Shopping Day - getting around

Question

Unexpectedly, we have a spare day in Miami as our flight has been brought forward. Rather than sightsee , which we have done several times we would like to visit a cheesecake factory and Walmart and we are staying close to the airport. At the moment, we have booked a rental car For the day, but I think it would probably be better to use Uber. We could travel from the airport to Dolphin Mall, then Walmart Supercenter and back to the airport.

Also, has anyone used the Metro from the airport station to Bricknell?

Answer

If your goal is a simple shopping day in Miami—visiting a Cheesecake Factory, Walmart, and Dolphin Mall—using Uber or Lyft is often more convenient than driving yourself, especially given Miami traffic, parking costs, and navigating unfamiliar roads.

Here’s a breakdown of your options and what to expect:

Using Uber/Lyft: From Miami International Airport (MIA) to Dolphin Mall, Uber rides typically cost around $15–$20 one-way and take roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Dolphin Mall has ample parking and many restaurants, including a Cheesecake Factory, so you can enjoy lunch without worrying about parking fees or traffic.
From Dolphin Mall to a Walmart Supercenter (there are several in the area), Uber is convenient for a quick trip, usually under 10 minutes and around $8–$12 depending on the location. This is more efficient than driving yourself, especially if you plan to carry groceries or purchases.
Return to the airport from Walmart via Uber is straightforward, usually $15–$20 again. This saves time, stress, and parking hassle compared to renting a car for the day.

Regarding the Metro (Metrorail) from the airport to Brickell:

The Metrorail Orange Line runs from the Miami Airport Station into downtown and Brickell. Trains are generally clean, safe, and affordable (fare around $2.25 per person), but you’ll need to navigate the station, board with luggage, and walk or transfer to reach exact destinations in Brickell.
It’s efficient for commuters or locals, but less convenient for a day focused on multiple shopping stops since Dolphin Mall and Walmart are not directly served by Metrorail. You would still need rides from the station to the stores, making Uber/Lyft more practical for your itinerary.

Recommendation:

Keep your rental car reservation only if you prefer having complete control of your schedule and don’t mind parking at each location.
For simplicity, use Uber/Lyft to travel MIA → Dolphin Mall → Walmart → MIA. This eliminates parking hassles, allows you to focus on shopping, and can even be slightly cheaper when factoring in rental, gas, and parking fees.
If you plan to extend your trip into downtown Brickell or want to explore Miami’s urban areas, you could use the Metrorail in combination with rideshare for short hops.

Overall, for a single-day shopping itinerary focused on Dolphin Mall and nearby stores, rideshare is likely the most efficient and stress-free option.