Merge onto FL‑836 from Miami International and you’ll hit your first toll sign before the skyline even comes into view. That’s why visitors often ask whether a SunPass is required when they book a car rental and how the charges actually show up.
Short answer: you don’t need to buy your own SunPass to drive around Miami. Most toll roads and express lanes are fully cashless, and rental vehicles are billed automatically by license plate or a built‑in transponder. What matters is how the billing works and how to avoid unnecessary fees.
How tolls are billed on Miami rentals
Many vehicles are enrolled in plate‑based billing. When you pass a reader on SR‑112, I‑95 Express, or the Turnpike, the toll is recorded to the car’s plate and routed to the rental account. Some cars also include an activated transponder in the windshield that does the same thing. Either way, the tolls are tied to your contract dates and invoiced after your trip.
If you prefer a UK‑style terminology, you can always check local car hire options through Hola Car Rentals and compare which fleets include transponders by default.
Do you need your own SunPass?
Bringing a personal device isn’t necessary for most visitors. A portable pass will not avoid all admin charges, and it can be tricky to cover every facility you’ll use (for example, SR‑836, SR‑112, and the I‑95 Express lanes have different rules). For simple city touring, letting the rental handle tolls is easiest.
How to keep toll costs predictable
Choose pickup points that match your plans. If you’re staying oceanside, starting at a convenient South Beach pickup can help you bypass extra airport connectors. If your itinerary is downtown or Brickell, a quick Downtown Miami pickup often avoids express lanes you don’t need. For longer drives—Everglades or the Keys—compare airport routes from a handy Miami pickup at the airport area if you want the widest vehicle choice.
What you’ll pay: most rental programs add a small daily service fee on top of the toll amounts. This covers the technology and processing. You’ll see a final itemized statement after you return the car; it usually lists each road you used and the date.
Common toll segments for visitors
- SR‑112 (Airport Expressway) to Miami Beach.
- SR‑836 (Dolphin Expressway) across the city.
- I‑95 Express lanes (variable tolling during peak times).
- Florida’s Turnpike toward Homestead and the Everglades.
None of these facilities accept cash at booths anymore, so plate‑billing or a transponder is the norm. If you’re not in a rush, using parallel local roads can reduce how often you enter tolled sections.
Tips to avoid surprises
- Keep the transponder in its factory position; moving it can cause misreads.
- Enter express lanes only where permitted—solid double lines indicate no entry.
- Return the vehicle on time; tolls incurred after the scheduled return may post to your account until the car is checked in.
- Save the end‑of‑trip statement in case you need to reconcile charges later.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals makes Miami driving straightforward with transparent pricing and perks that matter: Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, All‑Inclusive+ rates with maximum coverage, and cashback on tolls to soften the impact of busy urban corridors. You’ll also see clear fuel and insurance terms up front—no surprises at the counter.
Bottom line: you don’t need to purchase a separate SunPass for Miami. Let the rental handle the toll technology, choose routes that fit your trip, and keep an eye on signage. When you’re ready to explore, reserve with Hola Car Rentals for a smooth, insured start to your Miami journey.
