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). Moving walkways and skytrains connect the concourses and the rental car centre. The terminals 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, with a few 24-hour concessions in the Central and South Terminals. The airport also has a yoga room, a therapy dog service 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.

Sleeping in Miami Airport

Good sleep options at Miami Airport are relatively limited. The terminals tend to be cold and noisy, with little armrest-free seating options. That said, there are a few key spots.

  • The International Arrivals area, near baggage carousels 1-6 and the popular Besame Mucho flower artwork, has some slim red couches comfortable enough for sleep.
  • The North Terminal has a quieter, carpeted area just outside the Auditorium.
  • In Terminal D, a small, carpeted nook is located above Gate D15, near the Admiral’s Club. You’ll also find connected padded benches near TGIF Fridays (after gate D34).
  • In Terminal H, in the Yoga room (baggage claim area). A reader (2019) reported getting a good nap in here. Bring a blanket or towel to make your stay more comfy (no carpet).
  • In Terminal J, Level 4 may have some red, thin, starfish-shaped couches.

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.  Travellers report freezing temperatures throughout Miami airport. Arrive prepared with a blanket or even a sleeping bag. A hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder.

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

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 website 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.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Remember 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 terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

Miami Airport sees more than its fair share of flight cancellations due to bad weather. When mass cancellations happen at Miami Airport, cots are available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room. To find them, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to reach someone with access to this information.

Please note that these cots cannot be reserved in advance and are unavailable except for mass cancellations. That means you cannot access them simply because you chose to stay the night in the airport instead of getting a hotel room.

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 Central Terminal on the landside (public area), so you must pass through security/immigration to access it. Most nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.

Hotel inside Miami Airport

Miami International Airport Hotel – Located inside the Central Terminal, Concourse E, Level 2 (Departures). Day-use rooms are offered from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. According to a reader in February 2024, the rate was around $190 from noon – 6:00 PM. Prices will vary, but that should help give you an idea of the cost. » Check Rates

Wait N’ Rest — coming soon — In June 2024, it was announced that two sleep centers on the airside will offer private rooms equipped with beds, Wi-Fi, noise-cancelling tech, and power outlets. Rates range from $30 to $60 per hour.

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.

  • Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel  » Check Rates
  • Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport   » Check Rates
  • Red Roof + Miami Airport  » Check Rates
  • Element Hotel   » Check Rates
  • Best Western Plus Miami Airport North Hotel & Suites » Check Rates
  • Candlewood Suites Miami International Airport – 36th St, an IHG Hotel » Check Rates
  • Comfort Suites Miami Airport North » Check Rates
  • Hampton Inn Miami Airport East » Check Rates
  • Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South – Blue Lagoon » Check Rates
  • Homewood Suites Miami-Airport / Blue Lagoon » Check Rates
  • Pullman Miami Airport Hotel » Check Rates
  • Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs » Check Rates
  • Wyndham Garden Miami International Airport » Check Rates

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 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 learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations – Concourse D: (1) Across Gate D30 and (1) Above Gate D15. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Concourse D, Airside, Floor 4, near Gate D12. Showers are available. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members.
  • Delta Sky Club – Location: South Terminal, Airside, Concourse H. Showers are available. 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 J3. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • 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.
  • Flagship Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Airside, near Gate D30. Showers are available. Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM. 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 travellers. Inside this volunteer-run lounge, you will have complimentary snacks and beverages, magazines, TV and Free WiFi. Location: Central Terminal, Concourse E, Level 2. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Related Pages: Miami Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available. Locations: Landside, Arrivals, Level 1, near Door 6 • Landside, Baggage Claim Carousel 22/26 • Airside, Concourse E• Airside, H/J Connector • Airside, near Gate F8 • Airside, near Gate G6 • Airside, near Gate J7 • Airside, near Gate D20.

Food & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors: Subway (Central Terminal, Landside, Level 2, Concourse E) • Dunkin’ Donuts (Central Terminal, Landside, Level 2, Concourse F) • Einstein Bros Bagels (South Terminal, Airside, Concourse J and H Connector).

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: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Rate: ranges from $12.00 – $24.00/day/bag according to the baggage size.

Mobile Charging

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

Showers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Showers are available in most of the lounges. See Airport Lounges above

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Miami Airport; connect to the “MIA-WiFi” network. Commercial free WiFi is available for $4.95 (standard) or $7.95 (Premium).
At one point, public internet workstations (printers also available) were available on the 7th floor and in the Lobby Bar of the Miami International Airport Hotel in Concourse E on the Departure Level of the main terminal.

Security & Safety

Airport staff seem to tolerate sleepers, though they may wake you in the middle of the night to check IDs and tickets.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Miami Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

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

Business Center – Computers with internet and printing capabilities, currency exchange, faxing and a host of other services and products used to be available at the International Currency Exchange (ICE) Business Center located between Concourses H and J, Airside.

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, Level 1, 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.

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, a power outlet with USB, and is lockable for privacy. The suite has enough room for mama and baby, as well as 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 the 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.

Information Desk – Tourist Information Counters offer airport and tourist information from locations throughout the terminals, including the main counter at Concourse E, Level 2, near the airport’s hotel. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (daily). You can also flag down one of the Volunteer Ambassadors roaming around or use one of the white courtesy phones located throughout the terminals. 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 throughout the airport. Rate: $9.00.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and 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 used to offer full-service banking in the North Terminal D, Level 4.
  • Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) kiosks are available throughout all terminals.

Pets

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

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

Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailbox. Locations: several locations, landside, 2nd level.

Salon & Spa Services – Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and other express services are available at Jetsetter Spa. Location: South Terminal, Landside, Concourse H, Level 2.

Sensory Room – Miami International Airport features a sensory room designed for people with disabilities and other special needs. Location: North Terminal, Airside, Concourse D, near TSA Security Checkpoint 4. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Shopping – Duty-Free Americas shops operate with varying schedules at the following locations: Concourse D, Airside, Gate D16, D25, D30 and D41 • Concourse E, Landside, 2nd Level (3) • Concourse F, Airside, Gate F11 • South Terminal, Airside, H-J Connector • South Terminal, Airside, Gate H4 • Concourse J, Airside, Gate J6 and J5. A good variety of shops are also available to pass the time.

SIM Cards – The ICE currency exchange sells prepaid SIM cards. Locations: North Terminal, Airside, Concourse D, Level 2, near Gate D19, D29 • North Terminal, Landside, Concourse D, near Train Station • Central Terminal, Airside, Concourse E and Concourse F • South Terminal, Landside, Concourse H-J Connector • South Terminal, Landside, Level 3, International Arrivals.

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 and J.

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

Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Miami Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Miami on Tripadvisor.

Airlines
Miami Airport is served by the following airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas • Aeroméxico • Aer Lingus • 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 • French Bee • Frontier Airlines • Global X • GOL • Iberia • ITA Airways • JetBlue • KLM • LATAM • LOT • Lufthansa • Norse Atlantic • Qatar Airways • Red Air • Royal Air Maroc • SAS • Sky • Southwest • Spirit • Sun Country • Sunwing • Surinam Airways • Swift Air • Swiss International • TAP Portugal • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • VivaAir • Volaris • WestJet • World Atlantic.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

ACE • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Royal • Sixt Rent a Car • Thrifty. Location: Rental Car Center. To access, use the MIA Mover, located on Level 3 between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. The Rental Car Centre is open 24/7 but some operators close at night.

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 bus travels between the Miami Intermodal Center (MIA) and Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Bus makes travelling 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 6:00 AM to 11:40 PM, seven days a week. For more details, visit the Miami Dade website.

Metrorail

Miami Airport is connected to several areas in Miami through the Metrorail’s Orange and Green Lines. For schedules and costs, visit the Miami-Dade website.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

  • To move between terminals, take the moving walkways on Level 3.
  • Sky Train – (Temporarily unavailable) Walking from one end of Concourse D to the other would take approximately 30 minutes. To save time, you could take the SkyTrain, which has four stations every quarter-mile along the route. Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
  • 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

For travellers looking for more distant adventures, the Tri-Rail provides service to Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

Additionally, 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.

Ride Sharing

Uber and Lyft operate throughout the US. A ride to Miami’s Downtown Centre will cost you about $24. Ride-sharing pick-up zones are outside doors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 20, 23.

Taxis

Taxis are available on the arrival (ground) level of the airport outside the baggage claim areas. For information about the current rates, check the Miami Airport Website.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is 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 websites. 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.