budget car rental at Miami International airport

Question

We will be renting from Budget for two days in February. Is the fast break program quicker and is it worth getting the toll pass for the drive to Naples? Thanks.

Answer

Renting a car from Budget at Miami International Airport (MIA) can be streamlined with some of their programs and add-ons. Here’s a breakdown regarding the Fast Break program and the toll pass for a drive to Naples:

Budget Fast Break Program:

The Fast Break program is designed to save time at pick-up and drop-off. By enrolling, you can skip the counter and go straight to your car at the designated area. Your rental agreement is already prepared, and you usually just use your Fast Break card or app to access your vehicle.

Pros: Much faster than waiting in line at the counter, especially during peak travel periods.
Cons: There’s usually a small enrollment step, and it only helps if you are picking up at a Fast Break eligible location. Most major airports, including MIA, have Fast Break cars available.

Overall, for a short rental at a busy airport like Miami, enrolling in Fast Break is generally worth it if you want to save time and hassle.

Toll Pass for Miami to Naples:

Driving from Miami to Naples involves several toll roads, including parts of the Florida Turnpike and possible expressways near Naples.

Pros of getting the toll pass: Convenient, cashless, saves stopping at toll plazas, often billed directly to your rental account.
Cons: Some rental companies charge a daily fee plus the tolls. For a two-day rental, this can add a small extra cost, but it avoids the hassle of cash payments and ensures you won’t get a toll violation mailed later.
If you plan to use multiple toll roads on your way to Naples and around the area, the pass is usually worth the convenience and time savings.

Additional tips:

Check your rental confirmation and Budget’s website for Fast Break eligibility at MIA and pre-enroll if possible.
If you don’t take the toll pass, consider carrying cash or coins, though cash lanes can be slow and not all lanes accept cash.
Some GPS apps or Google Maps will indicate toll roads so you can plan your route accordingly, which helps if you want to avoid tolls.

In summary, for a two-day rental from Miami International Airport, enrolling in Fast Break is recommended for speed and convenience, and getting the toll pass is advisable for the drive to Naples to avoid delays and hassle at toll plazas.