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Miami Airport Terminals and Concourses
The airport consists of three terminals and six concourses: North Terminal (Concourse D), Central Terminal (Concourses E, F, G), and South Terminal (Concourses H, J). Although it offers a wide variety of services, travelers' experiences reveal that its layout is a true labyrinth. Be prepared for long walks, as the moving walkways and the Skytrain are frequently out of service, turning a simple transfer into an unexpected marathon.
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Quick Questions about the Terminals
- How do I get from one terminal to another? The main connection is the MIA Mover (a free train) on Level 3, which takes you to the rental car center and the central train/bus station. Inside Concourse D, the Skytrain is key (if it's working).
- Which is the largest concourse with the most services? Concourse D (North Terminal), used by American Airlines, is the most extensive and has the largest selection of shops and restaurants.
- Can you walk between all terminals without leaving security? No. There is only one post-security connection between Concourse D and E. To get to other terminals (F, G, H, J), you generally have to exit and go through security again.
- Where can I find the best food options? The greatest variety is in Concourse D. Concourses F and G are known for having very limited options.
- Is the international connection easy? This is one of the most criticized aspects. Be prepared for long lines at immigration and customs, collecting your luggage, and going through security again for your next flight.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Assume nothing works: The number one complaint is the poor state of maintenance. Do not count on the moving walkways, escalators, or the Skytrain being operational. Wear comfortable shoes.
- The MIA Mover is your salvation (for getting out): Despite internal issues, the elevated MIA Mover train that connects to the outside (rental cars, trains) is usually efficient.
- Signage is a challenge: Many travelers describe it as confusing, contradictory, or nonexistent. Don't blindly trust the signs, and if in doubt, ask several employees.
- Concourse D is a world of its own: If you have a long layover and are in another terminal, it might be worth leaving and re-entering through security to access the offerings in Concourse D.
- Beware of short connections: Between the long walks, lack of internal transport, and potential security lines, a connection of less than 2 hours (especially if international) is very risky.
Connection Between Terminals
To move between terminals, you can use the moving walkways on level 3. There are also walkways from the Central Terminal to the MIA Mover station (between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages), a free automated transport system that takes you to the central station (Metrorail, Tri-Rail) and the rental car center.
The Skytrain, located above the North Terminal, transports you from one end of Concourse D to the other, with 4 stations along its route. Use the elevators in Concourse D to reach the Skytrain stations.
User Experience:
The functionality of the internal transport systems is a real gamble. Travelers consistently report that both the Skytrain and most of the moving walkways and escalators are out of service. This turns the promise of a quick connection into the harsh reality of having to walk enormous distances, a serious problem for people with reduced mobility or with little time between flights. The signage, described as confusing or nonexistent, aggravates the problem, making finding the right path a source of stress and frustration.
North Terminal (Concourse D)
It has a single concourse (D), which has a capacity for 30 million passengers annually and consists of 51 gates.
Destinations: It operates domestic and international flights for American Airlines.
Arrivals Level
On level 1 is the arrivals area and the baggage claim hall. Passengers find various services on this level, including taxis and other means of transportation.
Check-in Level
On level 2, passengers find the check-in and baggage drop-off counters, and access to the gates after the security checkpoint.
Boarding Area (Concourse D): The gates are located on the second level and are numbered as follows: D1-D12, D14-D17, D19-D34, D36-D51, D53, D55, and D60. In this hall, there are Duty-Free shops, restaurants, cafes, a spa, stores, and other amenities and services.
User Experience:
Concourse D is famous for its length, often described as "the mile-long walk." With the Skytrain frequently inoperative, reaching the farthest gates is exhausting. Congestion is a chronic problem, resulting in a shortage of seating and crowded waiting areas. Although the offering of shops and restaurants is the widest in the airport, many travelers complain about excessive prices and inconsistent quality. Maintenance is also a weak point, with complaints about cleanliness and the condition of the facilities.
Central Terminal (Concourses E, F, G)
Destinations: Concourses E and F operate domestic and international flights, while Concourse G mainly operates domestic flights.
Arrivals Level
On level 1 are the arrivals and baggage claim halls, as well as various services and transportation options.
Level 2
Check-in counters and security and boarding areas through concourses E, F, and G.
Concourse E: It has 18 gates: E2 and E4-E11 in the main hall, while the satellite area has gates E20-E25 and E30, E31, and E33. To reach the latter, you can take a train on level 4. The Miami International Airport Hotel is also located in Concourse E.
Concourse F: It has 19 gates numbered F3-F12, F14-F19, and F23. All can be reached on foot in 3-5 minutes from the security checkpoint.
Concourse G: 14 gates numbered G1, G2, G4-G12, G14-G16, and G19, all accessible on foot and 3-5 minutes from the security checkpoint.
User Experience:
The Central Terminal is often described as outdated and neglected. Concourses F and G, in particular, receive criticism for having very limited food and shopping options and for their old, dirty appearance. Security lines can be the biggest bottleneck, especially during peak traffic hours. Although it is smaller than the North Terminal, the lack of maintenance and poor signage can make navigation just as frustrating.
South Terminal (Concourses H, J)
Destinations: It operates domestic and international destinations. Concourse H is mostly used by Delta Air Lines. Concourse J is where intercontinental flights are located.
Arrivals Level
In addition to the arrivals hall and the baggage claim area, on level 1 there are various services and access to transportation.
Check-in Level
On level 2 are the check-in counters and boarding gates.
Concourse H: 13 gates (H3-H12, H14, H15, H17).
Concourse J: There are 15 boarding gates: J2-J5, J7-J12, and J14-J18.
User Experience:
Although it is perceived as more modern, the South Terminal does not escape the airport's chronic problems. Travelers report that baggage claim can be extremely slow. The lines for security checks, especially in Concourse H, are often long and chaotic. Despite these drawbacks, the easy access to the MIA Mover is a positive point, offering a relatively efficient connection to the rental car center and other transport.