Hertz Car Hire
Miami

After collecting your luggage at Miami International Airport, your first step is to look for signs directing you to the MIA Mover. This is an elevated, automated train system that connects the main terminal to the Rental Car Centre (RCC). The signage is prominent throughout the baggage claim and ground transportation levels. The MIA Mover provides a quick and convenient ride directly to the RCC building, where you will find the Hertz counter ready to assist you.

The most reliable way to reach the hire-car area after a late flight is by using the MIA Mover. This automated train runs 24 hours a day, ensuring you have a direct connection to the Rental Car Centre regardless of your arrival time. Simply follow the overhead signs from your gate and baggage claim towards the MIA Mover station. This route is well lit and designed for travellers, offering a safe and straightforward path that avoids navigating unfamiliar terminal corridors late at night.

For a group arriving on separate flights, the most efficient plan is for the designated driver to proceed alone to the Rental Car Centre via the MIA Mover. While the driver completes the rental paperwork and gets the vehicle, the rest of the group can gather with the luggage at a pre-arranged spot on the arrivals level kerb. Once the driver has the car, they can easily circle back to the terminal’s arrivals roadway for a convenient kerbside pick-up, uniting the group without everyone having to manage their bags at the hire-car counter.

The parking garage at the MIA Rental Car Centre is the perfect place to get organised before you start your drive. After you’ve picked up your keys and located your vehicle, take a few minutes in the parking bay to adjust your seat and mirrors. This is also the ideal time to set up your phone’s navigation, connect to Bluetooth, and arrange your luggage comfortably. Getting everything sorted before you exit the garage ensures you can focus completely on the road once you merge into Miami traffic.

Exiting the MIA Rental Car Centre can feel a bit complex for first-time visitors due to several merging lanes and quick decisions. It’s highly recommended to have your sat nav set and running before you leave the garage. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for major routes like the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) or Le Jeune Road. Driving defensively and giving yourself extra space will help you navigate the initial airport ramps and merge confidently onto the main roads.

For the most straightforward drive to South Beach, your best option is to take the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) East from the airport area. This expressway seamlessly becomes I-395, which then leads you directly onto the MacArthur Causeway. This route involves minimal complex turns and offers iconic views of the cruise ships and the downtown skyline as you cross Biscayne Bay. The causeway will drop you right at the southern end of Miami Beach, making it an easy approach.

To get to Downtown Miami or the Brickell area, the most direct path is to take the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) East from the airport. As you approach the city, you will see clear signs for the I-95 interchange. Follow the signs to merge onto I-95 South. The exits for Downtown and Brickell are among the very first you will encounter. Using a navigation app with lane guidance can be very helpful in ensuring you are in the correct lane for your specific exit.

A great route to Wynwood or the Design District is to take the Airport Expressway (SR 112) East from MIA. This toll road generally has less traffic than the Dolphin Expressway and provides a more direct line to the northern side of the city. SR 112 will connect you with I-95; you’ll head north for a very short distance before taking the exits for I-195 East or NW 36th Street. This path helps you bypass the more complex interchange where I-95 and SR 836 meet.

To reach Miami Beach hotels, especially those on bustling Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive, using the Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195) is often a great choice for mid-beach destinations. For South Beach, the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) is more direct. Before you arrive, it’s helpful to view your hotel’s location on a map to understand the street layout. Knowing whether to approach from the north or south can make finding the entrance and any temporary loading zones much easier on these busy one-way streets.

Parking in the heart of South Beach, particularly the Art Deco District, can be quite challenging due to high demand and limited on-street spaces. Your best strategy is to locate one of the many municipal parking garages, which offer hourly and daily rates. These are generally more secure and save you the frustration of circling for a space. Always read street-parking signs carefully, as many areas are reserved for residents or have strict time limits that are heavily enforced.

To keep your hire car clean after a day at the beach, it’s smart to come prepared. Pack a few large bin bags or a waterproof laundry bag to store wet swimwear and towels, preventing moisture from getting on the upholstery. Bringing an old sheet or a dedicated beach blanket to cover the seats and boot floor can also make clean-up much easier. A small, soft-bristled brush is also handy for sweeping sand off feet and gear before anyone gets in the car.

When your hotel has paid or valet-only parking, it’s wise to call ahead to clarify a few details. Ask for the exact daily parking fee, including any taxes, so you can budget accordingly. It’s also important to enquire about in-and-out privileges, as some hotels charge each time you retrieve your car. Finally, ask if the parking is on-site or in a nearby garage, which can affect the convenience and time it takes to access your vehicle.

Yes, parking regulations in Miami can be inconsistent, especially in dense areas like Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. It’s common for one side of a street to be metered while the other is residents-only. To avoid a ticket or being towed, always take a moment to read all posted signs near your parking bay. Pay close attention to time limits, street-cleaning schedules, and residential permit requirements. When in doubt, using a paid public garage is the safest option.

Driving in Miami’s core neighbourhoods at night can be intense due to the combination of vibrant nightlife, numerous one-way streets, and heavy pedestrian traffic. The multi-level motorway interchange where I-95 meets SR 836 can be particularly disorientating after dark for unfamiliar drivers. In South Beach, streets like Ocean Drive may have different traffic patterns in the evening. Using a sat nav with clear voice commands is essential, and it helps to drive a bit more slowly than usual to safely navigate the bustling environment.

To minimise traffic stress for an event at Kaseya Center, plan to arrive in the Downtown area well in advance, at least 90 minutes before the start time. A great strategy is to park in a garage several blocks away from the arena and enjoy a short walk. This allows for a much faster exit after the event, as you’ll avoid the immediate gridlock around the venue. Pre-booking a parking space online through a parking app can also guarantee your space and save time.

When driving to Hard Rock Stadium for a game, expect significant traffic and plan accordingly. The Florida Turnpike is the primary route, so it’s best to leave much earlier than you think you need to. The easiest approach is to pre-purchase a parking pass online for a specific lot, as this will dictate which Turnpike exit and route you should take. Following the directions for your designated lot will make both your arrival and departure much more organised and efficient.

Visiting the Pérez Art Museum (PAMM) and the Frost Science museum is incredibly convenient with a hire car. Both museums are located in Maurice A. Ferré Park and share a large, on-site underground parking garage. The entrance to the garage is clearly marked from Biscayne Boulevard. This set-up eliminates any need to search for parking, allowing you to park once and spend the day easily walking between the two world-class institutions.

A weekend trip to Key Biscayne requires some planning, as the Rickenbacker Causeway can get very congested, especially on sunny days. To ensure you get a parking space at Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, it’s best to head out early, aiming to arrive before 10 a.m. Be prepared for the causeway toll, and keep in mind that the car parks can fill to capacity, so an early start is key to a relaxing beach day.

For a stress-free drive to the main entrance of Everglades National Park, taking the Florida Turnpike South is your most reliable option. This toll road offers a direct route that helps you bypass local traffic. You’ll take the Turnpike down to Florida City and exit at SW 344th Street, also known as Palm Drive. From there, official brown national park signs will clearly guide you the rest of the way to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Centre.

To efficiently visit both the Everglades and Miami Beach, it’s best to start your day with the Everglades. Plan to arrive at the park in the morning when wildlife is typically more active and the temperatures are more pleasant for walking the trails. After your visit, you can then take a direct route east back towards the city and Miami Beach for the afternoon and evening. This sequence prevents you from having to drive away from the coast at the end of a long day.

For a successful day trip to Key West, an early start from Miami is essential, ideally no later than 6:00 a.m. The drive itself can take about four hours one way without any major traffic or stops. Leaving early helps you miss the worst of Miami’s morning rush and maximises your daylight hours in Key West. This also ensures you can begin your return journey with plenty of daylight, making the drive on the two-lane Overseas Highway much more comfortable and less tiring.

On the drive from Miami to Key Largo, the towns of Homestead and Florida City are your last chance for a wide variety of familiar fast-food chains and petrol stations right off the main road. A popular and unique stop is the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand in Florida City, perfect for stretching your legs and grabbing a fresh fruit milkshake. Once you reach Key Largo, you’ll find numerous casual restaurants and clean facilities that are easily accessible from the Overseas Highway.

The most straightforward route from Miami International Airport to Fort Lauderdale is to take I-95 North. While it can experience heavy traffic, it is a direct path that avoids some of the more complex interchanges. From the MIA Rental Car Centre, you will follow signs for SR 112 East, which provides a dedicated ramp to merge directly onto I-95 North. Simply stay on I-95 until you reach the exits for your destination in the Fort Lauderdale area.

For an enjoyable one-day loop to the Palm Beach area, the most efficient plan is to take I-95 North from Miami in the morning. This will get you to your destination quickly. For the return trip in the afternoon, consider taking the more scenic coastal route, A1A, for part of the way. While much slower due to lower speed limits and traffic lights, it offers beautiful views of the ocean and impressive estates, providing a relaxing end to your day trip before rejoining I-95 further south.

Miami’s major motorways, like the Florida Turnpike and the Dolphin Expressway, use a cashless, all-electronic tolling system. Hire cars are typically equipped with a transponder, and the hire company manages the billing process for you. The express lanes, marked with clear signage, have variable toll rates that are displayed on overhead signs. It’s important to note that the entry and exit points for these lanes are limited, so you must decide to enter them well in advance.

A frequent mistake visitors make is underestimating the pace of Miami traffic, leading to stressful, last-second manoeuvres to catch an exit. To avoid this, use a GPS app with lane-assist guidance and listen for instructions early. It’s also wise to drive defensively and maintain a generous following distance, as local driving styles can be assertive. Being prepared for your turns and merges well ahead of time is the best way to ensure a calm and safe driving experience.

The most efficient and stress-free way to pick someone up at MIA is to use the airport’s complimentary mobile phone waiting lot. You can park there for free and relax until your guest has collected their bags and is standing at the arrivals kerb. Once they call you to let you know their exact location, it’s only a two-minute drive to the terminal. This strategy helps you avoid circling the busy arrivals loop, which is often congested and monitored by traffic police.

The process for this is quite streamlined at MIA. First, drive to the departures level and drop off your friends and their luggage at the kerb corresponding to their airline. After they are on their way, simply get back on the main airport roadway and immediately begin following the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Car Return". These signs will guide you to a dedicated entrance for the Rental Car Centre, separating you from the terminal traffic and preventing any need to circle the airport.

As you approach Miami International Airport, pay close attention to the large overhead signs. You will want to specifically follow the ones that read "Rental Car Return". These signs are distinct from those for "Departures" or "Arrivals" and will direct you into the correct lanes for the MIA Rental Car Centre. Following this dedicated signage ensures you are routed directly to the garage entrance without getting mixed up in the passenger terminal traffic loops.

During peak times like the morning rush hour (roughly 7–9:30 a.m.) or on busy holiday travel days, it is a good idea to allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes for your car return. This buffer accounts for potential traffic delays getting to the airport, possible queues within the rental return garage, and the time needed for the MIA Mover ride back to the terminal. Planning for this extra time helps ensure a low-stress end to your trip and a timely arrival for your flight.

It’s not uncommon for GPS apps to get momentarily confused by the complex, multi-level roadways surrounding MIA. If this happens, your best strategy is to reduce your reliance on the app and focus on the airport’s official overhead signage. The signs are large, well placed, and use clear text and symbols for key destinations like "Rental Car Return", "Departures", and specific terminals. Trusting the airport’s physical signs is the most reliable way to get where you need to go.

Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are beautiful neighbourhoods with many schools, which can create traffic bottlenecks on weekdays. To avoid getting stuck, try to schedule your drives through these areas outside of the main school hours. Peak congestion typically occurs between 7:30–9:00 a.m. for morning drop-offs and 2:00–4:00 p.m. for afternoon pick-ups. Driving through during midday or in the evening will result in a much smoother and faster journey.

Driving on the main thoroughfare of Little Havana, Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), is relatively easy as it’s a major one-way street. The challenge is finding parking, especially during popular dinner hours. The best strategy is to look for parking on the residential side streets just north or south of Calle Ocho. You can often find metered spaces or small public car parks there, allowing you to park once and then enjoy the vibrant neighbourhood on foot.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a very easy destination to visit with a hire car. It is conveniently located on South Miami Avenue, a short and pleasant drive from Brickell or across the causeway from Miami Beach. The museum offers a large, dedicated parking lot for its visitors located directly across the road from the main entrance. This free and accessible parking removes any stress, allowing you to simply arrive and enjoy your visit.

A great strategy for a multi-stop day is to drive to a central point in each neighbourhood, park your car once, and then explore that area on foot. For example, find a public garage in Wynwood to see the murals, then drive to Little Havana and park on a side street to experience Calle Ocho. This "park and explore" method is far more efficient and enjoyable than trying to find a new parking space for every single point of interest within the same district.

Miami offers many excellent public parks that are perfect for a family break. South Pointe Park in Miami Beach has open green spaces, a playground, and public toilets. In the city’s core, Maurice A. Ferré Park near the downtown museums provides a great spot to run around. These locations are easily accessible by car and offer a much-needed opportunity for children to stretch their legs and for you to reorganise the car between destinations.

Miami’s tropical downpours can start abruptly and severely limit visibility. When caught in one, the first thing to do is turn on your headlights and significantly reduce your speed. Be very cautious of standing water, as some roads are prone to flooding and it can be difficult to judge the depth. If the rain becomes too intense to drive safely, it’s best to pull off the motorway and wait it out in a safe location like a shopping centre car park rather than on the hard shoulder.

Yes, the higher spans of Miami’s causeways, such as the MacArthur, Julia Tuttle, and Rickenbacker, can be quite windy, particularly on blustery days or during storms. While this is perfectly safe, drivers of larger vehicles like SUVs or vans might feel a slight push from the crosswinds. For nervous passengers, it helps for the driver to keep both hands on the wheel, maintain a steady speed, and stay centred in the lane to ensure a feeling of control and stability.

The most efficient plan for cruise day is to first drive your hire car directly to your cruise line’s terminal at PortMiami. Here, you can drop off all passengers and luggage with the porters at the kerb. Once your party and bags are checked in, the driver can then make the short trip alone back to the MIA Rental Car Centre to return the vehicle. From the RCC, it’s a simple and quick taxi or rideshare back to the port to join the group.

For a brief stopover, efficiency is key. After picking up your car at the MIA Rental Car Centre, choose a neighbourhood that is relatively close to the airport to maximise your time. Coral Gables is an excellent choice, offering the beautiful Biltmore Hotel, the Venetian Pool, and the Miracle Mile shopping district within a short drive. This allows you to experience a unique part of Miami’s culture without venturing into the potentially heavy traffic of Miami Beach, ensuring a timely and low-stress return to the airport.