Hertz Car Rental
Miami Beach

The Hertz rental location in Miami Beach is conveniently situated to be accessible from many of the area's popular hotels and attractions. While its exact address is best confirmed on your reservation, a great landmark to orient yourself is often a major thoroughfare like Collins Avenue. This main artery runs parallel to the ocean and is familiar to any local or taxi driver. Using a well-known hotel or the Miami Beach Convention Center as a starting point in your walking directions can also make finding the branch simple and straightforward.

To get from your South Beach hotel to the rental counter without a struggle, a short taxi or rideshare trip is typically the most efficient option. The ride is usually just a few minutes and saves you from navigating busy sidewalks with your bags. Alternatively, you can look into the free Miami Beach Trolley service, which has routes covering most of the area. Check the trolley map to see if a stop is conveniently located near both your hotel and the rental office for a cost-effective journey.

The most direct way to reach the major highways is to head west over one of the main causeways. From most of Miami Beach, your best options are the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) or the Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195). Before you start driving, program your GPS for the highway entrance to ensure it doesn't route you through the congested, pedestrian-heavy streets of the Art Deco District. Following the signs for I-95 from either causeway will provide a clear path to your northbound or southbound journey.

To ensure a stress-free start to your cruise, it's wise to leave Miami Beach with a generous time buffer. While PortMiami is geographically close, traffic on the MacArthur Causeway can be unpredictable, especially during morning rush hour. Plan to depart at least 90 minutes before your desired arrival time at the port. This accounts for potential traffic delays, navigating the port itself, and finding your cruise terminal, allowing you to begin your vacation in a relaxed manner.

Many hotels will gladly hold your luggage at the bell stand for a few hours, so it's always best to ask them first. If that isn't an option, proceed with your car pickup as planned. Once you have the vehicle, your trunk becomes a secure, mobile storage space for your bags. You can then enjoy a leisurely lunch, visit a nearby park, or explore a neighborhood away from your hotel until your room is ready for check-in.

If you prefer more spacious parking options, consider accommodations in Mid-Beach or North Beach. Hotels in these areas are more likely to have surface parking lots or larger, less compact parking garages compared to the dense, historic properties in South Beach. Additionally, these neighborhoods have numerous municipal lots that offer overnight parking. This can provide a more comfortable and less stressful experience than navigating the very tight valet-only garages common in the Art Deco District.

During major events like Art Basel, expect significant disruptions to normal traffic patterns. You will likely encounter major road closures, especially around the Miami Beach Convention Center and Ocean Drive, as well as heavy pedestrian traffic everywhere. Parking will be extremely limited and expensive. It is crucial to plan your routes well in advance, allow for double or triple the normal travel time, and consider parking in a garage on the periphery and using rideshares or walking to get closer to the event venues.

A day trip to Key Largo from Miami Beach is very manageable. The drive is approximately 60-70 miles and typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. In contrast, Key West is a much more ambitious journey, covering around 160 miles and requiring at least four hours of driving one way without any stops. Due to the long travel time, most visitors find that a trip to Key West is better enjoyed as an overnight stay rather than a single-day excursion.

Immediately after collecting your rental car, you'll find several convenient options for supplies. Major roads like Alton Road, 5th Street, and Collins Avenue are lined with well-known pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS, which are perfect for sunscreen and other essentials. For a wider selection of groceries and snacks, look for a Publix supermarket. There are several locations on the beach that are easily accessible before you head over a causeway or to your hotel.

To perform a thorough vehicle inspection without feeling rushed, drive just a block or two away from the rental office to a quieter side street. Pull over where it's safe to park for a few minutes. This gives you the space and time to walk around the car, take photos of its condition, adjust your mirrors and seat, and familiarize yourself with the controls. This brief stop ensures you are comfortable and have documented the car's state before merging into heavy Miami Beach traffic.

Yes, timing your departure from Miami Beach can make a significant difference. The causeways are busiest during typical morning and evening rush hours, roughly from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. For the smoothest exit, plan to leave during the late morning or early afternoon, between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Driving after 8:00 PM is also a good option, as most of the commuter and dinner traffic has subsided by then.

The most hassle-free parking strategy for Wynwood is to head directly to a dedicated parking garage. The Wynwood Garage, located centrally, is an excellent and secure option that allows you to park once and explore the entire arts district on foot. While metered street parking is available, it is highly competitive and can lead to frustrating searches. Using a garage eliminates that stress, letting you focus on enjoying the vibrant murals and galleries.

To maximize your time in the Everglades, an early start from Miami Beach is essential. Plan to be on the road by 8:00 AM to beat the worst of the city's outbound traffic. Take the MacArthur or Julia Tuttle Causeway west to the mainland and follow your GPS toward US-41 (Tamiami Trail), which leads to popular airboat tour operators and the Shark Valley entrance of the park. This early departure ensures a smoother drive and lets you experience the park during the cooler, more active morning hours.

For events at the Kaseya Center, consider parking in a garage that is a few blocks away from the arena itself. While garages adjacent to the venue are convenient for arrival, they often lead to significant gridlock upon exit. Parking a five-to-ten-minute walk away, perhaps further west or north, can provide much easier access to major roads like Biscayne Boulevard or the entrance to I-395. Pre-booking a spot through a parking app can also save time and guarantee you a space.

The grid of one-way streets, particularly in South Beach, can be tricky for newcomers. While the layout is mostly logical, it requires your full attention. It's crucial to trust your GPS but also to verify its directions with actual street signs, as temporary closures or changes can occur. Having a passenger help navigate is always beneficial. Pay close attention when making turns, as it's easy to accidentally head the wrong way if you're not watching for the one-way signs.

When staying near the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road, the best strategy is to adopt a 'park it and forget it' approach for local activities. Secure a spot in your hotel's garage or a nearby public parking facility for the duration of your stay. Use the car exclusively for your planned day trips off the island. For getting around Miami Beach itself, walking, biking, or using the local trolley service will be far more convenient and enjoyable than dealing with local traffic and parking.

Navigating valet-only hotels requires a bit of planning. Before heading out, call the valet stand to request your car, giving them about 15-20 minutes of lead time. When returning, use the designated loading zones efficiently; have your passengers and belongings ready to exit promptly. It's often easiest to handle luggage with the bell staff before or after dealing with the car to keep your time in the active driveway to a minimum.

After picking up your vehicle, find a low-traffic area to get acquainted with it. A large public parking lot, like those found at North Shore Park or South Pointe Park during off-peak hours, is an ideal spot. Alternatively, a quiet residential street in Mid-Beach can work well. This allows you a few calm minutes to adjust your seat, set your mirrors, connect your phone to Bluetooth, and understand the basic controls before you navigate busier roads like Collins Avenue or the causeways.

The most important rule is to never leave any items visible inside the passenger cabin of your car. Always store your luggage, shopping bags, electronics, and other valuables in the trunk. Crucially, you should place these items in the trunk *before* you arrive at your destination parking spot. Transferring belongings in a public lot can alert potential thieves to what you're leaving behind, so it's best to be discreet and prepared in advance.

To manage group transportation smoothly, communication and planning are key. Map out all your stops in a logical sequence to create the most efficient route. For pickups at hotels or venues, designate a specific, legal curbside meeting point and have your group ready and waiting at the scheduled time. This avoids the need to circle the block or risk a ticket by double-parking in a busy area.

For a straightforward drive from the Fort Lauderdale area, taking I-95 South is the most direct path. To avoid the more complex downtown Miami interchanges, a simple option is to exit onto I-195 East, also known as the Julia Tuttle Causeway. This route takes you directly into the Mid-Beach area with minimal fuss. It's a well-marked and popular route for visitors heading to the beach from the north.

The key to a smooth trip to Hard Rock Stadium is to leave Miami Beach very early, allowing at least double the normal travel time. Pre-purchasing your parking pass online is highly recommended, as it often includes specific directions to an assigned lot. Following these dedicated routes, rather than just a standard GPS destination, can guide you to entrances designed to minimize congestion and get you parked more efficiently.

To minimize traffic on your shopping excursion, plan your drive for off-peak hours. The best time to leave Miami Beach for the malls is mid-morning on a weekday, around 10:00 AM, after the morning rush has cleared. For your return trip, aim to leave the mall either before 3:30 PM to get ahead of the afternoon commute or wait until after 7:00 PM when the worst of the evening traffic has dissipated.

When driving over the causeways in adverse weather, heightened caution is essential. During heavy rain, reduce your speed significantly and increase the distance between you and the car ahead, as visibility can drop quickly. In high winds, be prepared for sudden gusts that can affect your steering, especially if you are in a larger vehicle like an SUV or van. Always adhere to any weather-related warnings or restrictions posted on electronic signs.

Both Palm Beach and Boca Raton are excellent for a 'park once and explore' strategy. In Palm Beach, find a public parking garage near the famous Worth Avenue, which will place you in the heart of the high-end shopping and dining district. In Boca Raton, the large parking structures at Mizner Park serve the same purpose. This approach allows you to leave your car for the day and enjoy the best of these walkable cities without the hassle of moving your vehicle multiple times.

After picking up your car in Miami Beach, your first step is to get to the mainland via one of the causeways. Set your GPS for a large supermarket, such as a Publix, in Homestead or Florida City. These are the last major towns with large, well-stocked stores before you begin the drive down the Overseas Highway. This strategy allows you to stock up on food, drinks, and supplies conveniently without paying higher prices in the Keys.

The most direct route to Miami International Airport (MIA) is to take the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) west from South Beach. This road seamlessly becomes State Road 836 West, which leads directly to the airport. As you approach MIA, follow the prominent overhead signs for the Rental Car Center. Be sure to allow ample time for the drive, the car return process, and the shuttle ride to your departure terminal.

Consider your itinerary to make the best choice. If you plan to spend your first few days exclusively on Miami Beach, it's often more practical and economical to take a taxi or rideshare to your hotel from the airport. You can then pick up your rental car from the Miami Beach location on the day you plan to start exploring other parts of South Florida. This approach saves you from paying for overnight parking for a car you aren't using.

During the peak of spring break, especially on weekends, traffic on and around Miami Beach can be extremely congested at all hours. It is wise to at least double your standard travel time estimate. If you would normally budget one hour to drive to the airport and return your car, you should plan for a minimum of two hours. This buffer will help you account for unpredictable gridlock on the causeways and potential delays at the rental return facility.

For a visit to Little Havana, the best parking strategy is to find a spot in one of the public lots or garages located just off the main strip of Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street). There are several options between SW 12th and 17th Avenues. Parking in a designated lot is more secure and far less stressful than searching for limited street parking. This allows you to leave the car and immerse yourself in the neighborhood's vibrant culture on foot.

Driving to Vizcaya from Miami Beach is quite simple. Take the MacArthur Causeway to the mainland and follow the signs to get on I-95 South for a very short distance. Take the exit for Key Biscayne and follow the signs for the museum. Vizcaya has a large, dedicated parking lot located directly across South Miami Avenue from the entrance, making parking convenient and easy for visitors.

From Mid-Beach or North Beach, the most straightforward route to the Design District is via the Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195). Head west on this causeway, and it will take you directly to the mainland, with exits that place you on the edge of the Design District. This route helps you bypass the traffic of South Beach and the complexities of downtown streets, offering a relatively direct path to the area's shops and galleries.

Night driving in Miami Beach requires heightened awareness. The area is very active after dark, so be extremely watchful for pedestrians who may cross the street unexpectedly, especially in the entertainment districts. Also, keep an eye out for cyclists and individuals on electric scooters, who can be difficult to see. Be aware that some streets may have different traffic patterns or turn restrictions in the evening to accommodate nightlife and outdoor dining.

To install a car seat safely and without pressure, find a location away from busy traffic. The parking lot of a public park, such as North Shore Park or the large lot at South Pointe Park, is an excellent choice. These areas typically have ample space and less vehicle movement, especially on a weekday. This allows you to take all the time you need to ensure the car seat is secured properly before you begin your drive.

This makes for a fantastic Miami day. After enjoying your morning on Miami Beach, plan to start your drive towards Key Biscayne in the mid-afternoon, around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. This timing helps you avoid the worst of the evening rush hour. The drive requires crossing the Rickenbacker Causeway, which has a toll. Head to either Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, both of which offer spectacular sunset views looking back at the Miami skyline.

When driving south from Orlando on the Florida Turnpike, the easiest way to get to Miami Beach is to take the exit for I-195 East (Julia Tuttle Causeway). This will take you directly into Mid-Beach. Be sure to book a hotel that offers parking. When you're ready to continue your journey to the Keys, simply drive back over the causeway to the mainland and follow signs for US-1 South, which is the main highway leading to Key Largo.

Many of the highways and causeways in the Miami area use a cashless tolling system. Most rental vehicles come equipped with a tolling transponder, which automatically pays the tolls as you drive through. This service is very convenient and means you don't need to worry about carrying cash or stopping at toll booths. It's a good practice to ask the rental agent at pickup how their specific tolling program works so you are fully informed.

If you have a significant gap between checkout and your departure, use the rental car as a mobile locker for your luggage. After checking out of your hotel, place your bags securely in the trunk. You can then enjoy a final meal, do some last-minute shopping, or visit another attraction. Plan your final activity in a location that is convenient to your car return location, whether it's back in Miami Beach or at the airport.

For a beautiful coastal drive, simply head north from South Beach on Collins Avenue, which becomes A1A. This road runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, taking you through a string of charming seaside communities like Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Sunny Isles Beach, with plenty of ocean views. Another fantastic scenic option is to drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline.