Compare cheap car hire at Miami Airport with details on the rental car centre, vehicle options, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the main gateway to South Florida. Located about 13km northwest of downtown Miami, it provides quick road access to Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys and many other destinations across southern Florida.
Hiring a car directly at the airport is common for visitors because many attractions in the region are spread across a large area. From Miami, travellers often continue north along the coast or drive south toward the Florida Keys.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
At Miami Airport, rental companies operate from the dedicated Miami International Airport Rental Car Center. The facility is located at 3900 NW 25th Street, just east of the airport terminals.
After arriving, passengers take the free MIA Mover automated train from the airport terminals to the Rental Car Center. The train journey takes around 4 minutes and runs continuously throughout the day.
Once inside the building, the car hire desks are located on the ground floor, with vehicles collected from the multi-storey parking garages within the same complex.
Airport maps and transport details are available on the official Miami International Airport website.
Rental Companies at Miami Airport
The Rental Car Center hosts a large number of major international car hire providers.
- Alamo
- Enterprise
- National
- Hertz
- Avis / Budget
- Dollar
- Thrifty
- Sixt
All vehicles are collected directly from the parking levels of the Rental Car Center building.
Typical Rental Prices at Miami Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Midsize | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | $35 – $65 per day | $60 – $95 per day | $95 – $160 per day |
| April – June | $30 – $55 per day | $55 – $90 per day | $90 – $150 per day |
| July – August | $40 – $75 per day | $75 – $120 per day | $120 – $190 per day |
| September – October | $30 – $60 per day | $60 – $95 per day | $95 – $160 per day |
| November – December | $40 – $80 per day | $80 – $130 per day | $130 – $200 per day |
Vehicles Popular with Travellers in Miami
Compact Cars
Small cars are popular for short city stays and driving between Miami and nearby beach areas.
Convertible Cars
Miami is one of the few destinations where convertibles are regularly rented, particularly for driving along Ocean Drive or coastal routes.
SUVs
Many families and groups choose SUVs for extra space when travelling between beaches, shopping districts and national parks.
Driving from Miami Airport
The airport connects directly to several major highways that serve the Miami metropolitan area.
- Downtown Miami – about 20 minutes
- Miami Beach – around 25 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale – roughly 40 minutes north
- Key Largo – about 1 hour 20 minutes south
Major routes include Interstate 95, State Road 836 (Dolphin Expressway) and the Florida Turnpike.
Tolls in South Florida
Many highways around Miami use electronic toll systems. Rental cars are usually registered with a toll programme and charges are billed automatically after the rental period.
Drivers should check their rental agreement for details about toll billing and service fees.
For visitor information and travel advice you can also consult the official Greater Miami tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Miami
Having a rental car allows visitors to explore destinations beyond the city centre.
- Everglades National Park – wetlands and wildlife south of Miami
- Key Largo – first island in the Florida Keys
- Fort Lauderdale – coastal city known for canals and beaches
- Naples – Gulf Coast city west of the Everglades
These destinations are commonly included in road trips across South Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Miami Airport?
All rental companies operate from the Miami Airport Rental Car Center, reached by the free MIA Mover train from the airport terminals.
Which companies operate car hire at Miami Airport?
Major suppliers include Enterprise, Alamo, National, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
How far is Miami Airport from downtown Miami?
The airport is located about 13km from downtown Miami and the drive normally takes around 20 minutes.
Is parking easy in Miami Beach?
Parking is available in public garages and street parking areas, although it can be busy during peak tourism periods.
Do highways around Miami have tolls?
Yes. Many expressways use electronic toll systems.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car at Miami Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars common in the United States?
Yes. Automatic vehicles are the standard transmission in most rental cars.
Should I book Miami Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
Is the Miami Airport Rental Car Center connected to the terminals?
Yes. The free MIA Mover train links the airport terminals with the Rental Car Center.
What highways connect Miami Airport with the city?
State Road 836 and Interstate 95 provide direct access between the airport and central Miami.
