New Commuter Ferry Service Connects Miami, Miami Beach

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — Commuters can now enjoy a new commuter ferry service across Biscayne Bay between downtown Miami and Miami Beach, according to a news release from Miami-Dade County. Poseidon Ferry LLC has partnered with the county’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, to launch this service.

“As we work to better connect all corners of our community with reliable, affordable transportation, we are proud to deliver an innovative new option to help alleviate traffic congestion between downtown Miami and Miami Beach during peak commuting hours,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. “The County is thrilled to be part of this collaboration with Poseidon Ferry and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach to bring this long-awaited service to all our residents, and especially proud to deliver this service without taxpayer burden.”

Poseidon’s waterborne transportation service offers one-way hourly trips, expanding to 20-minute intervals as ridership grows, the county said. The price of a one-way ticket for the 16-minute commute is $3.

Weekly 10-Trip Hopper and monthly 40-Trip Hopper ticket packages are available. Florida residents, seniors, military personnel and passengers with disabilities can ride at discounted rates on individual trips. Children 12 and under ride free.

The morning hours commuter service starts at 5:45 a.m. and ends at 11:10 a.m. with afternoon services starting at 2:50 p.m. and ending at 7:40 p.m.

In Miami, the vessel will dock directly outside the river entrance to the Hyatt Regency/James L. Knight Convention Center, where commuters can connect via Metromover. On the Miami Beach side, the Poseidon Ferry will dock at the Bentley Bay Marina, with parking available at nearby public lots, and trolleys and Metrobuses only a block away, according to the news release.

“Miami-Dade County has been looking to provide an affordable and reliable waterborne mobility option for commuters traveling between Miami and Miami Beach for many years,” DTPW director Alice N. Bravo said. “Being able to assist with the launch of this new transportation service, at no cost to taxpayers, is an important mass transit accomplishment for Miami-Dade County and a big win for our residents and visitors.”

In 2016, Miami-Dade County developed a pilot project to identify a waterborne service that could provide a direct connection between areas of high congestion located adjacent to the waterways while resulting in the least disruption to waterfront properties, wildlife and sea grasses and in compliance with the speed zones. The two express routes identified were a north-south and east-west route, according to the news release.

In July 2019, the Board of County Commissioners approved the agreements necessary to facilitate or implement fixed-route waterborne transit services for the east-west route connecting the downtown Miami and south beach areas, the news release said.

Miami-Dade County is currently evaluating a north-south route and has met with several local municipalities. During this process, over 30 potential waterborne transportation stops have been identified, the county said.

The Hyatt Regency Site and the Bentley Bay Marina site were selected because of their proximity to multi-modal transportation. The Hyatt regency site is accessible by two Metromover stations: River Walk and James L. Knight Center. The River Walk station is serviced by the Brickell Loop, and the James L. Knight Center station a transfer point which is serviced by the Omni, the Inner and Brickell loops.

On the Miami Beach side, the Bentley Bay Marina is a block away from trolleys and Metrobus stops. Both locations offer ride share accessibility and nearby parking.

In addition, both docking sites were chosen to avoid the opening of bascule bridges along the way, thus minimizing impacts to the Brickell/downtown Miami and Miami Beach roadways.

The current Poseidon Ferry is a 65-foot 2012 Scarano Catamaran Ferry with a passenger capacity of 149. It features a fully climate-controlled interior and a second level non-air-conditioned area, full galley, restrooms, television and free onboard Wi-Fi.

For the safety of passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, capacity is limited to 50 percent of the vessel’s overall capacity. Masks are mandatory for all staff and passengers, and Poseidon’s staff members are screened daily prior to reporting to work.

Poseidon also offers mid-day, evening, and weekend departures. The cost for these additional routes varies. For more information, contact Poseidon Ferry at 833-443-3779 or visit www.poseidonferry.com.