Rental Car at MIA

If you elect for a rental car at MIA I have found that Cheapoair has some of the best rates around. Because actual vehicle pick-up for all companies is not on airport property and is located at various off-site areas, these must be accessed by courtesy shuttle van for each separate rental car company. The vans generally circulate on Levels 1 and 2. If the company you are renting from does not have an office on Level 1, you may have to phone them in order to have them send their free shuttle. Make sure you know exactly where you are located, such as Concourse E Level 1, so the driver will know where you will be waiting.

This unfortunately means it is difficult to give you generalized directions on how to get out of the airport area to your destination. Nevertheless, all rental companies should have clear maps to show you how to get onto the major highways from their parking lot.

If you're traveling with children, please be aware that all children under 40 pounds (18 kilograms) must ride in an FAA-approved child restraint system. Make sure you request one when you make your original reservation.

You will exit the airport in an easterly direction. Once you have left the airport buildings, look for overhead numerical colour signs indicating the various exits.

1. Exit 1 Red. Going directly ahead on the airport exit road takes you to the Wyndham Hotel , closest hotel to the airport, on 21st. Street and to most car rental agencies. Also alternative to Downtown and South Miami Beach, though we recommend you take Exit 4 Orange for these destinations.
2. Exit 2 Blue. Takes you to Central and North Miami Beach and I-95 north.
3.Exit 3 Green. Takes you to Hialeah, Miami Springs and Doral.
4. Exit 4 Orange. Takes you to Downtown, South Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, I-95 south.

Exit 1 Red
The car rental agencies at MIA are presently located within a triangular area bounded by Le Jeune Road, South River Drive and 21st. Street, until such time as construction of the vaunted Miami Intermodal Center is completed.

The Miami Intermodal Center is a massive ground transportation hub being developed by the Florida Department of Transportation. To be completed by 2011, the MIC Program consists of a Rental Car Center, the Miami Central Station and major roadway improvements. Make sure that

Toll Plaza

you get very clear instructions on how to exit this so called "Iron Triangle" (Fig. 2) from the rental lot to the highway system. Also insist on instructions on how to get back, which may be even more complex. More on that later.

Taking the motorway to Miami Beach, Downtown Miami and the I-95 Expressway will involve passing through a toll booth. If you have a Sun Pass you can sail right through keeping to the left hand lanes. If not you will need US$ 1.25. If you have exact change you go through the blue lane and toss US$ 1.25 in coins into the basket provided. If not, keep to the green lane on the right, where you will get change.

By now you should be able to get around somewhat painlessly. In this case I will presume that you will know the general direction of the airport, and which road to take in order to get there.

If you are coming from Central or North Miami Beach and I-95 North, you must get onto the SR 112 Airport Expressway. There are no tolls in this direction. Look for the third exit after you are past the I-95 junction. Keep to the centre or left hand lane. Next you will see an overhead sign.

Almost there - Keep to the left two lanes

Keep left for rental returns, ahead for airport

If going to drop people off at the airport, follow the appropriate sign, keeping right, which takes you directly to the airport. To drop off family or friends, take the Departures carriagway to the right up to Level 2. If you now want to drop off your car, exit the airport by Exit 1 Red and follow instructions above.

If you are dropping off your car, follow the indications to Le Jeune Road South (Major Rental Car Returns). You will descend onto Le Jeune Road. Keep to the left lane. At 25th Street turn left (there is a left turn traffic signal). Then follow the directions given to you by your rental car company. I hope you did not leave them in your room!

If you are coming from Downtown, South Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, I-95 south. You will be on SR 836 the Dolphin Expressway West. There are no tolls in this direction.

If going to drop people off at the airport exit at North Le Jeune Road (NOT NW 37th. Ave.). Keep to the right lane and follow the signs to the airport. Take the Departures carriagway to the right up to Level 2. If you now want to drop off your car, exit the airport by Exit 1 Red and follow instructions above.

Rental Return

Watch those confusing signs. Turn right here.

If you are dropping off your car, exit at NW 37th. Avenue, Airport. Turn right on NW 37th. Ave. Melreese Golf Course is on your left. On crossing the canal, you are entering the "Iron Triangle". Now follow the directions given to you by your rental car company. I hope you did not leave them in your room!

RENTAL CAR AT MIA