Language 
No results found
Florida public transport: Best ways to get around in 2026
While renting a car is by far the best way to get around Florida, you’ll also find public transportation options such as buses, trains, and the metro.
You can get around the Sunshine State by bus, train, or even Metrorail. However, Florida is not exactly known for its public transportation. Follow along to learn all about the best public transportation options in Florida, as well as some other alternatives to consider.
For the most accurate information, we’ve got help from Manuela Oswald, a content writer at Holafly who has spent several years living in Florida.
Navigate the world with ease
Use transportation apps as much as you wish with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
Buses in Florida
Buses are one of the most popular forms of public transit in Florida, whether it’s to move around within city limits in places such as West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, or to take an inter-city bus to get from Miami to Orlando.
However, buses aren’t very frequent or punctual, as they’re often delayed by traffic. On top of that, the routes may not cover the city very well, depending on the city.
Here’s what Manuela Oswals had to add about using buses in Florida:
“Public transport is poor and unreliable in Florida. Cities are very car-dependent and spread out. Buses are often 10-30 minutes late due to heavy traffic and run infrequently (every 30-60 minutes). Miami traffic is unpredictable – don’t rely on public transport for time-sensitive plans.”
Taking the train
Trains are typically used to travel between cities, with Amtrak and Brightline being the two main carriers in the state. Brightline has a popular express service that goes from Orlando to Miami, with a stop at Fort Lauderdale. This route only takes around three hours, compared to six hours on an Amtrak train for a similar route, though Amtrak is more affordable.
All in all, Brightline focuses on convenient, fast travel between South and Central Florida, while Amtrak offers more routes throughout the state.
Manuela doubled down on the Brightline train being one of the best options to get around, as long as it covers your destination:
“Brightline high-speed train connects Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Orlando and is a good choice for travel. It’s also punctual, unlike many other public transportation options.”
Metrorail
Metrorail is Florida’s only rapid transit metro system, which is located mostly in Miami-Dade County. It offers a convenient way to get around Southern Miami, but the overall coverage is limited. It’s a good way to get to the Miami Airport or get to the city from the airport. However, you’ll likely need to make some connections for further-away destinations.
Manuela also highlights the limited routes available on the Metrorail:
“Miami has Metrorail/Metromover, but it has limited routes, and doesn’t reach the beaches. However, it is more punctual than taking the bus.”
Taxis or ride-sharing
While public transportation will take you places, Florida is dominated by car traffic, and taking a taxi is often the fastest way to get from point A to point B. Uber and Lyft are by far the two most popular services for such rides. Traditional taxis do exist, but are often more expensive, and there’s no way to check the fare in advance.
It’s not a good option for inter-city travel solely because of the costs, but it offers a way to move around the cities and towns more freely without having to rely too much on public transportation.
Here are some tips from Manuela on using taxis in Florida:
“Uber and Lyft – the two main apps everyone uses. Download both and compare prices before booking. It’s a reliable way to get around, but try to avoid rush hours to get away from heavy traffic. Traditional taxis exist but are more expensive and less convenient.”
Rent a car
If you want to truly explore Florida without too much inconvenience, renting a car is by far the best option. Public transport simply doesn’t run often enough, isn’t punctual, and doesn’t have enough routes for you to see everything the state has to offer.
In the long run, it’s also far cheaper than using Uber or Lyft and gives you the freedom to move around at ease while carrying all the stuff from your Florida packing list with you. You should still avoid rush hours in the cities, but you shouldn’t have issues other than that.
Manuela Oswald doubles down on the fact that renting a car is the way to go for traveling in Florida:
“Not renting a car and thinking public transport will work is the biggest mistake travelers make. Florida is car-dependent — you NEED a car or will waste money on Uber/Lyft. Florida is designed for driving, public transport simply is not practical for tourists.”
Holafly: Unlimited data to move around Florida with ease
Having a reliable mobile internet during your travels simply makes your life easier. Holafly’s eSIM for Florida gives you just that, with unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and hotspot sharing included with every eSIM. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and a plan that covers the duration of your trip.
Prices range from $1.55 to $3.90/day, depending on the duration of your plan, and you can choose any number of days from 1 to 90, giving you maximum flexibility.
If you need long-term coverage, Holafly Plans offers a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with near-worldwide coverage. It allows you to travel the world with ease without worrying about finding a way to stay connected. Simply get a plan that suits your needs and enjoy reliable data anywhere, anytime, for as long as you need.
Navigate the world with ease
Use transportation apps as much as you wish with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
Plans that may interest you
A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
