So you're flying out of Miami International. You've probably seen the signs for the "Dolphin" and "Flamingo" garages and wondered if it actually matters which one you pick. Spoiler: it matters a lot. If you end up in the MIA Flamingo parking garage when your gate is at the north end of the airport, you're going to get a cardio workout you didn't ask for.
I've spent way too much time navigating these concrete mazes. Honestly, the Flamingo garage is kind of the "catch-all" for everyone not flying American Airlines. While the Dolphin garage handles the massive North Terminal (Concourse D), Flamingo is your go-to for basically everything else. If you’re flying Delta, JetBlue (sometimes, though they move around), United, or any of the international carriers in Concourses E through J, Flamingo is your home base.
✨ Don't miss: Eating at Da Ivo Venice: Why This Tiny Canal-Side Spot Stays Famous
The Layout: Where the Heck Am I?
The Flamingo garage is the southern structure of the two main parking blocks. It's seven levels of dizzying turns and "is that my car?" moments.
Here’s the thing: level 3 is the magic floor. That’s where the "Skyride" moving walkways live. If you park on level 1 or 7, you're spending ten minutes just waiting for the elevators before you even start the trek to the terminal. Level 3 connects you directly to the MIA Mover (the train to the Rental Car Center) and the main terminal access points.
What’s it Going to Cost You?
Let's talk money, because Miami isn't cheap. Currently, you're looking at $2 for every 20-minute increment.
👉 See also: How to Say the Food Was Very Good in Spanish Without Sounding Like a Robot
- Under 2 hours and 40 minutes: You pay the hourly rate.
- Daily Max: $25. This kicks in after you've been there for about 4 hours.
- Valet: $39 a day if you're feeling fancy or running late.
One thing people constantly mess up is the payment. They recently introduced a prepay system. You can actually reserve your spot online up to a year in advance. If you do this, you get a QR code. Do not pull a ticket at the gate if you prepayed. If you pull a ticket, the system thinks you're a new guest and you might end up paying twice. Just scan the code from your phone and move on.
The "Secret" to Finding Your Car
We’ve all been there. You land at 11 PM, you're exhausted, and you have zero clue where you left the Toyota.
The Flamingo garage has a "Parking Guidance System." Look for the lights on the ceiling. Green means there’s an open spot; red means it’s full. It saves you from that annoying crawl behind a guy who looks like he’s leaving but is actually just reorganizing his trunk.
Also, pro tip from a frequent flyer: take a photo of the pillar nearest to your car. Not just a photo of the car—a photo of the pillar with the level number and the letter. I’ve seen grown adults wandering Level 4 for an hour because they thought they were on Level 5.
Valet vs. Self-Park
The valet for Flamingo is on Level 2 of the South Terminal (near Concourse H). It’s $39, which is a $14 premium over the standard daily rate. Is it worth it? If it’s raining—which, let's be real, it’s Miami, so it's probably raining—valet is a lifesaver. You drop the car off right by the departures entrance.
If you’re staying longer than a few days, though, $25 or $39 a day adds up fast. For a week-long trip, you're looking at $175 minimum. At that point, you might want to look at the Economy Park & Ride lot on NW 45th Avenue. It's $12 a day, but you have to wait for a shuttle.
Accessibility and High Vehicles
If you're driving a massive truck or an SUV with a roof rack, pay attention to the height. The limit is 7 feet. If you’re taller than that, don't even try the garage. You'll have to use the "High-Vehicle" surface lot located near the Dolphin garage.
For those with disabled permits, there is designated parking on Level 3 and the Ground Level. And if you’re an EV driver, Flamingo has charging stations, but they’re usually on the 2nd level near the valet area.
Avoiding the "Circle of Death"
Exiting the garage is surprisingly tricky. You follow the "OUT" signs (MIA uses "OUT" more than "EXIT"), and you'll hit the ground level.
A common mistake? Staying inside the garage structure too long. Once you hit the ground level, the signs will eventually point you to a road that feels like it’s leaving the airport. That’s because it is. You have to exit the building itself to reach the toll plazas. If you keep turning right inside the garage, you’ll just keep circling the bottom floor until you lose your mind.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Trip
- Check your airline first. If you are Concourse D, go to Dolphin. For E-J, stick to Flamingo.
- Park on Level 3. It gives you the fastest access to the moving walkways and the MIA Mover.
- Use the QR code. If you prepay online, skip the ticket machine entirely.
- Check the lights. Don't waste time in rows with all red lights on the ceiling.
- Don't lose your ticket. If you didn't prepay, you'll need that ticket for the "Quick Pay" stations. There's one on Level 3 of Flamingo near the elevators. Pay there before you get in your car so you can just zip through the exit gate.