By the ART Executive Services dispatch team. Private chauffeur service across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
Quick answer: For a Miami airport pickup, collect your bags first, then head to the arrivals level, which is level 1 at Miami International (MIA). Pre-arranged drivers are coordinated by your provider, so share your flight number, terminal and phone number ahead of time. International passengers claim bags before customs, so allow extra time. See the Miami Airport page for details.
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Miami International is big, busy and split into three terminals. Most arrival delays are not about the flight. They happen because the traveler and the driver are looking for each other in the wrong place.
This guide explains how arrivals work at MIA, where the main pickup areas are, how a pre-arranged car fits in, and what to send your driver before you fly.
How the MIA terminals and levels are laid out
MIA has a North Terminal, a Central Terminal and a South Terminal. Concourse D is in the North Terminal, Concourse E is in the Central Terminal, and Concourse J is in the South Terminal. Airline ticket counters are on the second level, which is departures. Arrivals and ground transportation are on the first level.
The three terminals are linked by the Skyride, a moving walkway system on the third level. The airport says to allow about 15 minutes to move between the South and North terminals. That matters if your driver is waiting at a different terminal than the one you arrive in.
What happens between the gate and the curb
The path is the same for every arriving traveler: gate, baggage claim, then the ground transportation curb on the arrivals level. Taxis are at designated stands on the lower-level curb outside baggage claim. Rideshare apps use their own marked pickup zones, and the app shows your exact spot after you request a ride.
The airport warns travelers to ignore offers of rides or bag help from anyone inside the terminal, especially people without uniforms. Look for uniformed airport staff or employees with an MIA badge. If you booked a car, you do not need to accept any offer in the terminal.
How a pre-arranged car pickup works
A pre-arranged pickup means the car and driver are booked before you travel. The driver has your name, flight and phone number, and you do not wait in a taxi or rideshare line. The exact meeting spot depends on the provider and on airport rules, so confirm it in your booking message.
Airport rules for commercial vehicles can change. Check the official MIA ground transportation page before you travel, and ask your provider where the driver will be. Do not walk across lanes or follow a stranger to a car.
- Send your airline, flight number and arrival terminal when you book.
- Add a phone number that works in the United States, or tell the provider how to reach you.
- Tell them how many people and bags are traveling.
- Ask for the meeting spot in writing.
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Tell us your flight number when you book, and see starting fares on our Miami Airport page.
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Domestic vs international arrivals
Domestic travelers usually reach the curb quickly. International travelers have more steps. At MIA, international arriving passengers collect their luggage before clearing U.S. customs. The airport has two customs areas: one in Central Terminal E on the first level and one in South Terminal J on the third level.
For connecting passengers, the airport says to allow roughly one to two hours to clear customs, and that times vary. Eligible travelers can use the free Mobile Passport Control app, and travelers with disabilities can request a customs accessibility lane online at least 48 hours before arrival. Check the current rules before you fly.
| Arrival type | What to expect | Tell your driver |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flight | Bags at baggage claim, then straight to the arrivals curb | Flight number and terminal |
| International flight | Immigration and bags first, then customs, then the curb | Flight number and that you are international |
| Connecting to Miami | Possible second customs clearance and re-check of bags | Both flight numbers if you connect |
| Late-night arrival | Fewer staff and quiet curbs | Your phone number and a backup contact |
If your flight is delayed, tell your provider right away. A driver who knows your flight number can adjust the pickup time.
Rideshare, taxi, train or private car
Each option works for some travelers. Taxis are on the arrivals level and are simple if you travel alone with one bag. Rideshare apps are fine when the surge price is low and you have patience for the pickup zone. The Metrorail Orange Line runs to the airport from about 5 a.m. to midnight, which suits light travelers going downtown.
A private car makes more sense for groups, families with car seats, heavy luggage, early or late flights, and anyone who must reach a hotel or a meeting at a set time. You know the price and the pickup plan before you land.
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Solo or couples, light bags | Line at peak flight banks |
| Rideshare app | Flexible timing, one or two travelers | Variable price, pickup zone walk |
| Metrorail | Light bags, downtown stops | Limited hours, transfers |
| Pre-arranged private car | Groups, children, luggage, fixed times | Needs advance booking and flight details |
Tips for a smooth Miami airport pickup
Charge your phone before landing and turn off airplane mode as soon as you can. Most missed connections with a driver start with a dead or silent phone.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot spaces are for private drivers picking up friends and family, and the airport lists 60 free spaces. It is not a plan for commercial drivers, so do not assume your chauffeur will use it.
- Screenshot your booking confirmation.
- Write the driver’s name and phone number on your hand or in your notes.
- Stay near baggage claim until you hear from the driver.
- If you cannot find the driver, call the number in your confirmation rather than wandering.
Going from MIA to the cruise port or hotels
MIA also feeds the cruise ports. Cruise line transportation to PortMiami leaves from the North bus station at Concourse D, level 1, door 1, or the South bus station at Concourse J, level 1, door 33, if you booked it with the cruise line. A private car is another route if you want a door-to-door ride.
For port details and hotel transfers, see the PortMiami transportation page and the hotel and resort transportation page.
Quick facts
| Airport | Miami International Airport (MIA) |
| Arrivals level | Level 1 (ground level) |
| Departures level | Level 2 |
| Terminals | North, Central and South, linked by the Skyride |
| International arrivals | Bags first, then U.S. customs |
| Service area | Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties |
| Phone | (728) 777-3721 |
| Booking | Book in advance and get a confirmed price |
About ART Executive Services
ART Executive Services is a private chauffeur and limo service for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties: airport transfers, cruise port rides, corporate travel, weddings and events. Our fleet includes sedans, SUVs and Premium SUVs, booked ahead with a confirmed price. Reserve at (728) 777-3721 or through our quote form.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I go after landing at MIA?
Follow signs to baggage claim, collect your bags, then go to the ground transportation area on the arrivals level, which is level 1. If you have a pre-arranged driver, follow the meeting instructions in your booking message and call the driver if you cannot find them.
What level is arrivals at Miami International Airport?
Arrivals and ground transportation are on level 1 at MIA. Taxis use designated stands on the lower-level curb outside baggage claim. Departures and airline ticket counters are on level 2, so do not head upstairs when you land.
Do I pick up bags before meeting my driver?
Usually yes. At MIA, international arriving passengers collect luggage before clearing customs, and domestic travelers claim bags at baggage claim. Tell your driver your flight number so they can follow your arrival and plan around the time you need.
How long does customs take at MIA?
It varies by flight bank and time of day. The airport tells connecting passengers to allow roughly one to two hours for U.S. customs clearance. Tell your driver you are on an international flight so they expect a longer wait, and check current wait guidance before you travel.
Which MIA terminal will my flight arrive at?
It depends on the airline. MIA has North, Central and South terminals, and airlines are assigned to each. Check your airline, the MIA flight information page or the airport app for your arrival terminal, and send it to your driver before you fly.
Can a driver wait for me inside the terminal?
Policies vary by provider and airport rules change. Ask your provider where the driver will be and get it in writing. The airport also warns travelers to ignore unsolicited offers of rides or bag help from anyone inside the terminal.
What should I tell my driver before I land?
Send your name, airline, flight number, arrival terminal, number of passengers and bags, and a phone number that works in the United States. Message them when you land. If your flight changes, tell them right away so the pickup stays on time.
What if my flight is delayed?
Tell your provider as soon as you know. A driver who has your flight number can adjust the pickup time. Do not cancel unless you must, because a delay is easier to fix before the driver is already on the way to the airport.
Is there a place for friends or family to wait for me?
Yes. MIA has a Cell Phone Waiting Lot with 60 free spaces for non-commercial drivers picking up travelers. It is off LeJeune Road and NW 31st Street. This is for private cars, so check with your own driver or provider about where they will wait.
Are taxis and rideshare easy to find at MIA?
Yes. Taxis are on the arrivals level outside baggage claim, and rideshare apps have marked pickup zones. The app shows your zone once you request a ride. Both are good for light travelers, but lines can build when many flights land together.
Can I go straight from MIA to PortMiami?
Yes. Cruise line transportation runs from the North and South bus stations if you booked it, and a private car is another option. Allow time for customs and bags first, and check your cruise line for the check-in window on your sailing date.
How do I book a private car at MIA with ART?
Call (728) 777-3721 or use the Miami Airport page. We book rides in advance and confirm a price. Tell us your flight number, terminal, passengers and bags when you book, and ask about the meeting spot in your confirmation.
Ready to book?
Call or send your trip details and ART Executive Services will confirm your pickup, vehicle and price.
Call (728) 777-3721 | Request a quote
