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Compare car rentals from major companies in Downtown Miami with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up your ride in Brickell, near Bayside Marketplace, or at the Port of Miami to skip airport surcharges and hit South Beach, Wynwood, or the Everglades on your schedule. We show real time rates, free cancellation options and verified reviews so you can reserve in minutes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 598754

Downtown Miami offers several rental options, each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel needs.

Location Advantages Disadvantages
Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • Largest selection of vehicles and companies
  • 24-hour service
  • Competitive rates due to high competition
  • Immediate access upon arrival
  • Airport concession fees (approximately 11%)
  • 8-10 miles (13-16 km) from Downtown (20-30 min drive)
  • Potential long waits at counters during peak hours
  • Additional airport facility charges
Downtown Miami Locations
  • No airport surcharges
  • Convenient for business travelers
  • Walk-up rentals often available
  • Often lower overall rates
  • Limited hours (usually business hours only)
  • Smaller vehicle selection
  • May require reservation during busy periods
  • Some locations closed on Sundays
Hotel-Based Rental Desks
  • Ultimate convenience if staying at that hotel
  • Often premium service offering less waiting
  • Can arrange delivery/pickup at your hotel
  • Limited selection
  • Often premium pricing
  • Not all downtown hotels have rental desks
Port of Miami
  • Convenient for cruise passengers
  • Shuttle service from cruise terminals
  • Limited hours
  • Higher rates due to location premium
  • Smaller selection of vehicles

Transportation Tip: If arriving at Miami International Airport but not renting a car, consider taking the Metrorail Orange Line directly to downtown (approximately $2.25 per person) instead of a taxi (approximately $35) or rideshare service.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Miami Downtown?

On average, car rentals in Miami Downtown cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $12 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Compare pickup spots: Downtown desks skip the ~11 % airport concession fee. Hop on the MIA Orange Line for $2.25, pick up the car downtown, and you're already ahead of the game.

  • Book smart by season: For winter and Spring Break crowds lock in 2-3 months early. In hurricane season (Sep-Oct) prices dive, so stay flexible and pounce on last-minute deals instead.

  • Play with dates & lengths: On our site slide the rental forward or back a day or switch to a 7-day quote—weekly rates often beat five separate daily ones in Miami.

  • Re-shop after reserving: Make a free-cancellation booking, then check back each week; Miami prices can drop when fleets expand or storms scare others off.

  • Skip pricey add-ons: Buy gas away from the airport/tourist strips and return full, decline pre-paid fuel, and bring your own USB cable/phone holder instead of paying gadget fees.

  • Handle tolls yourself: Grab a $5 SunPass at a pharmacy and pay actual tolls only, avoiding the per-day "program" fees most rental counters tack on.

Parking and Driving Tips

Where to Park:

Location Cost What to Know
Downtown Miami Street Parking Varies Mobile payment via PayByPhone app; limited availability
Downtown Miami Garages Varies Rates vary by garage and time of day; more secure option
Bayside Marketplace Varies Shopping validation available; popular tourist area
Brickell City Centre Varies Upscale shopping center and many dining options
South Beach Varies Limited street spaces; garage options near Lincoln Road
Wynwood Varies Street and lot options available; busier on weekends
Coconut Grove Varies Several garages available; CocoWalk validates
Hotel Valet Parking High Convenient but expensive; in out privileges at most hotels

Key Driving Regulations:

  • Drive on the right side of the road
  • Speed limits: 25–30 mph in downtown areas, 35–45 mph on major roads, 55–70 mph on highways
  • Right turns permitted on red after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
  • Seatbelts required for all front seat occupants and passengers under 18
  • Children 5 and under must be in appropriate car seats or boosters
  • Texting while driving is illegal; hands-free phone operation recommended
  • Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%; strict DUI enforcement throughout the city
  • No-turn zones and one-way streets are common downtown; follow posted signs carefully
  • Miami uses red light cameras at many intersections; stopping completely is essential
  • Street enforcement is strict; pay attention to no-parking zones and street sweeping schedules

Toll Road Overview:

Toll Road Coverage Payment Options
SR-836 (Dolphin Expressway) East West through Miami SunPass or Toll By Plate
SR-112 (Airport Expressway) Downtown to MIA SunPass or Toll By Plate
SR-874 (Don Shula Expressway) Southwest Miami to Homestead SunPass or Toll By Plate
Florida's Turnpike North South through Miami SunPass or Toll By Plate
I-95 Express Lanes Variable rate express lanes SunPass only
Rickenbacker Causeway Mainland to Key Biscayne Cash or SunPass

Toll Payment Options:

  • Most Miami area tolls are cashless (all electronic)
  • Rental companies offer toll programs that add a daily fee plus actual tolls
  • SunPass transponder available at grocery stores and pharmacies
  • Toll By Plate photographs the license plate and bills the rental company, which then adds service fees

Local Tip: Downtown Miami has numerous one-way streets and complicated turn restrictions. GPS navigation is highly recommended for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

Why rent a car in Downtown Miami

Get a rental to get to:

  • South Beach – beaches, nightlife

  • Key Biscayne – parks, lighthouse

  • Wynwood Arts District – murals, galleries

  • Everglades National Park – wildlife, airboat tours

  • Florida Keys (Key Largo, Key West) – Overseas Highway

  • Fort Lauderdale – beaches, shopping

Driving Distances from Miami Downtown

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Miami?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card. If you're visiting from another country, you also need your passport and an English-language license or an International Driving Permit.

How do I handle Miami's electronic toll roads?
Most Miami toll roads are cashless. Your rental company will likely include a toll program that charges your credit card plus a service fee. Another option is to buy a SunPass Mini transponder for about $4.99 from a local pharmacy or grocery store.

Is it worth renting a car if I'm staying mainly in South Beach?
If you're staying only in South Beach, you might not need a car. You can walk around the area easily and it has good public transportation. But a car is helpful if you want to explore beyond Miami Beach, like the Everglades or the Keys.

Where can I park overnight in Downtown Miami?
Most hotels offer valet parking for around $30-45 per night. You can also find public garages that offer overnight rates from $15-25. Street parking is hard to find and often has overnight restrictions.

What's the best way to avoid traffic?
You can use navigation apps with live traffic updates, avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) and consider using the Metrorail for some downtown places during peak times.

Are there age restrictions for renting a car?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. Some will rent to drivers who are 20. If you are under 25, expect to pay a young-driver fee of about $25-30 per day.

Can I take a rental car to the Florida Keys?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive to the Keys. The drive to Key West takes about 3.5-4 hours and is one of the most scenic road trips in America.

What should I do if I get a parking ticket?
You should pay the ticket right away, either online or by mail. If you don't pay, the rental company can add extra fees. They may also charge you an administrative fee for handling the ticket.