Feel like you’ve already spent too much on your stay in Miami? Don’t fret. There are a number of options to get around this area that are truly free! Some of these options include busses that, in addition to being free, offer air-conditioned rides and can connect you to other transportation options in the area. Planning your route and checking the schedule is highly suggested, as some routes may only be serviced once or twice an hour. All you need is access to a map (printed or on your phone) and a good understanding of the routes serviced by the options below.
1. FREEBEE
It would be hard to miss these innovative electric cars with oversized ads on their roofs driving around Miami (Miami Beach, South Beach, Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood, Edgewater, Midtown, Design District, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne). They are extremely useful in the heavily congested areas, especially where parking is very difficult. Here’s a plus: Freebee is a “going green” advocate, so when you ride Freebee you too become a part of the solution in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions from miami’s beautiful local neighborhoods. Using their own app, you can request and customize a ride. A car will come pick you up from your location and drop you off at your requested destination, provided it is within the operating zone. The Freebee cars (A WinqBid partner!) don’t make stops like trolleys and buses do, so this option is extremely convenient.
Hours of operation: Varies for different service areas, check website.
Click here for website and additional info.
2. METROMOVER
An electric rail system riding on a 4 ½ mile loop above ground whisks riders throughout the downtown Miami area free of charge! Popular stations include the American Airlines Arena, Bayside Market Place and Miami-Dade College. There are two separate loops, an inner loop and an outer loop, so be sure to check the service map before planning your ride. You can also connect to the Metrorail and Metrobus, although keep in mind that those are not free.
Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday from 5am to 11pm; Friday from 5am to 12am; Saturday 6am to 12am; and Sunday from 6am to 11pm.
Click here for website and additional info.
3. TROLLEYS
What began in the City of Coral Gables has now spread to other cities in Miami-Dade County. The Miami trolleys are a reliable and free option of transportation. Pickup locations compliment the transit routes stopping at commercial locations frequented by commuters, such as along Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables and along Calle Ocho. Many of the trolleys have that vintage streetcar look with designs that coordinate with the colors of the city, (for example, Sweetwater is blue and white, while Coral Gables is orange and green). They are air-conditioned, provide wi-fi and generally one doesn’t have to wait as long as a bus to catch one (usually between 10 and 30 minutes apart).
Hours of operation: weekdays from 6:30 am to 11pm; Sundays from 8am to 8pm
Click here for the website and additional info.
4. MIAMI LAKES MOOVER
This FREE bus is the perfect addition to the already existing metro routes. The Miami Lake Moover provides connections to the metrobus and metrorail. The buses run during peak morning and evening hours with travel periods circulating every 35-40 minutes. The routes connect Main Street, Optimist Park, Miami Lakes Educational Center, Business Park East, Royal Oaks Shopping Plaza, Bob Graham Education Center, Royal Oaks Park, Barbara Goleman Senior High School, Business Park West, Miami Lakes K-8 Center, and Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School. travel periods circulating every 35-40 minutes. Each circulator is equipped with bike racks, flip seats, and ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps. An advantage: riders can now track the Moovers in real-time online.
Hours of operation: Monday- Friday during peak morning (6:00-10:00AM) and peak evening (2:15-7:00PM)
Click here for the website and additional info.
5. PALMETTO BAY IBUS
“IBus” is a play on the word ibis which are large beautiful wading birds that frequent Village parks and neighborhoods. This FREE service was designed to increase the number of destinations that can be reached by a fixed route schedule throughout Palmetto Bay and surrounding areas, and to connect with Miami-Dade Transit routes. All Village buses are air conditioned, wheelchair accessible and bike rack equipped. The IBUS operates on weekdays along two routes (A and B) in the Village of Palmetto Bay and connects passengers to the Miami-Dade Busway and Metrorail (both charge fees).
Hours of operation: Mornings – 6am to 9am Afternoons – 4pm to 7pm
Click here for the website and additional info.
6. NORTH MIAMI NOMI EXPRESS
The NoMi Express is a free community bus service provided by the City of North Miami. Buses transport passengers along routes within the city on weekdays (except holidays). There is a total of 27-28 stops along each route, differentiated by green, blue, yellow and red. Passengers can view the buses arrival schedules in real time on the NoMi Express app.
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 7am to 7pm; Saturday – Sunday 10am to 6pm
Click here for the website and additional info.
7. AVENTURA EXPRESS
This FREE shuttle bus provides transportation along routes within the city of Aventura on most days (except Sundays, New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Six routes divide the city into three sections: north (blue route), south (purple and yellow routes), and central (green, red and silver routes).
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday (Blue, Green, Red, Silver, Purple) from 6:45 am to 7:30 pm; (Yellow) 7:45 am to 7:30 pm
Saturday – 7:45 am to 9:15 pm
Click here for the website and additional info.