Finding a car hire in Miami is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands in the USA with no booking fees. Pick up your Miami car hire at Miami International Airport (MIA) or in the city centre to visit South Beach, the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Airport hires are often about 18% more than city locations, so compare both and book early for December to April.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Miami International Airport (MIA) | • All major companies in one Rental Car Centre • 24/7 operation • Widest vehicle selection • Convenient for arrival/departure |
• Approximately 18% more expensive than city locations • Requires MIA Mover tram to reach Rental Car Centre • Can have long lines during peak season |
Miami City Centre | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport surcharges • Convenient for business travellers |
• Limited hours (not 24/7) • Smaller vehicle selection • Traffic congestion during business hours |
Coral Gables/Coconut Grove | • Quieter than city centre locations • Neighbourhood feel and personalised service • Good for longer-term rentals |
• Limited hours • May require taxi/rideshare to reach • Fewer vehicle options |
Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) | • Sometimes lower rates than MIA • All companies in one facility • Less congested than MIA |
• 30-45 minute drive to Miami • Transportation costs to/from FLL |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Miami cost around USD $53 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $4 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup: City centre and neighbourhood branches are often about 18% cheaper than MIA. Also check FLL rates, but factor in the 30–45 minute drive and transport cost to Miami.
Peak vs off peak booking: For Dec–Apr and big events (Art Basel, Boat Show, F1), book 2–3 weeks ahead. In quieter months, watch prices and rebook if they drop.
Compare brands, locations and times: Weekly deals can beat daily for 5+ days. Tweaking pickup or drop-off by a few hours can change the price.
Pick the smallest car that fits: Economy or compact saves on fuel and makes Miami Beach parking easier. Skip prepaid fuel unless you’ll return nearly empty.
Plan for tolls: Miami uses electronic tolling. Rental toll programs add a daily service fee, so for longer stays consider linking the plate to your own SunPass to reduce fees.
Only hire for the days you drive: South Beach and the city centre are walkable with transit. Delay pickup or return early to avoid hotel parking charges of about 20 to 40 dollars per night.
Parking Options:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to visit:
South Beach - MacArthur Causeway
Everglades National Park - Tamiami Trail, Homestead entrance
Key Biscayne - Rickenbacker Causeway, Crandon Park
Key West - US-1 Overseas Highway
Fort Lauderdale - I-95, A1A
Naples - I-75 Alligator Alley
Should I hire a car at Miami International Airport or in the city? Hiring a car at the airport is convenient because they offer 24/7 service, but it costs about 18% more because of airport fees. You can save money if you're happy to take a taxi or rideshare to your accommodation and hire from a local spot in a neighbourhood. If you're only staying for a short time or you arrive late at night, you might find the airport option is worth the extra cost.
What type of car is best for driving in Miami? Most visitors find a compact or midsize sedan works well. These cars give you a good mix of easy manoeuvrability for city driving and comfort for longer trips. You can see better in traffic in an SUV, but they can be hard to park in tight spots. Many people like convertibles to enjoy the weather, especially for drives to the Keys, but don't forget to pack sunscreen.
How do I handle toll roads in Miami? Miami has many toll roads that use electronic tolling, so you won't find any cash booths. Car hire companies usually offer you a toll package. They charge a daily service fee (around $4-12, often capped for the whole hire) plus the actual tolls. If you're staying for a while, you could register the hire car to your own SunPass account for a short time to avoid their service fees.
Is parking difficult in Miami? Finding a park can be very different depending on the neighbourhood. You'll find it hardest to park in the City Centre and South Beach, especially when there are events on or during the busy tourist season. It's usually easier to find a spot in a public garage than on the street. You should also know that many hotels will charge you for parking (about $20-40 per night), so remember to include that in your budget.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Miami? You don't need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your driver's licence is in English. If your licence is in another language, we recommend you get an IDP, but it's not a legal requirement. The main document you need is your valid driver's licence from your home country. The IDP just works as a translation.