Miami combines beaches, lively neighbourhoods, culture and easy access to South Florida. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore beyond the city centre, from Miami Beach and Coconut Grove to the Everglades and Florida Keys.
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Miami Quick Facts
- State: Florida
- Country: United States
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Driving side: Right
- Main airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Popular areas: Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, Brickell, Wynwood and Little Havana
Pickup Locations in Miami
Popular Rental Types in Miami
Why Visit Miami?
Miami is one of South Florida's most varied destinations, combining famous beaches with art, food, nightlife and distinctive neighbourhoods. Visitors can spend time on South Beach, explore Cuban culture in Little Havana, discover street art around Wynwood or head south towards Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. A rental car is particularly useful if your plans extend beyond central Miami and Miami Beach.
Top Attractions in Miami
South Beach
Miami's best known beach district is famous for its wide sandy beach, Ocean Drive and colourful Art Deco architecture.
Wynwood
Wynwood is one of Miami's best known arts districts, with street art, galleries, restaurants and the internationally recognised Wynwood Walls.
Little Havana
Little Havana is the heart of Miami's Cuban community, centred around Calle Ocho with restaurants, cafes, music and local culture.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Located in Coconut Grove, Vizcaya is a historic waterfront estate with extensive gardens and views across Biscayne Bay.
Miami Beach Art Deco District
The historic Art Deco District features hundreds of distinctive buildings concentrated around South Beach and Ocean Drive.
Getting Around Miami
Miami has several public transport options including Metrorail, Metromover, buses and local trolley services. These can work well for journeys around Downtown, Brickell and selected neighbourhoods. However, Greater Miami is spread over a large area, so hiring a car can be useful for reaching beaches, suburban attractions and destinations outside the city. Allow extra journey time during busy periods and check parking arrangements before travelling into popular areas.
Why Rent a Car in Miami?
Hiring a car in Miami gives you more flexibility to explore Greater Miami and South Florida without relying entirely on public transport or taxis. It is particularly useful for trips to the Everglades, the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale and attractions spread across Miami-Dade County. A rental car can also make travelling with luggage or family groups considerably easier.
Popular Day Trips from Miami
- Everglades National Park — Around 1 hour, depending on your destination and traffic
- Key Largo — Around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale — Around 40 to 60 minutes
- Biscayne National Park — Around 1 hour to the Homestead area
Airport Information
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main airport serving Miami. Rental car companies operate from the Miami International Airport Rental Car Center at 3900 NW 25th Street. Passengers can reach the Rental Car Center from the airport using the MIA Mover. Always check your rental company's collection instructions and opening hours before travelling.
Driving in Miami
Traffic in Miami can be heavy, particularly during weekday rush hours and around Downtown, Brickell, Miami Beach and major expressways. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Some roads in South Florida use electronic tolling, so check your rental supplier's toll policy before collecting the vehicle. Parking charges and restrictions vary considerably by area, particularly around Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
About Miami
Compare airport and city car rental locations in Miami. Book online securely and compare leading suppliers.
Exploring Miami by Car
Car rental in Miami gives you flexibility to travel between airport, city and surrounding areas without depending entirely on fixed transport schedules. It can be especially useful if you plan to visit multiple destinations during your trip.
Before booking, compare pickup locations, vehicle sizes, fuel policies and supplier terms. Booking online in advance can help you find better availability, especially during busy travel periods.
Car Hire Tips for Miami
- Compare airport and city pickup points before choosing your rental location.
- Check parking rules and local traffic restrictions before driving into central areas.
- Book early during holidays, conferences and peak travel seasons.
- Choose a vehicle size that suits your passengers and luggage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Miami?
A rental car can be very useful if you plan to explore beyond Downtown Miami and Miami Beach, particularly for visits to the Everglades, Florida Keys or other parts of South Florida.
Can I hire a car at Miami International Airport?
Yes. Miami International Airport has a dedicated Rental Car Center which can be reached from the airport using the MIA Mover.
Do I need a car to get around Miami?
Not necessarily. Miami has rail, bus, trolley and other public transport options, but a car provides greater flexibility if you want to visit destinations spread across Greater Miami and South Florida.
Are there toll roads around Miami?
Yes. Some roads around Miami and South Florida use electronic tolling. Check how toll charges are handled by your rental company before starting your journey.
Can I drive from Miami to the Florida Keys?
Yes. Miami is a popular starting point for driving into the Florida Keys. Key Largo is the nearest major Key and is suitable for a day trip from Miami.