Easy card ticket or contactless payment for #150 bus?

Question

The bus website indicates contactless payment is acceptable. Just now, however, I was on the Airport site to get the layout of how to get to the bus (seems easy), but it says people need to buy tickets at those vending machines. Any frequent riders here who know what’s accurate? Thank you.

Answer

The #150 Miami Beach Airport Express is one of the easiest and most flexible routes in Miami when it comes to paying for your fare. The confusion comes from the fact that Miami International Airport (MIA) signs and the actual Miami-Dade Transit policies are not always perfectly aligned. The good news: you do not need to buy a paper ticket from the vending machines unless you want to.

YES — Contactless payment is accepted directly on the #150 bus. You can board and tap a contactless credit/debit card, phone wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), or watch on the fare reader next to the driver.

Below is a breakdown of what’s accurate, what you can safely ignore, and all your payment options.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS THE #150 BUS ACCEPTS

Contactless credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover)
Mobile wallet (Apple Pay / Google Pay / Samsung Pay)
Easy Card (reloadable transit card)
Easy Ticket (paper, single-use ticket from the machines)
Cash (exact change only)

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS AT THE AIRPORT

MIA signs often tell travelers to buy tickets at the vending machines because that was the old requirement. But since Miami-Dade Transit upgraded its system, buses now accept contactless tap-on payment directly at the front door. For the #150, this is how the majority of locals and visitors pay.

WHAT YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO

You do NOT need to stop at a vending machine unless you want an Easy Card/Ticket.
You do NOT need to pre-purchase anything online.
You do NOT need exact change if using contactless or mobile wallet.

HOW TO BOARD THE #150 WITH CONTACTLESS PAYMENT

Follow airport signs to the “Ground Transportation” or “Metrobus” area (very straightforward from all terminals).
Wait at the clearly marked #150 Miami Beach Airport Express stop.
When the bus arrives, board through the front door.
Tap your credit card or phone on the fare reader next to the driver.
The system will beep/turn green—you're good to go.

FARE DETAILS

The #150 has the standard Miami-Dade bus fare. There is no surcharge for using contactless instead of an Easy Card.

WHEN IT MIGHT MAKE SENSE TO USE AN EASY CARD INSTEAD

If you plan to ride multiple buses or the Metrorail during your stay and want cheaper multi-day passes.
If you prefer having a reloadable card instead of a bank card.

BOTTOM LINE

The website is correct: contactless payment works on the #150 bus, and it’s the easiest option. The airport’s vending-machine signs are outdated—feel free to ignore them unless you specifically want an Easy Card or Easy Ticket. Most riders simply tap their card or phone on board and go.

Easy card ticket or contactless payment for #150 bus?

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