Destination guide
Car hire in Miami for crew on a break
Miami is spread out in a way that makes a car genuinely useful even within the city — South Beach, Downtown, Coconut Grove and Wynwood are each their own pocket, and public transport doesn't connect them especially well. Add in the Florida Keys just south, and a car becomes an easy call.
Why bother with a car here
Unlike a lot of compact European destinations, Miami itself rewards having a car — the neighbourhoods worth visiting are genuinely spread out, and rideshares add up fast if you're moving around a lot. And once you've got wheels, the drive south along the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys is one of the most scenic (and easy) road trips in the US.
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Search car hire →What to know about driving here
- Driving side: right-hand side.
- South Beach parking is scarce and pricey — many hotels charge separately for it, so factor that into your plans.
- Afternoon storms are a near-daily summer occurrence — sudden, heavy, and usually brief, but worth checking the forecast before a Keys drive.
- MIA and FLL (Fort Lauderdale) both have large rental centres — FLL is sometimes cheaper and less congested if your layover allows the extra distance.
Good use of a day off
The drive to Key West is a full day round trip but a genuine highlight — bridges strung between islands with open ocean on both sides. For something shorter, Key Largo or Islamorada make an easier half-day taste of the same scenery.
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Search car hire →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car within Miami itself?+
It genuinely helps — Miami's neighbourhoods are spread out and not always well connected by public transport, so a car (or a lot of rideshares) is the practical way to see more than one area.
Is MIA or FLL better for car hire?+
Both have large rental centres. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is sometimes cheaper and less congested if your layover allows the extra distance.
How long is the drive to Key West?+
Around 3-3.5 hours each way, so a round trip is a full day. Key Largo or Islamorada make an easier half-day option for the same scenery.