Miami Beach public transport includes a free city trolley with four routes and Miami-Dade Metrobus service across the county. Use the trolley for trips around Miami Beach, then check current route information before planning a connection to mainland Miami.
- Trolley: South Beach Loop, Middle Beach Loop, Collins Express and North Beach Loop.
- Cost and pattern: The City describes trolley service as free, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with approximately 20-minute frequency on each route.
- Boarding: Use designated trolley stops; each trolley has two bicycle racks.
- Metrobus: Serves Miami Beach and routes across Miami-Dade County, with several payment methods.
Miami Beach trolley basics
Miami Beach’s four trolley routes cover different parts of the island, and the City says rides are free. The South Beach Loop, Middle Beach Loop, Collins Express and North Beach Loop provide the main route choices; check the City’s route pages for the current alignment that fits your destination.
The South Beach route runs as two loops: Loop A travels clockwise and Loop B counterclockwise. Both are described as operating daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., approximately every 20 minutes. Stops include Washington Avenue at Lincoln Road and 5 Street, Alton Road at Lincoln Road, and 17 Street at Pennsylvania Avenue on Loop A.
Loop B stops include Meridian Avenue at Lincoln Road, 18 Street at Purdy Avenue, Venetian Way at East Island Avenue, and Alton Road at 15 Street. The City launched the South Beach trolley in November 2017, replacing two earlier local services. Its low-floor vehicles are designed to make boarding and alighting more accessible.
The North Beach Loop also operates daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., at approximately 20-minute frequency. It serves places including Allison Park, North Shore Open Space Park, Stillwater Park and Normandy Isle Park and Pool. Stops include Collins Avenue at 67, 69 and 72 Street. The route launched in October 2014.
For a ride, board and get off only at designated stops. If you are bringing a bicycle, trolley vehicles have two bike racks.
Real-time trolley tracking is available through the Transit app; you can also call 305.673.7117 for arrival information or text a stop ID to 786.981.4545. A guide to Miami Beach parks can help you match a stop with a nearby green space.
Connecting to mainland Miami
For travel between Miami Beach and mainland destinations, check Metrobus routes and connections rather than assuming a trolley crosses the water. Miami-Dade Metrobus serves Miami Beach and routes throughout Miami-Dade County, and the County’s payment options include an EASY Card, EASY Ticket, the GO Miami-Dade Transit app, contactless payment and cash.
The County’s Better Bus Route 836 map names Downtown Miami and Brightline MiamiCentral station among its key destinations. However, the route information does not establish which Miami Beach service or transfer connects to Route 836, so check the County’s current transit information for a workable itinerary.
If your trip starts at the airport, a separate Miami International Airport to Miami Beach route guide covers travel options for that journey.
Metrobus vehicles have bicycle racks attached to the front. That can help if you want to combine a bus trip with cycling, but check the route and service details before setting out.
Using buses for longer trips
Metrobus is the countywide option for reaching destinations beyond the trolley’s Miami Beach routes. Pick a bus route that serves your destination, then confirm how it connects with your starting point; the trolley and Metrobus are separate services with their own route information.
You can pay using an EASY Card or EASY Ticket, the GO Miami-Dade Transit app, contactless payment or cash. Buses have front-mounted bicycle racks if you are carrying a bike. The City also describes Freebee as a free, on-demand service in Mid Beach and portions of North Beach.
Within its service area, it connects riders with trolley and County bus service. Its published hours are Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Check routes and service before setting out
Route pages and service maps are the place to confirm current trolley stops: the City marks some stops inactive and identifies replacement stops. Its route information also provides complete stop details, which are useful when a few named stops do not match your exact destination.
For current trolley arrival information, use the Transit app or the City’s phone and text options. The City’s getting-around information also points riders to County Metrobus details and identifies the trolley, Freebee, bicycles and water taxis as ways to get around. Service hours and route details can change, so check the official site before you go.
For trips involving AC Hotel Miami Wynwood, a four-star hotel, compare the destination with the transit options above and verify the route from your starting point.
FAQs
Is the Miami Beach trolley free?
Yes. The City describes its trolley service as free, with four routes around Miami Beach.
How often does the Miami Beach trolley run?
The City gives an approximate frequency of 20 minutes on each route. Check current route information and arrivals before travelling.
Can you take a bicycle on Miami Beach public transport?
Trolley vehicles have two bicycle racks, and Metrobus buses have racks attached to the front.
How can you track a Miami Beach trolley?
Use the Transit app for real-time tracking, call 305.673.7117 for arrival information or text the stop ID to 786.981.4545.