A guide to Miami International Airport (MIA)

Flying into Miami International Airport (MIA)? Here’s what you need to know.

According to the Miami International Airport website, MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport. Find your way around this busy airport with the help of these Miami Airport maps, and this convenient guide, both of which will help you make choices about how to spend your time in the airport.

Airlines flying out of Miami International Airport

Miami Airport has one terminal divided into three parts: the North, Central, and South Terminal. The North Terminal, color-coded blue, contains only one Concourse, Concourse D. Concourses E, F, and G are located in the Central Terminal, color-coded yellow. In the South Terminal, with red as its color-code, you’ll find Concourses H and J. 

North Terminal

Central Terminal

South Terminal

Miami International Airport lounges – avoid airport commotion

Each terminal in Miami International has several airport lounges where premium and elite passengers can find a little peace and quiet before boarding their flights.

North Terminal

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

American Airlines’ first-class and business-class passengers have access to this lounge, as do oneworld Emerald and Sapphire passengers and American Platinum club members, as long as they’re flying on qualifying flights.

This 29,000 square foot lounge has plenty of comfortable seating, with terrific tarmac views and lots of natural light. While the Flagship First Dining area features table service and a high-end menu, the rest of the lounge has excellent hot and cold food choices, plus premium Champagne, a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, and espresso machines. In addition, during the afternoons a live chef is on hand to cook arepas to order. The lounge also features large shower suites and some daybeds.

American Express Centurion Lounge

If you hold an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, you have access to this lounge automatically, and you may bring in your family or up to two guests. All other American Express cardholders may pay a fee to access the lounge.

This lounge features complimentary spa treatments, including manicures and chair massages of various types. There’s a well-supplied salad bar and several hearty hot dishes, and servers circulate throughout the lounge to take care of guests’ needs. The views from this lounge are quite spectacular.

Central Terminal

Military Hospitality Lounge

All U.S. and Allied active duty and retired members of the military may use this lounge, as may their families, as long as they can present their military ID and same-day tickets. This lounge provides snacks and soft drinks, as well as a business center with computers and printers available. A family lounge is available for those with children, and you can reserve meeting rooms if needed.

American Airlines Admirals Club

You can enter this lounge if you’re an Admirals Club member, a oneworld Sapphire or Emerald member, or a military member traveling in uniform. Long-haul business-class and first-class flyers also have access to this lounge, and day passes are available for purchase when space permits.

This lounge features a dedicated children’s room and a small area featuring day beds. The food offerings consist of salads, soups, and snacks, with avocado toast available in the mornings.

Club America

This lounge is open to Priority Pass members. Food is limited to snacks, fruit, and cookies, and a full-service bar is available, as is free Wi-Fi.

South Terminal

Delta Sky Club

This recently renovated club is available to Delta premium passengers plus those on most partner airlines. The staff in this lounge are very attentive, with a full-service bar and basic snacks available to all guests. Shower facilities are free to let you freshen up between flights.

LATAM VIP Lounge

LATAM premium passengers may use this lounge, and there’s some access for Priority Pass members as well, depending on the airline you’re flying. Food choices, including sandwiches, soups, and salads, are replenished regularly, and you can indulge in Champagne and Haagen-Dazs ice cream. This lounge also offers shower facilities, and you can reserve conference rooms if you need to hold a meeting with your team before you fly.

Avianca Sala VIP

This lounge for Avianca premium passengers also welcomes Priority Pass members and cardholders of some elite credit cards. This lounge, which was renovated in 2015, features a self-service bar and hot and cold food options.

Miami International Airport hotels — Get some rest

Miami International has one hotel right in the airport itself, which is convenient if you have an extended layover. Other four-star hotels are within easy reach of the hotel.

MIA Hotel

This hotel, which is located in Concourse E, features multilingual staff to help international visitors feel at home. Rooms feature soundproofed windows and free Wi-Fi, and discounted rates are available for guests who only need to stay a few hours. Meeting facilities are available, along with room service and baggage service. If you have a little extra time to stay, the MIA Hotel offers a discount on golf fees at Miami’s Melreese Country Club.

Hilton Blue Lagoon

Rooms in this conveniently located hotel feature views of the lagoon or the Miami skyline. Stretch out your muscles after your flight in the outdoor pool, or at the outdoor jogging trail, fitness center, tennis courts, or basketball court. Two restaurants are located at the Hilton Blue Lagoon, which also provides room service.

Sheraton Miami Airport

This upscale hotel sits on the banks of the Miami River features plush rooms, room service, and two in-house hotels, as well as free Wi-Fi. Meeting rooms of all sizes are available when you need to convene your team. If you want to resume your workouts after your time on the plane, the fitness center at the Sheraton Miami Airport is open 24/7, and there’s an outdoor pool as well.

Miami International Airport shopping – Spend wisely

You’ll find solid shopping choices in all of Miami’s terminals, whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe for Miami’s warm climate or pick up items you need for your flight.

North Terminal

Some of the airport’s top clothing choices are located here in the largest terminal, including Emporio Armani, Penguin, Montblanc, Johnston & Murphy, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Victoria’s Secret, and English shirtmaker Thomas Pink. Pick up sunglasses and chic sports gear at The Shoppes at Ocean Drive, or visit the Romero Britto art gallery. Looking for jewelry? Try Taxco Sterling or Starfire Design.

All your last-minute flight necessities await you at Air Essentials, and you can pick up reading for your flight at BookLink, Miami News Now, NewsLink, or Hudson News. If you promised to take home some premium cigars, stop in at Cuban Crafters MIA, or show your love for the home team at the Miami Marlins or Miami Heat shops.

Central Terminal

While the shopping choices are more limited in this section of the airport, you can still prep for your trip to the Florida Keys by picking up swimwear at Ron Jon Surf Shop, sunglasses at Sunglass Hut, and men’s resort wear at Havana Nines. You can find fun, trendy accessories at Bead Factory or Bijoux Terner, or upgrade your electronics at Tech on the Go.

South Terminal

Thanks to the many international airlines based in this terminal, you’ll find some good duty-free options if you’re traveling to your home country, including Coach, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Desigual, and Hugo Boss. If you want to go home with some fine jewelry, check out Fire Diamonds CZ. Several traditional Duty Free Americas shops are also available to let you pick up luxury brands of liquor, fragrances, beauty products, tobacco, and more.

Fit out your toiletries and cosmetics kit at MAC, L’Occitane, or Navarro Pharmacy, or pick up an extra carry-on at Tumi. Fun gadgets are available at Brookstone, Sound Balance, and InMotion Entertainment, and souvenirs of your stay in Miami are ready for purchase at Little Havana To Go and Miami Gifts To Go. Reading material of all types (including for children) awaits you at Simply Books.

Miami Airport dining – Caribbean and Latin specialties

Whether you want to grab fast food or enjoy a sit-down meal before your flight, you have some excellent options at MIA.

North Terminal

Most of Miami Airport’s restaurants are located in this terminal.

• Ku-Va: Order a mojito to go with the amazing ropa vieja and other Cuban specialties.
• Islander Bar & Grill: Here’s where to watch the game — and enjoy a jerk sandwich while you’re at it.
• Chefs of the Caribbean: Come here for all those Caribbean specialties you’ve been craving, from oxtail and mashed plantains to Jamaican beef patties and conch fritters.
• Icebox Café: This outpost from the popular Miami restaurant serves up food that’s just healthy enough to make you feel less guilty (think buffalo cauliflower wings and kale fritters). Don’t miss the strawberry chiffon shortcake.
• Shula’s Bar & Grill: Yes, the “Shula” is Don Shula, Miami Dolphins legend, and the burgers here are legendary, too.
• Spring Chicken: The Southern comfort food at this spinoff of the popular South Beach restaurant Yardbird is hearty and tasty.
• La Carreta Restaurant: All the Cuban dishes you crave are on the menu here, including café con leche, roasted beef tongue, Pollo al Ajillo and more.
• Sushi Maki: This homegrown Miami sushi chain also features sushi tacos and Kobe beef sliders.
• Estefan Kitchen Express: If you’ve visited Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s restaurant in Miami, you’ll want to stop here — if only to pick up the “party in the sky” grab-and-go box of Cuban treats for the plane.
• Fig and Fennel: This Mediterranean spinoff of Icebox Café features healthy smoothies (especially the popular Breakfast Power Smoothie), wraps, and an organic juice bar.

Central Terminal

Have a drink or enjoy delicious European dishes if you’re lingering in this terminal.

• Budweiser Brew House: Yes, they have all manner of Bud on tap, but they’re also mixing Bloody Marys for breakfast. (There’s another one in the South Terminal.)
• Café Versailles: Need some caffeine after that red-eye? The Cuban coffee here should do the job. (And you’ll find more Café Versailles outposts in the other terminals.)
• Viena: Sit down to fine Brazilian and European entrées here, or opt for lighter choices like salads or flatbreads.
• Half Moon Empanadas: These classic Latin American hand pies come stuffed with everything from breakfast favorites to spicy chicken cordon bleu, and they’re ideal if you want a grab-and-go option. (There’s also a Half Moon in the North Terminal.)

South Terminal

Lots of quick-service spots in this terminal, so you can eat well without being concerned that you’ll miss your flight.

• La Pausa: American classics in a sit-down restaurant that tries to make you feel like you’re at home.asado.
• Gilbert’s Bakery: Cuban pastries are just what you need to start your day off right.
• Bongos: Another spot where a mojito is mandatory — and just the right choice to wash down your croquetas or lechon.
• Corona Bar and Grill: If Corona’s your beer, this is your spot, complete with steak and burgers.

Whether you’re coming or going, having a smooth trip to the airport can make your entire journey flow more smoothly. Book a reliable Blacklane car service for Miami International Airport (MIA) to complete your travels in comfort and style.