Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Car Rental at Miami Airport
Renting a car at Miami Airport can be a very efficient experience or present some challenges. The key is to choose the right company and be well-prepared. This guide, enriched with hundreds of traveler experiences, will help you navigate the process, understand the differences between companies, and avoid the most common pitfalls.
Quick Questions about Car Rental
- Which companies are usually more reliable? Major brands like Enterprise and Alamo generally receive good reviews for their efficiency and service. Sixt is also well-regarded for its fleet and customer service.
- Which companies require more attention? Some companies like ACE, Budget, and Dollar/Thrifty accumulate more complaints about additional charges and discrepancies between the reservation and the final service. It's important to read the contract carefully with them.
- Where are the cars picked up? At the Rental Car Center (RCC), a separate building reached by the free MIA Mover train from Level 3 of the terminal.
- Is the price I book online the final price? Often not. At the counter, it's common to be offered extras like insurance or toll passes (SunPass). Review what you really need before accepting. As a suggestion, you can Search and Book HERE.
- Will I get the car I booked? It depends on availability. Sometimes, they may offer you a similar model or a different category. Make sure any changes fit your needs and budget.
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Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Document the car's condition: Before leaving the garage, take photos or a video of the vehicle, paying attention to any pre-existing damage. This is a good practice that can save you trouble upon return.
- Review extras calmly: Analyze if you need the additional insurance they offer. Many travelers already have coverage through their credit card or personal insurance.
- Manage fuel your way: The prepaid fuel option is convenient, but it's often cheaper to fill the tank yourself just before returning it. Keep the receipt.
- Consider wait times: During peak hours, some companies may have long lines at the counter. Plan with a time buffer to avoid stress.
- If something goes wrong, communication is key: If you have a problem, try to resolve it at the moment with the staff at the counter or in the garage. Resolving issues post-rental can be slower.
Companies in the Rental Car Center (RCC)
The following companies have offices in the rental car center, located at 3900 NW 25th Street. You can get here using the MIA Mover, which is taken from the third level of the terminal, between the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages.
The center is open 24 hours a day. However, some operators close between midnight and 5:00 am. We recommend contacting the company directly to confirm their operating hours.
ACE Rent a car
Tel: +1 800 822 3872 / +1 786 656 4200
User Experience: The reviews are mixed. While some customers highlight the friendliness of certain employees, a significant number of travelers warn about non-transparent sales practices. The most common complaints relate to hidden charges for insurance and tolls that are not clearly explained, and discrepancies between the reserved and the delivered vehicle.
Alamo
Tel: +1 800 327 9633 / +1 305 633 6076
User Experience: Generally positive. Customers appreciate the speed of the pick-up and drop-off process, the friendliness of the staff, and the reliability of the service. However, there are occasional complaints about the maintenance condition of some vehicles (poor tires) and cancellation fees that were not clearly communicated during booking.
Avis
Tel: +1 800 331 1212 / +1 305 341 0936
User Experience: Opinions are very varied. The main negative point is the long waits at the counter, which can exceed an hour and a half due to understaffing. Problems with the cleanliness and mechanical condition of the cars are also reported. On the other hand, some loyal customers highlight the good treatment from certain employees and problem resolution.
Budget
Tel: +1 800 527 0700 / +1 305 871 2722
User Experience: Mostly negative. Reviews reflect serious complaints about incorrect charges, such as for fuel when the car is returned full. There are severe reports about the cleanliness and condition of the vehicles, including an incident with chemical products. Customer service is described as ineffective in resolving these disputes.
Dollar
Tel: +1 800 800 4000 / +1 866 434 2226
User Experience: Criticisms are frequent. Travelers report problems with vehicle availability, even with a confirmed reservation, leaving customers without a car. There are also warnings about insistent sales tactics for insurance and a customer service that does not always offer satisfactory solutions.
Enterprise
Tel: +1 800 325 8007 / +1 305 633 0377
User Experience: It is one of the best-rated companies. Customers praise the efficiency of the process, the friendliness of the staff, and the ease of resolving problems, such as exchanging a vehicle with a defect. Although there are isolated complaints, the general tone is of reliable and professional service.
Hertz
Tel: +1 800 654 3131 / +1 305 871 0300
User Experience: Mixed experiences. Gold program members enjoy a very fast pick-up and drop-off process. However, other customers have faced problems with car availability and cleanliness. The fulfillment of benefits for status members can also be inconsistent.
National
Tel: +1 800 227 7368 / +1 305 638 1026
User Experience: Emerald Club members value the convenience of being able to choose their car and skip the counter. However, there are complaints about the quality and maintenance of some cars in the Executive area, as well as a customer service in the garage that some describe as inattentive.
Payless
Tel: +1 800 729 5377 / +1 305 870 0397
User Experience: The main and almost unanimous complaint is that the counter is permanently closed, directing customers to Avis. There, the staff often cannot access Payless reservations, leading to confusion, cancellations, and the need to rent another car at a higher price.
Royal
Tel: +1 800 314 8616 / +1 305 871 3000
User Experience: There are very few available reviews and they are contradictory, making it difficult to draw a clear conclusion. While one traveler highlights the friendliness, another reports extremely rude treatment, recommending to avoid the company.
Sixt
Tel: +1 888 749 8227 / +1 305 503 9849
User Experience: Generally positive. The staff is praised for their friendliness and professionalism. The process is described as fast and transparent. Criticisms focus on long waits during peak hours due to understaffing and claims for post-rental damages that customers assert they did not cause.
Thrifty
Tel: +1 800 367 2277
User Experience: Negative reviews predominate. Travelers warn about aggressive sales tactics to add insurance, sometimes arguing false "Florida laws." There are also frequent reports of unauthorized charges for fuel or damages, requiring a lengthy dispute process by the customer.
Companies outside the Rental Car Center
The following companies are not located within the rental car center but are near the airport. Upon request and with prior reservation, they will pick up passengers just outside the facility's lobby.
- Americars Auto Rental +1 954 830 3997
- Colusa / Addcar / Carwiz +1 800 267 7093
- Dash +1 786 447 4347
- Easirent +1 786 358 6875
- Fox +1 305 602 9320
- Greenmotion +1 786 352 3197
- HDC Rent A Car +1 800 841 0405
- Miami Life Cars +1 786 804 1961
- Miami Rent A Car +1 305 871 9789
- NU Car Rentals +1 888 656 7383
- OC Car Rental +1 786 719 9926
- One Switch-Nextcar-Routes +1 305 470 7556
- Priceless / JC Car Rental +1 855 616 6011
- Rent A Car 4 Less +1 269 304 5377
- Renta Florida +1 786 271 4447
- U Save Car & Truck Rental +1 305 526 8094
- Victory +1 786 587 8172