Miami International Airport 101: The best ways to get to or from MIA
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the third-busiest airport in the U.S. for international travel. In all, it accommodates more than 100 airlines flying to more than 150 destinations, including more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport. With all that air traffic comes notoriously bad congestion on the ground.
On the plus side, the airport is only a short distance away from downtown Miami and the city's beaches. To get there, you can take public transportation, rent your own car or book an airport shuttle.
Public transportation
In recent years Miami-Dade Public Transit has added buses and trains at almost all hours to make the airport more accessible, but it's still hard to connect to other parts of the city on public transportation.
The easiest way to get to most transportation into the city is the MIA Mover, an automated train from the airport to the Miami Intermodal Center. The MIA Mover station at the airport is on the third level between the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages. Use the third-level Skyride (moving walkway) to reach the MIA Mover station. Then it's about a four-minute ride to the Miami Intermodal Center.
Once you get to the Intermodal Center, you can take the Metrorail Orange Line ($2.25 per person each way) to the Government Center stop in Downtown and jump on the free people-mover tram that loops through the popular Downtown Miami areas.
If your final destination is Miami Beach, Miami-Dade Transit's Airport Flyer -- commonly referred to as "The Miami Beach Bus" -- offers daily express bus service between MIA and Miami Beach. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Passengers ride 40-foot buses with air-conditioning, comfortable seating and luggage racks at a cost of $2.65 each way. The trip takes about one hour since it stops along the way, yet it is the most cost-effective choice for reaching South Beach using public transportation.
Transit time: 60-90 minutes
Cost: $2.65 each way
Related: The best credit cards for commuting
Ride-hailing
Ride-hailing is a valuable form of transportation if you are coming to Miami for a weekend to hang out on the beach or experience the exciting Downtown neighborhoods. Cars from services like Uber and Lyft are plentiful and usually more economical than renting a car because parking and gas are expensive in popular neighborhoods like South Beach and Brickell.
Ride-hailing services at Miami International Airport can drop you off at the departure level in the terminal where your airline is located. For pickups, there is no designated space so once passengers land at MIA, they can pick up their luggage at baggage claim and step outside to request an Uber or Lyft. All airport pickups are subject to a $2 surcharge but ride-sharing is a better option than hailing a cab.
Commute time: 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic and outside of rush hour times.
Cost: $20 to $30 to Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
Related: The best credit cards for Uber and Lyft
Taxi
Taxis in Miami are notoriously expensive. If you are adamant about taking one or you're in town for work and your employer requires it for reimbursement, taxis charge a flat rate of $35 to South Beach and $21.70 to Downtown Miami hotels from MIA. Designated taxi stands are on the airport's ground level (Arrivals), outside of the baggage claim area. There is no fee for sharing a taxi so you can always split the cost with another person or three. Many cabs now accept credit cards but check with the driver before starting your ride.
Commute time: 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and outside of rush hour.
Cost: $21 to $90. The flat rate to South Beach is $35 and Downtown Miami is $21.70. Taxis have flat rates to certain zones in the urban metro-area. Outside of these zones, metered fares are charged at $4.50 for the first 1/6 mile and $.40 each additional 1/6 mile, which equals to $6.90 for the first mile and $2.40 for each additional mile.
Hotel Shuttle Service
There are dozens of airport hotels surrounding MIA and the tourist areas aren't far away, so many hotels in Miami offer complimentary or low-cost shuttle service to and from the airport for their guests. Check with your hotel to see if this is available. Effective Dec. 11, 2019, hotel shuttle buses pick up/drop off at MIA on the ground level (Arrivals) at designated zones outside of baggage claim. Across from doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 20 & 23, passengers can be picked up and driven to their hotel with no stops in between.
Commute time: 5 - 35 minutes, depending on hotel distance.
Cost: Complimentary or at a reduced rate for hotel guests.
Related: Best ways to use your hotel points in Miami
Rental Car
If you want to explore the sprawling city and its surrounding areas, your best mode of transportation is renting a vehicle at MIA. Upon arrival, passengers can connect to the MIA Rental Car Center using the MIA Mover, located on the 3rd level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. The Rental Car Center provides direct access to and from the airport via the MIA Mover elevated train.
The Rental Car Center is located next to the Miami Intermodal Center. Take the MIA Mover from the airport to the Miami Intermodal Center and you are also at your rental pickup location.
If your car rental agency is not at the Miami Intermodal Center, check the agency's website or call them for pickup service, which is readily available as a courtesy just outside the lobby of the Rental Car Center.
Commute time: 15 - 30 minutes, depending on traffic and outside of rush hour times.
Cost: $15 - $125 per day, depending on vehicle type.
Related: Credit cards that offer elite status for car rentals
Bottom line
There are numerous ways to get to and from Miami International Airport, but your plans will determine what's best for you. If you plan on exploring Miami and its surrounding cities or venturing to Fort Lauderdale, a rental car is an absolute must. If you plan to stay put on the beach or enjoy the downtown urban core of Brickell, Port of Miami and the Design District, ride-hailing services will make more sense.
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