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As the FIFA World Cup heads toward its final matches next month, Miami Beach is giving residents and visitors another way to avoid the inevitable traffic. On Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, the city’s free water taxi service will run from 10am until 11pm, a major expansion from its usual weekday commuter schedule.
The complimentary route connects Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach with the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club (also known as Sea Isle Marina) in Miami, carrying passengers across Biscayne Bay in about 20 minutes. The 40-foot vessels accommodate up to 55 riders and were introduced earlier this year as a scenic alternative to the city's increasingly congested causeways. Since launching in January, the service has been pitched as both a commuter option and a long-term strategy to ease traffic between Miami and Miami Beach.
The extended service is designed to support the city's World Cup programming during the tournament's final match days. Alongside the longer water taxi hours, Miami Beach will operate free shuttle buses every 15 minutes between Maurice Gibb Memorial Park, the 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive Garage and the Miami Beach Bandshell, where fans can gather for official watch parties on the 18th and 19th.
Drivers have options, too. Park & Ride shuttles will operate every 10 minutes from 9:30am until 11:30pm, linking the Miami Beach Rowing Club, the new 67th Street parking garage and the Bandshell. Another route will serve parking lots on 83rd through 85th Streets.
If you're planning to spend the World Cup's final weekend bouncing between Miami and Miami Beach, you can leave the bridge traffic (and your parking headache) behind. Sometimes the fastest route also has the best view.