You're standing on Brickell Avenue, surrounded by glass skyscrapers and the smell of overpriced espresso, and you want to get to the sand. It looks close. You can literally see the skyline across the water. But if you’ve lived here for more than twenty minutes, you know that "close" in Miami is a relative term that depends entirely on the whims of the MacArthur Causeway.
So, how far is brickell from south beach? On a map, it’s a measly 6 to 7 miles. In reality? It’s a journey that can take 15 minutes or 50 minutes, depending on whether a bridge is up or a cruise ship is docking.
The Raw Numbers: Miles and Minutes
If we are talking strictly about the odometer, the distance from the heart of Brickell (say, Brickell City Centre) to the corner of 5th and Ocean Drive in South Beach is roughly 6.5 miles.
If you took a helicopter, it’s even shorter—barely 4 miles across the turquoise water of Biscayne Bay. But you’re likely in a car, an Uber, or waiting for a bus that may or may not be on time.
- No Traffic: 12–15 minutes. This usually only happens at 3:00 AM on a Tuesday.
- Average Daytime: 20–30 minutes.
- Peak "Miami" Hours: 45 minutes to an hour. Between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM, the MacArthur Causeway turns into a very scenic parking lot.
Honestly, the physical distance doesn't matter. It’s the "Magic City" tax. You pay it in time.
Choosing Your Path: The Three Main Routes
You have three ways to cross the water. Each has its own personality. Choosing the wrong one can ruin your afternoon.
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1. The MacArthur Causeway (I-395)
This is the "standard" route. It’s the most direct shot from Brickell. You head north on Brickell Avenue, cross the bridge into Downtown, and hop on the 395 East.
The Good: It’s fast and offers the best views of the cruise ships and Star Island.
The Bad: It’s the primary artery for the Port of Miami. If three massive cruise ships are unloading 15,000 people simultaneously, you’re going to sit there. Also, the "Signature Bridge" construction has been a factor for years, occasionally shifting lanes in ways that confuse even the locals.
2. The Venetian Causeway
To get here, you’ll drive a bit further north into the Edgewater area before turning right.
The Vibe: It’s beautiful. You’re driving through a series of man-made islands with houses that cost more than some small countries.
The Catch: It’s a toll road, and there are multiple drawbridges. If a sailboat decides to wander through, the bridge goes up, and you wait. It’s also a lower speed limit, so it's never the "fast" way, just the "pretty" way.
3. The Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195)
This is way too far north for a Brickell start. You’d have to drive all the way to Midtown just to get on it. Unless the MacArthur is literally closed due to an accident, don't bother with the Tuttle if you're coming from Brickell.
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Transit: Can You Do It Without a Car?
Parking in South Beach is a nightmare. It’s expensive—think $2 to $4 an hour at meters and $20+ for daily garage rates. Because of that, a lot of people try to hack the system with public transit.
The Bus (Route 100/120): There are direct buses that run from Downtown/Brickell to South Beach. The Line 100 is a frequent flyer. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes. It’s cheap (around $2.25), but you're at the mercy of the same traffic as the cars.
The Water Taxi:
As of early 2026, the free water taxi service has become a permanent fixture for many. It typically runs between the Venetian Marina in Miami and Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in South Beach. It’s a 20-minute ride. It’s arguably the best way to travel because the bay doesn't have gridlock.
Walking or Biking:
Can you walk? Technically, yes. It’s about 7 miles. Should you? Probably not in the July humidity unless you want to arrive looking like you just fell into a swimming pool. Biking is better, but the MacArthur Causeway can feel a bit sketchy with cars zooming past at 60 mph.
The "Hidden" Factors That Change the Distance
Distance in Miami is measured in obstacles.
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- Drawbridges: The Miami River bridge on Brickell Avenue is the first hurdle. If it goes up, you’re stuck in Brickell for 10 minutes before you even reach the highway.
- Events: Art Basel, Boat Shows, or Spring Break. During these times, the 6-mile trip can legitimately take over an hour.
- The Weather: When it pours—and it will—the drainage on the causeways can struggle. People slow down to a crawl.
Tips for the Trip
If you're heading out, check Google Maps or Waze, but don't take the "Estimated Time of Arrival" as gospel. Give yourself a 15-minute buffer.
If you are driving, aim for the public parking garages like the one on 7th Street and Collins or the 17th Street Garage. They are much cheaper than the private lots that try to lure you in with "Flat Rate $40" signs.
Basically, Brickell and South Beach are neighbors that don't always get along. They are close enough to see each other but far enough that you need to plan your escape.
Check the bridge schedule if you’re taking the Venetian. Use the water taxi if you have the time and want to avoid the stress of I-395. Most importantly, keep your eyes on the road—the view of the Port of Miami is distracting, but the driver in front of you will slam on their brakes for a photo of a cruise ship without warning.
To make your trip smoother, download the PayByPhone app before you leave Brickell. It works for street parking in both the City of Miami and Miami Beach, saving you the hassle of feeding a kiosk in the sun. If you're using the bus, ensure your EASY Card is topped up or just use a contactless credit card at the reader to save time.