9 days in Key Biscayne and Miami

Question

Hello!

DH and I will be traveling to Miami in May, we are using KB as our home base. We plan on traveling to Key West for a day, Everglades another day, the rest of the days we'll be in the KB/Miami area. We like to be out and about so we are definitely going to take advantage of the popular, touristy activities, but I'm wondering if it would be more economical to rent a car for the entirety of our trip or just for the couple of days we're venturing further out. We're not opposed to using Uber otherwise. Recommendations?

Answer

For a 9-day trip based in Key Biscayne with excursions to Key West and the Everglades, deciding whether to rent a car for the entire stay versus just for the longer day trips depends on convenience, cost, and your comfort with using rideshare services.

Option 1: Rent a car for the entire trip

Pros:

You have maximum flexibility for exploring Miami and nearby areas without relying on Uber/Lyft schedules or surge pricing.
Easier to transport beach gear, groceries, and any purchases from shopping trips.
For the day trips to Key West and Everglades, having a car already makes the logistics simpler, especially since both destinations involve significant driving.

Cons:

Parking in Miami and Key Biscayne can be expensive or limited, especially at popular tourist spots like South Beach, Wynwood, or downtown areas.
Rental cost for 9 days plus insurance and fuel can add up.

Option 2: Use rideshare (Uber/Lyft) in Miami, rent only for day trips

Pros:

Potentially cheaper than renting for the whole stay, especially if you mostly stay around Key Biscayne and visit spots reachable by Uber.
No worries about parking in busy areas like Miami Beach or downtown.

Cons:

Cost for multiple Uber/Lyft rides can add up, particularly for longer trips or during surge times.
You’ll need to coordinate rental pick-up/drop-off for the day trips, which can take extra time.

Recommended Approach:

Since you’ll be staying in Key Biscayne and exploring Miami’s tourist areas, it is very feasible to rely on Uber/Lyft for most days. This avoids parking hassles and daily rental costs.
Rent a car specifically for your Key West and Everglades excursions. Key West is about a 3.5–4 hour drive each way, and the Everglades require flexibility to explore trails, airboat tours, and multiple access points. Renting only for those days can save money while still giving you freedom for the longer trips.
Some visitors also opt for a hybrid approach: rent a car for the full stay if you prefer total flexibility, especially if you plan on exploring areas further than the core Miami/Key Biscayne region or want to take spontaneous road trips.

Tips:

Book the car rental in advance to secure the best rates.
Check for airport pick-up and drop-off options if flying into Miami International Airport, as it may be more convenient than downtown rental offices.
Use rideshare apps to compare fares for daily local trips; surge pricing can vary, especially during weekends or events.
Consider a compact or hybrid rental to minimize fuel costs and parking difficulties.

In conclusion, for your described itinerary, the most economical and convenient approach is likely to rely on Uber/Lyft around Key Biscayne and Miami, and rent a car only for the Key West and Everglades day trips. However, if you prefer the security of having a car at all times and are comfortable with parking fees, a full 9-day rental is also reasonable.

9 days in Key Biscayne and Miami

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