EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low car rental prices in Miami South Beach with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare pick-ups in South Beach, Downtown Miami or Miami International Airport in one search, see live deals from Avis, Budget, Hertz and more and book early for events like Art Basel to lock in better rates.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| South Beach Locations | • Walking distance from hotels • No need to cross causeways • Convenient pickup/return |
• Limited selection of vehicles • Higher rates than mainland locations • Restricted hours (often not 24/7) • Limited parking at rental offices |
| Downtown Miami | • More competitive rates • Greater selection of vehicles • Major companies represented |
• Requires crossing causeways to reach South Beach • Transportation needed to/from rental location • Traffic congestion during rush hours |
| Miami International Airport (MIA) | • All major companies in one facility • Widest selection of vehicles • 24/7 operations |
• Airport surcharges (approximately 18% higher) • 12-15 miles (19-24 km) from South Beach • 25-45 minute drive depending on traffic |
| Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) | • Sometimes lower rates than MIA • Less congested than MIA |
• 30 miles (48 km) from South Beach • 45-60 minute drive • Additional transportation costs |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Miami - South Beach cost around $39 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $4 per day.
Compare pickup spots: South Beach counters are walkable but often pricier. Check or even Fort Lauderdale Airport—just factor in your Uber/toll costs to see the true winner.
Dodge the airport premium: Grab a rideshare from MIA to your hotel, then rent locally for the days you're actually leaving the beach. Skips the ~18 % airport surcharge and extra valet nights.
Eye the event calendar: Art Basel, Miami Music Week and boat shows send prices soaring. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for those dates. In summer you can usually wait and pounce on last-minute drops.
Test weekly vs daily pricing: Weird but true—sometimes a 5-7-day "weekly" deal beats four separate daily rates. Run both numbers before clicking "pay."
Round-trip if you can: One-way fees out of South Beach add up fast. Returning to the same lot keeps that cash for mojitos.
Add parking to the equation: Hotel valet is $30-50 nightly. Public garages run about $20 per day. If you're beach-bound most days, rent only for road-trip days and use the free South Beach Trolley or rideshares the rest of the time.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
A rental car lets you break beyond the island and reach the wider highlights of Miami and South Florida.
Get a car to get to:
Downtown Miami – Bayside Marketplace, museums
Wynwood Arts District – street art, galleries
Key Biscayne – beaches, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Everglades National Park – airboat tours, wildlife
Is a rental car necessary in South Beach?
You don't really need a rental car if you plan to stay only in South Beach. The area is small and easy to walk around, and you can also use public transportation. However, a car is helpful if you want to explore other places like Wynwood, Little Havana or the Keys and Everglades. You might want to rent a car just for certain days instead of for your whole trip.
Where can I find affordable parking in South Beach?
You can find the most affordable parking in the city garages on 7th Street, 13th Street and 17th Street. They charge about $2 an hour, and the most you'll pay for a day is around $20. You can also find street parking using the ParkMobile app, but it can be hard to find a spot, especially on weekends. You should avoid parking in residential areas unless you have the right permit, as they are strict about ticketing.
How difficult is it to drive in South Beach?
You'll need to be patient when you drive in South Beach, especially on weekends and during the busy season. The area has many one-way streets. Collins Avenue goes north and Washington Avenue goes south. A lot of people walk around, so drivers need to be careful. If it's your first time visiting, a map app on your phone will be helpful. You should expect traffic during busy times and for special events.
Should I rent a car at Miami International Airport or in South Beach?
If you need a car for your whole trip, renting at Miami International Airport is a good idea. Just know that airport rentals can cost 10–18% more because of extra fees. If you only need a car for a few days, you could take a taxi or rideshare to South Beach. Then you can rent one in the area for just those days to save on hotel parking fees.
What type of car is best for Miami South Beach?
A compact or midsize car is a good choice for South Beach since parking spaces can be tight. These cars have enough room but are easier to drive and park. People often rent convertibles to enjoy the sunny weather and nice views, especially on a drive along A1A. Think about what you need the car for. You might want more space for beach gear, but a smaller car is better for city driving.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support