Miami Metrorail is the backbone of public transit in Greater Miami, and it is vastly underutilized by visitors. While tourists default to rideshares, locals who commute daily swear by it — a 24.4-mile elevated rail system that connects Miami’s urban core at a fraction of the cost of surge-priced Ubers.
Here is everything you need to know to use it confidently.
Miami Metrorail is a 24.4-mile elevated rapid transit system operated by Miami-Dade Transit. It opened in 1984 and today serves 23 stations across two lines. The trains run on an elevated guideway above city streets, which means they avoid traffic entirely — a concept that sounds obvious until you are stuck in Brickell rush hour.
| Detail | Value |
|——–|——-|
| Lines | 2 (Orange and Green) |
| Stations | 23 |
| Daily Ridership | ~70,000 |
| First Train | 5:00 AM |
| Last Train | Midnight |
| Frequency | 7-15 min peak, 15-30 min off-peak |
The Orange Line runs from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Dadeland South Station. This is the line most visitors use. It connects directly to MIA via the airport Metrorail station, which itself connects to the MIA Mover for a seamless terminal-to-platform experience.
Key stations on the Orange Line:
The Green Line runs from Palmetto Station (in western Miami-Dade) to Dadeland South Station. It shares the southern segment with the Orange Line between Dadeland South and Earlington Heights, then splits north through a separate corridor serving Hialeah and Medley.
Key stations on the Green Line:
The two lines share tracks from Earlington Heights south to Dadeland South. North of Earlington Heights, the Orange Line runs to the airport and the Green Line runs to Palmetto.
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
|—–|————|————|
| Monday-Friday | 5:00 AM | Midnight |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | Midnight |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
Trains run every 7 to 15 minutes during peak weekday hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Evening and weekend frequency drops to every 15 to 30 minutes.
| Fare Type | Price |
|———–|——-|
| Full Fare (single ride) | $2.25 |
| Discounted Fare (seniors, disabled, Medicare) | $1.10 |
| Transfer from Metrobus | Free |
| Transfer from Metromover | Free |
| Pass Type | Price |
|———–|——-|
| 1-Day Pass | $5.65 |
| 7-Day Pass | $29.25 |
| 30-Day Pass | $112.50 |
The standard payment method is the EASY Card, a reloadable fare card available at all Metrorail stations. You can load cash value or passes onto the card and tap at the turnstile. The EASY Card works across all Miami-Dade Transit services: Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus.
For visitors, the EASY Ticket is a simpler alternative — a pre-loaded single-use card available at vending machines at all Metrorail stations.
The GO Mobile app lets you buy and activate mobile tickets directly on your phone. This is the most convenient option for short-term visitors who do not want to deal with a physical card.
Metromover is Miami’s free automated people mover that serves Downtown Miami, Brickell, and the Health District. It connects to Metrorail at three stations:
Metromover runs every 3-5 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is completely free to ride — no fare required. For visitors staying in Brickell or Downtown who want to explore without walking or paying for a rideshare, the Metromover is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets.
For a typical 5-mile trip within Miami, here is how Metrorail stacks up against Uber:
| Mode | Cost | Time | Notes |
|——|——|——|——-|
| Metrorail | $2.25 | 20-35 min | No traffic delays |
| UberX (off-peak) | $15-22 | 15-30 min | Door to door |
| UberX (surge) | $30-55 | 20-45 min | During rush or events |
Metrorail wins on cost decisively. It loses on convenience — you walk to the station, wait for the train, and walk from the station to your destination. For most visitors, that trade-off makes sense only for specific routes: airport transfers, downtown sightseeing, and commuting between Brickell and Coral Gables.
The hybrid approach: Take Metrorail to cover the main distance, then use Uber or Lyft for the first/last mile to your exact destination.
Miami commuters on r/Miami share these practical tips:
1. Download the Miami-Dade Transit app for real-time train arrivals. The official schedule signs at stations are not always accurate during disruptions.
2. The Earlington Heights station is where the lines split. If you are heading to the airport, make sure you board an Orange Line train, not a Green Line train going north.
3. Park and ride at Palmetto or Dadeland stations if you are coming from the suburbs. Both have large free parking lots.
4. Bring a jacket. The AC on older trains can be aggressive, especially on the exposed above-ground sections.
5. During Art Basel and major events, Metrorail runs longer hours and higher frequency. Check the MDT website before heading out.
Does Metrorail run on holidays?
Metrorail runs on a Sunday schedule on most major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Is Metrorail safe at night?
Most stations have security personnel and cameras. The system sees heavy commuter traffic during the day. Later evening runs (after 9 PM) have lower ridership. Stay alert and ride in populated cars if you have concerns.
Can I bring a bike on Metrorail?
Yes. Bikes are allowed on Metrorail at all times. There are bike racks on each train car. No additional fare for bikes.
How do I get from Metrorail to South Beach?
Take the Metrorail to the Brickell or Government Center station, then transfer to Metrobus Route J or Route 150, both of which run to South Beach. The total trip from downtown to South Beach by transit takes approximately 45-60 minutes versus 20-30 minutes by rideshare.
Can I connect to Brightline from Metrorail?
Yes. Take the Metrorail to the MiamiCentral station (downtown) or the Tri-Rail connection at Earlington Heights. Brightline’s MiamiCentral station is a short walk from the Government Center Metrorail station.
1. Orange Line connects MIA airport directly — the easiest $2.25 ride into the city.
2. Green Line serves Hialeah and western suburbs — less useful for visitors.
3. Metromover is free and connects at Government Center, Brickell, and College stations.
4. Tri-Rail connects at Earlington Heights — useful for trips to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
5. EASY Card works across all MDT services — load a 7-day pass for unlimited rides.
6. For airport runs, Metrorail is $2.25 versus $35-55 Uber. Worth the extra time on a budget.
Miami Metrorail is not glamorous. It is not the subway. But for $2.25, it will get you from the airport to Brickell without surge pricing, and that is a deal worth knowing about.