Miami Metrorail Extends Hours for Marathon Access

Miami-Dade Transit begins Metrorail service at 4 a.m. Sunday with free parking for marathon

Miami Metrorail Starts at 4 a.m. for Marathon

Miami-Dade Transit will start Metrorail and Metromover service at 4 a.m. Sunday, January 25, for the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, transit officials said. The early service helps runners and spectators reach downtown for the race, with trains departing from Palmetto, Dadeland South, and Miami International Airport terminal stations. Parking at all Metrorail garages and surface lots will be free all day for transit riders.

Context

The service modification supports one of South Florida's largest running events, which draws thousands of participants and spectators to downtown Miami annually. Transit agencies typically extend service hours for major sporting events to reduce traffic congestion and provide convenient access to venues. Miami-Dade Transit's early start allows runners to arrive well before race times while avoiding downtown parking challenges. The free parking incentive encourages riders to use the rail system rather than driving into the congested race area.

Details

Attendees can take Metrorail to Government Center Station and transfer to the free Metromover Inner Loop, disembarking at College/Bayside Metromover station near the race area. Metrorail parking facilities will open at 4 a.m. with complimentary parking available for the entire day for transit riders only. Riders can pay fares using EASY Cards, mobile apps, contactless payments, or ticket vending machines at stations. Metromover service remains free to ride and will also begin at 4 a.m.

Timeline

The special early service begins at 4 a.m. Sunday, January 25, with trains departing from all three terminal stations at varying frequencies throughout the morning, officials said. Regular Sunday service schedules will resume after 5 p.m. once the marathon concludes and downtown streets reopen. The agency didn't specify exact train frequencies during the early morning hours.

Impact

Marathon participants and spectators can avoid downtown traffic and parking challenges by using the extended transit service. The free parking at Metrorail stations provides additional savings for riders attending the event. Moovit provides real-time updates for Miami-Dade Transit routes, helping riders plan their trips to the marathon and track train arrivals throughout the morning.