Taxis in Miami: A Complete Visitor Guide
Miami's taxi scene is heavily geared around airport transfers and cruise port runs. Miami International is one of the busiest hubs in the world, and PortMiami is the busiest cruise terminal anywhere - a constant stream of taxis ferries passengers between the two and the hotels of South Beach, Brickell, and Coral Gables. The county sets flat fares from MIA to many zones, which makes pricing extremely predictable.
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Fare structure
Miami-Dade taxis run on a county-set meter, but the well-known feature here is the flat-rate zone system from Miami International Airport to specific destinations. The flat-rate avoids the meter and includes tolls, but does not include tip. Within the city, journeys run on the meter with a flag-drop plus distance.
Quick fare estimator for Miami. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the Miami taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami International (MIA) | 8 mi | 25 min | $27 flat to South Beach (Zone 4) |
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) | 26 mi | 40 min | $70-90 metered to Miami Beach |
Tips for the airport run
- MIA uses a flat-rate zone system: Zone 1 (Miami Beach south end) is around $24, Zone 4 (mid Miami Beach) is around $27. Confirm the zone with the dispatcher.
- PortMiami flat rate to MIA is set; ask the dispatcher.
- Tolls on flat-rate zones from MIA are included in the published rate.
- Tip 15 to 20 percent; some hotels add a $1 to $2 doorman tip if they hail the cab.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in Miami. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Miami Yellow Cab
- Flamingo Taxi
- Diamond Cab
- Central Cab
- Curb app
Tipping in Miami
Tipping norms vary between countries. In Miami, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare is customary - in line with US conventions. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in Miami are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Drivers ignoring the flat-rate zone and running the meter instead - always confirm the zone at the airport taxi stand.
- Surprise toll add-ons on flat-rate trips that already include tolls.
- Approaches inside the terminal from unlicensed drivers - always use the official rank.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in Miami go to and from the main visitor sights: South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Brickell, Bayside Marketplace, PortMiami, Little Havana. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under $20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Miami airport to South Beach?
Flat rate of about $27 to mid Miami Beach, $24 to south end of Miami Beach, plus a 15 to 20 percent tip. The flat fare includes tolls.
How much is a taxi from MIA to PortMiami?
A published flat rate of around $27 applies between MIA and the cruise port - confirm with the dispatcher at the rank.
Are Miami taxis cheaper than Uber?
Often similar for airport runs, since the flat rate is competitive. Around town, Uber is usually slightly cheaper.
Do Miami cabs take credit cards?
Yes, by law every Miami-Dade taxi accepts credit cards.
How much do you tip a taxi in Miami?
15 to 20 percent is standard.
Is there a flat rate from MIA to Fort Lauderdale?
No flat fare between counties - it is a metered run, expect $70 to $90 plus tip.
Local taxi companies
The Miami taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in Miami and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the Miami-Dade County - Department of Transportation and Public Works for the official tariff.