What is the Cheapest Car Rental in Miami? You’re not alone. With year-round tourism, beaches, nightlife, and sprawling urban neighborhoods, having a car in Miami isn’t just a convenience—it can actually save you money. Rideshare apps might seem easier at first, but once you start calculating day-to-day travel, the costs pile up fast.
Fortunately, renting a car in Miami doesn’t have to break the bank. With dozens of platforms and rental providers competing for attention, smart travelers are scoring deals for as low as $4 to $12 per day. The trick? Knowing where to look and what to avoid.
This guide breaks down the five best cheap car rental companies in Miami, highlights when to book, how to avoid hidden fees, and what rental sites are trusted by real users.
Why Renting a Cheap Car in Miami Makes Sense
The High Cost of Rideshare and Taxis
Let’s do some quick math. An average Uber ride within Miami costs about $12–$25 depending on the time of day. Head to South Beach? That’s $30. Want to check out the Everglades or Key Largo? Get ready to drop $70–$100+ for a round trip.
If you plan on exploring, relying on taxis or rideshare will easily cost over $300 a week. That’s why savvy visitors often rent a car—especially when you can get one for less than $10 per day.
Freedom to Explore Beyond the City
Miami isn’t just beaches and skyscrapers. Some of the most unforgettable sights—like Biscayne Bay, Coral Gables, or the Florida Keys—require a set of wheels. A rental gives you the freedom to roam on your own schedule.
You won’t be stuck waiting 20 minutes for an Uber under the Miami sun or negotiating with a cab driver. Want to hit three beaches in one day? No problem. Spontaneous road trip to Key West? Absolutely doable.
Best Time to Book a Cheap Car in Miami
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Rental prices swing dramatically based on the time of year. According to DiscoverCars.com, September is the cheapest month to rent a car in Miami, with daily rates averaging around $23/day. Compare that to December or spring break season, when the same vehicle might cost $55+/day.
If your travel dates are flexible, aim for shoulder seasons like late summer or early fall when tourism dips and rental agencies lower prices to attract customers.
Booking in Advance vs. Last-Minute Deals
Contrary to popular belief, booking early doesn’t always guarantee the best deal—but it does offer peace of mind. For Miami, the sweet spot tends to be 5–10 days before your trip, especially if you’re flying in during peak months.
Sites like Expedia and Discovercars frequently offer “pay later” options that let you cancel or rebook if you find a better price closer to departure.
🏆 Top 5 Cheap Car Rental Companies in Miami
1. DiscoverCars.com – Best Overall Budget Platform
Image Credit: Discovercars
Price Range & Booking Features
DiscoverCars.com aggregates rates from dozens of rental companies, including small local vendors. You’ll often find cars for as low as $4/day during off-peak months. Their booking platform is streamlined, offering full transparency around mileage, fuel policy, and pickup rules.
You can even filter by vehicle size, deposit amount, insurance included, or company ratings—making it super easy to find the best bang for your buck.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Consistently low base rates
- Free cancellation on most bookings
- Clean user interface with strong filters
Cons:
- Insurance can be pricey if bought at checkout
- Some lesser-known providers may have hidden fees
For best results, always read the fine print and check reviews of the actual provider before confirming.
2. GetRentacar.com – Best for Peer-to-Peer Deals
Image Credit: GetRentacar
How It Works
GetRentacar.com is like Airbnb—but for cars. You send out a request or bid for a vehicle and local car owners respond with offers. It’s especially handy if you’re looking for a weekend getaway vehicle or something unique, like a Jeep Wrangler or luxury SUV.
While not always the cheapest for economy cars, rates start around $30/day, and there’s plenty of flexibility with pickup locations and times.
Unique Perks and Drawbacks
Pros:
- Direct connection with local owners
- Flexible rental terms and pickup arrangements
- Often includes full insurance in the price
Cons:
- Inventory can be limited in high-demand seasons
- Price varies depending on the owner’s preferences
Ideal for travelers who value flexibility and a more personal rental experience.
3. Expedia.com – Best for Bundle Savings
Image Credit: Expedia
Price Flexibility and Inventory
Expedia isn’t just for flights and hotels—it’s also a car rental powerhouse. By bundling your rental with a flight or hotel, you can save up to 20% or more. Even without bundling, cars are often listed for $5–15/day depending on the provider and location.
The big advantage? Expedia partners with major names like Hertz, Avis, and Budget, meaning you’ll likely get a more reliable vehicle and standardized service.
Insurance Options & Reviews
Expedia offers collision insurance at checkout, but it’s usually better (and cheaper) to use a travel credit card that provides coverage. Reviews are generally positive, especially for travelers who book in advance and avoid add-ons at the counter.
4. EconomyBookings.com – Best Comparison Tool for Miami Deals
Image Credit: Expedia
Interface & Filtering Options
EconomyBookings.com operates as a meta-search engine, meaning it pulls listings from dozens of car rental companies and platforms—including DiscoverCars, Expedia, and even local rental outfits. The platform is ideal for comparing multiple offers side-by-side.
What makes EconomyBookings special is its intuitive filtering system. You can sort rentals by total cost, pickup location, car type, user reviews, and even by specific companies you trust. It even flags “Good Deal” options so you know when you’re looking at a genuine bargain.
Average Prices & Value
With daily rentals as low as $5–$10 during slower travel seasons, EconomyBookings is a strong contender for finding low-cost options. Plus, its “Flexible Dates” tool shows you the best prices on surrounding days—perfect if your travel plans are flexible.
Pros:
- Real-time comparisons of dozens of rental sites
- Alerts for price drops
- Multiple filtering tools
Cons:
- Some prices may not reflect full insurance or tax
- Redirects to third-party sites (can be confusing for some)
EconomyBookings is best for price-savvy travelers who want to weigh every option before booking.
5. Skyscanner – Best for International Travelers
Local Providers Like MOVIS & A&G
Skyscanner is another meta-search engine, but it often features budget-friendly local companies like MOVIS and A&G, which aren’t always listed on mainstream platforms. These providers tend to offer small economy cars starting around $12/day, which is ideal if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.
It’s especially helpful for international travelers flying into Miami from Europe or South America, thanks to its globally optimized interface and multilingual support.
What Makes it Budget-Friendly?
What makes Skyscanner stand out is its ability to show total pricing upfront—taxes, fees, and even insurance options are clearly displayed. That transparency makes budgeting easier and avoids sticker shock at the rental counter.
Pros:
- Global support for foreign drivers
- Affordable local provider listings
- Transparent pricing structure
Cons:
- Limited loyalty benefits or rewards
- Not all deals are cancellable
If you’re visiting Miami from overseas and want to keep your rental costs under control, Skyscanner is a reliable go-to.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Insurance, Fuel, and Mileage Policies
Here’s where the rental game gets tricky. That $4/day rental might sound amazing—until you reach the counter and they throw in:
- $20/day for basic collision insurance
- $15 for a full tank of fuel (even if you return it full)
- Fees for going over 100 miles/day
To avoid this, read the rental terms thoroughly. If the site offers an insurance add-on, compare it to what your credit card or travel insurance covers. Also, opt for “Full to Full” fuel policies where possible—you’ll only pay for what you use.
Age-Related Surcharges
If you’re under 25, expect to pay an extra $15–$30/day with most rental companies. Some platforms like GetRentacar or DiscoverCars offer better rates or waive fees for 21–24-year-olds, but it varies by provider.
Also, drivers over 70 may face age limits with certain insurers—so always check before booking.
Tips to Save Money on Miami Car Rentals
Use Credit Cards That Include Rental Coverage
Cards like Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, and American Express often come with primary rental insurance. This means you can skip the expensive coverage at checkout and still be fully protected.
Just make sure to:
- Pay the full rental amount with the card
- Decline the rental agency’s CDW (collision damage waiver)
Consider Economy or Compact Vehicles
Smaller cars are not only cheaper to rent—they also sip less gas and are easier to park in tight Miami lots. Unless you’re planning road trips or hauling gear, stick to compact or economy categories.
They typically cost $4–10/day less than midsize or SUVs.
Airport vs. Off-Airport Pickups
Miami International Airport has the largest selection, but often charges higher facility fees. If you’re not in a rush, look at off-airport locations in areas like:
- Coral Gables
- Brickell
- Downtown Miami
Sometimes, these smaller branches offer 20–30% lower rates, and many provide shuttle service from MIA.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Rental for Your Budget
Finding the cheapest car rental in Miami isn’t hard—you just need to know where to look and what to avoid. Whether you go with a well-known platform like Expedia or experiment with GetRentacar’s peer-to-peer deals, the goal is to maximize your value and minimize surprise fees.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Best overall: DiscoverCars.com for unbeatable rates and filters.
- Most flexible: GetRentacar.com for local, owner-direct deals.
- Great bundles: Expedia.com when booking flights + rentals together.
- Smart comparison tools: EconomyBookings and Skyscanner for bargain hunting.
Now you’re ready to hit Miami’s sun-soaked streets in style—without draining your wallet.
FAQs
1. What is the absolute cheapest rental car I can get in Miami?
The lowest base rate is typically around $4/day, especially with DiscoverCars or economybookings during off-season months like September.
2. Is it cheaper to rent from the airport or downtown?
It’s often cheaper downtown or in suburban locations (Coral Gables, Brickell) due to lower facility and airport fees.
3. Are there any free cancellation options?
Yes. Sites like Expedia, DiscoverCars, and economybookings offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup on most rentals.
4. Can I rent a car in Miami without a credit card?
Some providers allow debit card rentals with proof of insurance and a return flight, but you’ll likely face higher deposits.
5. What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Miami?
You can rent a car from age 21, but expect a young driver surcharge until you turn 25.