Is it better to rent a car, or use a cab; I am going from the airport to the hotel, to Dolphin stadium, back to hotel, then the port for a cruise, all within 2 days. I was told cab fare is very expensive and would be cheaper to rent a car, from the airport upon arrival and leave it at the port. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is driving in Miami easy? We have never been there. Thanks.

Not sure which, if any, rental companies have drop-off at the port. We use Avis and the closest drop-off is a few blocks from Bayside Market Place. We took a cab from the hotel to the port for our last cruise but had a rental car for one day since we went to the Everglades.

A couple of the rental car companies have drop off at port but I'm not sure which. Enterprise maybe?

Anyway, yes, rent a car for the two days your are there, drop it off, be shuttled to port.

Miami can be a giant PIA but a few tips will help.

Stay off I-95 between the hours of 7AM and 8PM.

You should be able to get a car off hotwire for around $25 per day.

Are you staying downtown?

There are much nicer areas to stay in. Bayside is a huge tourist trap and downtown is the pits at night. It is lonely and deserted.

Coral Gables or Coconut Grove are much better choices. South Beach would actually be closer to Dolphin Stadium and the cruise port.

Don't stay downtown if you can help it.

Fare from airport to South Beach is about $35 and a snap compared to renting. Then you have to pay for daily parking, probably $25/day unless you can find a cheaper lot than hotel parking. If you're going to stay in SoBe except for your trip to Dolphin stadium, you could still consider using a cab. Some hotels have packages for cruise customers that include transportation to the port.

About driving, from the airport to the beach is easy - pretty direct highways. From the beach (or downtown) to Dolphin Stadium also easy - direct highways. Beach or downtown to port - short and simple trip. Make sure to factor in the cost of parking when doing your rent vs taxi options. If you stay on the beach, you are much more likely to be able to walk to entertainment and dining than if you stay in downtown. Although I have to say that downtown is seeing some new signs of life after dark.