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Sleeping in Airports

Miami Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Miami Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I’ve been warmer skiing, and got a better night’s sleep when I had influenza. Hoping for a few winks on the outgoing flight.. – a traveller

MIA Airport Overview

miami airport guide
Concourse E, Airside (Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor / July 2019)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Miami International Airport.

What to Expect

Miami Airport (code: MIA) is a large hub for international travel, and one of the fastest growing airports in the United States. There are three  terminals: North (Concourse D), Central (Concourses E, F, G) and South (Concourses H and J) with inter-connected concourses at D/E and H/J.  Moving walkways and skytrains connect the concourses and the rental car centre. As a whole, the airport can be busy and messy so it is best to give yourself extra time.  The airport offers a decent range of shopping and dining options; however, most 24-hour concessions are located landside. The only airside options are the Einstein Bagels in the North Terminal, and the Earl of Sandwich in the South Terminal. The airport also has a yoga room, a therapy dog and free WiFi. It’s worth noting that the WiFi does come with advertising – and you need to pay for an ad-free experience.  For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first class lounges, some of which have showers, that economy class passengers can pay to access.  See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Sleeping in Miami Airport

Good sleep options at Miami Airport are fairly limited. The airport tends to be cold and noisy, with little armrest-free seating options. That said, there are a few key spots. A few travellers set up on red couches near baggage claim in the South terminal, while others sought out carpeted areas near the Auditorium or the Admirals Club in the North terminal. No matter where you sleep, it’s a good idea to bring something to sleep on, along with noise cancelling headphones or earplugs, an eye mask, and warm layers.  Explore our guide to sleeping in Miami Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.  If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel at Concourse E in the Central Terminal, and other hotels nearby that are connected by shuttles.  See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Good to Know

While Miami Airport is open 24 hours, security checkpoints close depending on that night’s flight schedule. Be sure to ask for this schedule before entering or exiting the airside area at night.

If you find yourself with a delay or cancelled flight, some airlines have provided pillows and blankets to other travellers. Inquire with your airline if you find yourself in this situation.

Covid-19 Update

Some airport reviews and tips in this guide and elsewhere on the site were written before March 2020 and may no longer be valid. To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.

For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Miami Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations – Concourse D: (1) Across Gate D30 and (1) Above Gate D15.  Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Concourse D, Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate D12. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members.
  • Club America – Location: Concourse F, Airside, 3rd Floor.  Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Delta Sky Club – Location: South Terminal, Airside, in the H and J Connector, to the left of the H Concourse Security. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of Delta Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • VIP Lounge Miami – Location: South Terminal, Concourse J, Airside, near Gate J5 in the main departure lounge. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • VIP Lounge Terminal E – Location: Central Terminal Concourse E, Airside, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Unknown.
  • Turkish Airlines Lounge – Two Locations: Central Terminal E, Airside, Level 2 • Terminal H, Airside, midway between Concourses H & J, 3rd Floor.  Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • LATAM Lounge – Location: South Terminal, Concourse J, Airside.

Military Lounges

A military hospitality lounge is available for active and retired military travelers. Inside this volunteer-run lounge you will have complimentary snacks and beverages, magazines, TV and Free WiFi. Location: Concourse E, Central Terminal, Level 2. Hours: 9:00AM – 9:00PM.

Related Pages: Miami Airport Lounges

Miami Airport Hotels

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: No
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Miami Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, there is a hotel inside the airport on the landside (public area), so you will need to pass through security/immigration to access it.  Most nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.

With Covid restrictions constantly changing, we recommend that you confirm shuttle availability prior to booking and/or prior to your arrival.

Hotel inside Miami Airport

Inside Airport Miami International Airport Hotel – Located inside the Central Terminal, Concourse E, Level 2 (Departures). No airport shuttle. Day use rooms are offered from 10:00AM to 6:00PM.  » Check Rates

Hotels near the airport with free shuttles

Shuttles depart from the Arrivals Level at designated zones outside of baggage claim across from doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 20 & 23.

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Miami Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Miami Airport, connect to “MIA-WiFi” network. Commercial free WiFi is available for a fee: $4.95 (standard) or $7.95 (Premium).

If you are not travelling with a mobile device, there are public internet workstations (printers also available) on the 7th floor, and also in the Lobby Bar of the Miami International Airport Hotel in Concourse E on the Departure Level of the main terminal. Fee: $4.95 for the first 20 minutes of access, 25-cents per min after. 50-cent per printed page. Both locations accept credit cards, and Lobby Bar also accepts cash. The ICE Business Center also has computers for use. See the More Services section below for details.

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Business Services

  • Business Center – Computers with internet and printing capabilities, currency exchange, faxing and a host of other services and products are available at the International Currency Exchange (ICE) Business Center. Location: between Concourses H and J, airside.

Communications

  • Postal Services – Drop off your last minute postcards at the airport’s mailbox. Locations: several locations, Landside, 2nd Level.
  • SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
  • WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Need a comfortable and private place to nurse and care for your baby? Look for free-standing MIAmamas suites. Each suite has a fold-down table, two benches, a collapsible table, power outlet with USB, and are lockable for privacy. There’s enough room in the suite for mama, baby, and their luggage or stroller, or even for a small family! Locations: Airside, near the following gates: D20 • D36 • E7-E9 • E21- E31 • F6 – F8 • G4 • H4 • J5 – J7.
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Designed in collaboration with Miami Children’s Museum, Plane Fun is an educational and interactive play area for kids. There’s a child-sized control tower with working functions, a soft play section for toddlers, a simulated hot air balloon ride, and more! Location: Concourse E, airside, near Gate E5. This space is also accessible from Concourse D.

Fitness

  • Yoga Room – Relax or stretch in between flights at the airport’s yoga room. The room comes equipped with complimentary practice mats. Location: Terminal H, landside, 1st Floor, near door 21. Hours: 9:00AM – 9:00PM.

Food & Drinks

  • Food & Drinks –  Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours:
    » Central Terminal, Landside, Concourse F, 2nd Level – Dunkin’ Donuts • Cafe Versailles.
    » Central Terminal, Landside, Concourse E, 2nd Level – Subway
    » North Terminal, Airside, near Gate D26 – Einstein Bros. Bagels
    » South Terminal, Airside, Concourse J (near Gate J8) – Earl of Sandwich
  • Water Stations – Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available. Locations: Landside, Arrivals, Level 1, near Door 6 • Landside, Baggage Claim Carousel 22/26 • Airside, Concourse E, after Security Checkpoint • Airside, H/J Connector • Airside, near Gate F8 • Airside, near Gate G6 • Airside, near Gate J7 • Airside, near Gate D20.

Information

  • Information Desk – Tourist Information Counters offer airport and tourist information from locations throughout the airport, including the main counter at Concourse E, Level 2, near the airport’s hotel. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM (daily). You can also flag down one of the Volunteer Ambassadors roaming around the airport, or make use of one of the white courtesy phones located on columns throughout Concourses D, E, F, G, H and J. The white courtesy phones are available 24/7 for information and airport-wide paging services.

Luggage

  • Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge throughout the airport. Rate: $5.00 per cart.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – Enjoy your layover unburdened by luggage! Store your luggage, coats and other personal items at The Baggage Checkroom. Location: Central Terminal, Concourse E, Level 2. Hours: 5:00AM – 9:00PM. Rate: ranges from $11.00 – $22.00/day/bag according to the size of the baggage.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Baggage carts are available free of charge throughout the airport. Rate: Available for a fee at kiosks located landside on the 2nd level of all three terminals. Hours: unknown.

Medical Services

  • Pharmacy – Navarro Pharmacy – Location: South Terminal, Airside by the H-J Connector. Hours 6:00AM – 9:00PM • Air Essentials – Location: North Terminal, Landside, Concourse D East, Level 1. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM.

Mobile Charging

  • Mobile Charging – A reader mentioned that there are plenty of outlets/USB ports available for charging devices Airside, by Gate D. If you know of more locations, click here to update this airport guide.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
  • Banking Services – Bank of America offers full-service banking in the airport. Location: North Terminal D, 4th Level. Hours: unknown.
  • Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) kiosks are available throughout the airport.

Pets

  • Pet Relief Area – Both open and fenced-in pet relief areas are available outside of all three terminals on the Arrivals level. Indoor pet relief rooms have artificial turf and clean-up supplies, and are located airside near the following gates: D34 • F7 • G5 • J3.
  • Therapy Dogs – Be on the look out for the airport’s trained therapy dog, a golden retriever that walks around the terminal two days a week with its owner to snuggle with dog loving travelers.

Prayer

  • Chapel – Gather your thoughts in peace or prayer at the airport’s non-denominational chapel. The chapel also offers Christian services in English and Spanish on designated days, and a weekly Catholic mass. Location: North Terminal, Concourse D, 1st Level, landside, between International Arrivals and Carousel 22. Hours: Unknown, but a reader let us know that it is not open 24 hours. No overnight sleeping allowed here.

Rest & Relaxation

Shopping

  • Duty Free & Shopping – Duty Free Americas shops operate with varying schedules at the following locations: Concourse D East, airside, Gate D16 • Concourse D West, airside, Gate D30 • Concourse E, landside, 2nd Level • Concourse F, airside, Gate F11 • South Terminal, airside, H-J Connector • Concourse J, airside, Gate J6. A good variety of shops are also available to pass the time including 2 Hudson News stores which are open 4:15AM – 11:30PM (Terminal E, 2nd Level).

Showers, Salon & Spa

  • Salon & Spa Services – Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and other express services are available at Jetsetter Spa. Location: South Terminal, landside, Concourse H, 2nd Level. Hours: 8:00AM – 9:00PM • XpresSpa provides express salon services. Location: North Terminal, airside, Concourse D East, Gate D11. Hours: 7:00AM – 10:00PM.
  • Showers – Available in the Admirals Club Lounge and Club America lounges.  [ see Airport Lounges above ]

Smoking

  • Smoking Area – Designated smoking areas are available outdoors, opposite Concourses D, E, F, H, and J on Levels 1 and 2. An indoor smoking lounge is available airside at the TGI Friday’s in Concourse D (Gate D36).

Translation / Language Assistance

If you require language assistance, visit one of the information counters in Terminals D, E, H, J.

Things to do & see

  • Art Exhibitions – There are several galleries and exhibits located throughout the terminals (landside and airside).

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind that TSA, airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area of the terminal (landside) you will not be able to get through to the secure area of the terminal (airside) until the morning.

Layover Sightseeing

Do you have a long layover? With the proper documentation and a long enough layover, you may have time to leave the airport and do some sightseeing. Here are a few Miami Airport Layover Sightseeing ideas.

Airlines

Miami airport is served by the following airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas • Aeroméxico • Air Canada • Air Century • Air Europa • Air France • Air Transat • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Avianca • BahamasAir • BOA • British Airways • Caribbean Airlines • Cayman Airways • Copa Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Eastern Airlines • El Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Finnair • Frontier Airlines • Global X • GOL • Iberia • ITA Airways • JetBlue • KLM • LATAM • LOT • Lufthansa • Qatar Airways • Red Air • Royal Air Maroc • SAS • Sky • Southwest • Spirit • Sun Country • Surinam Airways • Swift Air • Swiss • TAP Portugal • TUIFly • Turkish Airlines  •  United Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • VivaAir • Volaris • WestJet • World Atlantic.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

ACE • Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • P&P Family Auto Rental • Royal • Sixt Rent a Car • Thrifty. Location: Rental Car Center.  To access, use the MIA Mover, located on the 3rd Level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Miami Airport North Hotel & Suites   •   Candlewood Suites Miami Intl Airport – 36th St   •   Clarion Inn & Suites   •   Comfort Suites Miami Airport North   •    Comfort Inn & Suites   •  Days Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North  •   Element Hotel   •   Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton   •  Hilton Hotel  •  Homewood Suites  •   Hyatt House   •   Pullman Hotel   •  Ramada by Wyndham  •   Red Roof Plus+   •  Regency Hotel  •   Sheraton Hotel   •   Sleep Inn   •   SpringHill Suites Miami Airport South   •  Tru by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon  •  Wyndham Garden.

Hotel shuttles pick-up/drop-off on Arrivals Level 1 outside baggage claim across from doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 20 & 23.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Miami Beach Bus

This travels between the Miami Intermodal Center (MIA) and Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Bus makes traveling to/from Miami International Airport to Miami Beach fast, easy and convenient. For just $2.25 each way, passengers can ride aboard 40-foot buses. The Airport Flyer runs every 30 minutes and provides express service from 6:00AM to 11:40PM, seven days a week.  For more details visit the Miami Dade web site.

Metrorail Orange Line

Metrorail’s Orange Line offers visitors easy, affordable access to Miami Airport. Trains serving the MIA Metrorail station are marked ORANGE LINE. For schedules and costs, visit the Miami Dade web site.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

  • To move between terminals, take the moving walkways on Level 3.
  • Sky Train – To walk from one end of Concourse D to the other, it would take approx. 30 minutes.  To save time you could take the SkyTrain which has 4 stations every quarter-mile along the route: Station 1 (D1-9, Admirals Club D15) • Station 2 (D20-25, Terminal L, Exit, Baggage Claim) • Station 3 (D26-39, E1-25, Admirals Club D30) • Station 4 (D40-60).
  • MIA Mover provides a link between the terminals and the car rental facility.  Take the moving walkways on the 3rd level to the Central Terminal and MIA Mover Station.

Public Transportation

The airport is well connected to the public transportation system:

  • Metrorail’s Orange Line and Green Line offers visitors easy, affordable access to Miami International Airport and a variety of destinations throughout the region.

For travelers looking for more distant adventures, the Tri-Rail provides service to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

  • Metro Bus routes 37, 42, 57, J, East-West Connection and 150 Miami Beach Airport Express connect travellers from the airport to the surrounding region.

Taxis

Taxis are available on the arrival (ground) level of the airport outside the baggage claim areas.

Last updated: 2022-10-31

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, are subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers and their web sites. We are not representatives of any of the above mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.