Renting a Car at Miami Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Miami International Airport (MIA) operates its rental car center (RCC) — a massive multi-level facility accessible via the automated MIA Mover train from the airport's 3rd-floor Skytrain station. All major US brands — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Sixt — have counters on the ground floor. MIA is the gateway to the Florida Keys, Everglades, and the entire east coast of Florida.
🎯 Quick Tip
Take the MIA Mover (free automated train) to the Rental Car Center — don't try to walk with luggage. The MIA Mover station is on Level 3 of the airport, connected to all concourses. The ride takes 4 minutes. The RCC also has direct access to the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836).
Compare Prices at MIA
Check these trusted platforms for the best car hire deals at Miami Airport:
Airport Pickup Tips
Ride the MIA Mover to the RCC. Counters are organized alphabetically on the ground floor. Present your license, credit card, and booking confirmation. Florida is one of America's busiest rental markets — peak-season waits (December-April) can hit 30-45 minutes at popular brands. Use the mobile check-in option if your brand offers it.
South Florida's intense sun damages car interiors — check for cracked dashboards, faded seats, and sticky steering wheels. Also check the AC on maximum — Miami's 90% humidity makes AC essential. Look for parking-lot dings (Miami drivers are aggressive) and check that the SunPass transponder is mounted correctly on the windscreen.
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Miami by Car
Miami is the gateway to the Florida Keys, the Everglades, and the Gulf Coast. The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West — crossing 42 bridges over turquoise water — is an iconic American road trip.
Top drive from Miami: Overseas Highway — Miami to Key West
Getting from Miami Airport to the City
MIA is 13 km west of Miami Beach. For South Beach, take I-195 east (20 min). For Fort Lauderdale, I-95 north (35 min). For the Florida Keys, Turnpike south to US-1 (Key Largo: 75 min, Key West: 3.5 hours). For the Everglades (Shark Valley), take US-41 west (40 min). For Orlando, take the Florida Turnpike north (3.5 hours). For Naples, take I-75 west (Alligator Alley, 2 hours).
Fox and Payless operate from NW 36th Street, with free shuttle to the RCC. For premium vehicles, the RCC itself has dedicated luxury counters from Hertz Prestige, National Emerald, and Sixt — offering Corvettes, Mustang convertibles, and Tesla Model 3 at Florida-competitive rates.
What to Know Before Driving from MIA
USA drives on the right. Florida speed limits: 70 mph on interstates, 55-65 mph on expressways, 30-45 mph on surface streets. Right turns on red are legal after stopping. I-95 through Miami is perpetually congested — use the 95 Express toll lanes for faster travel. Florida toll roads are cashless — all tolled via SunPass or license-plate billing. Parking in Miami Beach: meters are $4/hour.
The RCC exits onto NW 25th Street, connecting to SR 836 (Dolphin Expressway) and I-95. For South Beach, take the I-195 east (20 min). For the Florida Keys, take the Florida Turnpike south to US-1 (allow 3.5 hours to Key West). SunPass or Toll-by-Plate is required for all Florida toll roads — the rental car is usually enrolled automatically, but confirm.
Fuel Stations Near MIA
Shell, Chevron, and RaceTrac stations are on NW 36th Street and Le Jeune Road near MIA. Gas averages approximately $3.50/gallon in Miami. RaceTrac is consistently the cheapest brand. If driving to the Keys, fill up in Homestead (last major town before US-1) — Key gas stations charge $0.50-1.00 more per gallon.
Local Driving Tip
The Florida Turnpike and most Miami expressways use SunPass electronic tolling — your rental should have a transponder, but verify the daily cap fee before departure. Toll charges billed to your rental after return often include $5–15 admin fees.