Practical Information for the Traveler

Miami International Airport

For travelers flying into Miami International Airpot (MIA), getting around the airport is very easy. The terminal is U-shaped, with concourses extending off different parts of the U in sunburst pattern. If you imagine an upside-down U, then Concourse A is at the lower right hand end and Councourse H is all the way at the other end, on the left. The center concourse, at the top of the U is Councourse E. If you need to get from one concourse to another, it's best to take the moving sidewalk because the distance can be pretty far between councourses. The Moving Walkway is on the third level of the terminal, which is called the skywalk level. It also links the parking garages, in case someone is picking you up at the airport. If you're arriving at Miami International Airport from abroad, international flights arrive at all concourses except C and G. You might also possibly land at the International Satellite Terminal, which is not in the main terminal. It's just a quarter of a mile away, though. If someone is picking you up at the airport, have them meet you after you get through Customs. There are U.S. Customs exits on the lower level of Concourse E or the top level of Concourse B. If you need to lay over, or you get in at an odd time or need to kill a few hours, you can check into the Miami International Airport Hotel, which is right on Concourse E on the third level. They have lots of things to do, with a fitness club, pool, sundeck and jogging track.

There are several options for getting from the MIami airport to South Beach. After you claim your baggage, on Level 1, you can get a taxi from the taxi line just outside the door. There might be a uniformed taxi-hailer for you, who will signal to the next taxi to come and get you. There are flat-rate fares to South Beach, which usually cost around $25. If you can find someone to share with you, it's worth it because the flat rate is charged per trip, not per person. The more people, the better, up to about four. The flat rate includes everything except the tip.

Super Shuttle vans will also take you where you need to go, twenty four hours a day. You can get the Super Shuttle outside baggage claim, too. It will run you about $15, and it's best to make a reservation ahead of time, but not necessary. You should definitely make a reservation 24 hours in advance for the trip back to the airport, since they could possibly fill up and on short notice you don't want to be without a trip back to the airport make your flight.

If you are traveling on the cheap, there is public transportation from the airport to South Beach. Also available from outside the baggage claim area are the Public Buses. Take Bus J east to 41st Street in Miami Beach and then transfer to a southbound Bus H. The Bus H goes up and down South Point Drive. And it all cost just over a dollar! If you arrive after midnight and before 6am, the airport runs the Airport Owl Line, which runs from roughly midnight to 6am and makes a stop in South Beach. You can get the public bus schedules at the Tourist Information Center at the airport. The Miami Dade Website also has all the schedules if you want to plan ahead before you travel.

Arrival by Sea

If you come into South Beach via your own boat, you must contact U.S. Customs Service. If your vessel is under five tons, they will probably clear you by telephone. Sometimes, however, you will be directed to a nearby marina for a closer inspection. Keep in mind that all boats in the Miami South Beach area must be registered. Make sure to keep an eye out for no-wake zones, and to obey them. Waves of your boat lapping on shore causes erosion and causes boats at dock to bump up and down. Slow zones should be monitored and obeye, too, for protection of manatees. Around South Beach, there are lots of personal watercraft zipping around so keep an eye out for them because more often than not, they're not looking where they're going!

Bicycling Around Miami South Beach

Florida in general is flat, and Miami South Beach is no exception. Weather is great year-round in South Beach, as well, so biking seems like a great idea. However, lack of bicycle lanes and traffic congestion in South Beach make for treacherous riding. There are biciycle paths here and there, so look for them. Riding on back and side streets is recommended in Miami South Beach. It can be done! The public buses have a Bike and Ride program. If you get a permit, you can take a bicycle on Metrorail and some bus routes. Anytime except during rush hour.

Renting a Car

Miami South Beach is congested and parking is near impossible. Therefore, you may want to forgo renting a car for your stay in South Beach. If you plan on a side trip out of the Miami South Beach area, you can always rent a car for a day or two. But if you're just staying in Miami South Beach, don't get a car. You won't be able to park easily and taxis are everywhere anyway. Miami International Airport has all the major car rental companies represented at booths on the lower level if you plan on going somewhere other than Miami South Beach for a while. Reserve ahead of time for better rates, and then after you arrive at the airport, flag down the shuttle with the company logo on the side and it will take you to the car rental agency, which will be located outside the terminal area. Your hotel in South Beach will also know about car rental agencies near the area, too.