Vehicle rental for 6 adults 4 children under 10yrs

Question

Hello. Any recommendations on who to use for a van rental? We fly into Miami but decided to stay in Fort Lauderdale and cant change the flight tickets.

Sept 15-18. Arriving before 6pm and departing at 6pm.

Would an Uber be wise to use from airport to hotel then rent the van in Fort Lauderdale? I notice a price difference.

Answer

If you're traveling with 6 adults and 4 children under 10 years old, it's definitely important to find a vehicle that's spacious and comfortable for everyone. There are a couple of ways to approach this, so I'll outline your options for vehicle rental and transportation between Miami Airport and Fort Lauderdale.

First, for a van rental, you'll need something large enough to comfortably fit your group. A 12-passenger van or a full-size SUV would likely be the best option. Here are some rental companies to consider:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Known for having a wide range of vehicles, including 12-passenger vans and large SUVs. They also offer free pick-up services from Miami Airport if you're renting a vehicle there.
Hertz: Hertz offers large passenger vans for rent, as well as options for car seats for children if needed. They have locations both at Miami International Airport and in Fort Lauderdale, giving you flexibility in where you rent the vehicle.
Alamo: Alamo often has competitive pricing on larger vehicles, and they offer options for both van and SUV rentals that should suit your group. They also have a location at both Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports.
Budget: Budget provides a selection of minivans and SUVs, and you can often find deals if you book early. They also have convenient airport pickup options.

As for transportation between Miami Airport and Fort Lauderdale, using an Uber is certainly a possibility, but it depends on your preference for convenience versus cost. Here are some considerations:

Uber from Miami Airport to Fort Lauderdale: Taking an Uber or Lyft from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Fort Lauderdale is convenient but could be pricey for a group of your size. For 6 adults and 4 children, you would need a larger vehicle like an UberXL or UberSUV, which can fit up to 7 passengers. The ride can cost anywhere from $50 to $80 depending on traffic and demand at the time.
Renting the van in Fort Lauderdale: Renting the van in Fort Lauderdale would be cheaper than renting it from Miami. You could take a regular Uber (for 4-5 people) or a shuttle from the airport to your hotel in Fort Lauderdale, and then pick up the van once you're settled. You can expect to pay $30–$50 for a regular Uber ride to your hotel, and this would give you more flexibility in your transportation options for the rest of your trip.

In summary, if you are comfortable with the cost of an Uber for a shorter ride, it may be easier to rent the van in Fort Lauderdale, especially if you find a better deal there. But if you're looking for more convenience and prefer to have the van as soon as you land, renting from Miami Airport might be the way to go, though it could be a little more expensive. Either way, booking in advance for the rental vehicle will help secure the best rates.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip!