Miami is getting a free water taxi service in 2026
During Art Basel, Miami Beach launched a free taxi service to ease traffic between Miami and the beach, and the service was a hit with locals and visitors. “l’ve been actively working to bring a free water taxi system to Miami Beach — a game-changing initiative that can alleviate traffic congestion through cleaner more efficient transit,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “It’s an exciting time to move forward with mobility projects that truly improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”
When is the water taxi launching?
The complimentary commuter taxi service is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2026. The free water taxi service will operate between Maurice Gibb Memorial Park at 1790 Purdy Ave. in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood of Miami Beach and Venetian Marina and Yacht Club at 1635 North Bayshore Drive on the Miami side of Biscayne Bay. The 40-foot vessels will run approximately every sixty minutes on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and every thirty minutes on weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each water taxi can hold a maximum of 55 passengers. Depending on additional funding, officials hope to expand the service from north to south along the western side of the city along the Indian Creek waterway.
Other transportation options in Miami Beach
Miami Beach will continue to operate its complimentary trolley system throughout the city, as well as its free on-demand transit service in parts of Mid Beach and North Beach through a partnership with Freebee to provide seamless transit connections to the water taxi.
