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Airport Name
Miami International Airport

Airport Location
The airport is located eight miles northwest of Miami.

Terminals
1

IATA Code
MIA

Telephone
305 876 7000

Airport Overview

Situated eight miles north-west of downtown Miami, Miami International Airport (MIA) is South Florida’s main airport. Due to a vast number of tourist attractions and sizable local populations, it’s one of the largest hubs in the US and acts as the country’s main gateway to Latin America.

Unfortunately, though, the airport has a reputation for being slow and disorganized, especially when it comes to luggage procedures. Passengers in transit often miss flights as they are required to clear immigration before collecting their baggage, after which they must then transfer it to their connecting flight. Moreover, it’s common practice for staff to remove bags from carousels and place them on the floor, leaving passengers to crowd around heaps of luggage and compete for a chance to locate theirs. Signage is lacking and unclear, and many airport personnel speak Spanish only.

However, MIA has a wide variety of eateries, bars and retail outlets to keep layover passengers amused. Musical performers also provide entertainment throughout the airport’s public spaces and numerous wall paintings add color and vibrancy to the interior of the terminal building.

Terminal Transfer

There is one large terminal building – comprising concourses D-J (excluding I to avoid confusion with the number 1) – with moving walkways to assist travel between concourses.

Getting into Town

Train: A free automated fixed-rail system provides transport to popular locations in downtown Miami and Brickell, while a mass transit fixed-rail system provides direct transport to areas throughout Miami-Dade County.

Taxi: Taxis and shuttles are available on the arrival level of the airport.

Bus: A Metrobus service runs from Miami International to all areas in Miami. The station is on the ground level of Concourse E.

Car Parking

Airport parking consists of four areas, namely valet, short- and long-term, and economy parking.

Information Desks

Car rental companies at MIA include ACE, Advantage Rent a Car, Alamo, All Day Rent a Car, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, E-Z Rent a Car, Global Rent a Car, Hertz, National, Payless, P & P Family Auto Rental, Royal, Sixt and Thrifty.

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs and currency exchange.

Luggage: A lost-and-found service is available in Central Terminal E. Porters are available to assist with baggage. As with all US airports no left-luggage facilities are available due to ongoing security concerns.

Conference and business: Miami International Airport Hotel on level 7 of Concourse E features a Conference Center with business services and meeting rooms for up to 12 guests. A conference suite offers access to audiovisual equipment and can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. There’s also an auditorium located on the fourth level of North Terminal D.

Other facilities: Pharmacies, a hair salon, shoeshine stands, a chapel and animal-relief areas.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Shopping: A fair number of retail stores, including duty-free shops, are scattered throughout the terminal building. Outlets include Bijoux Terner, In Motion Entertainment, NewsLink, Coco Bay, Miami News Now, Miami To Go, Starfire Design, Sunglass Hut, Fashion Gallerie, Indulgences, Johnston & Murphy, NFL Store, Shop Britto, Taxco Sterling, Tech on the Go and Montblanc.

Food and drink: From cakes, confectioneries, fine cuisine and fast food to coffee, cocktails, beer and health drinks, there’s a wide variety of eating and drinking options on offer at Miami International. Popular establishments include Au Bon Pain, Fresh Attractions, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, La Carreta Restaurant, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Sushi Maki, The Counter, Club One, Island Chicken Grill, Wendy’s, Tradewinds Bar, Ku-Va Restaurant & Bar, Bacardi Mojito, Cafe Versailles, Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Haagen-Dazs, Icebox Cafe and Shula’s Bar & Grill.

 

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About the author

Ryan ClareRyan has traveled to more than 15 countries including Canada, France, Austria and Spain. He has an insatiable curiosity that manifests in a knack for travel. He hopes to travel to every continent and experience as many cites and cultures as possible.

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