
2. You’ll find over 50 docking stations across central Miami.

8. What are the main annual events in Miami?

Carnaval Miami – Kiwanis of Little Havana

1. What: This 2-week Hispanic festival is one of the largest of its kind in the States. It features a wide range of events, from live music to food and wine tasting to a domino tournament and much more.
2. When: March
3. Where: Calle Ocho, Little Havana

Jazz in the Gardens

1. What: Founded in 2007, Jazz in the Gardens has fast become one of the most popular jazz festivals in the USA. Each year, it showcases some of the best jazz and soul musicians and bands, including celebrities like Charlie Wilson, Kool & the Gang and Chaka Khan.
2. When: March
3. Where: Miami Gardens

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

1. What: The Coconut Grove Arts Festival attracts over 100,000 people with all forms of art, from painting to digital art and from jewelry to drawing. Spiced up with concerts and art workshops for kids, it’s a great event for the whole family.
2. When: Mid-February
3. Where: Downtown Coconut Grove

Miami International Film Festival

1. What: The first Miami International Film Festival was held in 1984. Each year, it showcases some of the best-crafted films from all around the world and attracts famous producers, directors and actors, as well as over 50,000 cinephiles.
2. When: Early-March
3. Where: Miami Dade College

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.