15 Best Florida Transportation Options (By a Local)

15 Best Florida Transportation Options (By a Local)

Florida is a “long” state, and I’ve driven it all—north to south, east to west. Road trips can stretch on, and getting around might seem intimidating at first. Thankfully, the **15 Best Florida Transportation Options** make it manageable. With so many places to explore, every major city has an international airport and plenty of ways to reach your destination.

Visitors have many options for getting between and around Florida’s pristine coastlines, swampy lagoons and big-time cities.

While the sprawl of Florida makes it a car-centric place, you will find a growing number of options for exploring the Sunshine State. You crisscross the state by plane, catch a train along the southwest coast, or Key-hop via water taxi.

Wherever your adventure may take you, here’s how to get around Florida.

Discovering the 15 Best Florida Transportation Options

From trains and buses to budget rides and luxury trips, moving around Florida is simpler than you’d expect. Here are your choices, packed with details:

1. **TriRail (Miami Area)** 

   Taking the train ranks high among the **15 Best Florida Transportation Options**. TriRail runs from Miami International Airport to Mangonia Park, 60 miles north, in about 1.5 hours. Fares range from $2 to $17 based on zones. I love it for relaxing—no traffic stress—whether I’m solo, with family, or pinching pennies.

15 Best Florida Transportation Options

2. **SunRail (Orlando Area)** 

   In Orlando, SunRail’s your go-to, stretching from DeBary to Kissimmee through the city, a 49-mile route taking ~1 hour 20 minutes. Tickets start at $2, up to $10 for multiple zones, with group passes available. It’s affordable and convenient.

Shuttle transportation in Florida will depend on your travel needs,

3. **Brightline (Orlando to Miami)** 

   This high-speed option connects Orlando to Miami, 235 miles in 3.5 hours at 125 mph. Tickets cost $79-$149 one-way, depending on class, with snacks and WiFi onboard. It’s a pricier but fantastic choice for a quick, comfy journey.

Take The Bus

4. **Airport Shuttles** 

   Shuttles are a lifesaver for getting from airports to hotels or attractions, usually 20-60 minutes depending on distance, costing $15-$40. They’re everywhere in Florida—perfect when I just need a smooth ride to my stay.

5. **Kennedy Space Center Shuttle (Orlando)** 

   If you’re in Orlando and eyeing the Kennedy Space Center, this shuttle covers the 50-mile trip in ~1 hour each way. Round-trip fares start at $60-$80. It picks you up and drops you back—easy for families or space fans.

6. **Miami Taxi (Yellow Taxi, Miami Taxi)** 

   Taxis are all over Florida. In Miami, it’s $2.95 to start, $0.85 per 1/6 mile up to 1 mile, then $0.55 per 1/6 mile after. A 5-mile ride takes ~15 minutes and costs ~$10-$12. I grab one when I’m carless—they’re on my schedule.

Taxis are all over Florida.

7. **Tampa Taxi (Pick Me Up Tampa, Taxi Tampa)** 

   In Tampa, rates begin at $2.50, plus $2.40 per mile. A 10-mile trip takes ~20 minutes and runs ~$25-$30. They fit small groups and keep you moving wherever you are.

8. **Jacksonville Bus (JTA)** 

   The bus might just be the top pick among the **15 Best Florida Transportation Options**. Jacksonville’s system, one of the East Coast’s best, offers day passes for $4.50. A 15-mile downtown-to-beach ride takes ~40 minutes—cheap and reliable.

Book a Private Transfer

9. **Miami Metrobus** 

   Miami’s Metrobus has day passes at $5.65 (free since Nov 13, 2023). A 10-mile trip takes 30-45 minutes. It’s a solid choice if you’re traveling light and want convenience.

10. **Orlando LYNX Bus** 

    Orlando’s LYNX system starts at $2 per ride, $4.50 for a day pass. A 15-mile trip takes ~40 minutes. It’s great for hopping around without heavy bags.

11. **Tampa HART Bus** 

    Tampa’s Hillsborough Area Transit Authority charges $2 one-way, $4 for a day pass. A 10-mile ride takes ~30 minutes. It’s efficient for budget travelers.

12. **Uber (Statewide)** 

    Uber’s like a taxi but often cheaper—say, $15-$25 for a 10-mile Miami ride (~20 minutes). Luxury or van options bump it to $30-$50. I love that they pick me up when I want, with pet-friendly cars too. Rural areas might lack service, though.

13. **Car Rental (Budget, Hertz)** 

    Driving yourself offers the most control—one of the **15 Best Florida Transportation Options** for privacy or road trips. Renting costs $30-$50/day for a compact car; Miami to Orlando (235 miles) takes ~4 hours, plus ~$30-$40 in gas. Pricey, but I recommend it.

14. **Getaround Car Sharing** 

    Less known, Getaround lets you rent locals’ cars for $25-$60/day. A 50-mile day trip takes 1-2 hours round-trip. They deliver budget or luxury options right to you—super handy.

15. **Private Transfer (e.g., Fort Lauderdale to Miami)** 

    Book a private car, van, or SUV for a 30-mile ride like Fort Lauderdale to Miami (~45 minutes, $50-$100). It’s a mix of shuttle and taxi vibes—great for direct trips to attractions like the Space Coast without driving stress.

Getting Around Florida: FAQs

– **Is there public transportation in Florida?** Yes, tons of options statewide. 

– **What’s the best way to get around?** Depends on your plans, budget, and group. Cars for freedom, trains for ease. 

– **Does Florida have transport for the elderly?** Public trains and buses cater to seniors, plus comfy private options. 

– **Is public transportation free?** Not usually, but Miami’s buses and Metrorail are free since Nov 13, 2023. Jacksonville has free routes too. 

– **What transportation do people use?** Most drive or bus; trains like Brightline are popular too. 

– **Is Florida public transportation good?** Yes—efficient, affordable, and widespread. 

– **Does Florida have a subway?** No, sea level makes it impossible. 

– **What city has the best public transport?** Miami’s a contender with trains, buses, and trolleys everywhere. 

– **Can you get around without a car?** Yes, but a car’s easier for long hauls. [Find affordable rentals here](#). 

– **Is Miami Metrorail free?** Yes, since Nov 13, 2023. 

– **Is there a fast train?** Brightline, 125 mph, Orlando to Miami in 3.5 hours. 

– **Is Florida walkable?** Major cities are; rural areas aren’t. 

– **How much is a Miami day bus pass?** Free since Nov 13, 2023.

In Closing

Finding your way around Florida’s beauty is easy with the **15 Best Florida Transportation Options**. I love trains for skipping busy highways, but a car’s my pick for open-road freedom. Whatever your style or budget, there’s a way to roll—get out and explore!

Do you need information for a trip? Best times to visit Florida or What to do in Alaska
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