Miami offers sun, sea, and fun all year round, and as someone who’s driven its colorful streets in a rented convertible, I can tell you a car rental in Miami is the best way to explore this vibrant city in 2025. Picture cruising Ocean Drive with the breeze in your hair or taking a quick trip to the Everglades!
Using fresh data from KAYAK, Turo, and Airbnb (August 2025), I’ve created this simple guide to help you find the perfect car rental in Miami. It covers prices, top companies, driving tips, a sample itinerary, and more. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, let’s get you on the road!
Download PDF Guide: Car Rental in Miami
Why Rent a Car in Miami?
A car rental in Miami makes it easy to see the city’s beaches, neighborhoods, and nearby spots. Here’s why I love it:
- Go Anywhere, Anytime: Buses and trains (Metrobus, Metrorail) don’t cover all of Miami, but a car lets you visit South Beach, Wynwood, or Key Biscayne whenever you want.
- Lots of Choices: Pick from budget-friendly cars ($22–$45/day) to fancy SUVs or convertibles ($40–$154/day) to match your style and wallet.
- Fun Day Trips: Drive to Everglades National Park (1 hour) or Key West (3.5 hours) for amazing adventures.
- Super Convenient: Grab your car at Miami International Airport (MIA) or city spots, with drop-offs available 24/7 at many places.
Pro Tip: Book 2–4 weeks early on kayak.com or turo.com to save up to 40%.
🚗 Travel Experience Tip: According to a 2023 TripAdvisor survey, 68% of Miami travelers said they preferred renting a car over using public transport or Uber/Lyft for city-wide travel.
📅 When’s the Best Time to Rent a Car in Miami?
Timing matters, especially when you’re trying to stay within budget. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you:
| Season | Avg. Daily Rental Rate | Notes |
| December–March | $60–$120 | High season — book early! |
| April–June | $35–$70 | Shoulder season, better deals |
| July–August | $45–$85 | Hot but busy, summer pricing |
| September–November | $30–$60 | Low season, cheapest rentals |
🔥 Expert Tip: Book 4–6 weeks in advance during peak months to avoid paying double.
💰 How Much Does a Car Rental in Miami Cost?
The average cost for a standard rental car in Miami is between $35 to $75 per day, depending on:
- Vehicle class (economy, SUV, luxury)
- Rental location (airport vs. off-airport)
- Rental duration (daily vs. weekly)
- Season and availability
Typical price ranges:
- 🚙 Economy Car – $30–$45/day
- 🚗 Compact SUV – $50–$70/day
- 🚘 Luxury Vehicle – $90–$150+/day
- 🚐 Minivan or Family SUV – $70–$120/day
💡 Hidden Fees to Watch For:
- Toll charges
- Additional driver fees
- Young driver surcharge (under 25)
- Late return penalties
- Airport concession fees
Tip from a Travel Blogger: Always choose a “full-to-full” fuel policy to avoid extra charges. Some companies overcharge for pre-filled fuel.
Top Car Rental Companies in Miami (2025)
Miami has traditional rental agencies (like Budget and Avis) and peer-to-peer apps (like Turo). Here are five great options, with prices, pick-up spots, and features, based on August 2025 data.
| Company | Pick-Up Spots | Price Range/Day | Key Features |
| Budget | MIA Rental Car Center, Downtown Miami | $22–$43 (Economy to Minivan) | Fastbreak Membership, 24/7 drop-off, free cancellation |
| Avis | MIA, Miami Beach, Coral Gables | $22–$35 (Economy to Full-size) | Prepaid discounts, GPS add-ons, pet-friendly cars |
| Turo | MIA, South Beach, custom delivery | $42–$154 (Economy to Premium) | Unique cars (e.g., convertibles), hotel delivery |
| SIXT | MIA, North Miami, Miami Beach | $22–$100 (Economy to Luxury) | Luxury SUVs, convertibles, flexible changes |
| Enterprise | MIA, South Beach, Coral Gables | $25–$50 (Economy to Exotic) | Exotic cars, one-way rentals, Enterprise Plus points |
My Experience: I rented a compact SUV from Budget at MIA for $35/day (an awesome off-peak deal!), perfect for driving to Wynwood’s colorful murals. Another time, I got a Turo convertible for $50/day and cruised Ocean Drive with the top down—total Miami vibes!
Map Link: Check the MIA Rental Car Center for easy navigation.
Rental Car Centers Location on Map:
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🏆 4 Best Cheapest Car Rental Companies in Miami (Reviewed & Trusted)
Here’s a breakdown of top-rated rental companies based on user reviews, fleet variety, and pricing transparency.
1. ✅ Dollar Rent-A-Car
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Best for: Family trips and business travelers
- Why choose it? Great customer service, extensive fleet, flexible locations
- Local Trust Factor: Available in downtown Miami and major airports
2. ✅ Hertz
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Best for: Frequent travelers and reward members
- Highlights: Fast service at MIA, loyalty perks, great coverage
3. ✅ Miles Car Rentals Miami
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Best for: Stylish travelers and luxury seekers
- Fleet: BMWs, Audis, Jeeps
- Extra perk: Often cheaper for upscale models than competitors
4. ✅ Alamo
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Best for: Budget-conscious families
- Strength: Fast airport checkouts, mobile app reservations
- Travel Insight: Popular with tourists for its free extra driver deal
📍 Where to Pick Up Your Rental in Miami
Most visitors pick up their car at:
✈️ Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Located at the Rental Car Center (RCC)
- Houses all major car rental brands
- Open 24/7
- Easy access via MIA Mover (free shuttle)
BUT: Airport pickups come with a concession fee (11.1%). If you’re looking to save:
📍 Off-Airport Locations
- Downtown Miami, South Beach, Doral
- Often offer cheaper base rates
- Great for travelers staying in the city center
📌 Local’s Advice: If you don’t need a car the first day (e.g., you’re just relaxing at the beach), pick it up later off-airport to avoid extra costs.
Driving Tips for Miami in 2025
From my Miami road trips, here’s what you need to know to drive safely:
- Parking: South Beach street parking costs $1–$4/hour. Use apps like ParkMobile to reserve spots and avoid circling. Garages run $10–$20/day.
- Tolls: Highways like the Dolphin Expressway need a SunPass transponder. Ask if your rental includes one to avoid $5–$15/day fees.
- Traffic: Skip rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) in Downtown and Brickell. Causeways to Miami Beach can get jammed.
- Rules: Drive on the right, keep blood-alcohol below 0.08%, and don’t use your phone while driving. Right turns on red are okay after a full stop.
- Safety: Watch for bikes and pedestrians, especially in Miami Beach. Lock valuables in the trunk to avoid break-ins.
Costs and Fees for Car Rental in Miami
- Daily Rates: Economy ($22–$45), SUVs ($25–$50), Convertibles ($40–$154), based on KAYAK and Turo data. Prices are higher in peak season (December–April).
- Additional Fees:
- Cleaning: $20–$50 (e.g., for pet hair or smoking).
- Tolls: $5–$15/day without SunPass.
- Young Driver Fee: $15–$25/day for drivers under 25.
- Damage Policy: Expect charges up to $500 for scratches or dents. Take photos of the car before and after to avoid disputes.
My Experience: I saved $10/day by booking Budget online early. On Turo, I avoided a $100 cleaning fee by vacuuming the car before returning it.
🌴 Top Places to Visit with Your Rental Car
Having a rental opens doors to epic road trips. Here are the must-visit spots near Miami:
🌊 Key Biscayne
- 20 minutes from downtown
- Known for quiet beaches and biking trails
🌴 Everglades National Park
- 1-hour drive
- Best for airboat rides and wildlife spotting
🏝️ Florida Keys Road Trip
- 4-hour drive to Key West
- One of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
🛍️ Sawgrass Mills or Dolphin Mall
- Huge outlets with discount designer shopping
🌟 Insider Tip: Visit Hollywood Beach Broadwalk for a chill seaside vibe with free parking after 6 PM.
🧠 How to Rent a Car in Miami Like a Pro
Here’s a step-by-step for a stress-free rental experience:
- Compare Rates Online (Kayak, Expedia, or AutoSlash)
- Choose Airport or Off-Airport Pickup
- Use a Credit Card with rental car insurance benefits
- Add Drivers Early if you’re not the only one driving
- Check for Unlimited Mileage
- Inspect the Car Thoroughly Before Leaving
- Download Toll Apps or ask for SunPass
📸 Take photos of the car from all angles — it protects you from false damage claims later.
Understanding Rental Car Insurance
Choosing insurance can be confusing, so here’s a quick breakdown:
- Your Personal Insurance: Many auto policies cover rentals. Call your provider to confirm before declining rental company insurance.
- Credit Card Coverage: Cards like Visa or Amex often include collision damage waivers. Check terms (e.g., excludes luxury cars).
- Rental Company Insurance: Costs $10–$30/day for collision/loss damage waivers or liability coverage. Skip if you’re already covered.
- Turo Protection Plans: Range from $10–$18/day (Basic to Premier). Basic covers up to $750,000 in liability; Premier minimizes your out-of-pocket costs.
Pro Tip: Review your insurance options before booking to save $10–$30/day.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary with a Car Rental in Miami
Here’s a 2025 itinerary for a family of 4 using a car rental in Miami (e.g., Budget SUV, $35–$45/day):
- Day 1 (South Beach): Pick up your rental at MIA, drive to Ocean Drive (15 min, free parking if early). Chill at South Beach (free), eat at Joe’s Stone Crab ($80–$120 for 4). Cost: $80–$120.
- Day 2 (Everglades): Drive to Everglades National Park (1 hr, $30 park entry). Take an airboat tour ($80–$120 for 4). Dinner at Versailles in Little Havana ($76–$80 for 4 Cuban sandwiches at $19–$20 each). Cost: $186–$230.
- Day 3 (Key Biscayne): Drive to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (20 min, $8 entry). Enjoy the beach and lighthouse (free). Lunch at Rusty Pelican ($60–$100 for 4). Cost: $68–$108.
Total Cost (Excluding Rental): $334–$458 for a family of 4. Search Tip: “family-friendly car rental in Miami 2025” for fresh listings.
Budget Calculator for Your Miami Car Rental
For a family of 4 (3 days, Budget SUV):
- Rental: $35–$45/day x 3 = $105–$135
- Fuel: $30–$50 (200 miles at 25 MPG, $3.50/gallon)
- Parking/Tolls: $15–$30 (e.g., $5–$10/day parking, $0–$5/day tolls)
- Food/Activities: $334–$458 (from itinerary)
- Total: $484–$673
Pro Tip: Save by parking free early in South Beach or choosing a rental with SunPass included.
How to Find the Best Car Rental in Miami
Here’s a step-by-step guide from my Miami trips to get a great car rental in Miami:
- Compare Prices: Visit kayak.com, booking.com, or Uber Rent to check deals across Budget, Avis, and others. Turo has unique cars with delivery.
- Book Early: Reserve 2–3 months ahead for peak season (December–April) to snag rates as low as $22/day.
- Read Reviews: Look for 4.5+ ratings on KAYAK or Turo. Guests love Budget for reliability and Turo for friendly hosts (e.g., “Car was clean and host was awesome!” – a recent guest).
- Check Fees: Watch for cleaning ($20–$50) or toll fees ($5–$15/day). Skip extra insurance if your policy covers rentals.
- Pick Your Car: Choose a convertible for South Beach fun, an SUV for family trips, or an economy car to save money.
Pro Tip: Use Turo’s “Unlimited distance” filter for road trips to Key West or the Everglades.
FAQs About Car Rental in Miami
Do I need a SunPass for tolls?
Most rentals include a SunPass, but confirm with the agency. Without one, you’ll pay $5–$15/day in fees.
Can I rent if I’m under 25?
Yes, but expect a $15–$25/day young driver fee from most agencies.
Is insurance necessary?
Check if your personal auto policy or credit card covers rentals. If not, budget $10–$30/day for rental company insurance.
Can I return the car late at night?
Yes, MIA’s Rental Car Center and many agencies offer 24/7 drop-off. Check hours for off-airport locations.
Are convertibles worth it?
Absolutely for South Beach vibes! They cost $40–$154/day but make cruising Ocean Drive unforgettable.
Do I need an International Driver’s License to rent in Miami?
No. Most companies accept foreign licenses in English or accompanied by an IDP.
What’s the minimum age for renting a car in Miami?
Usually 21 years old, but some companies charge young driver fees if under 25.
Is insurance included in the price?
No. Basic liability may be included, but full coverage often costs extra. Use your credit card benefits or buy third-party insurance if cheaper.
Can I take my rental to other states or the Keys?
Yes! But always check the rental agreement. Some companies restrict travel to Cuba via Key West (yes, people try).
What if I get a ticket or toll violation?
You’ll be billed by the rental company with added admin fees unless you pay directly.
Plan Your Miami Road Trip
A car rental in Miami makes your 2025 adventure epic. I’ve loved driving from South Beach’s neon lights to the Everglades’ wild beauty, all on my own schedule. Book on kayak.com, turo.com, or budget.com for great deals. Visit miamiandbeaches.com for event ideas. From Wynwood’s murals to Key Biscayne’s beaches, your car rental in Miami is your key to fun. Buckle up and go explore!
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