Attempts to improve these problems have also been derailed— in December, Florida's Department of Transportation declined $320 million of dollars in federal funding for transportation projects because it was tied to climate-change initiatives that state officials deemed too political.
Fortunately, private companies like FlixBus and Brightline have routes in Florida, making mass transit more accessible throughout the state.
Although I, like many in South Florida, have my own car, I don't always want to get behind the wheel for a day trip. So, I decided to try riding with FlixBus for my day trip from Miami to Naples.
Here's how it went.
My round-trip FlixBus ticket from Miami to Naples was only $50.
I have driven everywhere from Key Largo to Jacksonville, but sometimes, I don't have the energy to get behind the wheel before I head out on a day trip.
India Amos
FlixBus has been around for over a decade and the company has over 400,000 routes around the globe — including a bunch throughout Florida.
The round-trip ticket for my day trip from Miami to Naples and back cost less than $50, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to book.
FlixBuses were going from Miami to Naples a few times each day —with some departures as early as 6:20 a.m. — so I had options.
Ultimately, I was able to reserve my tickets in a matter of minutes.
The ticket prices made sense.
The FlixBus had space for baggage overhead.
India Amos
I thought the FlixBus fares were reasonable — about $25 each way — especially considering how much gas would cost for traveling about 100 miles for each route.
Plus, I could bring a carry-on bag and stored bag for free if I wanted, and passengers have the option to pay extra to bring large or excess baggage.
I also could've payed $2 extra to choose my seat or about $10.50 to make sure the seat next to me was empty, but I'm glad I didn't. My FlixBus was nearly empty, so I had the row to myself anyway.
Golden Glades was a great station to leave from.
I left from the Miami Golden Glades station.
India Amos
I love traveling, but sometimes, I don't want to deal with the uncertainty that comes with it. Because of this, I was super glad the Golden Glades station in Miami, where my bus would be departing from, was so easy to navigate.
I was able to park for free in the garage next to the bus platforms, which was an added bonus. Plus, the station had a clean-looking restroom and waiting area.
Overall, getting around the station was peaceful.
Finding the bus was easy.
FlixBuses are easy to spot.
India Amos
FlixBuses are bright green, so I was able to see it as soon as it pulled into the station.
My bus was right on time, and I was able to track its arrival from the FlixBus app.
Leaving Miami was stress-free.
The FlixBus driver made my trip even more enjoyable.
India Amos
Driving in Miami can be nerve-wracking, so I'd book this trip again just for the convenience of having someone else drive me out of Dade.
A highlight of the trip, too, was our bus driver. He saw me taking photos of the bus before I boarded, and he jokingly hopped into one. After that, he even gave me permission to take his picture behind the wheel while the bus was parked.
He also offered helpful travel tips during our journey to Fort Lauderdale and then Naples. I appreciated his kindness throughout the ride.
I had a row all to myself.
My FlixBus was pretty empty.
India Amos
The route from Miami to Naples wasn't crowded.
I sat in my assigned seat at the back of the bus, and there wasn't anyone in my row or near me.
Having this extra space made the ride even more enjoyable.
The seats were comfortable enough, too.
I was able to recline my seat.
India Amos
The seats were comfortable enough for such a short ride and they could recline slightly.
Although I didn't use either during my trip, FlixBuses advertise free Wi-Fi and outlets, too.
First, we stopped at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
The view from the window of my bus.
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We had a brief stop in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport about 20 minutes after we left Golden Glades.
Even when the new passengers joined during the stop, the ride was relatively empty.
Then, we stopped in Alligator Alley.
We were able to use the restroom during the Alligator Alley stop.
India Amos
About halfway through the trip, the driver stopped in Alligator Alley, a stretch of highway connecting Naples and Fort Lauderdale..
This gave passengers time to use the restroom and get back on the bus before heading to Naples.
The trip took less than an hour and a half.
The Naples bus stop isn't actually in Naples.
India Amos
I left Miami at 7:25 a.m and made it to Naples around the scheduled time of 9:40 a.m. — the standard travel time for the distance.
Even with the two stops, the ride didn't take much longer than driving.
A big downside, though, is the Naples bus stop isn't actually in Naples. The Naples FlixBus stop is at a McDonald's in Golden Gate, which was a 20-minute ride from Naples Beach.
I had to pay for a Lyft to and from my destinations in Naples, which slightly added expenses to my trip.
The ride home had hiccups, but I had a great experience with FlixBus overall.
I'd take a FlixBus again.
India Amos
I enjoyed my day in Naples, then headed back to the Naples bus stop to head home.
My bus was late, which wasn't a huge deal, but I wish I'd gotten more communication from FlixBus about when it would arrive. Still, once the bus did arrive, I made it back to Miami without a hitch.
Overall, I had a good experience with FlixBus and thought this was a convenient, fun way to visit Naples for the day.
Even with the surprise Lyft costs and delays on the way home, I'd totally take this ride again instead of driving.
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