Miami Airport Car Rental (MIA)
Every major brand is under one roof at MIA's Rental Car Center, a short ride from the terminal on the free MIA Mover.
Where do you pick up a rental car at Miami airport?
At the MIA Rental Car Center. From baggage claim, follow the signs to the MIA Mover, a free automated train that runs from the terminal to the Rental Car Center, where all the major rental companies have counters and cars.
Last reviewed . Rules vary by rental company — check your rental terms before you book.
Picking up your rental car at MIA
Follow the MIA Mover signs from baggage claim to the station on the third level of the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages, then ride the train to the Rental Car Center.
All the major brands are in the same building, so you walk from the counter to the car.
Terminal layouts and shuttle stops change. For the latest pickup directions, check the official Miami International Airport website or your booking confirmation.
Returning your car at MIA
Follow the Rental Car Return signs as you approach the airport — returns go to the Rental Car Center, not the terminal.
After returning the car, take the MIA Mover back to the terminal. Allow extra time on the way back: refuel, return the car, have it checked in, then ride back to the terminal before check-in and security.
Rental companies at Miami International Airport
Major brands that operate at this airport. Availability and prices change by date — the search shows the live list for your trip.
Airport or off-airport pickup?
City and Miami Beach branches don't charge airport fees, and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is worth comparing. For stays where you don't need a car on day one, a rideshare to your hotel and a later city pickup can cost less.
Also compare: Fort Lauderdale Airport Car Rental (FLL)
Leaving MIA: routes, tolls and traffic
- Tolls from the start
- The Dolphin Expressway (SR 836), the main route toward Downtown and Miami Beach, is a cashless toll road. Decide on the rental company's toll program before you leave the lot.
- Getting to Miami Beach
- Take SR 836 east to I-395 and the MacArthur Causeway. Allow 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Which car to rent at MIA
Rental requirements
- A valid driver's license, held for at least a year at most companies. Visitors can usually rent on their home license; if it isn't in English, carry an International Driving Permit or official translation alongside it.
- Minimum age is 21 at most major companies, and drivers under 25 pay a daily young-driver surcharge. New York and Michigan require companies to rent to drivers from 18, with surcharges.
- A credit card in the main driver's name. Some locations accept debit cards with extra checks — often a return travel itinerary at airports, a larger deposit or a credit check.
- International renters should also bring a passport.
More detail: What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car? · What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the USA? · Can You Rent a Car With a Debit Card? Rules & Tips · International Driving Permit (IDP) — Do You Need One and How to Get It
Insurance and deposit
- Collision and loss damage waivers (CDW/LDW) are optional. Before you accept one at the counter, check whether your own auto policy or a credit card benefit already covers rental cars — many do, with conditions.
- Liability cover varies by state and company. Supplemental liability (SLI) raises the limit and is worth considering if you don't have a personal auto policy, including as an international visitor.
- A security deposit is held on your card at pickup and released after the car is returned and checked. It can take several business days to disappear from your statement, and holds are larger on debit cards and premium cars.
More detail: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car? · What Is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)? · How Much Is a Rental Car Deposit? How Holds Work
Fuel policy and additional fees
- Full-to-full is usually the cheapest fuel policy: you collect the car full and return it full. Prepaid fuel only saves money if you return the tank nearly empty, and refueling charges on a car returned short are well above pump prices.
- Airport rentals include airport concession recovery fees and facility charges on top of the rate. State and local rental taxes apply everywhere.
- Other common extras: additional-driver fees, young-driver surcharges, toll-program charges, one-way drop fees, child seats and late-return charges. Read the rental terms before you pay so you know which charges are included and which are added at the counter.
More detail: Car Rental Fuel Policies Explained — Which One Should You Choose? · Hidden Car Rental Fees — The Complete Guide to What to Watch Out For · How are tolls and traffic fines handled? · Can someone else drive the car?
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Driving tips, tolls, parking, road trips and city pickup options.
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MIA car rental guides
FAQ
MIA Car Rental — FAQs
Everything you need to know about renting a car
Compare car rental prices at MIA
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