The boat show may be in water, but the traffic crunch is on land. Here’s how to survive
Looking for your next Insta-worthy outing in South Florida?
You might find it this weekend at the Miami Yacht Show and the Miami International Boat Show.
But beware: Traffic will be a mess.
The events are expected to attract thousands of visitors, with possible heavy congestion in areas around downtown Miami and Virginia Key. Twenty-five minute delays heading inbound on the Rickenbacker Causeway, from the Toll Plaza to Bear Cut Bridge were already being reported just before 1 p.m. Thursday, according to Total Traffic Miami.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to attend the yacht or boat show during this long weekend or if you’re just trying to stay away from the crowds:
Miami Yacht Show
Dates & Show Hours
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 16 - 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 17 - 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where is it?
One Herald Plaza in downtown Miami, located on Biscayne Bay from Sea Isle Marina to the MacArthur Causeway.
If you’re driving:
There won’t be any detours to get to the Miami Yacht Show, according to an event spokeswoman. You should still expect traffic congestion and consider carpooling with a friend or taking an Uber, Lyft or taxi.
Self-parking will be available for $20 a day at the Omni Center Parking Garage at 1601 Biscayne Blvd, in addition to private lots in the surrounding neighborhood.
VIP parking at the main entrance on 14th Street and One Herald Plaza is $50.
Miami International Boat Show
Dates & Show Hours
February 13-17, 2020, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. every day
Where is it?
Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami
If you’re driving:
Self-parking is available at four garages in downtown Miami. Prices range between $15 and $25. Valet parking at the AmericanAirlines Arena garage on Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast Eighth Street costs $40.
You can also reserve parking in the Virginia Key area for $35 a day. RV and valet parking will cost $100 a day. To learn more about the different parking options or to purchase your parking in advance, visit miamiboatshow.com/getting-to-the-show#downtown
What else should I know?
Free water shuttles are available to take you from the north and south sides of the Miami Yacht Show and its Superyacht Miami site at Island Gardens, which will feature the show’s largest super yachts. The water shuttle will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
Those who are interested in attending the Miami Yacht Show and the Miami International Boat Show can also take a free shuttle bus from either location. The shuttle runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. You can also take a water taxi for $10 a day and use the Miami Boat Show Water Taxi app to keep track of its departure and arrival times.
For those who are coming from the Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach areas, you can also take the Virgin/Brightline train instead of driving. Once you get to the MiamiCentral station, you can take a free shuttle to the shows. You can also use the promo code “YACHTMYS” or “MIBS20” to save 25% on your train tickets.
Miami-Dade Transit is also an option. To see your different transit options, visit miamidade.gov/transit.
