Car Rental at Miami International Airport (MIA)

From Miami International Airport you’ve got the whole of southern Florida to explore, while Orlando, Cape Canaveral and the fabulous Florida Keys are just a short, sunny road trip away.

If you’re heading into the city, you’re perfectly positioned. Miami International (MIA) is around 12 kilometres from the city – exit the airport and drive along Route 836 for downtown Miami.

If you’re staying in Miami, you’ll find that the grid-based system of numbered roads and avenues makes navigation easy. Route 1 is the coast-side drive that takes you through all of Miami and beyond. Head south and you’re in for a fantastic drive, as it goes all the way to the Florida Keys, ending at Key West.

There are also several interstates that are perfect for ferrying you to other parts of Florida. The I-95 runs from Miami’s south end and traces Florida’s east coast up to Daytona Beach, Jacksonville and on into Georgia. If you want to visit the theme parks of Orlando, take that route before swinging west on Route 528.

For the west coast, you’ll want to take the I-75. This cuts right through the center of the Big Cypress National Preserve before emerging near the gorgeous resorts of Naples and Marco Island. It leads north through Fort Myers to Sarasota and Tampa.

Before you arrive, it’s worth knowing that there are several toll roads and turnpikes in Florida – our team will be able to advise you on how to use them if you’re not sure.

Everywhere you drive, Florida’s natural bounty reveals itself in all its glory. Stay in Miami and you can enjoy the golden beaches and buzzing city.

If your plans include taking a road trip, the majestic Keys are a treat, or you can head north for the world’s best theme parks. Rent a car at Miami Airport and you can do it all.

Making the most of Miami

One of the world’s top travel destinations, Miami is a city of excitement and passion. Be sure to spend some time exploring the iconic Miami Beach. You’ll find it divided into South Beach and North Beach. The former is the southern tip, stretching from South Pointe Park to Dade Boulevard.

South Beach is known for its white sands but also for the fact it oozes glamour, with buzzy nightspots and restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. Head to Ocean Drive to take in the art deco architecture Miami is famous for.

More residential, the North Beach area of Miami Beach has a rather laidback feel compared to its southern counterpart. The crowds thin out and there’s less going on – which makes it a hit with many families.

Culture vultures should head to Wynwood and the Design District, where you’ll find an array of galleries, street art and buzz. Grab lunch from a pop-up food truck and park up for the Wynwood Art Walk.

Museum Park near Biscayne Bay has several interesting spots, most notably the Perez Art Museum in an eccentric modern building.

The Key club

From Miami Airport it’s easy to drive down Route 1 to the Florida Keys – one of the best drives in the world. It’s a string of over 100 islands, some tiny and empty, others boasting bars, restaurants and hotels.

It feels like a different place to mainland Florida, with Key West and Key Largo the most famous islands of them, although there are plenty of unspoiled gems to discover too. Join a street party, wander through a quirky museum or find a quiet spot to watch the sun go down.

Orlando attraction

It’s a little far for a day trip, but Orlando is handily situated if you’re planning on a day or two away from Miami. The downtown area is much improved in recent years – but what draws people from across the world are the theme parks.

Whether you want to see the joy on your children’s faces as they encounter Mickey and pals at Disney or ride raucous roller coasters, it’s all here.

Disney definitely delivers for the young (and young at heart), while the Universal parks provide more high-octane thrills. Get there early to see it all – especially if you’re set on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where lines can be long. The parks stay open late, and there are hundreds of family-friendly eateries around them, and on International Drive too.

Whatever side of Miami you’re looking to experience, car rental at Miami Airport will help you make the most of the Florida fun.