Trip Report: Going To Miami

About ten years ago we had two very near misses on Florida's Turnpike when Going to Miami. That and bumper-to-bumper traffic during Miami Music Week determined that we would no long drive there but instead take other available options. This year we flew there and back, using our American Airlines AAdvantage miles at a good price when booking way ahead. Flying time of about 45 minutes wheels-up to touch-down makes this extremely convenient. The Metrorail fare from MIA to downtown or the Metrobus fare from the airport to South Beach is only another $2.

Another option we've used numerous times is the Brightline train which departs from Orlando International Airport directly to MiamiCentral in downtown Miami. This can typically be much cheaper than flying and the travel time is under 4 hours. So relaxing! It does save to book ahead.

The third non-driving option is AMTRAK. They have 2 daily trains to Miami but please note one of them is via Tampa first while the other is direct. Travel time is 5-8 hours so it's not fast but it can be pretty cheap, even last-minute. Departures are from Orlando but also from Deland, Winter Park and Kissimmee. So if you want to avoid the road to Miami, you've got options!