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. A cab ride from the airport to
Downtown Miami will cost you about $17.
For more information
on Miami International
Airport, check out their official
site
