Hiring a car in Miami helps when your plans stretch from the mainland neighbourhoods to Miami Beach and further into South Florida. Match the collection location to your hotel and the days you intend to explore beyond the immediate area.
Choose the right side of the bay for collection
Search Miami International (MIA) alongside the available city offices. Rent.it lists locations including Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Kendall, Aventura and the port area; availability depends on your dates. Check the actual office address rather than assuming collection takes place at your hotel or cruise terminal. Downtown and Brickell are useful reference areas when planning your movements.
Compare car hire on Rent.it
Enter your collection point, dates and times on Rent.it, then compare the total price, vehicle group and included services. Rent.it is a broker; the supplier named in the offer provides the car.
Driving licence, payment card and deposit
Bring your valid original driving licence, passport and booking voucher. Check whether an International Driving Permit or translation is needed for the states you will visit and your chosen supplier. Before booking, read the vehicle details and rental terms for accepted cards, the main driver’s name, the deposit and available funds. Minimum age, surcharges, insurance, excess and mileage depend on the supplier, location, vehicle and offer. A card accepted for online payment is not automatically accepted at collection.
Match the car to the trip
For city outings, consider a compact car with enough luggage space. A family beach holiday may call for a larger boot; for a drive through the Keys, prioritise passenger comfort and room for bags rather than choosing by the category name alone.
Causeways, toll roads and beach parking
Try to group Miami Beach visits together instead of repeatedly crossing the bay at busy times. I-95 serves the coastal corridor and US-1 heads south. Ask how the supplier handles electronic tolls, including administration charges. Check the signs before parking: public garages, private facilities and residents’ spaces have different rules.
Plan separately for the Everglades and the Keys
Decide which Everglades entrance suits your visit: Homestead and Shark Valley are not connected by a road inside the park. A Florida Keys drive follows US-1 and needs its own schedule, with stops and overnight stays suited to how far south you travel. Check weather alerts and access conditions.
Plan your return
If your Florida itinerary finishes in Orlando, compare an authorised one-way rental before booking. Follow the voucher’s opening hours, fuel or charging policy and return instructions. Check charges and permission for a different drop-off location or an out-of-hours return.
Enter your Miami dates to compare cars, categories, prices and rental terms