Miami Car Rental Deals – From South Beach to the Keys

08/03/202508/06/2025

Why rent a car in Miami

We compare rates from 50+ suppliers at Miami International Airport (MIA) and throughout South Florida. Whether you're here for business, beaches, or heading down to the Keys, our flexible booking options (including hurricane-season policies) ensure you cruise in style.

Bienvenidos a Miami! In this vibrant international gateway where 70% of residents speak Spanish, having your own wheels is essential for experiencing everything from Art Deco South Beach to the Everglades' wild beauty. Our Miami car rentals start from just $25/day for economy cars, with luxury exotics available up to $3,500/day for those special occasions.

Find Your Perfect Miami Rental

Miami offers everything from practical to luxurious:

  • Economy (e.g., Nissan Versa), from $25/day Perfect for city driving and easy beach parking
  • Convertible (e.g., Ford Mustang), from $65/day Classic Miami style for Ocean Drive cruising
  • Luxury Sedan (e.g., Mercedes C-Class), from $85/day Business-ready for Brickell meetings

December peaks at $52/day average. High season (Dec-April) commands 20-50% premiums.

Miami Driving Guide, Navigate Like a Local

Understanding Miami's Toll System

Miami has extensive electronic tolling with NO cash accepted:

  • Major toll roads: Florida's Turnpike, Dolphin Expressway (SR-836), Don Shula Expressway
  • All bridges to Miami Beach are tolled
  • Options: Rental company toll program ($5-15/day) or pay online within 5 days
  • Pro tip: Calculate if daily toll program saves money based on your routes

South Beach Parking Strategies

  • Street parking: $4-6/hour via ParkMobile app, 3-hour maximums
  • Municipal garages: $15-40/day depending on location
  • Resident-only zones: Heavily enforced with aggressive towing
  • Hotels: Expect $35-50/night valet parking
  • Best bet: Park at Lincoln Road garage and walk

Traffic Patterns

  • I-95 corridor: 300,000+ daily vehicles between Golden Glades and SR-112
  • Beach causeways: MacArthur and Julia Tuttle bottleneck during rush hours
  • Peak times: 7-9 AM inbound, 4-7 PM outbound, plus weekend beach traffic
  • 95 Express Lanes: Free for 3+ occupants, otherwise dynamic toll pricing

Miami Laws & Enforcement

  • NEW HALO Law (2025): 25-foot buffer required around first responders
  • Move Over Law: Change lanes for emergency vehicles
  • Speed cameras: Active in school zones and some municipalities
  • Miami Beach: Extremely aggressive parking enforcement and towing

Hurricane Season Considerations

June 1 - November 30 with peak in August-September:

  • Rental policies: Flexible cancellation and extended rentals during storms
  • Fleet relocation: Companies move cars before hurricanes
  • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage essential
  • Availability: Book early as evacuations strain inventory

Must-Do Miami Road Trips

Miami to Key West

Distance: 165 miles (3.5 hours) via US-1/Overseas Highway Highlights: The spectacular Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. Stop at Key Largo (John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park), Islamorada (sportfishing capital), Marathon (Turtle Hospital), and cross the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Tips: No gas stations on long stretches, fill up in Florida City. Parking in Key West is limited and expensive, consider Park & Ride.

Miami to Everglades

Distance: 45 miles (1 hour) to main entrance Route: US-41 (Tamiami Trail) west Highlights: Anhinga Trail for guaranteed alligator sightings, airboat tours, Shark Valley's 15-mile loop. Continue to Naples for Gulf Coast beaches. Tips: Bring bug spray. No food inside park. Best visited October-April for fewer mosquitoes.

Miami to Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach

Distance: 30 miles to Fort Lauderdale, 75 miles to Palm Beach Route: I-95 or scenic A1A along the coast Highlights: Las Olas Boulevard shopping/dining, Lauderdale beaches, Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Flagler Museum. Tips: A1A is slower but gorgeous. Consider Fort Lauderdale Airport for potentially cheaper rentals.

Popular Miami destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

December-April (high season), Art Basel (early December), Ultra Music Festival (March), Spring Break. Summer is cheaper but hot and hurricane-prone.

Regular cars: 21+ (with $13-30/day young driver fee for 21-24). Exotic/luxury: typically 25+ with higher deposits and insurance requirements.

Yes: higher deposits ($5,000+), comprehensive insurance, sometimes proof of existing auto insurance, and delivery/return fees for hotel service.

All tolls are electronic. Options: 1) Rental toll program ($5-15/day plus tolls), 2) Pay online within 5 days via license plate, 3) Risk violation fees. No cash accepted anywhere.

Municipal garages ($20-40/day), street meters via ParkMobile app ($4-6/hour), or hotel valet ($35-50). Never park in resident zones – towing is immediate and expensive ($150+).