The sun-kissed city of Miami in Florida is one of the most popular destinations in USA, offering vivid nightlife, golden beaches and cosmopolitanism. If you travel to Miami, you may wonder whether car rental is necessary or you can explore the place with alternative transportation options.
The truth is that car hire in Miami is a wise option if you want to discover everything Miami and the wider area has to offer, but you definitely should know the most important things about car rental to be fully prepared.
Should I Rent a Car in Miami?
Let’s start with the most common question. Why to rent a car in Miami? Can I use public transportation and are taxis and rideshare services available?
Well, the advantages of car rental in Miami are important:
- Flexibility: You have the convenience to discover the city easily and at your own pace, visiting popular spots whenever you want.
- Day trips: By car, you can do day trips and amazing road trips.
- Cost-benefit: Car hire is an efficient and affordable way to get around.
However, keep in mind that there are some disadvantages of car hire in Miami:
- Traffic: It is heavy in peak hours.
- Parking: It is expensive in downtown, but you can’t park in public spaces without fee.
- High cost: Car rental (including insurance and gas) is higher than public transportation.
So, if you want to make a budget-friendly trip, you may wonder: Do I have other transportation options?
Yes, you have the option of public transportation, moving around by buses, trolleys, metrorails and trains. However, public transportation has limited schedules and routes, is less convenient and more time-consuming.
On the other hand, Uber or other rideshare services, are not efficient for long distances and frequent routes, as they are much more expensive than car rental if you use them all the time.
So, you can avoid car rental in Miami if you stay only in one area (e.g. downtown or South Beach) or if you will stay only for a short timespan.
Day trips and excursions around Miami
When you rent a car in Miami, we recommend you getting around and see places that are not easily accessible by car.
The best excursions you can do are:
- Everglades National Park: Just a 45-minute drive from Miami, Everglades National Parkoffers a unique adventure into Florida’s wildlife. This huge wetland is home to alligators, manatees and bird species, where you can do hiking or kayaking, admiring this amazing ecosystem.
- Key Largo: The gateway to the Florida Keys, it is only 1.5-hour drive from Miami. The first and largest island has impressive coral reefs, offering a paradise for snorkeling and scuba-diving, as well as the option for glass-bottom boat tours.
- Boca Raton: An hour from Miami, this destination offers elegant shopping, pristine beaches and lush green parks. It is a quieter and calmer spot than Miami, offering a relaxing day trip opportunity away from crowded Miami.
- Fort Lauderdale: The so called “Venice of America” is located only 40 minutes from Miami and it is famous for its canals, beaches and vibrant nightlife. Fort Lauderdale Beachis one of the top beaches in Florida and perfect for sunbathing.
Documents and requirements
To rent a car in Miami, necessary documentation is:
- Passport or ID
- Credit card under the main driver’s name
- US license or (for foreign drivers) International Driving Permit.
The minimum age for car hire in Miami, Florida is 25 years, but you can be as young as 21 years if you pay an additional young driver fee. The maximum age is 85 years.
Useful tips for car rental in Miami
- Insurance: Insurance is mandatory, but you can choose the package that suits your needs. The wisest option, especially if you do long road trips and park the car outside is to buy a full-coverage insurance with theft protection to avoid extra costs.
- Inspect the car: When you pick up the car at the airport or in the city, inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and ensure it is noted in the rental agreement.
- Fuel policy: Fill the tank before returning the car to avoid extra charges. The policy of most rental agencies is “same to same”, meaning you should return the car with fuel at the same level it was when you picked up the car.
- Drop off time at the airport: To avoid stress in peak times, ensure you have enough time to return the car before your flight.
- Emergency numbers: Keep the rental company’s contact number in case of problems during your rental period. Florida’s emergency number is 911.
In summary, rent a car in Miami is an excellent opportunity to discover the city and the state of Florida, doing short day trips and excursions in this unique region that offers sun, cosmopolitanism and vivid life.