Car hires in Miami: practical information
Where to rent a car in Miami
Having a car in Miami is essential unless you plan on staying in one area the entire time you're there. Comparatively car rentals in Miami are some of the cheapest in the US, just another reason to rent a car during your next holiday in Florida. At Miami Airport you will find all the major companies like Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, Hertz and Avis. There are however two other companies near the airport, E-Z Rent-A-Car and Ace Rent A Car, which are more likely to offer better deals for the same types of cars.
Because it's so popular to rent a car in Miami, it comes strongly recommended to book your vehicle at the same time you book your tickets from London to Miami. This way, there are no disappointments when you arrive at the airport. Another thing to keep in mind is that Miami drivers are notoriously rude, so don't be offended or take it personally if you get your share of being honked at.
Parking in Miami: what you should know
Parking in Miami isn't the headache everyone makes it out to be. If you park in a car park, you will get a slip on your way in and you pay the total on your way out for the time that you have parked. In most cases it's $1/hour or $14/day (max. 24 hours) from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, car parks offer a flat fee of $10 to park overnight. Some cost a little less, some cost a little more, it depends on the area of the city.
As for parking in Miami Beach, most hotels in Miami will have their own parking lots for their guests, if not then there is ample parking at nearby car parks. If you have booked a holiday apartment, then make sure you have organized a resident's parking permit before you arrive. These permits will allow you to park over-night in the streets.
Road trips from Miami: what to do, what to see
- A stone's throw away: Miami Beach is just outside the city, almost an entire city in itself. It's a great destination for a beach getaway or a holiday without really leaving the Miami area. Long white sandy beaches, resorts, yachts and blue waters... what more do you need besides an icy cocktail?
- A little further: Florida is home to the third largest national park in the USA, the Everglades National Park. There are several animals who call this park home which are native to this region. Much of the park is extremely wild (both in terms of fauna and flora) and it's not recommended to approach the crocodiles!
- A proper day-trip: If you're looking for a good party, then you'll find it in Delray Beach. It's not unlike its neighbour, Boca Raton, but is rumored to have the best nightlife in all of Florida. The downtown is very laid-back, very arty. There is a huge public beach and the sand dunes are a lot of fun too.
For more things to do in Miami, check out Mini-guide: Miami.
