Although Miami has about 2.5 million inhabitants, driving a rental car is not complicated, even for first time visitors to Miami. Two major streets cross the city: Miami Avenue from north to south and Flagler street from east to west. The rest of the streets, most of them, are numbered according to their location in relation to these two streets, so that once you understand the principle, orientation becomes easy. Please note that outside of the city itself, in neighborhoods such as Miami Beach, Hialeah and Gables the numbering of the streets is different.

The Miami airport is about 13 km northwest of the city. Another convenient option (especially for those coming from the USA) is to land in Fort Lauderdale, which is about 30 km north of Miami and also offers a modern and convenient airport.
 

Exclusive for rentals with Alamo
 

◾ The freedom to choose

At the main airports in the USA, including the Miami and Orlando airports in Florida, the exclusive program called – Choice, is activated and offers the car renter a selection of models to choose from in each group.
For the list of stations where Choice option is available, click here.
 

◾ Save time

you can also speed up standing in line with the Save Time service that allows you to check in online in advance for the car rental and also at central stations you can get the rental voucher from a kiosk instead of standing in line! To check in online, click here.

Please note - the rental companies in the USA do not allow a Diners type credit card to be presented as a guarantee credit card. An international credit card in the name of the driver belonging to other credit companies must be presented.

◾ The roads in Miami

Miami itself is crossed by four major highways: I-95, which cuts through the city and continues north along the east coast toward Orlando. Other highways are Florida's Turnpike, the Dolphin Expressway (Route 836) which cuts through downtown from east to west, and the Palmetto Expressway (Route 826) which is another longitudinal highway.
 

◾ Departure from Miami by rental car

For those renting a car in Miami, a key part of the trip in Miami is the constant transition between the city and the islands that are a few miles east of the coast. The passage over Biscayne Bay (a recommended experience in itself) is made using six bridges spread from north to south. For example, the Rickenbacker Bridge is the southernmost and connects the city with Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, the Venetian Bridge reaches Miami Beach and the MacArthur Bridge reaches South Beach.
Car renters wishing to continue from Miami south towards Key West can continue from the airport on routes 826 and then 874 for a drive of about four hours. Those traveling north to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will find I-95 particularly convenient.
 

◾ Toll roads

In the USA there are many toll roads. In order to save unnecessary dealing with small change during your trip, the car rental stations offer renting a Tollpass device (known as a Sunpassin Florida - similar to the Route 6 device) with which you can pass on these roads and receive the charge in a centralized manner from the rental company and pay via CC.

Please note that some toll roads are exempt by the TollPass device, for example in Montreal, Kansas and South Carolina. It is your responsibility to verify this before traveling on toll roads. Driving on a toll road without payment is subject to fines.

For more information about the included and excluded roads, visit the following website: https://www.tollpassgo.com/
 

◾ Special lanes

On highways there is sometimes a sign with the inscription "HOV" (High Occupancy Vehicle lanes - this is a lane for multi-passenger vehicles that at certain times of the day a vehicle is not allowed to pass through these lanes unless it carries the number of passengers indicated on the sign.
 

◾ Carpool routes

In the USA, there are lanes that are designated for vehicles that carry a number of passengers according to the number indicated on the signage. Violation of the rules may result in a significant fine of tens or even hundreds of dollars.
 

◾ Turns on US roads

In some US states, different rules are applied than in Israel regarding right and left turns at traffic lights.
Turning right: In some areas turning right is allowed even when the traffic light is red, when of course there is still an obligation to give the right of way to pedestrians and crossing vehicles. If you are not sure what the rule is in the state you are traveling to, you can wait for a green light.
Turning left: In addition, there are states where even when the traffic light is fully green, turning left does not always give you the right of way, but the right of way is first of all the traffic coming in front.

The exception to this case is when your traffic light also shows a green arrow - then the right of way is yours.
 

◾ Credit cards in the USA

Please note - the rental companies in the USA do not allow Diners or Debit credit cards to be presented as a deposit credit card. An international credit card in the name of the driver of other credit companies must be presented.

For more tips on renting a car in the USA click here.

Renting a car in Miami with Ofran will allow you to explore its sites and attractions, in the pace that's comfortable to you and experience Miami in comfort and ease. We will be happy to stand by your side and accompany your trip in Miami, while making sure to rent a car of the highest standards.

Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Miami

Miami is known for its sun, Caribbean atmosphere and beach, and the hype surrounding all of these is well justified.
Therefore, we will be happy to tell you about some of the locations that you must visit when you arrive in Miami.
 

South Beach

The southern beach strip is the pearl of the city's beaches. It is known as the "American Riviera" and is considered one of the best vacation areas in the entire USA.
South Beach offers a perfect vacation for everyone - for young people who are interested in parties, for families who want a relaxed vacation on the beach and for everyone who loves sun, clear water and good food.
Besides the beach and the treats, architecture lovers will enjoy walking among the houses in the colorfull Art Deco district, where hundreds of houses built in the 1920s and painted in pastel colors have been preserved. The unique design makes these buildings one of the distinct characteristics of the area.
 

Little Havana

Due to the geographical proximity to Cuba, and the fact that Miami is home to a large population of Cubans, one can naturally find in the city several centers that emphasize and preserve the Cuban heritage.
Little Havana, located in the lower city, brings hundreds of visitors a day, due to its lively atmosphere and excellent food. Calle Ocho (8th street) is the main attraction. With playing tables for dominoes and chess, restaurants and pubs with Cuban food and even a cigar factory, this complex is recommended for anyone who has not yet had time to visit Cuba, but is interested in the special experience.

Interested in traveling outside the city?
Renting a car in Miami will allow you to reach amazing sites that are a short drive away.
 

The Everglades National Park

About half an hour away from the city is a completely different world than anything you will see in Miami. The largest tropical environment in the USA. The park is known as the "The River of Grass" due to its slowly moving waters and the grass that covers most of the water area. It is actually a kind of giant swamp, but don't let the image fool you. It is a fascinating observation of an entire ecosystem, including protected plants and animals.
You can sail on an airboat and watch wildlife in the area, as well as interactive shows that tell the story of the wild nature that is the Everglades.

Miami with kids

Besides walking on the beach and various attractions that include water sports, you will be happy to know that Miami also has quite a few happy and fascinating activities for children and parents alike.
 

Miami Children's Museum

The museum is located on a small island between downtown and South Beach.
It includes a number of interactive exhibits that will excite the children, most of them even have educational messages (which will not detract from the fun). For example, a huge piggy bank with a message about financial responsibility, the Castle of Dreams - a huge and colorful sand castle to awaken the imagination, and a music studio.
For all family members, this is an opportunity to spend long hours in an air-conditioned complex full of surprises.
 

Jungle Island

Jungle Island is an ecological park located in the heart of the city. The park is home to exotic and rare animals. Visitors to the park will enjoy the opportunity to immerse themselves in a realistic jungle experience that includes a trip between waterfalls and views from the treetops, animal shows and interactive exhibits.

Shopping in Miami

The Shops at Midtown

A huge open-air mall located in the heart of the city, with over 50 stores of well-known brands, restaurants and even events held outside, such as movie screenings. It is recommended to check the schedule before your arrival.
 

Lincoln Road

This popular stretch of boardwalk is an absolutely iconic shopping experience that no Miami vacation is complete without. Along the boardwalk you will find well-known brands, such as Saphora and H&M, alongside boutique shops and trendy galleries to enter when you want to take a break from shopping and soak up local culture.
 

Dolphine Mall

As in any big American city that respects itself, in Miami you can also find a huge mall for outlet stores. All your favourite brands, in the same place and at huge discounts. This mall is also in the open air, but it is covered and air-conditioned in many parts of it, so you can enjoy your shopping experience even on the hottest days.
Its location next to the airport will also allow you to help you to complete your shopping on your last day in case you missed something.