Rental car for airport travel

Question

Traveling to Miami Beach to stay for long weekend. One flying into FLL; one into MIA. Looking at Uber rates, it looks significantly less to reserve parking spot near hotel and rent car. BUT also see an airport shuttle especially for the FLL to hotel. Are there other reasons to just go ahead and get the rental car or is having a rental car so not necessary it would be a hinderance? I'm sure this has been asked, but would love current input. TIA

Answer

When traveling to Miami Beach, especially for a short long weekend, the decision between renting a car, using an airport shuttle, or relying on rideshares like Uber can depend on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what makes the most sense for your trip:

Rental Car – Renting a car might seem like the most convenient option, especially if you're staying for a few days and plan to explore more of Miami or nearby areas. The benefits include:

Flexibility to go wherever you want without relying on rideshare availability or shuttle schedules.
The ability to drive to places outside of Miami Beach, such as Little Havana, Wynwood, or the nearby beaches of Key Biscayne or Coconut Grove.
Convenience for running errands or making spontaneous trips during your stay.
Possible cost savings if you find good parking rates or if rideshare prices would add up over multiple trips (to and from restaurants, attractions, etc.).

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Uber or Lyft can be a great choice if you’re planning to stay mostly in Miami Beach and don't mind relying on rides. Some advantages include:

No need to worry about parking, which can be a challenge in busy areas like South Beach, where rates can be high and limited availability can lead to frustration.
Cost-effective if you plan on staying close to your hotel, as you can easily get around with an Uber, and the rates might be cheaper than the cost of renting a car and parking.
A more relaxed trip without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads, dealing with traffic, or finding parking spots.

Airport Shuttle – If one person is flying into FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport) and the other into MIA (Miami International Airport), a shuttle could be an option to consider. Miami has several shuttle services that cater to airport-to-hotel routes, including shared and private shuttle services. Benefits include:

Convenient door-to-door service from the airport to your hotel, especially if you're staying at a hotel that partners with a shuttle company.
No need to worry about the complexities of driving or parking, which can be especially challenging around high-traffic areas like South Beach.
Cost savings if you're not planning on traveling much during the stay. Shared shuttles can be cheaper than renting a car, and you may avoid the additional expense of parking.

Ultimately, whether or not you should rent a car depends on your plans for the trip:

If you plan on spending most of your time in Miami Beach and sticking to the local attractions, a rental car may not be necessary. With the cost of parking, the convenience of ridesharing, and the option for shuttle service, you could be better off avoiding the hassle of parking altogether.
If you want to explore areas outside of Miami Beach or you prefer the convenience of having your own car, renting might be a good choice. It gives you flexibility and freedom to go wherever you want at your own pace.

If you’re only there for a short stay and your activities are mostly in Miami Beach, you might want to skip the rental car altogether and rely on Uber, Lyft, or a shuttle service. However, if you plan on venturing beyond the immediate area, a rental car could provide more flexibility and be worth the cost. For the best of both worlds, you could even consider a combination of both options: use rideshare or shuttle to get from the airports to your hotel, and then rent a car for a day or two if you want to explore the greater Miami area.

In any case, having a rental car wouldn’t be a hindrance, but whether it’s the most cost-effective and convenient option really depends on your specific plans during the weekend. Enjoy your time in Miami!