Quick Summary
- Book your vehicle before you fly, choosing the size and coverage that fits your route from Miami International Airport.
- Bring your full driving licence, passport and a credit card in the main driver’s name, plus your Hola Car Rentals confirmation.
- Follow airport signs to the MIA Mover on Level 3 to reach the Rental Car Center in under fifteen minutes.
Before you book: key decisions for MIA
Landing at Miami International Airport puts you a short tram ride away from the dedicated Rental Car Center. Most visitors begin their Florida drive here, where Miami Airport car rental options for big brands sit in one building with clear signage and long opening hours. Before you fly, decide which vehicle size you need, how much luggage space your group requires and whether you prefer a basic economy model or something more comfortable for longer drives.
What to prepare before you leave home
At minimum, the main driver should travel with a full driving licence, passport and a credit card in their own name. UK and EU photocard licences are widely accepted in Florida for short visits, but travellers from some other countries may require an International Driving Permit, so always check your paperwork. Keep your booking confirmation from Hola Car Rentals handy, as staff will often ask for your reservation number and the email address used to secure the booking.
Most suppliers at Miami place a security hold on your card, so make sure you have headroom for both the deposit and holiday spending. When you compare quotes with Hola Car Rentals, check whether you want a flexible booking with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up or a prepaid rate. It is also worth looking at different Miami airport pick up arrangements if you plan to drop the vehicle back in a different part of the city or close to a cruise terminal.
To avoid stress at the counter, choose a package that already includes the protection you need. Hola Car Rentals offers an All Inclusive+ rate with maximum coverage, so liability limits can reach US$300,000 on selected itineraries and you still benefit from free travel insurance up to US$150,000 per trip. Picking this kind of bundle means you will not be pushed into costly add ons when you are tired after a long flight.
Reaching the Rental Car Center at MIA
Once you have cleared passport control and collected baggage, follow the magenta signs for the MIA Mover and the Rental Car Center. Take the lift or escalator up to Level 3, walk along the Skyride walkway between the Dolphin and Flamingo car parks and board the free tram. The ride to the Rental Car Center usually takes less than ten minutes, and lifts at the far end take you directly up to the floor where the desks are located.
If you are nervous about the layout, allow a few extra minutes and arrive with a plan. Our MIA insider guide includes simple directions, timing estimates and practical tips so you know exactly where to go once you step off the plane.
At the counter: how the process works
At the desk you will be asked to show your identification, confirm the main driver and any extra drivers, and sign the rental agreement. The agent will explain fuel rules, mileage limits if any, and options such as toll passes, child seats and roadside assistance upgrades. Hola Car Rentals displays these extras clearly during booking, so you can decide in advance which ones you really need instead of feeling rushed in front of the queue.
If your flight lands late at night, it helps to add your flight number when booking so the supplier can track delays. Hola Car Rentals works with major airport brands that often extend opening hours when they know customers are arriving on a specific service, but you should still check the desk timetable on your voucher and keep the local phone number saved in your mobile in case you need help on arrival.
Final checks before you drive away
Before you leave the garage, walk slowly around the vehicle and photograph any scratches, scuffs or stone chips, including the wheels and windscreen. Confirm that the fuel gauge and mileage on the form match what you see on the dashboard, adjust mirrors and seat, and set your sat nav route towards South Beach or the Florida Keys. If you are travelling as a family or carrying bulky luggage, you might prefer to reserve a people carrier by browsing Miami minivan rental choices when you book.
Miami is full of toll roads such as the Dolphin Expressway and the express lanes of Interstate 95, so make sure you understand how your rental handles tolls. Many Hola Car Rentals offers include cashback on tolls when you use the recommended transponder or pay by plate system, which can save you money over a busy week of driving. Keep receipts and screenshots of charges so you can reconcile everything easily when you drop the vehicle off.
FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent at Miami Airport? For most visitors from the UK and the European Union, a full photocard driving licence is accepted for short stays in Florida, but travellers from some other countries may require an International Driving Permit. Always check your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation and the guidance from your national driving authority before you travel.
What is the minimum age to rent a car at MIA? In most cases you must be at least 21 years old, and drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver fee. Hola Car Rentals highlights any age surcharges on the results page so you are not surprised at the counter.
How long does it take to reach the Rental Car Center from the terminal? Allow around ten to fifteen minutes from leaving the arrivals hall, including the walk to Level 3 and the short ride on the MIA Mover tram, plus a little extra time if you are travelling with children or heavy bags.
Can I use a debit card to rent a car at Miami Airport? Some suppliers accept debit cards, especially from major banks, but they may apply additional checks or higher deposits and can insist that you show a return flight. Using a credit card in the main driver’s name remains the simplest option. When you compare deals with Hola Car Rentals, always read the payment rules for your chosen brand.
When you are ready to put this into practice, book your Miami Airport vehicle with Hola Car Rentals so you can arrive at MIA knowing your price, coverage and pick up details are already sorted.
