Rented car and parking in Miami Beach South Beach

Question

Hello,

We plan to go on a road trip in Florida in early April for about twelve days.

We will land in Miami airport, apparently in the afternoon of our first day, then spend the second day in Miami Beach and on the third day depart in the morning towards the Keys. Therefore, we will spend the first two nights in a Miami Beach hotel.

I'm wondering what is better: renting the car at the airport after we land or renting it in the morning of the third day, before we leave for the Keys.

If we rent the car at the airport, everything is easier: getting to the hotel, driving from here to there if we need, etc. On the other hand, parking fees at Miami Beach's hotel are very, very high, and I don't know if there are any alternatives.

Can you please advise?

Answer

For your short stay in Miami Beach before heading to the Keys, deciding whether to rent a car immediately at Miami Airport or later on the morning you leave for the Keys depends on convenience versus cost.

If you rent the car at the airport when you arrive:

It provides maximum flexibility: you can go to your hotel, run errands, or explore Miami Beach and nearby neighborhoods without relying on taxis, Ubers, or public transportation.
However, Miami Beach hotel parking is notoriously expensive, often $40–$60 per night for standard hotels and even more for boutique properties. Some hotels may offer discounted rates if you pre-book, but it's still costly.
Street parking or public lots are limited and often have strict time limits, making them impractical for overnight parking.

If you wait and rent a car on the morning you leave for the Keys:

You avoid paying for expensive overnight hotel parking in Miami Beach.
You would need to rely on Uber, Lyft, or walking for your first full day in Miami Beach. Fortunately, South Beach is very walkable, and taxis/rideshares are readily available, so sightseeing, dining, and beach trips are convenient without a car.
Rental car pick-up from an off-airport location may take a bit longer, but most companies have locations near major hotels or nearby streets in Miami Beach.

Additional tips:

Check if your hotel offers a package deal with parking included; sometimes this reduces the daily rate.
Consider renting a car only for the Keys portion of your trip and returning it before heading back to Miami if your departure flight doesn’t require the car. This minimizes parking costs.
If you want a balance, you could rent for just one day at the airport, use it for luggage and arrival transport, and return it the next morning. Then rely on walking or rideshares for the second day in South Beach.

Overall, for a two-night stay in South Beach without needing to drive extensively, waiting to rent the car on the morning you depart for the Keys is likely more cost-effective, and you can still enjoy the beach, restaurants, and shops without a car.

Rented car and parking in Miami Beach South Beach

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