MIAMI AIRPORT INFO

 

 

If you’re traveling by plane into Miami, you’ll most likely fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), the only airport in Greater Miami that provides scheduled service. The other options are air-charter services or the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, a smaller facility about 30 minutes north of downtown Miami. Centrally located seven miles from downtown Miami, MIA has more airlines flying into it (140) than any other airport in the country. This gateway to the Americas handles 34 million passengers a year. Averaging more than 15,000 departures and landings per day, MIA makes non-stop or 1-stop connections to 200 cities on five continents. Whew! With numbers like that, you’re sure to be able to get a flight into this bustling international hotspot. Also, at the airport you’ll hear a cacophony (or symphony, depending on your view) of tongues. 

Although it’s definitely huge, MIA is a relatively easy airport to navigate. Just follow the signs from your gate to the baggage area on the lower level. Outside the door of baggage claim you will find taxis, rental cars, buses, SuperShuttle service, and passenger car pickup. If you need assistance, a 24-hour Tourist Information Center is located at Level 2, Concourse E. Other information centers are scattered throughout the horseshoe-shaped terminal. You can rent luggage carts for $2 (they’re free inside customs areas).

MIA is undergoing a $4 billion expansion (as if it weren’t big enough already!) that is expected to be completed in 2007. Mean while, the aviation department has made parking easier for passengers. The new 6-level Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages have easy-to-follow color designations. Telephones are located outside each elevator. The SuperShuttle (305-871-2000) service provides door-to-door transportation between MIA and Greater Miami. It costs $9 per person to get to Miami and $11 to ride to South Beach and the Art Deco District.