Getting around Brickell and downtown Miami without a car
Novotel Miami Brickell sits in Brickell and is easy to get around without a car using the free Metromover, the City of Miami trolleys, Metrorail connections, and short walks to nearby shopping and restaurants. For longer trips or destinations not served by transit, use a rideshare or taxi.
In this guide
From the hotel to transit
The hotel’s address is 1500 SW 1st Avenue in Brickell; the nearest Metromover/Metromover loop station is a short walk from the property. The Metromover is a free, automated people-mover that loops through Downtown Miami and Brickell and is useful for car-free travel around downtown.
If you’re headed farther afield, the Brickell Metromover connects with the Metrorail at the Brickell and Government Center stations. Metrorail provides connections to other parts of Miami, including transfers to the airport rail options noted on regional transit maps.
- Metromover: free, runs through Downtown and Brickell.
- Metrorail: connects to broader Miami transit network; transfer at Brickell/Government Center.
- Walkable: Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village are within easy walking range.
| Transit | Use for |
|---|---|
| Metromover | Short trips around Downtown/Brickell (free) |
| Metrorail | Longer trips across Miami and airport connections via transfer points |
| City trolleys | Neighborhood routes including Wynwood, Little Havana and Brickell |
Using the Metromover and Metrorail
The Metromover is walk-on and free; stations serve the downtown loop and Brickell. Trains are frequent; check posted schedules at stations or real-time apps for the latest running times.
To go beyond downtown, ride the Metromover to a Metrorail transfer station (for example, Brickell or Government Center) and board Metrorail. Keep a transit card or use a regional transit app for Metrorail fares where required.
- No fare for Metromover.
- Metrorail requires fare payment—use transit card or app.
- Plan transfers and check schedules during off-peak hours or on weekends.
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive at the nearest Metromover station early | Helps avoid peak crowding during commute hours |
| Use a transit app | Real-time info for Metrorail and bus connections |
| Carry small change or a transit card | Needed for stations or Metrorail fare machines |
Walking routes and nearby places
Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village are walkable from the hotel and offer shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Simpson Park is adjacent to the property and provides a short green space break in the neighborhood.
Many downtown attractions are within a reasonable walking distance; check maps for exact routes and surface conditions before you set out, especially in hot or rainy weather.
- Brickell City Centre: shopping and dining.
- Mary Brickell Village: neighborhood shops and restaurants.
- Simpson Park: small urban green space next to the hotel.
| Nearby | Good for |
|---|---|
| Brickell City Centre | Shopping and restaurants |
| Mary Brickell Village | Casual dining and bars |
| Simpson Park | Short walks and shade |
City trolleys, buses and rideshares
The City of Miami operates free trolleys on multiple routes that supplement the Metromover for destinations such as Wynwood and Little Havana. Check the trolley route maps and schedules to plan those connections.
For places not well served by transit or for late-night trips, rideshares and taxis are commonly available in Brickell. Use your preferred rideshare app and follow hotel pickup guidance at the front desk.
- City trolleys: free local routes to neighborhoods beyond Brickell.
- Buses: regional routes connect to parts of Miami not on the Metromover.
- Rideshare/taxi: good for off-transit trips or when you need a direct route.
| Option | When to pick it |
|---|---|
| Trolley | Short neighborhood trips where route exists |
| Bus | Direct routes not covered by Metromover |
| Rideshare/Taxi | Late-night travel or destinations without good transit service |
Bikes and scooters
Shared bikes and electric scooters operate in Miami and can be a quick way to cover short distances around Brickell and downtown. Availability varies by provider and time of day; check the provider apps to locate vehicles and see local parking rules.
Remember local traffic rules and helmet suggestions; lock or park shared devices in designated areas and observe pedestrian zones when you arrive.
- Find scooters/bikes via their provider apps.
- Park only in designated spots or bike racks.
- Yield to pedestrians and follow local traffic signs.
| Safety tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Wear a helmet | Improves safety on city streets |
| Use bike lanes where available | Safer than riding in vehicle lanes |
| Check battery range | Avoid being stranded mid-ride |
Hotel services that help car-free travelers
Novotel Miami Brickell provides a 24-hour front desk and concierge services that can help with transit directions, rideshare pickup instructions, reservations, and local maps. Complimentary WiFi throughout the property makes it easy to use apps for transit planning and rideshares.
If you’re staying in larger room types such as Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom or Suite, Bay View, you’ll still rely on the same hotel services for local transportation help; the hotel’s staff can advise on the best transit option for your itinerary.
- 24-hour front desk and concierge for transit help.
- Complimentary WiFi to plan routes and request rideshares.
- UVA Restaurant & Lounge and Vista Rooftop Bar offer on-site dining if you prefer not to go out.
| Guest need | Hotel help |
|---|---|
| Transit directions | Ask front desk/concierge |
| Rideshare pickup point | Front desk can advise where to meet drivers |
| Late-night food | Room service and on-site bars/restaurants |
Practical tips for car-free days
Bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection for walking in Miami’s heat. Check weather forecasts—December through April tends to be drier, while summer months are hotter and rainier.
If traveling with children or pets, confirm supervision rules and hotel policies before you go: children under 12 must be supervised at the pool and fitness area, and the hotel is pet-friendly with specific pet fees and limits.
- Check weather before setting out—summer has higher heat and rain risk.
- Children under 12 need adult supervision at the pool and fitness center.
- Pets allowed with a non-refundable fee and size/number limits—confirm at check-in.
| Policy | Note |
|---|---|
| Pool supervision | Children under 12 must have adult supervision |
| Pet policy | Maximum two pets per room, weight limit applies; fees apply |
| Check-in age | Primary guest must be 21 or older |
