Maximize your travel
Miami International Airport (MIA) is an important hub and if I had a long layover of 6 hours or more I would take a taxi to Miami Beach or South Beach, which are approximately 13-miles (20 km) and 11-miles (18 km) away respectively. These are two of the most popular beaches in Florida and you will have access to public showers, restrooms and changing rooms. Another option to get to the beach is to take the Miami Beach Airport Flyer. It leaves from the Miami International Airport Metrorail station, a short ride away using the free Miami mover train.
Tip: There’s no need to lug your entire luggage to the beach, the airport has a storage area located in Terminal E, which is open from 5 am to 9 pm.
Things to do during a long layover in Miami
If you don’t have time to go to the beach or are not inclined to do so, another option for layovers of 5-hours or more is to explore Little Havana. This little gem is only about 5-miles (8 km) away and is also accessible by public transportation. See various routes, costs and times here: bus and rail info
Another idea would be to go to Bayfront Park and enjoy the view of beautiful Biscayne Bay. On most days, you will be rewarded with the sight of many cruise ships in the background as this is a very popular starting point for cruise lines. Take a stroll along the river front and admire the sites. The park is roughly 10-miles (16 km) away from the airport. It sure beats sitting around in the terminal for hours!
The Frost Museum of Science with its interesting Gulf Stream Exhibit is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in aquatic life. Next door there is the Perez Art Museum.
Finally if you have a lot of time, and are adventurous enough to rent a car and head further out, consider a trip to the Everglades, which is about an hour from the airport. You would plan to spend 2 or 3 hours here at one of the many parks offering airboat rides and you would see alligators, crocodiles, and many exotic birds.
Tip: Be sure to leave ample time to get back for your flight, especially around rush hour. Traffic in Miami can be heavy.
For more ideas of things to do at the airport and in Miami during a long layover at Miami’s International Airport I found Lane Nieset’s article ” Your Layover Guide to Miami (MIA)” helpful.