Arriving and Departing

If you enter the United States in a private vessel along the Atlantic Coast south of Sebastian Inlet, you must call the U.S. Customs Service (PHONE: 305/536-5263). Customs clears most boats of less than 5 tons by phone, but you may be directed to a marina for inspection. Cruise Travel The Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami (1015 North American Way, PHONE: 305/371-7678), in downtown Miami near Bayside Marketplace and the MacArthur Causeway, justifiably bills itself as the cruise capital of the world. Home to 18 ships and the largest year-round cruise fleet in the world, the port accommodates more than 3 million passengers a year. It has 12 air-conditioned terminals, duty-free shopping, and limousine service. From here, 3-, 4- and 7-day cruises depart for the Bahamas and the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with longer sailings to the Far East, Europe, and South America. Operating year-round from the seaport are Carnival Cruise Lines (PHONE: 800/327-9501), Cunard Line Ltd. (PHONE: 800/728-6273), Norwegian Cruise Lines (PHONE: 800/327-7030), and Royal Caribbean International (PHONE: 800/255-4373).

By Air

Miami International Airport (MIA) (4200 N.W. 21st St., PHONE: 305/876-7000, www.miami-airport.com), 7 miles west of downtown Miami, is the only airport in Greater Miami that provides scheduled service. Altogether, more than 140 airlines serve nearly 200 cities and five continents with nonstop or one-stop service from here, more than any other airport in the Western Hemisphere. The airport is undergoing a $5.4 billion expansion program that is expected to be finished within the next 6-8 years. For the time being, gridlock -- especially during holidays and peak periods -- is the rule and not the exception. If you're destined for the north side of Miami-Dade County, consider flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) (PHONE: 954/359-1200), about 25 miles north of Miami. It's less crowded and more user friendly than MIA, and you can often find greatly reduced fares on airlines that don't serve MIA. Approximate flying times to Miami are 3 hours from Chicago, 5 hours from Los Angeles, 6 hours from London, 3 hours 20 minutes from Montreal, 2 hours 50 minutes from New York, and 3 hours 5 minutes from Toronto. Major Airlines AirTran (PHONE: 800/825-8538). America West (PHONE: 800/235-9292). American (PHONE: 800/433-7300). American Transair (PHONE: 800/225-2995). Continental (PHONE: 800/525-0280). Delta (PHONE: 800/221-1212). Midway (PHONE: 800/446-4392). National (PHONE: 800/836-4809). Northwest (PHONE: 800/225-2525). Southwest (PHONE: 800/435-9792). Tower Air (PHONE: 800/348-6937). TWA (PHONE: 800/221-2000). United (PHONE: 800/241-6522). US Airways (PHONE: 800/428-4322). Foreign Carriers ACES (PHONE: 800/846-2237). Aeroflot (PHONE: 888/340-6400). Aerolineas Argentina (PHONE: 800/333-0276). Aeromexico (PHONE: 800/237-6639). Air Aruba (PHONE: 800/882-7822). Air Canada (PHONE: 800/776-3000). Air France (PHONE: 800/237-2747). Air Jamaica (PHONE: 800/523-5585). Alitalia (PHONE: 800/223-5730). ALM (PHONE: 800/327-7230). Avensa (PHONE: 800/428-3672). Avianca (PHONE: 800/284-2622). Aviateca (PHONE: 800/535-8780). Bahamasair (PHONE: 800/222-4262). British Airways(PHONE: 800/247-9297). BWIA (PHONE: 800/538-2942). Canadian Airlines(PHONE: 800/426-7000). Cayman Airways (PHONE: 800/422-9626). City Bird (PHONE: 888/248-9247). Copa (PHONE: 800/359-2672). Ecuatoriana (PHONE: 800/732-8277). El Al (PHONE: 800/223-6700). Finnair (PHONE: 800/950-5000). Iberia (PHONE: 800/772-4642). KLM (PHONE: 800/225-2525). LAB (PHONE: 800/327-7407). Lacsa (PHONE: 800/225-2272). Lan Chile (PHONE: 800/735-5526). Lauda Air (PHONE: 800/645-3880). LTU (PHONE: 800/888-0200). Lufthansa (PHONE: 800/645-3880). Martinair Holland (PHONE: 800/366-4655). Mexicana (PHONE: 800/531-7921). Nica (PHONE: 800/831-6422). Paradise Island (PHONE: 800/231-0856). Qantas (PHONE: 800/227-4500). Servivensa (PHONE: 800/428-3672). Surinam (PHONE: 800/327-6864). Swissair (PHONE: 800/221-4750). Taca (PHONE: 800/535-8780). Transbrasil (PHONE: 800/872-3153). Varig (PHONE: 800/468-2744). VASP (PHONE: 800/732-8277). Virgin Atlantic (PHONE: 800/862-8621). Regional Airlines AirTran (PHONE: 800/247-8726) to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. American Eagle (PHONE: 800/433-7300). Comair (PHONE: 800/221-1212). Gulfstream International (PHONE: 800/992-8532). Jet Blue (PHONE: 800/538-2583) to Fort Lauderdale. US Air Express (PHONE: 800/428-4322). Seaplanes Chalk's Ocean Airways (1000 MacArthur Causeway, PHONE: 800/424-2557) offers daily service from Watson Island to Bimini and Paradise Island. Transfers Between the Airport and Town Taxi, shuttle, and limousine service are available outside baggage claim areas on Level 1. By Public Transportation Public transportation may not be the most user-friendly option, but it's definitely cheaper. For long hauls as far north as Palm Beach County, Tri-Rail (PHONE: 800/874-7245), available on Level 1, across Airport Drive from Concourse E, is the best bet and offers free shuttle service between MIA and the Tri-Rail airport station ½ mile to the east. Metrobus (PHONE: 305/770-3131) service is also available with routes connecting to both Metrorail (PHONE: 305/770-3131) and Tri-Rail. From the airport you can take Bus 7 to downtown, Bus 37 south to Coral Gables and South Miami or north to Hialeah, Bus J east to Miami Beach, and Bus 42 to Coconut Grove. Some routes change after 7:00 PM and on weekends, so grab a schedule at one of the airport tourist information centers and be prepared to wait. The Metrobus fare is $1.25 (exact change only); 60 cents for seniors (65 and older) and students. By Shuttle SuperShuttle (PHONE: 305/871-2000 from MIA; 954/764-1700 from Fort Lauderdale; 800/874-8885 elsewhere) vans transport passengers on demand between MIA and local hotels, the Port of Miami, and even individual residences on a 24-hour basis. Shuttles are available throughout the lower level of the terminal outside baggage claim areas. Service extends from Palm Beach to Monroe County (including the Lower Keys). It's best to make reservations 24 hours in advance for the return, although the firm will try to arrange pickups within Miami-Dade County on as little as four hours' notice. Per-person rates average $8-$14; additional members of a party pay a lower rate for many destinations, and children under four ride free with their parents. There's a pet transport fee of $5 for animals in kennels. By Taxi Taxi service is available outside baggage claim areas on Level 1; look for a uniformed county dispatcher to hail a cab for you. On the mainland (i.e., west of Biscayne Bay) cabs cost $3 for the first mile and $2 each mile thereafter (plus a $1 surcharge for trips originating at MIA or the Port of Miami); the fare from the airport to downtown Miami averages $15-$18. Flat-rate fares are set for five zones along the barrier island generally referred to as Miami Beach. The long, thin stretch of beachfront actually encompasses not only Miami Beach proper but Indian Creek Village, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, Golden Beach, the Village of Key Biscayne and adjacent unincorporated areas. The fare zones comprise five east-west bands bound on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the mainland. Flat-rate fares run $22-$41 per trip, not passenger; they include tolls and the airport surcharge, but no gratuity. For taxi service to destinations in the immediate vicinity of the airport, ask the dispatcher to call an ARTS (Airport Region Taxi Service) cab for you. These blue cars offer a short-haul flat fare in two zones. An inner-zone ride costs $7; the outer-zone fare is $10. The area of service runs north to 36th Street, west to the Palmetto Expressway (77th Avenue), south to Northwest 7th Street, and east to Douglas Road (37th Avenue). Maps are posted in cab windows on both sides. Central Taxicab Service (PHONE: 305/532-5555). Diamond Cab Company (PHONE: 305/545-5555). Flamingo Taxi (PHONE: 305/885-7000). Metro Taxi (PHONE: 305/888-8888). Society Cab Company (PHONE: 305/757-5523). Super Yellow Cab Company (PHONE: 305/888-7777). Tropical Taxicab Company (PHONE: 305/945-1025). Yellow Cab Company (PHONE: 305/633-0503).

By Bus

Most motor coaches that stop in the Miami area are chartered tour buses. Bus One (PHONE: 305/870-0919 or 888/287-1669 in Greater Miami; PHONE: 305/870-0919 or 888/287-1669 elsewhere) offers daily roundtrip service to Orlando only; $98 includes meals on board and free pick-up at select area hotels. Regularly scheduled, interstate Greyhound (PHONE: 800/231-2222) buses stop at five terminals in Greater Miami, including Miami International Airport.

By Car

The main highways into Greater Miami from the north are Florida's Turnpike (a toll road) and I-95. From the northwest, take I-75 or U.S. 27 into town. From the Everglades, to the west, use the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), and from the south use U.S. 1 and the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike.

By Train

Amtrak (8303 NW 37th Ave., PHONE: 800/872-7245) provides service from 500 destinations to the Greater Miami area, including three trains daily from New York City. The trains make several stops along the way; north-south service stops in the major Florida cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. For extended trips, or if you want to visit other areas in Florida, come via the Auto Train from Lorton, VA, just outside of Washington, DC, to Sanford, FL, just outside of Orlando. From there it's less than a four hour drive to Miami. Note: you must be traveling with an automobile to purchase a ticket on the Auto Train.

Getting Around

Overview

Unless you're never leaving the beach, a car in Miami is a must. Greater Miami's public transportation system leaves much to be desired. Locals know that waits at bus stops can be lengthy and complain that trains don't get you where you need to go -- at least conveniently. The network consists of more than 600 Metrobuses on 70 routes, the 21-mile Metrorail elevated rapid-transit system, and the Metromover, an elevated light-rail system serving downtown Miami and vicinity. Free maps, schedules, information on special transportation services for the disabled, and a "First-Time Rider's Kit" are available from the Miami-Dade Transit Agency; reduced-fare tokens, sold 10 for $10, are available at all Metrorail stations (regular fare is $1.25). Contact Miami-Dade Transit Agency (PHONE: 305/770-3131, weekdays 6 AM-10 PM and weekends 9 AM-5 PM) or www.metro-dade.com.mdta) for info. By Bicycle Great weather and flat terrain make Miami great for cycling enthusiasts, but as a general method of transportation, it shouldn't be your first choice given traffic and limited bike paths. You can opt for Miami-Dade Transit's "Bike and Ride" program, which lets cyclists with permits take single-seat two-wheelers on Metrorail and select bus routes. Bicycles are allowed on Metrorail weekdays before 6:30 AM, from 10-4, and after 6:30 PM, and anytime on weekends and major holidays. You can also store your bicycle in lockers at most Metrorail stations; leases are available for 3, 6, or 12 months. Miami-Dade Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator (PHONE: 305/375-4507) has details on permits, bike maps, and lockers, and is open weekdays 8-5.

By Boat & Ferry

In Greater Miami all boats with motors, regardless of size, must be properly registered. Always obey "No Wake" signs; slow zones are strictly monitored and many serve to protect Florida's endangered manatees. Watch for personal watercraft: they're everywhere and their drivers don't always practice safe boating. For boating emergencies or environmental concerns, call the Florida Marine Patrol (PHONE: 800/342-5367) or the U.S. Coast Guard (PHONE: 305/535-4368 in Greater Miami; 800/432-1216 elsewhere). By Bus Metrobus (PHONE: 305/770-3131) stops are marked with blue-and-green signs with a bus logo and route information. The frequency of service varies widely from route to route, so call in advance to obtain specific schedules. The fare is $1.25 (exact change only); 60 cents for seniors (65 and older) and students. Transfers cost 25 cents and 10 cents respectively. Some express routes carry surcharges of $1.50.

By Car

State Road 836 is the major east-west expressway and connects to Florida's Turnpike, State Road 826, and I-95. Seven causeways link Miami and Miami Beach, with I-195 and I-395 offering the most convenient routes; the Rickenbacker Causeway extends to Key Biscayne from I-95 and US 1. Greater Miami traffic is among the nation's worst, so definitely avoid driving during the rush hours of 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM.Especially if they aren't locals and don't know their way around, some drivers may suddenly change lanes or stop to drop off passengers where they shouldn't. Watch out for short-tempered drivers who may shout, gesticulate, honk, or even approach the car of an offending driver. Even when their driving is beyond censure, motorists should be especially careful in rental cars. Despite the absence of identifying marks and the stepped-up presence of TOP (Tourist Oriented Police) patrols, cars piled with luggage or driven by hesitant drivers are prime targets for thieves. Before setting off, make sure you know where you're going, and bring a map (but don't keep it in plain sight). Always check to make sure you're not being followed, especially from the airport or from shopping malls. At your hotel or rental car agency, ask if there are any areas you should avoid. Keep car doors locked, and only ask questions at toll booths, gas stations, and other evidently safe locations. Don't stop if your car is bumped from behind, if you see a disabled vehicle, or even if you get a flat tire. Drive to the nearest gas station or well-lit locale and telephone the police from there. It's a good idea to rent a cellular phone, as well. Many parking garages fill up at peak times; this is particularly true in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove, where parking is at a premium. Car Rentals Rates in Greater Miami begin at $36 a day and $170 a week for an economy car with air conditioning, automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. For a convertible -- one of South Florida's great winter pleasures -- add 15-20%. Florida is a bazaar of car rental companies, with more discounts and fine print than any other state in the nation. Bear in mind that rates fluctuate tremendously depending on demand and season. Rental cars are more expensive -- and harder to find -- during peak holidays. Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Royal all have counters on the lower level of Miami International Airport, although no one has an actual lot on the premises. Just about everybody offers free shuttles to lots only minutes away, as is evidenced by the gridlock of minivans and buses in and out of the airport. Local Agencies Always Car Rental (PHONE: 305/871-0060). Interamerican Car Rental (PHONE: 305/871-3030; 800/327-1278 in U.S. only). Excellence Luxury Car Rental (PHONE: 305/526-0000; 888/526-0055 in U.S. only). Royal Rent A Car (PHONE: 800/314-8616). Specialty Auto Rentals (PHONE: 888/871-2770). Major Agencies Alamo (PHONE: 800/327-9633; 020/8759-6200 in the U.K.). Avis (PHONE: 800/331-1212; 800/879-2847 in Canada; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-1982 in New Zealand). Budget (PHONE: 800/527-0700; 0144/227-6266 in the U.K.). Dollar (PHONE: 800/800-4000; 020/8897-0811 in the U.K.; wh ere it is known as Eurodollar; 02/9223-1444 in Australia). Hertz (PHONE: 800/654-3131; 800/263-0600 in Canada; 020/8897-2072 in the U.K.; 02/9669-2444 in Australia; 03/358-6777 in New Zealand). National (PHONE: 800/227-7368; 0345/222525 in the U.K.). Insurance When driving a rented car you are generally responsible for any damage to or loss of the vehicle as well as for any property damage or personal injury that you may cause. Before you rent see what coverage your personal auto-insurance policy and credit cards already provide. For about $15 to $20 per day, rental companies sell protection, known as a collision- or loss-damage waiver (CDW or LDW), that eliminates your liability for damage to the car. In most states you don't need a CDW if you have personal auto insurance or other liability insurance. However, make sure you have enough coverage to pay for the car. If you do not have auto insurance or an umbrella policy that covers damage to third parties, purchasing liability insurance and a CDW or LDW is highly recommended. Requirements & Restrictions In Florida you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25. You'll pay extra for child seats (about $3 per day), which are compulsory for children under five, and for additional drivers (about $2 per day). Non-U.S. residents will need a reservation voucher, a passport, a driver's license, and a travel policy that covers each driver, when picking up a car. Road Conditions During Florida's frequent summer lightning storms, power to street lights may temporarily go out; stop as you would at a four-way stop sign and proceed with caution. Make sure your lights are on when it's raining so other drivers can see you, and watch for flooding. Road construction is ubiquitous; pay attention to the brightly lit, roadside Smart Signs that warn drivers of work zones and street closings. During rainy weather, be especially cautious of flooding in South Beach and Key Biscayne. The Web site www.ci.miami-beach.fl posts daily traffic advisories for Miami Beach. Gas stations are usually open late or 24-hours and are self-serve; most accept credit or debit cards directly at the pump. Gasoline costs a few cents more per gallon here than in the rest of Florida (with the exception of the Keys). Rules of the Road Drive to the right and pass on the left. Keep change handy since toll roads are frequent and can range from 50 cents to as much as $1.50. Right turns are permitted at red lights unless otherwise indicated. At four-way stop signs, it's first-come, first-go; when in doubt, yield to the right. Speed limits are 55 mph on state highways, 30 mph within city limits and residential areas, and 55-70 mph on interstates and Florida's turnpike. Be alert for signs announcing exceptions and school zones (15 mph). All front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts, and children under 4 years old or 40 lbs must be fastened securely in child safety seats or boosters; children under 16 are required to ride in the rear seat. Florida's Alcohol/Controlled Substance DUI Law is one of the toughest in the U.S. Being caught with a blood alcohol level of.08 or higher can have serious repercussions even for the first-time offender.

By Train

Elevated Metrorail (PHONE: 305/770-3131) trains run from downtown Miami north to Hialeah and south along U.S. 1 to Dadeland. The system operates daily 5 AM-midnight. Trains run every six minutes during peak hours, every 15 minutes during weekday mid-hours, and every 30 minutes after 8 PM and on weekends. The fare is $1.25; 25 cents transfers to Metromover or Metrobus must be purchased at the station where you originally board the system. Parking at Metrorail stations costs $2. Metromover (PHONE: 305/770-3131) runs on two loops around downtown Miami, linking major hotels, office buildings, and shopping areas. The system spans 4½ miles, including the 1½-mile Omni extension with six stations to the north, and the 1-mile Brickell extension with six stations to the south. Service runs daily, every 90 seconds during rush hour and every 3 minutes off-peak, 6 AM-midnight along the inner loop and 6 AM-10:30 PM on the Omni and Brickell extensions. The fare is 25 cents; transfers to Metrorail are $1. Tri-Rail (PHONE: 800/874-7245), South Florida's commuter train system, offers daily service connecting Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties via Metrorail (transfer at the TriRail/Metrorail Station at the Hialeah station, at 79th Street and East 11th Avenue). It also offers shuttle service between MIA and the Tri-Rail airport station at 3797 N.W. 21st St. Tri-Rail stops at 18 stations along a 71-mile route. Fares are established by zones, with prices ranging from $3 to $9.25 for a round-trip ticket.

By Trolley

The latest step-saver in Miami Beach is the Electrowave (PHONE: 305/535-9160 or 305/843-9283), a fleet of electric trolleys that run every few minutes up and down Washington Avenue with turnabouts at the Lincoln Road Mall and South Pointe Park. Rides are 25 cents and trolleys operate Monday-Wednesday 8 AM-2 AM, Thursday-Saturday 8 AM-4 AM, and Sundays and holidays 10 AM-2 AM.

Taxis

Except in South Beach, it is difficult to hail a cab on the street; in most cases you'll need to call a cab company or have a hotel doorman hail one for you. Fares run $3 for the first mile and $2 every mile thereafter; flat-rate fares are also available from the airport to a variety of zones. Fares are set by the board of county commissioners, so if you have a question or complaint, call the Metro-Dade Passenger Transportation Regulatory Service (PHONE: 305/375-2460), informally known as the Hack Bureau. There is no additional charge for up to five passengers or for luggage. Many cabs now accept credit cards; inquire when you call or before you get in the car. Recent legislation promises safer, more comfortable taxi service for Greater Miami. Hospitality training and increased competition should rein in most surly drivers. But Greater Miami still has cabbies who are rude and in some cases even dishonest, taking advantage of visitors who don't know the area, so try to be familiar with your route and destination. Central Taxicab Service (PHONE: 305/532-5555). Diamond Cab Company (PHONE: 305/545-5555). Flamingo Taxi (PHONE: 305/885-7000). Metro Taxi (PHONE: 305/888-8888). Society Cab Company (PHONE: 305/757-5523). Super Yellow Cab Company (PHONE: 305/888-7777). Tropical Taxicab Company (PHONE: 305/945-1025). Yellow Cab Company (PHONE: 305/633-0503).