Minivan Hire
Miami

The most straightforward method is to use the MIA Mover, an automated people-mover that links all airport terminals directly to the Rental Car Center. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the signs for the MIA Mover station, which is typically a short walk from baggage reclaim. The system is designed to be efficient for travellers with children and luggage, removing the need to wait for a shuttle at the kerb. The ride is quick and enclosed, providing a comfortable transfer to collect your people carrier.

When planning for a group of six or seven, consider the mix of luggage you'll bring. A standard people carrier can typically accommodate several large suitcases and cabin bags when the third row is in use, but space can be tight. To gauge capacity, visualise that with all seats occupied the rear cargo area is best suited for medium-sized bags or a combination of cabin luggage and soft duffels. For groups with multiple large hard-shell suitcases each, packing strategically or using soft-sided luggage can make a significant difference.

To ensure your navigation app gives a clear route out of the airport, enter the specific address of your first destination, such as your hotel or a landmark, before you start driving. Avoid using a general destination like "Miami" or "South Beach", as this can sometimes confuse the app within the airport’s complex road network. By inputting the full street address while still parked in the rental garage, the GPS will calculate the most direct path out of the airport and onto the correct expressway.

Driving a people carrier to South Beach during afternoon rush hour can be slow-moving, so it’s sensible to allow extra travel time. For first-time visitors, the Julia Tuttle Causeway (I‑195) is often considered the more straightforward option. It provides a direct route with fewer complex interchanges compared with the MacArthur Causeway, which has more exits and merges near the port and downtown. Driving a larger vehicle is manageable, but remaining patient and keeping ample space between cars helps make the journey less stressful.

A great option for getting organised right after leaving the Rental Car Center is to head to the airport's cell phone waiting lot. It's located just a few minutes from the rental facility and provides a safe, designated area to park for a short time. This allows your group to adjust seats, secure children, pair phones with the vehicle's system and finalise your navigation route. Alternatively, a nearby petrol station also offers a convenient place to pull over without obstructing airport traffic.

Dropping off luggage on busy streets like Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue takes a bit of planning. The best approach is to use the hotel's designated loading zone, even if it means waiting briefly for a space. If the hotel lacks a specific zone, have one person ready to unload bags quickly onto the pavement while the driver remains in the vehicle. It's often helpful to call the hotel ahead of arrival to ask their recommendation for the smoothest process.

Parking a people carrier in most of South Beach’s public car parks is generally manageable, as they are built to accommodate a variety of vehicle sizes. However, always heed the posted height‑clearance signs at the entrance, which is especially important for older or smaller hotel garages. Inside the car park, take turns slowly and be mindful of the wider turning radius compared to a standard car. Arriving earlier in the day also makes finding a convenient space less challenging.

The most efficient way to explore Wynwood and the Design District is to park once and enjoy the neighbourhoods on foot. A good strategy is to find a central car park, such as the one near Wynwood Walls or a public lot in the Design District. The two areas are close enough to walk between or to take a very short rideshare. This approach saves the hassle of navigating traffic and searching for new parking every time you want to visit a gallery or shop.

When driving a people carrier in Brickell, visitors are often caught out by the density of one‑way streets and the complex I‑95 interchange. It's crucial to have your GPS active and pay attention to lane assignments well before your turn. Another common surprise is the frequent opening of the Brickell Avenue Bridge, which can cause sudden traffic backups. Staying alert and allowing extra time for navigation will help you avoid wrong turns on these busy downtown streets.

For a beach day with a people carrier, arriving early is the best strategy to secure a spot in popular public car parks, like the one at South Pointe Park. Once these car parks are full, the next best option is metered street parking, often found a few blocks west of the main beachfront roads. Using a parking app makes paying and extending your stay much easier. Be prepared to walk a short distance, as finding a space directly on the beach in the middle of the day is rare.

A weekend drive to Key Biscayne in a people carrier involves crossing the Rickenbacker Causeway, which has an electronic toll system. Most rental vehicles are fitted with a transponder to handle this automatically. The causeway can get very busy, so an early start is recommended to avoid the heaviest traffic. Follow the main roadway and clear signage for destinations like Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to avoid accidentally turning into private residential areas.

Both Zoo Miami and the Miami Seaquarium are well equipped for families arriving in larger vehicles like people carriers. Each attraction features large, dedicated car parks with ample space, making parking straightforward. The key is to follow directional signs as you approach the venue, which will guide you directly to visitor parking areas. Arriving closer to opening time usually ensures a space nearer the main entrance, minimising the walk for little ones.

To avoid the worst of Miami's traffic on the way to the Everglades, plan to leave the city after the morning rush hour, typically after 09:30. Driving west on Tamiami Trail (US‑41) or the Dolphin Expressway (SR‑836) will be significantly calmer during this window. For the return, aim to head back before 15:30 or wait until after 19:00 to miss the evening commute. This schedule will make the journey in your people carrier much more relaxed.

For the most relaxed start to your drive to the Florida Keys, taking the Florida Turnpike South is highly recommended. This toll road is typically less congested and more direct than taking US‑1 through the southern Miami suburbs. The Turnpike offers a smooth, multi‑lane motorway experience for the first leg, allowing you to get comfortable with the people carrier. It eventually merges with US‑1 in Florida City, setting you on the direct path to Key Largo.

A one‑day round trip from Miami to Key West is a very long day, involving about eight hours of driving alone. A realistic plan requires leaving Miami no later than 05:00 to maximise time in Key West. It's essential to have at least two drivers who can switch every couple of hours to prevent fatigue. Plan for one or two brief stops each way for fuel, restrooms and a quick bite, perhaps in Islamorada or Marathon, to break up the long drive.

When travelling to the Keys with children, planning stops is essential. The stretch of US‑1 through Key Largo and Islamorada is dotted with familiar fast‑food outlets, large petrol stations and grocery stores ideal for a quick break. These establishments typically have clean restrooms and are easy to pull into with a people carrier. Many also offer a chance to grab snacks and drinks for the remainder of the scenic drive.

For drivers unfamiliar with Miami, the interchanges between major highways like I‑95, the Dolphin Expressway (SR‑836) and the Palmetto Expressway (SR‑826) can be particularly challenging. These areas feature multiple lanes, frequent exits and fast‑moving local traffic. The express lanes on I‑95 can also be confusing, with specific entry and exit points. It's crucial to use a reliable GPS and know your exit well in advance to safely navigate these complex sections.

To avoid accidentally entering express lanes or taking the wrong ramp, stay vigilant and pay close attention to overhead road signs. Express lanes are clearly marked and often separated by plastic posts, so remain in the general purpose lanes unless you intend to use them. Using a GPS app is helpful, but always cross‑reference its directions with the road signs. When approaching a major interchange, reducing speed slightly gives you more time to identify the correct lane for your route.

To make the drive between Miami and Fort Lauderdale as stress‑free as possible, travel during off‑peak hours. The ideal time to drive on I‑95 is typically between 10:00 and 14:00 on weekdays, after the morning rush and before the evening commute. Alternatively, driving after 19:30 is also a good option. Weekend traffic can be unpredictable, but mid‑mornings on Saturday or Sunday are often clearer than the afternoons.

On an event day at Hard Rock Stadium, expect heavy traffic and follow all posted signs and directions from traffic marshals, as routes are often modified. The stadium has extensive car parks designed to handle large vehicles like people carriers, but it's wise to arrive early. Be aware that rideshare drop‑off and pick‑up zones are kept separate from the general parking areas. Following the signs for "Parking" will ensure you are routed correctly and avoid the congested rideshare loops.

The smoothest plan is to pick up your people carrier from MIA and drive to your hotel to check in and unload your luggage the day before your cruise. This allows you to relax without the pressure of a same‑day transfer. On cruise morning, have a leisurely breakfast before making the short, well‑signed drive to PortMiami. Following the signs for your specific cruise line and terminal will lead you directly to the passenger drop‑off area.

After dropping passengers and luggage at the cruise terminal curb, the driver should immediately look for and follow the signs that say "Exit to City" or "Port Exit." These signs are designed to guide traffic out of the terminal area and prevent drivers getting stuck in the loop of arriving vehicles. This will direct you back toward the PortMiami bridge, providing a clear path to downtown Miami or the highway system for your next destination.

The most convenient way to handle a people carrier at Bayside Marketplace is to use the large, multi‑level car park located on site. This garage is easily accessible from Biscayne Boulevard and is designed to accommodate the high volume of tourist traffic, including larger vehicles. Parking here allows direct access to the shops and restaurants, eliminating the stress of searching for limited and often tight on‑street parking in the busy downtown area.

The best strategy for visiting Little Havana is to park your people carrier once and explore the famous Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) on foot. There are several public car parks and metered on‑street spaces on the side streets just off the main strip. By securing a spot in one of these locations, you can easily walk to key attractions like cigar shops, restaurants and Domino Park without having to navigate the busy street repeatedly.

For a day trip to Vizcaya from Miami Beach, the simplest plan is to drive across one of the causeways to the mainland and head south on US‑1 (South Dixie Highway). The route is straightforward and well signed. Vizcaya has a large, dedicated car park located directly opposite the main entrance, which can easily accommodate people carriers. This makes parking convenient and allows easy access to the museum and gardens without a long walk.

Driving a people carrier during a Miami rainstorm can be challenging due to sudden, heavy downpours that severely limit visibility. It is crucial to reduce your speed, switch on dipped headlights and increase your following distance. Certain low‑lying areas in Miami Beach, Brickell and along causeways are prone to flooding, so avoid driving through standing water. Traffic on major routes like I‑95 and the Dolphin Expressway will slow significantly during these storms.

Out‑of‑town drivers are often surprised by the assertive and fast‑paced nature of Miami traffic, especially when merging onto motorways. Local drivers expect you to be decisive and match the speed of traffic quickly. In a larger vehicle like a people carrier, use your indicators well in advance but also be prepared to claim your space confidently. At junctions be aware that other drivers may turn or change lanes with little warning.

For trips with grandparents, neighbourhoods like Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are excellent choices. Coral Gables, particularly around Miracle Mile, offers numerous public garages with lifts that provide close access to shops and restaurants. Similarly, Coconut Grove's central district has convenient garage parking. Many of Miami's major attractions, such as Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, also feature ample parking directly adjacent to their entrances, reducing walking distances.

A day trip to the Palm Beach area is a straightforward drive north on I‑95. On arrival, parking a people carrier is generally easy. In Palm Beach there are public garages and metered lots near the upmarket shopping on Worth Avenue and the beachfront. In downtown West Palm Beach, several large public garages are available near Clematis Street and Rosemary Square, allowing you to park once and explore on foot.

To avoid circling at Aventura Mall, head directly for one of the multi‑level parking garages rather than searching for a surface spot. The garages adjacent to major department stores like Nordstrom or Macy's are good options and are easily accessible from Biscayne Boulevard. These garages often have electronic signs showing available spaces on each level, saving time and making it easy to park your people carrier.

During major events like Art Basel, expect significant road closures and diversions, especially in Miami Beach and Wynwood. Before heading out, check event websites and local news for the latest traffic advisories. The best plan is to park your people carrier at a garage on the perimeter of the event area and then use a rideshare service, public transport or walk to get closer. Trying to drive directly to the venue will likely result in getting stuck in heavy traffic.

To streamline a multi‑hotel trip, use packing cubes to organise belongings by destination or by day. This allows you to access only what you need at each stop without fully unpacking the people carrier. Plan hotel transitions during off‑peak traffic hours, such as between 10:00 and 14:00. This turns the move into a relaxed part of your day's sightseeing rather than a stressful commute in rush‑hour traffic.

To avoid getting stuck in traffic straight away, try to schedule flights to arrive late morning or early afternoon, between 11:00 and 14:00. This allows you to collect your people carrier and get on the road after the morning rush has eased. For vehicle return, doing so very early in the morning (before 06:30) or mid‑afternoon can help you miss the worst of airport‑area congestion, making for a smoother end to your trip.

The ideal place to wait is the airport's designated cell phone waiting lot. This lot provides free, convenient parking for drivers who are waiting to pick up arriving passengers. You can relax in your vehicle until your relatives have collected their luggage and called to say they are waiting at the arrivals curb. This eliminates the stress and fuel waste of repeatedly circling the busy terminal roads.

For a supermarket run in a people carrier, look for stores with dedicated parking garages, which are common in dense areas like Miami Beach and Brickell. The Publix supermarkets in these neighbourhoods typically have their own garages that are manageable for larger vehicles. To make the trip even easier, shop during off‑peak times, such as a weekday morning. This will help you avoid crowded car parks and checkout queues.

At many Miami Beach hotels, especially in the Art Deco district, valet parking is standard and often the only option due to limited space. Entrusting your people carrier to the hotel's professional valet service is a common and convenient practice. If you prefer to self‑park, contact the hotel in advance to ask if they have an arrangement with a nearby public car park that offers overnight rates. This can sometimes provide more flexibility for coming and going.

A great strategy for a car‑free day is to park your people carrier in a central municipal garage, such as those near Lincoln Road or Collins Park in Miami Beach. These garages offer reasonable daily rates and serve as excellent hubs. From there you can easily access the free Miami Beach Trolley, use a bike‑share scheme, or simply explore the vibrant area on foot without worrying about traffic or finding another parking spot.

When returning your people carrier from Miami Beach or downtown, the most direct route is usually to take the Dolphin Expressway (SR‑836) or the Airport Expressway (SR‑112) west. As you get close to the airport, pay attention to the large overhead signs for "Rental Car Return." The airport has a dedicated set of ramps and lanes that guide you straight into the Rental Car Center, so staying in the correct lane is key to a hassle‑free return.

On departure day, it's wise to budget at least an hour from the time you drive into the Rental Car Center to when you arrive at your airline's check‑in counter. This buffer accounts for the vehicle return process, the walk to the MIA Mover station, the train ride back to the main terminal and navigating to your specific departure level. Building in this extra time helps ensure a calm and unhurried end to your trip.

For an early‑morning flight, the most efficient sequence is to first drive to the departures level at the main terminal. Here you can drop off all passengers and luggage with one adult from your group. After they are safely at the curb, the driver can then proceed alone to the Rental Car Center to return the people carrier. This strategy prevents the whole group having to manage bags on the MIA Mover and streamlines the check‑in process.