Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, lush green avenues, and historic landmarks, Coral Gables is one of South Florida’s most beautiful cities. While its serene streets seem perfect for a leisurely stroll, the area is also well-connected by a robust public transportation network that makes getting around “The City Beautiful” and connecting to greater Miami both simple and convenient.
The Coral Gables Trolley: Free and Easy Local Travel
The star of local transit is the free Coral Gables Trolley. These charming, old-fashioned trolleys run on two main routes, providing a convenient way to navigate the city’s central business district and key commercial corridors.
- North/South Route (Ponce de Leon Boulevard): This route runs along Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Douglas Road Metrorail station to Flagler Street. It’s perfect for accessing the shops, restaurants, and offices along this main artery.
- East/West Route (Grand Avenue): This route connects the Metrorail station to the Shops at Merrick Park and extends to the War Memorial Youth Center and Coral Gables Library.
The trolley service is frequent, running every 15-20 minutes, and offers a comfortable, air-conditioned ride. It’s an excellent way to connect to other transit options or simply explore the downtown area without worrying about parking.
Riding the Metrorail: Your Gateway to Miami
Coral Gables is served by the Metrorail, Miami-Dade County’s elevated rapid transit system. This is your fastest and most direct link to Downtown Miami, the airport, and other neighborhoods. The primary stations serving Coral Gables are:
- University Station: Located on the University of Miami campus, this station is ideal for students, faculty, and visitors. It’s a major hub for connecting to local bus routes.
- Douglas Road Station: Situated at the intersection of Douglas Road (SW 37th Avenue) and US-1, this station is a key transfer point for the Coral Gables Trolley and several bus lines.
From these stations, you can take the Metrorail north to Brickell and Downtown Miami in about 15-20 minutes or south towards Dadeland Mall. The Orange Line from Douglas Road also offers a direct connection to Miami International Airport (MIA).
Connecting with Metrobus Routes
The Metrobus system fills in the gaps, offering extensive coverage throughout Coral Gables and connecting it to surrounding areas. Key bus routes serving the city include:
- Route 24 (Coral Way): Travels along Coral Way, connecting Coral Gables to Brickell, Downtown Miami, and the western suburbs.
- Route 37 (Douglas Road): A major north-south route that runs from Miami International Airport down to South Miami, intersecting with the Metrorail at Douglas Road Station.
- Route 42 (LeJeune Road): Travels along LeJeune Road, providing access to the airport and connecting Coral Gables with areas to the north and south.
- Route 56 (Miller Drive): Connects the University of Miami area to destinations further west.
These routes are designed to integrate seamlessly with both the Metrorail and the Coral Gables Trolley, creating a comprehensive network.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Pay with an EASY Card: The most efficient way to pay for Metrorail and Metrobus fares is with an EASY Card. You can buy and load this reusable card at any Metrorail station or online. Alternatively, you can use the EASY Ticket for short-term use.
- Use Contactless Payments: For added convenience, you can tap your contactless-enabled credit/debit card or mobile wallet at Metrorail fare gates and on buses to pay as you go.
- Download a Transit App: Use the GO Miami-Dade Transit app, Google Maps, or Citymapper for real-time tracking, trip planning, and service alerts. This will help you see exactly when your trolley, bus, or train is scheduled to arrive.
- Plan Your Connections: The system is designed for easy transfers. The Douglas Road Metrorail station is the central hub where you can switch between the Metrorail, multiple bus lines, and the free Coral Gables Trolley.
- Enjoy the Walk: Coral Gables is one of South Florida’s most pedestrian-friendly areas, especially around the Miracle Mile shopping district. Use transit to get to the heart of the city, then enjoy exploring its beautiful streets on foot.
Public transportation in Coral Gables offers an effective and stress-free alternative to driving. By combining the free local trolley with the far-reaching Metrorail and Metrobus systems, you can easily access everything The City Beautiful has to offer and connect to the wider Miami area with ease.
