Quick Summary
- Compare on-airport and downtown desks to avoid queues and surge pricing.
- Book early for spring and holiday weekends; prices in Miami spike fast.
- Choose the right size for Ocean Drive and Brickell garages—compact often wins.
Landing at MIA and heading for South Beach? Before you pick a counter, line up your options. Miami has all the big names—Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, National and Budget—plus neighbourhood depots from the Airport to Miami Beach. If you want the simplest start, secure your car rental first, then compare brands by total price, insurance and fuel rules.
Where to start. For a fast exit from the Rental Car Center (RCC), many travellers favour brands with the shortest shuttle queues. If you’re staying around Brickell or Downtown, consider picking up near your hotel to skip airport fees entirely. Enterprise and Hertz both run large fleets at MIA, and Budget’s Downtown desk is handy if you don’t need airport pickup.
To check stock and opening hours at specific counters, jump straight to Enterprise at MIA via this Enterprise MIA desk, look at Hertz for premium sedans at this Hertz location at MIA, or plan a city pick‑up with this Budget Downtown Miami page. Families planning beach days might prefer extra boot space via this SUV option around Miami Beach.
How Hola Car Rentals helps. With Hola Car Rentals you get transparent pricing, a quick booking flow and support in plain English. Stand‑out benefits include Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, an All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, Cashback on tolls, and the chance to save up to 60% with no additional fees.
Tips for choosing the right brand. If you’re exploring the Keys, one‑way flexibility matters more than a dollar or two per day; brands like Alamo and National are strong on one‑way fleets. For urban driving between Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, a compact hatch is easier to park and uses less fuel than a full‑size SUV. Travelling with golf bags? Reserve early—Miami’s winter season sells out specialty classes quickly.
Pick‑up logistics at MIA. The MIA Mover train takes you from the terminals to the RCC in about five minutes; signage is clear, but arriving late at night can mean longer waits. If you prefer to return downtown, this guide to Miami Airport returns explains lanes and fuel options step‑by‑step.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- No additional fees, save 60% guaranteed.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on selected itineraries.
How to avoid surprises
Check your mileage policy (most Florida rentals are unlimited), confirm SunPass/tolls settings, and inspect the car for scratches under bright light. Photograph the fuel gauge and exterior on pick‑up and return—this takes seconds and settles disputes. If you’re staying on Collins Ave, street parking is tight; consider hotel garages when comparing the total cost.
Driving from the Airport to South Beach usually takes 25–35 minutes outside rush hour. The quickest route is the MacArthur Causeway (A1A) when traffic on the Julia Tuttle (I‑195) backs up. If you’re aiming for Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, take the Dolphin Expressway (SR‑836) west and switch to US‑1—expect 30–40 minutes. Keep an eye on express lanes; they’re dynamic‑priced and clearly signed.
Parking insight: Miami Beach uses metered bays and residential zones. Garages on 7th Street and 12th Street near Ocean Drive fill by early afternoon on weekends. If your hotel offers valet, compare the nightly rate to a nearby public garage; the difference can be significant over a week‑long stay.
Fuel and EVs: Most rentals run on regular unleaded. If you’re tempted by electric, public charging does exist in Brickell and Wynwood, but availability varies by hour—factor in dwell time. For easy road trips, a petrol compact still wins on convenience between the Everglades and Key Largo.
FAQs
Which company is cheapest in Miami? Prices change daily. Budget, Dollar, Thrifty and Payless often lead on base rates, while Alamo and Enterprise sometimes run weekend promos. Compare the final total including insurance.
Is airport pick‑up more expensive? Often, yes—airport facility fees can add up. Downtown counters may be cheaper, especially for weekday rentals.
Do I need a SunPass? Most visitors use the toll transponder offered at the counter. Hola Car Rentals offers Cashback on tolls to ease costs.
What licence and deposit do I need? A valid driver’s licence, credit card and, for some brands, an international driving permit. Deposit varies by supplier and class.
Ready to roll? Book with Hola Car Rentals today and enjoy clear pricing, helpful support and the freedom to explore Miami at your pace.
