sharona

Two couples are traveling to Miami later this month for the Dolphins/Steelers football game. We are staying at The National and do not plan to rent a car. Looking at the web sites for both the Dolphins and the stadium itself it doesn't appear that there is any public or special game-day transportation to reach the stadium. Is a car service our best option? Recommendations? I can call the hotel and ask for a recommendation but I figured I'd come to Fodors first.

Thanks for any advice.

J62

I'm sure you could take a bus, but it would likely require a connection somewhere and take forever.

Easiest thing would be to rent a car for the day - it'll be cheaper than any car service or taxi. There are several rental car locations right near your hotel. I've used the Thrifty between 15th & 16th Sts. on Collins, and I think there is a Hertz desk in at least one of the big hotels right there.

sharona

Thanks J62. We were trying to avoid renting a car but it might be our best bet. I'm a Hertz Gold member so I'll see where they are in South Beach. If we spring for the navigation it might not be too stressful driving in heavy football traffic in an unfamiliar city.

MiamiBeachMomma

I really think you have to rent a car or hire a driver. I found this service with a google search http://www.transmiami.com/miami_dolphin_football.html
There are buses to the game but none from Miami - only further away.
Game day traffic isn't too bad getting to the game as many fans arrive early to tailgate. I think the game you are talking about is at 1:00. Many will arrive before 11 at the stadium. Parking (about $15-$20) does fill up - so its good to come early. If you aren't tailgating there is still plenty to do before the game. There is usually a small pre-game concert (at least there were last season.)
Post game is a mob scene - its best to leave a teeny bit early or hang out for a while.
You may want to check with the hotel concierge to see if they have any better suggestions.
Go fins!!

sharona

Thank you MiamiBeachMomma for that info. I'll contact TransMiami regarding their football packages and also check with our hotel's concierge. Otherwise, it looks like we're driving.

Indeed. Go Fins! Now here's hoping we miss hurricanes and tropical storms.

Atlantafan

Sharona, My husband and I are coming down for the game. Did you ever locate any transportation?

bachslunch

My research suggests that while there is a city bus that travels from the vicinity of Miami's downtown that goes somewhat near Sun Life Stadium, the area it goes through to get there is among the worst in the city. Am thinking you'll want to drive, take a cab, or something similar.

L_Garabito

You're visiting Miami and dont want to rent a car? That is the worst thing i would do. Dont rely on Public Transportation- its horrible. Plus, Dolphin stadium is in Miami Gardens AKA Ghetto Land (no offense to anyone out there). The stadium is not in the City of Miami, so you'll probably have a good 30 minute drive to the stadium with light to moderate traffic. But if you choose to take public transportation, prepare yourself to be sitting in the bus with some shady people. Im a Miami native- lived here all my life and i would never go anywhere without my car. Plus, renting a car in Miami is cheap, parking is affordable, and if you rent a car you can arrive to the game much earlier and tailgate with the fans prior to the game (its a fun experience). Also- make sure to wear plenty of sunblock- you'll get a nasty sunburn while sitting in the stadium.

sharona

Thanks for the additional replies. We are probably going to use the limo service MiamiBeachMomma referenced above. We are only in town for a couple of days and the only thing on our agenda is to sit on the beach, eat some good food and go to the game. All four of us agreed that we would rather not rent a car. It's a little tougher to tailgate when you are staying in a hotel and have no way to prepare food. We can tailgate at our hotel and then hop in the limo to the game. Unfortunately I'm going to be with three Steelers fans so keeping them away from the stadium until the last moment is probably not a bad idea! This will be my first time attending a game in Miami so I don't know what the fans are like there but here in Patriot land the hometown fans are not always very kind to visiting fans.

MiamiBeachMomma

sharona - hope you didnt get too wet at the game today!! As I was leaving I saw all kinds of signs for shuttles to South Beach. What did you end up doing? Its rough being a dol-phan!!