Affordable Car Rentals in Miami are typically available at airport-based car rental agencies. Based on my comparison, the airport locations tend to offer the lowest prices, thanks in part to strong competition. This article provides tips on how to minimize your rental costs and choose the right vehicle class. How much more expensive is a convertible compared to the cheapest cars?
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Cost of Renting a Car in Miami
Never book a car with the first rental company you find. The likelihood that this company offers the most affordable rate is minimal. For example, RentalCars.com compares prices from over 200 car rental agencies and guarantees the lowest rental price for customers.
Nevertheless, I recommend exploring multiple options and obtaining a non-binding quote from all car rental agencies in Miami. You can use the following form to do so:
How Much Will You Pay for a Car Rental in Miami?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in Miami
The cost of renting a car in Miami is influenced by several factors and fluctuates regularly in both directions.
📅 Booking Date
I recommend booking your car about one to two months before your planned pickup date, as prices tend to be the lowest during this time.
If you make your reservation through RentalCars.com, you’ll have the option to cancel it anytime for free. This is useful in cases where your travel plans change at the last minute. RentalCars also guarantees the lowest rental prices.
⏳ Rental Period and Duration
During periods of high demand, rental prices may increase. Car rental agencies typically experience higher demand during the summer or around public holidays, when travel activity rises.
When selecting your pickup and drop-off times, ensure both are set at the same time of day. All car rental companies calculate rental rates per 24-hour period. If you pick up a car at 8 a.m. and return it at 9 a.m. the next day, you’ll be charged for an extra day unnecessarily.
🗺️ Location of the Car Rental Agency
Rental prices can differ between city-center agencies and airport locations. I compared prices based on location and found airport car rentals to be more cost-effective.
Another benefit of airport rentals, even if they are slightly more expensive, is that you’ll have the car ready right after you land, eliminating the need for an Uber or taxi to the city center and back to the airport on your departure day.
🏎️ Car Class
The cheapest cars are in the economy class, which typically includes smaller models with basic features and limited trunk space. Mid-size cars are about 10% more expensive but provide more comfort, especially for longer trips.
SUVs offer even greater comfort for road trips and are approximately 25% more expensive than economy-class vehicles. Convertibles and other premium-class cars are the most expensive, often costing 100% more than economy-class vehicles or higher.
Various factors, including current inventory availability, can influence prices. In some cases, higher-class vehicles may even be cheaper than smaller models.
The following table provides approximate prices for car rentals in Miami for a 24-hour period. Compared to other U.S. cities, Miami is one of the most affordable places to rent a car.
Economy Class Mid-Size Class SUV Convertible 
from $33 from $33 from $37 from $46 🔁 Refresh Price 🔁 Refresh Price 🔁 Refresh Price 🔁 Refresh Price 🔞 Driver’s Age
Young drivers aged 21 to 24 typically face additional fees, intended to offset the higher risk of accidents. The specific surcharge varies by rental agency but generally ranges from $16.00 to $37 per day.
Drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 may either be denied rental services or face even higher fees.
☂️ Included Insurance
Most car rentals in Miami include liability insurance (SLP) and collision damage waiver (CDW) in the base rental price. The driver’s deductible is always zero, meaning you won’t have to pay anything in the event of an accident. However, it’s advisable to review the coverage and, if necessary, purchase additional insurance for any uncovered risks.
🚐 Extra Accessories
For an additional fee, you can add extras to your car rental. One of the most useful options is an additional driver, allowing you to share driving responsibilities. The cost for an extra driver varies by company, typically ranging from $13.00 to $15.00 per day. For example, Avis caps the fee at $65 for the entire rental period.
Having the additional driver listed on the rental agreement is essential. If they cause damage without being listed, the insurance won’t cover the costs. Families traveling with children can benefit from child seats or booster seats, available in various sizes from rental companies.
GPS rentals are generally unnecessary, as Google Maps on your smartphone works just as well. Many rental companies offer Wi-Fi modems with internet access, but you can replace this with an eSIM from Airalo.
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Cheap Car Rental Companies in Miami
◻️ Car Rentals at Miami Airport
Renting a car directly at Miami Airport offers the convenience of not needing to arrange a transfer to the city center. Major car rental companies like Sixt, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, Dollar, Avis, National, Payless, Thrifty, and Royal have offices at the airport. They’re located in the “MIA Rental Car Center,” and you can get there for free via shuttle buses provided by the airport.
◻️ Car Rentals in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is home to dozens of car rental agencies, with small brands such as Tyrex Rent A Car, Lucio Car Rental, Premier Auto, Paramount Luxury Rentals, Falcon Car Rental, and EMCR being widely available. Well-known companies like Sixt, Zipcar, and Avis also offer their services in the area.
Car Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Ideas Around Miami
1️⃣ Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is famous for its endless wetlands and mangroves, allowing visitors to experience nature in its wildest form. One resident you may prefer to avoid is the alligator, with approximately 200,000 of them inhabiting the area. The park is also home to the endangered Florida panther, with an estimated population of around 200.
To explore the park, you can opt for popular airboats—vessels powered by giant propellers that can reach speeds of up to 40 mph. For a slower-paced adventure, consider renting a kayak or observing wildlife on foot during a bird-watching tour.
2️⃣ Key West
Key West, the southernmost point of the continental U.S., is marked by its iconic monument, which is only 87 mi north of Cuba. A series of bridges connects Key West to mainland Florida, making the journey easily accessible by car.
The same cannot be said for Dry Tortugas, one of the most intriguing national parks in the U.S.. Located on a remote island, it features Fort Jefferson, a fortress built in 1847. To visit, you’ll need to take either a boat or a seaplane.
3️⃣ Orlando
About three and a half hours, or 236 mi, north of Miami lies Orlando. If you’ve heard of this city, chances are it was in connection with its world-famous theme parks.
Orlando is home to Disney World, Sea World, Epcot, Legoland, and Universal Studios, making it the global capital of family-friendly amusement parks.
4️⃣ Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne, a small island just 7 mi from downtown Miami, is known for its beautiful beaches and the iconic 95 ft tall white lighthouse built in 1825.
Relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, or grilling can be complemented by a visit to the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which features hiking trails in its western section.
5️⃣ Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park, located 41 mi south of downtown Miami, is renowned for its mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. About 95% of the park consists of water, making snorkeling and diving its main attractions.
For those seeking a calmer experience, kayaking through the mangrove channels is an excellent option.
Car Rental in USA
- The Best Guide to Renting a Car in the USA (4 714 Words!)
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- USA Gas Stations – Filling Up, Fuel Types & Price Guide
- Automatic Car 101: Understanding Gearbox, Starting, and Parking
- How to Rent a Mustang Convertible in the USA (An Easy Guide)
- How to Rent a 7, 9, 12 or 15 Passenger Van (A Complete Guide)
