Several major international and regional airlines serve the Greater Miami area, among them American, Continental, Delta, United, US Airways, AirTran, and Southwest; and from the UK, British Airways, Northwest, and Virgin Atlantic.

The airline market in the US is quite volatile, with newcomers entering it every year, so bargains can be found – especially with a little time spent searching the Internet. Currently, for domestic flights, AirTran and Southwest are good. Flying mid-week is usually cheaper.

One of the busiest in the world, which can mean long lines at immigration. There may be lots of walking to do, too. There are tourist information desks and car rental counters outside the customs area, but they are not always staffed when you need them.

This is the area’s second airport, less crowded but just as convenient and served by almost as many airlines as Miami Airport. It’s the perfect choice if you’re staying along the southern part of the Gold Coast.

Options for getting from the airports into Miami are numerous: rental cars, shuttle services, taxis, limousines, and shuttle buses to the Metrorail and TriRail lines.

This company, and other competitors, offers 24-hour door-to-door service for much less than the cost of a taxi. The catch is that you have to share with other travelers, so you may have to ride around for a bit while others are picked up or dropped off. You can book your pick-up on their website.

The major Interstates that lead to Miami are I-95, down the north coast, and I-75, from the Gulf coast. There’s also Florida’s Turnpike, which shoots down from Central Florida. These highways are well maintained, with welcome centers along the way. Highways 1, A1A, and 41 are not efficient choices unless you’re exploring the Greater Miami area.

The Port of Miami is, quite simply, the largest in the world. From here endless mammoth cruise ships depart for romantic Caribbean adventures. People arriving by private yacht have a choice of excellent marinas.

Amtrak serves Miami from everywhere in the US. Sleepers and restaurant service are available. For train service within the Miami area, there’s the excellent Tri-Rail, which hooks up with the Metrorail system up and down the Gold Coast.

There’s a bus station near the airport and one Downtown, at 100 NW 6th St, served by Greyhound, Trailways, and Metrobus. The buses are cheap but not very convenient if you have much luggage. Greyhound is a decent, though fairly slow, option for getting from Miami to Key West.