Hitting the Sunshine State: A Guide to Florida's Public Transport

Florida, with its sprawling beaches, vibrant cities, and charming towns, offers a haven for tourists. But navigating unfamiliar territory without a car can seem daunting. Worry not, as this guide will equip you with all the information you’ll need to explore Florida using its diverse public transportation system, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience!

One of the best ways to get around Florida is by train. Here are the most popular rail service options you can take:

Brightline is a high-speed intercity train. These trains traverse between Miami and Orlando, reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. They stop in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Offering comfortable travel with scenic ocean views, this rail service is a convenient option for long-distance journeys.

Brightline offers two distinct travel experiences: SMART and PREMIUM. The PREMIUM service includes complimentary meals, snacks, beverages, and access to a first-class lounge, along with free checked luggage, priority boarding, and a dedicated coach.

Trains run daily with multiple departure times. Tickets can be booked through the Brightline App or their official website gobrightline.com. One-way SMART tickets on Brightline are available from $10, while PREMIUM tickets generally start at $27.

Amtrak is said to be ideal for longer journeys outside the state. There are approximately 20 Amtrak stations in Florida, with the majority concentrated on the East Coast and in Central Florida.

Florida's Amtrak routes include the Auto Train (stopping only in Sanford) and the Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains, with the Silver Star extending its journey to Tampa.

Florida Amtrak Stations include:

• DeLand, FL (DLD)
• Delray Beach, FL (DLB)
• Deerfield Beach, FL (DFB)
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FTL)
• Hollywood, FL (HOL)
• Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
• Kissimmee, FL (KIS)
• Lakeland, FL – To/From Points South (LKL) (Silver Star only)
• Lakeland, FL – To/From Points North (LAK) (Silver Star only)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Okeechobee, FL (OKE) (Silver Star only)
• Orlando, FL (ORL)
• Palatka, FL (PAK)
• Sanford, FL – Auto Train Station (SFA) (Auto Train only)
• Sebring, FL (SBG)
• Tampa, FL – Union Station (TPA) (Silver Star only)
• West Palm Beach, FL (WPB) (pictured above)
• Winter Haven, FL (WTH)
• Winter Park, FL (WPK)

Ticket prices vary depending on the route and class, and trains run daily with frequency varying by route. Travel times depend on the destination, and you can book tickets through the Amtrak App.

Aside from trains, another public transport you can take in Florida is the bus. And there are options for these, too:

Most major cities in Florida have extensive bus networks with affordable fares. Great for short trips within the city—especially because there are a lot of bus stops throughout Florida. These bus stops are often found at landmarks and transportation hubs.

Nine bus companies serve Florida, offering service to and from 149 destinations within the state. FlixBus US leads the way for intrastate travel, operating 20 routes connecting Florida cities.

For the 149 cities in Florida served by buses, the average ticket cost on popular routes is $52.00. The cheapest and most expensive tickets currently available are $5.00 and $218.00, respectively.

For convenient and efficient transportation within major cities and tourist areas, consider taxis or ridesharing services. Here are the options you should look into:

For a classic taxi experience, hail a metered cab on the street or find them at designated stands, hotels, and tourist hotspots. Regulated by local authorities, these taxis offer reliable and safe transportation throughout Florida. To learn more about the price ranges, you can check out this taxi fare calculator.

Enjoy the convenience of ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft. Simply book a ride through their mobile apps and enjoy a comfortable journey. Pricing is dynamic, adjusting based on factors like demand, distance, and time of day.

For budget-friendly transport, consider using shared shuttle services. These are ideal for exploring local attractions and reaching destinations such as Cocoa Beach, Tampa, or the Kennedy Space Center.

Before booking a shuttle, inquire ask complimentary options offered by your hotel, as many provide free rides to popular destinations like theme parks and outlet malls.

Remember that resort shuttles may have limited departure times, so plan accordingly. If you prefer flexibility in your travel schedule, a paid shuttle service is a better choice.

Gray Line of Orlando is a highly-rated shuttle service offering round-trip transportation, tickets, and more for the Kennedy Space Center starting at $157. They also provide tours and transportation to other Florida destinations like Clearwater, St. Augustine, and Miami. Fabulous Buses operates similar tours and shuttle services around Orlando, including transportation between theme parks for approximately $15.

For a more unique and scenic way to explore Florida's vibrant cities, consider these alternative transport options.

If you are exploring Miami Beach, then you can board the free Miami Beach Trolley. This charming service connects popular tourist spots like South Beach, Lincoln Road, and the Miami Beach Convention Center, offering a convenient and scenic way to explore the city's iconic neighborhoods.

The citywide trolley service runs 17 hours daily, from 6 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week, with an average frequency of 20 minutes per route.

Here’s the trolley schedule:

Discover the vibrant heart of St. Petersburg with the free Looper Trolley. This fun and convenient service takes you on a journey through the city's bustling downtown area and along the picturesque waterfront. The hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Friday, and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends.

For a truly unique experience in Orlando, hop aboard the Orlando Water Taxi. This scenic cruise takes you along the city's beautiful lakes and waterways, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Relax and enjoy the leisurely pace of this waterborne adventure as you travel between popular attractions like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Disney World.

The water taxis begin operating 30 minutes prior to Early Park Admission and run every 15 minutes until 2:30 AM, 365 days a year. Each leg of your journey takes between 5 to 15 minutes. Best of all, these water taxis are complimentary for all guests visiting Universal Orlando!

While Florida boasts a robust public transport system, driving offers the freedom to explore the state at your own pace and venture beyond the main tourist routes. Renting a car allows you to discover hidden gems, scenic drives, and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Major car rental companies operate throughout Florida, with locations at airports and in major cities. For international drivers, a global driver’s license or IDP is highly recommended. An IDP serves as a translation of your domestic driver's license, ensuring smooth interactions with local authorities and rental companies.

It's essential to check the specific requirements of your rental company and verify if an IDP is necessary in advance. If it’s required, then you can easily get an IDP online through this page.

Florida offers diverse public transportation options to suit every traveler's needs. From high-speed trains and extensive bus networks to unique local services like trolleys and water taxis, visitors can easily explore the state's attractions without a car.

While renting a vehicle provides flexibility for off-the-beaten-path adventures, the robust public transit system ensures convenient, cost-effective, and often scenic ways to experience the Sunshine State's vibrant cities and beautiful landscapes.