






Compare car rental prices from leading companies at the Port of Miami with Road Genius. From affordable cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles. Reserve early to lock in rates and free cruise-terminal shuttles, then drive straight to Miami Beach, MIA or the Florida Keys.
The Port of Miami does not have on-site car rental facilities, but several options are available nearby.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Miami rental offices (SE 2nd Street, etc.) |
• Free shuttles from cruise terminals • Closer to port than airport locations • Lower rates than airport rentals |
• Extremely busy on cruise days • Limited weekend hours at some locations • Possible wait times for shuttle service |
| Miami International Airport (MIA, 8 miles / 13 km) | • All major rental companies • 24/7 operation • Widest vehicle selection |
• Airport fees increase rental cost • Requires transportation to/from port • Longer process than dedicated port services |
| Port shuttle services (Avis, Budget, Hertz, etc.) |
• Direct service to cruise terminals • Convenient for cruise passengers • Often includes priority service |
• Limited capacity during peak cruise times • Advance reservation strongly recommended • May have limited hours on weekends |
Shuttle Information: Several companies offer complimentary shuttles between their downtown offices and the cruise terminals. Confirm shuttle service when booking, as schedules may vary.
On average, car rentals in Port Miami cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $12 per day.
Compare downtown vs airport pickups – downtown spots are closer to the cruise terminals and skip airport surcharges, often beating MIA rates by 10-20%.
Lock in a car 3–4 weeks ahead for peak cruise weekends (Dec-Apr and Sat/Sun turn-around days). Prices spike last minute when eight ships dump passengers at once.
Play with pickup/return times – aim for midday departures after the shuttle rush or return the evening before sailing. A shorter "24-hour + a few" rental can cost more than a clean 48-hour block.
Check weekly pricing even for 4–5 days. In Miami it's common for a 7-day rate to undercut a 5-day rate, especially in fall hurricane season.
Port of Miami: Short-term spaces are available at cruise terminals if you need to briefly park during pickup or drop-off
Downtown Miami: Many garages offering different daily rates
Bayside Marketplace: Shopping center near the port offering hourly rates
Miami Beach: Mostly metered street spots and municipal garages offering hourly fees
Speed limits are generally 25 to 35 mph on city streets and 45 mph on major roads
Get a car rental to easily:
Miami Beach – Art Deco District, Lincoln Road
South Beach – Ocean Drive, coastal amenities
Everglades National Park – wildlife areas, visitor center
Florida Keys – Key Largo, Seven Mile Bridge
Fort Lauderdale – Las Olas Boulevard, beachfront
Miami International Airport – terminals, rental car center

What's the best way to handle car rental if arriving on a cruise ship? You should book your rental car ahead of time with a company that offers a port shuttle service. Most major rental agencies have downtown offices and give you a free ride from the port. Plan to pick up your car at least 60–90 minutes after your ship is scheduled to arrive. This gives you time to get off the ship and go through customs.
How early should I return my rental car on cruise departure day? You should return your rental car at least 3 hours before your cruise leaves. This gives you time for the shuttle to take you back to the port and for you to check in. When it's busy, you might want to return it 4 hours before your cruise leaves to avoid any delays.
Do rental car companies offer luggage storage if I want to explore Miami before my cruise? Most rental companies near the port don't have a place for you to store luggage. However, if you rent a car on the day you leave, you can keep your bags in the car while you look around. Some downtown hotels will store your luggage for a fee, even if you don't stay there.
Is it better to rent at the airport or near the cruise port? If you are a cruise passenger, you'll find downtown locations near the port are more convenient because they offer free shuttle service to and from the cruise terminals. You will find more car choices at the airport, but you will need to get another ride to the port.
How do I handle toll roads around Miami? Most rental companies offer toll packages. For these, they charge a daily fee (about $5 per day, up to $25–$30 for the whole rental) on top of the actual toll costs. All Miami expressways use electronic tolling and don't accept cash, so it's a good idea to have this coverage.