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About hiring a car with Budget in Downtown Miami
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in Downtown Miami include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Downtown Miami, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Downtown Miami.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in Downtown Miami when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Downtown Miami are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Downtown Miami charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Budget counter in Downtown Miami and what are the opening hours?
The Budget counter in Downtown Miami is located at 93 SE 2nd St, Miami, FL 33131, a street-level location accessible on foot or by public transport such as the Metromover to Bayfront Park.
Counter hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
No after-hours pickup or key-drop service has been confirmed at this Downtown Miami Budget location. If your arrival falls outside these hours, you may need to use the Budget counter at Miami International Airport (MIA), which operates from the consolidated Rental Car Centre at 3900 NW 25th St and is accessible 24 hours via the free Skytrain or shuttle from the terminals.
Plan your arrival time carefully, especially on Sundays when the Downtown Miami Budget counter closes at 2:00 PM.
Is it faster to pick up a Budget car in Downtown Miami than at Miami Airport?
Yes, picking up a Budget car in Downtown Miami is generally quicker than collecting at Miami International Airport (MIA).
At the Downtown Miami Budget counter (93 SE 2nd St), you walk directly to the street-level desk with no shuttle required. From arrival at the counter, the process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
At MIA, all rental companies including Budget operate from the consolidated Rental Car Centre at 3900 NW 25th St. After baggage claim, you must take the free Skytrain or shuttle bus (a 5 to 10 minute ride) to reach the centre. During peak hours, the full process from terminal arrival to driving away can take 45 to 90 minutes.
The Downtown Miami Budget location is approximately 9 miles from MIA, so you will need separate transport to reach it from the airport. Choose the Downtown Miami counter if arriving during business hours and seeking a quicker, less stressful collection. Opt for the airport location if arriving outside Downtown Miami Budget hours or if you prefer to collect the vehicle immediately on arrival.
What documents do I need to pick up a Budget rental car in Downtown Miami?
To collect a Budget hire car in Downtown Miami, you must present all of the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid driving licence (original, unexpired, in the main driver’s name)
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, for the authorisation hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID (required for international visitors)
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the US)
If your driving licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at the Downtown Miami Budget counter. For licences in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone are not accepted as substitutes for your licence, passport, or credit card. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold.
How do tolls work when renting a Budget car in Downtown Miami?
Florida's toll roads are almost entirely cashless, and this applies to all routes you may drive from Downtown Miami, including the Florida Turnpike, I-95 Express lanes, and other South Florida expressways. Your Budget hire vehicle will include an electronic toll device or a plate-based billing system.
At the Downtown Miami Budget counter, you will typically be offered two options:
- Unlimited toll package: approximately US$11 to US$15 per rental day, covering all tolls during your hire period
- Pay per use: the actual toll amount plus daily or administrative processing fees, billed to your credit card after the hire
If you decline the toll programme and drive a toll road, the charge is captured via licence plate photo (Toll-by-Plate), billed to Budget as the registered owner, and then passed to you with added administrative fees. Some toll charges appear days or weeks after you return the vehicle.
Budget's toll programme is priced at approximately US$6.95 per day (with a monthly cap) when tolls are incurred. Estimated daily toll costs around Downtown Miami range from US$5 to US$20 depending on your route.
You may also opt out and use your own visitor toll pass. If you do, inform the Budget agent at collection so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and avoid duplicate charges.
Can I get a toll cashback when renting a Budget car in Downtown Miami?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which allows you to recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Downtown Miami Budget hire.
Florida's cashless toll network means you will almost certainly encounter toll charges on expressways around Downtown Miami, making this benefit particularly useful on routes using the Florida Turnpike, I-95 Express, or other South Florida toll roads.
To claim your cashback:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the hire agreement signed at the Budget counter, and a toll invoice or statement showing charges paid
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
Example: if your Downtown Miami Budget booking total is US$400, the maximum cashback is US$20. If you paid US$14 in tolls, you receive US$14 back.
What are the one-way street rules I should know before driving a Budget car in Downtown Miami?
Downtown Miami has a dense network of multi-lane one-way street pairs, many running three lanes wide, that can disorient first-time drivers. These streets were designed to move commuter traffic quickly, which means speeds can feel unexpectedly fast for visitors used to calmer urban grids.
Key things to know before driving your Budget hire in Downtown Miami:
- One-way pairs are common throughout the area, including in Brickell near the Budget counter at 93 SE 2nd St
- The street addressing grid originates from Flagler Street (east-west baseline) and Miami Avenue (north-south baseline), which can make navigation confusing if you are unfamiliar with the system
- The Midtown Interchange where I-395, SR-836, and I-95 meet involves complex weaving lanes and collector-distributor setups that can catch first-time drivers off guard
- Brickell Bridge openings for maritime traffic cause unpredictable short-term congestion near the Downtown Miami Budget location
- Diagonal streets in some neighbourhoods disrupt the standard grid pattern
Using a GPS or navigation app is strongly recommended when driving your Budget hire around Downtown Miami, particularly when merging onto expressways or navigating the Brickell area.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Budget car in Downtown Miami?
Yes, a major credit card in the main driver’s name is required at the Downtown Miami Budget counter, even if you have already prepaid your reservation online.
The card is used to place a temporary authorisation hold on your available credit. For standard vehicles in the United States, this hold is typically GBP 300 to GBP 400, though the exact amount is set by Budget at the counter and may vary by vehicle class or hire duration.
Important rules for your card at the Downtown Miami Budget collection:
- The card must be a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) with a line of credit, not a debit or prepaid card
- The driver’s name must be printed on the physical card
- The card must be presented physically at the counter; digital wallets and virtual card numbers are not accepted for the deposit
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold amount
The hold is released after you return the vehicle, but your bank controls how quickly it clears, which can take up to 15 business days. Bringing a backup credit card is advisable in case your primary card is declined.
Is there a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25 at the Downtown Miami Budget location?
Yes, drivers aged 21 to 24 are subject to a young-renter surcharge when collecting a Budget hire in Downtown Miami. The standard Budget rate is US$13 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes for the hire period.
Drivers under 21 are not permitted to hire with Budget in Downtown Miami. The minimum age without a surcharge is 25.
There is one notable exception: if you are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean (LAC) aged 21 to 24, certain Hola Car Rentals rates fulfilled by Budget waive the underage fee entirely. To qualify:
- The waiver must be explicitly shown on your Hola Car Rentals confirmation
- You must present a passport or government ID proving LAC nationality or residency at the Downtown Miami Budget counter
- The vehicle must belong to an eligible category (Economy, Compact, Medium Sedan, Standard Sedan, Compact SUV, or Medium SUV)
This exception applies to the main driver only. Additional drivers aged 21 to 24 may still be charged the surcharge or may not be accepted at the Downtown Miami Budget counter.
What travel assistance is included with a Budget hire in Downtown Miami?
Most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to your Budget hire in Downtown Miami.
If you are involved in an accident on a Downtown Miami expressway, experience a medical emergency during your hire, or face a flight disruption before or after your trip, this assistance covers:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this benefit does not apply to US or Canadian residents. It is designed for travellers visiting from outside North America. It also does not cover damage to the Budget hire vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS/ALI/SLI).
Check your booking confirmation for the exact coverages, deductible amounts, and any optional add-ons available for your Downtown Miami reservation.
Can I add an additional driver to my Budget hire in Downtown Miami?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget hire in Downtown Miami, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
If your Hola Car Rentals confirmation shows "Additional driver free of charge" or "Additional driver included," the first extra driver is covered at no cost. If it is not included, Budget charges US$13 per hire day plus taxes, with a maximum of US$65 plus taxes for the hire period.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Downtown Miami Budget counter:
- The additional driver must be present at collection and show a valid driving licence
- They must meet the minimum age requirement (25 for Budget; 21 to 24 may be subject to a young-driver surcharge or may not be accepted)
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
- If the additional driver’s licence is not in a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is required
Only drivers named on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. Anyone who drives the Downtown Miami Budget vehicle without being listed on the contract may void cover and trigger additional charges.
What fuel policy applies to Budget hires in Downtown Miami?
Budget hires in Downtown Miami follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for your Downtown Miami Budget hire:
- At collection, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location at 93 SE 2nd St before dropping off the vehicle
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- Show the gauge at Full when you return the vehicle
If you return the Downtown Miami Budget vehicle with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee.
If the vehicle was not full at collection, ask the Budget agent to record the exact starting level on the agreement. You are then only required to return it at that same level.
Does insurance come included with a Budget hire in Downtown Miami?
The insurance cover included with your Downtown Miami Budget hire depends on the rate plan you selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals.
Common coverages and what they protect:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Budget hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero excess
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving. Some US states require a minimum level of liability; coverage limits vary by plan
CDW/LDW does not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to third parties. LIS/ALI/SLI does not cover damage to the Budget hire vehicle itself. These two coverages work together and are not interchangeable.
Common exclusions at the Downtown Miami Budget counter include prohibited use (off-road driving, DUI, unauthorized drivers), late incident reporting, and certain vehicle parts such as tyres, undercarriage, and roof.
Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation for the exact coverages, excess amounts, and any optional extras available for your Downtown Miami booking before you arrive at the counter.
Can I pick up a Budget car in Downtown Miami and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way hires are possible with Budget, allowing you to collect in Downtown Miami and return the vehicle to a different location, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
How the fee works for your Downtown Miami Budget booking:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by destination, vehicle class, and season
- Same-city routes (for example, Downtown Miami to Miami International Airport) often carry no drop-off fee
- Routes to other Florida cities or out-of-state destinations typically include a one-way fee
- The fee is shown on the Hola Car Rentals details page under "To pay at destination" during checkout and on your booking confirmation
The drop-off fee cannot be prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed on your confirmation. It is separate from mileage, fuel, and tolls.
Cross-border one-way hires (for example, returning the Downtown Miami Budget car in another country) may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees. Always confirm cross-border rules with Budget at the counter before driving across a border.
If you need to change your return location after booking, contact Hola Car Rentals support, as mid-hire route changes must be approved by the partner and may reprice the hire.
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