Miami International Airport [MIA] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: November 7, 2019

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
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Miami International Airport (MIA) is the twelfth busiest airport in the U.S., serving over 45 million passengers in 2018. MIA is also the third busiest U.S. airport for international passengers, with direct flights to 105 international destinations.

If you’re looking to fly to/from MIA, then check out this useful guide featuring information on how to get to the airport, facilities and services, moving between terminals, parking, and more.

Quick Information

Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
Terminals: 3 terminals — North, Central, and South with 6 concourses: D, E, F, G, H, and J
Airport Address: 2100 NW 42nd Ave., Miami, FL 33126
Distance from downtown Miami: Approximately 8 miles (13 km)
Website: miami-airport.com
Phone Number: 305-876-7000
Destinations Served: 52 domestic, 105 international
Number of Daily Flights: 123,700
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

Airlines Operating From MIA

MIA Airport Terminals

MIA is a U-shaped airport with parking situated inside the “U” and the departure concourses on the outside.

There is 1 large terminal building that is split into the North Terminal, Central Terminal, and South Terminal, however, all terminals are interconnected by moving walkways located on Level 3.

Within each terminal, arrivals and baggage claim are on Level 1, departures and ticketing are on Level 2, and access to terminal connections and the MIA Mover is on Level 3.

North Terminal (Concourse D)

Concourse D has 50 gates numbered D1-D12, D14-D17, D19-D34, D37-D51, D53, D55, and D60, serving international and domestic flights.

The Skytrain runs along most of the length of the concourse (which from end-to-end is 1 mile,) with 4 stations along the route.

There are 4 security checkpoints between the North Terminal and Concourse D – 3 near the ticketing areas and 1 small checkpoint near the Central Terminal. Once through this checkpoint, passengers can walk to the secure area of Concourse E through a connector bridge.

Concourse D has lots of shops and restaurants to pass the time, as well as an XpressSpa, The Centurion Lounge, and an Admirals Club.

Central Terminal (Concourse E, F, and G)

The Central Terminal consists of Concourses E, F, and G situated at the bottom end of the U-shape. Each concourse has its own shops and restaurants inside the secure area, with more outside of security, along with the Miami International Airport Hotel.

Concourses E and F operate international and domestic flights; whereas, Concourse G operates domestic flights only.

Concourse E has a total of 18 gates with gates E2 and E4-E11 in the main concourse, and gates E20-E25, E30, E31, and E33 located in a satellite building accessible via a walkway or a train.

Concourse E is connected to Concourse D within the secure area via a connector bridge opposite gate E2.

Concourse F has 19 gates numbered F3-F12, F14-F21, and F23. All gates can be reached from the security checkpoint within a 3-5 minute walk.

Concourse G has 14 gates numbered G2, G4-G12, G14-G16, and G19, with all gates accessible to walk to within 3-5 minutes from the security checkpoint.

Apart from connections between Concourse E and D, all other passengers must exit the secure area and use the moving walkways on Level 3 to travel to their connecting concourse.

South Terminal (Concourse H and J)

The South Terminal provides direct access to Concourses H and J that both operate international and domestic flights.

Passengers can travel between these 2 concourses within the secure area via a connecting walkway. This is also where most of the shops and restaurants are situated for both concourses.

Concourse H has 17 gates numbered H3-H12 and H14-H20. Concourse J has 15 gates numbered J2-J5, J7-J12, and J14-J18.

To connect to another concourse, passengers are required to exit the secure area and take the moving walkways on Level 3 to their next concourse, where it will be necessary to re-clear security again.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Skytrain

The Skytrain operates every 3 minutes along the mile-long Concourse D, and passengers can access the train from 4 stations along the route. Stations are located:

• Near gate D17 — serving gates D1-D19.
• Near gate D25 — serving gates D20-D25.
• Near gate D29 — serving gates D26-D39 and E1-E35.
• Near gate D46 — serving gates D40-D60.

MIA E Train

The MIA E Train transports passengers from Concourse E to the satellite terminal to access gates E20-E33. The train departs from Level 4 in the main concourse.

MIA Mover

Passengers can ride the MIA Mover (located between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages on the 3rd level) to the Rental Car Center and Central Station.

Walking

Passengers can walk between all terminals and concourses at MIA. However, it’s not possible to remain inside the secure area at all times. It’s possible to stay airside when connecting between Concourses D and E and between Concourses H and J (providing you’re not arriving on an international flight).

When connecting between all other concourses, passengers must clear security at the entrance of the concourse.

Security and Customs at MIA

MIA has 10 security checkpoints located across the airport with 4 located within Concourse D.

Concourses E, F, and G have a security checkpoint at each entrance, and Concourses H and J have a security checkpoint at their respective entrances, plus one in the H/J connector.

Hot Tip: Learn how to breeze through TSA security in our in-depth guide. 

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at some security checkpoints at MIA:

• Concourse D Checkpoint 2
• Concourse D Checkpoint 3
• Concourse H checkpoint

MIA has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located pre-security at the east end of North Terminal – Concourse D on the 4th floor, so you can apply and arrange an interview the next time you’re at MIA.

Hot Tip: TSA PreCheck can be extremely useful for regular travelers flying out of MIA as it consistently falls within the 5 U.S. airports with the longest security wait times.  

Global Entry

MIA has Global Entry kiosks for eligible passengers who have enrolled in the program. If you have been conditionally approved and need to arrange an interview, MIA has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Concourse J on the 2nd level. The office is open from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.

MIA participates in Enrollment on Arrival at Concourses D or J, so passengers can complete an interview at MIA without the need to make an appointment.

Hot Tip: Find out more about Global Entry with a list of the most frequently asked questions about Global Entry, as well as the best rewards cards that include a complimentary membership.

Mobile Passport

MIA accepts Mobile Passport Control for passengers arriving in the U.S. from an international flight.

Eligible passengers must complete the “new trip” section within the app on arrival at MIA and present both your electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

The CLEAR Security Program is available at Checkpoints E and H at MIA. CLEAR is available from 4 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Checkpoint E daily and from 4 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Checkpoint H.

MIA Airport Lounges

MIA has 12 airline lounges, with just 3 available for passengers to purchase day passes for. Other lounges are reserved for premium class passengers or those with elite frequent flyer status or eligible credit card holders.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Gain access to lounges without paying the day-pass fee with our article on the best credit cards for complimentary lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass holders can access the following lounges:

• Avianca Sala VIP
• Club America
• The VIP Lounge (by LATAM)

Priority Pass holders can also use their membership to receive a discount at:

• Air Margaritaville
• Corona Beach House
• Viena

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships as well as the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at MIA

MIA has over 100 restaurants, cafes, and food stations across the 3 terminal areas. If you arrive early for your flight, then the best selection of restaurants outside of the secure area is in the Central Terminal.

See the range of restaurants available and their locations on the airport website.

MIA Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available at MIA but features mandatory advertising. Uninterrupted services are available for $4.95 (standard service) and $7.95 (premium service). Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport in all indoor public areas.

To connect, select “MIA-WiFi” from your network connections and launch your web browser.

Charging Stations: Power charging stations are located throughout the airport.

Hot Tip: Enjoy uninterrupted browsing at the airport with the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots.

MIA Airport Lost and Found

Miami Airport’s lost and found is located in the North Terminal on Level 4 and is open 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily.

All items lost in the parking lots, curbside areas, or employee shuttles will be stored in the lost and found office for 30 days. If an item is lost on an airplane, passengers are advised to contact the applicable airline, and if lost at the Rental Car Center, then passengers can call 888-761-8227.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

MIA has information counters located in Concourses D, E, H, and J, with the main counter located in the Central Terminal E on level 2. Counters are open daily from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Paging can be requested by using one of the white courtesy phones that are positioned throughout the terminal.

Children’s Play Areas

An interactive children’s area called “Plane Fun” is located in Concourse E, near gate E5. Children can listen to real conversations between pilots and the control tower and pretend to be air traffic controllers.

While MIA doesn’t rank as one of the top kid-friendly U.S. airports, it still offers great activities for your little ones.

Baby Facilities

MIAmama suites for private nursing can be found in each concourse. These are located at:

• Concourse D by gate D36.
• Concourse E by gates E7 and E21.
• Concourse F by gate F6.
• Concourse G by gate G4.
• Concourse H by gate H4.
• Concourse J by gate J5.

Traveling With a Pet

While MIA didn’t make it into our top pet-friendly U.S. airports, MIA does offer outdoor pet relief areas. These pet relief areas can be found on the arrival level of Concourse D, E, and J. Indoor pet relief areas are located post-security in Concourse D, F, G, and J.

Duty Free

MIA has 4 duty free shops located at:

• Concourse J on the departures 2nd level by gate J5.
• Concourse H on the departures 2nd level by gate H4.
• Concourse H-J Connector on the departures 2nd level.
• Concourse J on the departures 2nd level by gate J6.

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminals on the departures and arrivals level, and inside Concourse D at the TGI Friday’s smoking lounge (near gate D36).

Prayer

There is an interfaith chapel on the 1st level of Concourse D between international arrivals and carousel 22.

Money

ATMs are located throughout Concourses D, E, F, G, H, and J.

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage facilities are located on level 2 of the Central Terminal E. Storage is available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with daily rates from $6.

Important MIA Phone Numbers

General inquiries: 305-876-7000.

Baggage storage room: 305-869-1163.

TSA: 305-421-2421.

Ground transportation: 305-876-7000, #5.

Parking: 305-876-7000, #4.

Travel To and From MIA

Transport Options

Train

MIA Mover: Passengers can ride the MIA Mover from between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages on the 3rd level to the Rental Car Center and the Central Station.

Metrorail: Trains depart from Central Station every 30 minutes at weekdays and every 15 minutes at weekends. MIA is on the orange line with stations through to Dadeland South. To connect to the green line, change at Earlington Heights for stations to Palmetto.

Tri-Rail: Trains run from MIA (Central Station) through Fort Lauderdale to Mangonia Park.

Buses

MetroBus: MIA is served by bus routes 37, 42, 57, J, 150 Miami Beach Express, and East-West Connection from the airport Central Station. 

Miami Beach Bus: The Miami Beach Bus runs from the airport Central Station to Miami Beach (41st Street to South Pointe Drive). Buses run daily from 6 a.m. – 11:40 p.m and cost $2.65.

Shuttle

Private and shared-ride shuttles are available from outside the baggage claim areas on the ground level of the airport. Advanced reservations are required and can be arranged by calling 305-871-1000.

Hotel shuttles pick-up and drop-off on the upper level outside of departures.

Shared Ride Services

Ride services such as Uber, Lyft, and Wingz can pick up and drop off passengers curbside at departures and arrivals.

Taxi

Taxis are available from outside of the arrivals area on the ground level. Metered fares cost $6.90 for the first mile and $2.40 for each additional mile. Various flat rates are also available.

Directions by Car to MIA

Arriving From Downtown Miami

Take I-25 North and take exit 3A to merge onto FL-836 West/I-395 towards Airport/U M/Jackson/VA Hospitals. Keep left at the fork, following signs for NW 14th Street. Merge onto NW 14th Street and take a slight right onto the slip road to Airport North. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Rental Car Center, and merge onto NW 25th Street for access to the airport.

Arriving From South Beach

Take the MacArthur Causeway and continue onto I-395 West. Keep right to stay on I-395 West and continue onto FL-836 West. Take the NW 37th Avenue exit towards Florida 953/Le Jeune Road/Douglas Road and keep left at the fork. Follow signs for NW 14th Street and merge onto NW 14th Street.

Arriving From Fort Lauderdale (Toll Route)

Take I-95 South and keep left at the fork. Take the exit towards FL-826 and merge onto I-95 South. Keep left to stay on I-95 South, follow signs for Miami and use the left lane to take the exit towards Express Lanes. Merge onto I-95 Express and use the left lane to merge onto FL-112 West. Use the left 2 lanes to take the Le Jeune Road south exit. Merge onto FL-953 South/S. Le Jeune Rd. and use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left onto NW 25th Street. Use the right 3 lanes to turn slightly right for access to the airport.

MIA Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are 2 main parking lots at MIA — the Dolphin garage and Flamingo garage. The Dolphin garage serves Concourses D and E and the Flamingo garage serves Concourses F, G, H, and J.

For oversized vehicles, there is a high vehicle parking lot area located adjacent to the east side of the Dolphin garage.

Parking Rates

• Each 20 minute increment: $2.
• Maximum daily rate: $17.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available on the 2nd level of the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages.

• 0-3 hours (first day only): $18.
• 3-24 hours: $30.
• Maximum daily rate: $30.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot has 60 spaces that friends and family can use to wait in until they receive a call from the passenger. The lot is located close to the airport just off LeJeune Road and NW 31 Street.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Although MIA airport parking isn’t the most expensive daily rate we’ve seen, off-site parking can offer cheaper rates.

Off-site parking starts at just $4.99 per day when booking with airportparkingreservations.com. These third-party sites can be used to compare rates for available parking and sort by distance from the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking for passengers with disabilities is located on Level 3 and the ground level of both parking lots. Standard parking rates apply, however, vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit or license tag receive 2 hours of free parking.

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 305-876-7000, #4.

Car Rental at MIA Airport

The Rental Car Center is located on airport property and is accessible via the MIA Mover on the third level between the Dolphin and Flamingo parking lots. There are more rental car companies located nearby to the airport.

Rental Car Center

Companies Outside of the Rental Car Center

Hot Tip: Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental company. 

MIA Airport Hotels

The Miami International Airport Hotel is an on-site hotel that is accessible from Concourse E on the departures level. There are also many off-site hotels that are under 2 miles from the airport that offer courtesy shuttle services to/from the airport.

MIA Airport Hotels — Sorted by Distance

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Airport East offers guests convenient access to Midtown Doral, Coral Gables, and Miami International Airport. The hotel offers free amenities such as high-speed Internet access, a hot breakfast, shuttle services to/from MIA, daily newspaper, 24-hour business center, 600 square foot fitness center, outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi. Award nights at the hotel start at just 25,000 points per night.

The Hilton Miami Airport is Miami’s only airport resort. The resort features a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, an on-site restaurant, and 2 bars. The hotel’s large 3,000 square foot pool makes a good place for you and your family to pass the time between flights. While Hilton no longer publishes an award chart for their hotels, the average price for this hotel is between 35,000-50,000 points per night depending on the season.

The Sheraton Miami Airport is a stylish hotel that offers proximity to the airport, an 18-hole golf course, Little Havana, and Marlins Park. Guests can also enjoy the complimentary hotel shuttle, outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and 2 on-site restaurants. With the Marriott peak/off-peak pricing, the points needed will largely depend on the time of year that you visit with off-peak dates at 20,000, standard dates at 25,000, and peak dates costing 30,000 points per night.

If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more IHG, Marriott, or Hilton points.

Final Thoughts

As with many major U.S. airports, MIA is thinking about the future. With passenger numbers rising, Miami-Dade County commissioners recently voted to fund $5 billion for improvements to the airport over the next 5-15 years.

Projects will be completed in phases, including planned renovations to 2 of the Central Terminal concourses, an expansion of the south terminal, and 2 new hotels.