How To Use Lyft, Uber and Private Car Services In Miami

When you come to Greater Miami & Miami Beach on vacation, we want you to relax and have fun, so consider letting someone else do all the driving. Then just sit back and enjoy the ride. Whether you want to quickly hire a driver via an app, or book a limo for a luxurious night on the town, here’s what you need to know.

Book a Driver on Your Smart Phone: Lyft and Uber Ride-Sharing Services

Lyft and Uber are car services that connect riders and drivers via a downloadable app for your smart phone. It’s one of the most preferred methods of traveling around the city for locals and visitors alike.

Ride costs are based on time and distance. And you can always estimate the cost of your ride on the app before you hire the driver.

Beware that additional stops may result in a higher fare, applicable tolls and surcharges may be added to your fare and trips to the airport or port may include an extra surcharge (between $2 and $5, depending on the location). Also, during times of intense demand, such as during major events, rates increase.

Both companies also offer a variety of options for the vehicle that will be picking you up. Of course, the better quality vehicles come at a premium. Here’s how it breaks down:

Lyft Miami:

For rates, try Lyft’s Fare Estimator.

Lyft: Lyft is your own personal ride. Whether you’re riding solo or hitting the town with your friends, this sedan is yours - for up to three people max and available nationwide.

Shared: Shared matches you with others going the same way, so you can split the cost. Price is fixed upfront and always less than a standard Lyft fare.

Lyft XL: Lyft XL is a supersized ride with five seats for when you need more space or just want to roll with the entire squad. Available nationwide.

Lux: Lyft Lux is your high-end ride. From business trips to a night on the town, it’s the perfect way to add a little luxury and arrive in style.

Lux Black: Lux Black is the ultimate luxury ride. Arrive in a black car piloted by a top driver.

Lux Black XL: Lux Black XL is Lyft’s most spacious luxury ride. Piloted by a top driver, this black car comfortably seats five passengers.

Uber Miami:

For rates, try Uber’s Price Estimator.

UberX: UberX offers affordable rides, all to yourself.

Comfort: This option offers newer cars with extra legroom.

Pool: This is Uber’s shared ride option. You will be matched with other passengers along your route.

UberXL: UberXL offers affordable rides for groups up to five.

Premier: Premium rides with highly-rated drivers.

Premier SUV: Premium rides for up to five passengers with highly-rated drivers.

Lux: Premium rides in luxury cars.

Lux SUV: Premium rides for up to six passengers in luxury SUVs.

Share A Ride With GO Connect

A convenient and affordable option for getting around Miami is GO Connect. Reserve a ride directly from the GO Connect mobile app to get matched with other passengers heading in the same direction. Rides cost $2.25 per trip in the Dadeland, South Miami, West Kendall, and Civic Center areas but are free in the Cutler Bay area. Pay for your ride on the Go Connect app with a credit card or debit card, an EASY Card, or with the GO Miami-Dade Transit app.

Go Luxe and Hire a Private Driver: Limousine & Chauffeured Services

For a high-end night out, hire a limo service or rent a luxury classic car complete with a chauffeur from a specialty company. Rates vary depending on how long you want the service, as well as time of year and the type of car/limo you choose.

Here’s a list of traditional limo and chauffeur services for hire:

All Chauffeurs Connections: (305) 606-5667
Avanti Limousines and Airport Transportation: (305) 256-0000
American Transportation: (305) 885-5002
Carey International: (800) 336-4646
ExecuCar: (305) 870-1000
Florian’s Classics: (305) 907-7578
International Limo of South Florida: (800) 305-4002
Key Transportation Service: (877) 539-5005
Ocean Drive Limousine & Transportation: (305) 374-5466
Onelimo Alliance, Inc: (800) 652-0087
VIP Global: (305) 396-3380