Book Flights to Miami, Florida
Miami is America's most tropical major city, its most Latin city, and arguably its most visually striking. The combination of Art Deco South Beach, the Cuban cultural heartbeat of Little Havana, the world-class street art of Wynwood, and the raw ecological drama of the Everglades National Park 45 minutes to the southwest creates a city unlike anywhere else in the United States. Miami is also a global aviation hub: American Airlines' MIA hub connects to 30+ Latin American and Caribbean destinations, making it the gateway between the US and the Americas.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is served by American, Delta, JetBlue, United, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier. FareOptic also checks Fort Lauderdale (FLL, 30 miles north) -- which often has cheaper fares on the same routes.
Cheap Flight Deals to Miami
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Miami, Florida?
South Beach Art Deco, Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, Everglades, Art Basel, cruise capital of the world
South Beach and Art Deco Historic District
The World's Largest Collection of Art Deco Architecture -- Ocean DriveSouth Beach -- the barrier island south of the city of Miami Beach -- contains the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world: more than 800 buildings designed between 1923 and 1943 in the Streamline Moderne and Depression Moderne styles, concentrated on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. The pastel-painted facades, neon signs, porthole windows, and nautical motifs of Ocean Drive are among the most photographed streetscapes in the world. The Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Drive) offers walking tours of the Historic District.
How South Beach Was Saved from Demolition -- The Art Deco Preservation Movement
By the 1970s, South Beach was a crumbling retirement community; developers planned to demolish the Art Deco buildings and replace them with high-rises. In 1976, designer Barbara Capitman and architect Leonard Horowitz founded the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) and began the campaign to landmark the district. In 1979, the Miami Beach Architectural District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places -- the first 20th-century district to receive this designation. The preservation effort, combined with the Miami Vice television series (1984-1989, which glamorized South Beach) and the arrival of fashion photographers (who discovered the cheap studio space and perfect light), transformed South Beach from a derelict neighborhood into one of the most valuable real estate markets in the world.
Little Havana and Cuban Culture
Calle Ocho -- The Heart of Miami's Cuban-American CommunityLittle Havana -- centered on SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) between SW 12th and SW 27th Avenues -- is the cultural capital of Miami's Cuban-American community, which arrived primarily in waves following the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The neighborhood's streets are lined with Cuban restaurants, cigar shops (hand-rolling cigars is still practiced at several locations), domino parks (Máximo Gómez Park, where elderly men play dominoes daily), Latin art galleries, and the Walk of the Stars (honoring Cuban and Latin American entertainers). The annual Calle Ocho Festival (March) is one of the largest street festivals in the world.
The Cuban Exile Community and Miami's Transformation
Between 1959 and 1973, approximately 500,000 Cubans fled to the United States following Fidel Castro's revolution -- the largest political exile in American history at the time. Miami was the primary destination: geographically closest to Cuba (90 miles), with an existing Cuban community, and with the political infrastructure of Operation Pedro Pan (which brought 14,000 Cuban children to the US unaccompanied). The Cuban exile community transformed Miami from a seasonal resort city to a year-round international metropolis: Cubans brought banking, commerce, professional expertise, and a distinct Spanish-language culture that made Miami effectively bilingual. Today, Cuban Americans and their descendants comprise approximately 70% of Miami-Dade County's Hispanic population.
Wynwood Walls and the Arts District
World's Largest Open-Air Street Art MuseumWynwood -- a former industrial warehouse district north of downtown Miami -- has been transformed since 2009 into one of the world's most celebrated street art destinations. The Wynwood Walls (NW 2nd Avenue at NW 25th Street), created by developer Tony Goldman, invited internationally recognized street artists to paint the exterior walls of warehouse buildings. The project attracted artists including Os Gemeos, Swoon, RETNA, and dozens more; the neighborhood now has hundreds of murals on virtually every building exterior. Art Basel Miami Beach (December) transforms Wynwood into the epicenter of the global contemporary art market.
Art Basel Miami Beach -- The Western Hemisphere's Most Important Art Fair
Art Basel Miami Beach -- held annually in December at the Miami Beach Convention Center -- is the most prestigious contemporary art fair in the Western Hemisphere and one of the three most important art fairs in the world (alongside Art Basel Switzerland and Art Basel Hong Kong). The fair presents work from 270+ leading international galleries, with satellite fairs (Untitled Art Fair, NADA, SCOPE, Art Miami) and events extending across Miami Beach, Wynwood, and the Design District. The week of Art Basel brings 80,000+ collectors, curators, critics, and artists to Miami; the economic impact exceeds $500 million annually. Wynwood's gallery openings during Art Basel week are among the most attended events in the art world.
Everglades National Park
America's Largest Subtropical Wilderness -- 1.5 Million Acres of River of GrassEverglades National Park -- 64 km southwest of Miami International Airport -- is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States: 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairie, mangrove forest, cypress swamp, and coastal estuaries that Marjory Stoneman Douglas famously called 'the River of Grass.' The park is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild. Airboat tours (outside the park boundary, in Everglades City and the surrounding area) and ranger-led canoe trips (within the park) are the primary visitor experiences.
The Everglades Water Crisis -- America's Most Imperiled Ecosystem
The Everglades is the most imperiled ecosystem in the continental United States. The original Everglades covered 11,000 square miles from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay; today, approximately 50% of the original wetlands have been drained for agriculture (sugarcane) and urban development. The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project (1948-1971) channelized the Kissimmee River, diked Lake Okeechobee, and built 1,800 miles of canals -- replacing the slow, wide sheet flow of water that sustained the Everglades with a managed system optimized for flood control and agriculture. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP, 2000) -- the largest environmental restoration project in US history -- is attempting to restore more natural water flows, but the project is decades behind schedule and significantly underfunded.
Bayside Marketplace and the Miami Seaport
Port of Miami -- Cruise Capital of the WorldThe Port of Miami -- directly across Biscayne Bay from downtown -- is the largest cruise ship port in the world by passenger volume, handling more than 5 million cruise passengers per year. The port is the home base of Carnival Corporation (the world's largest cruise company, headquartered in Miami), Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Bayside Marketplace -- the waterfront shopping and entertainment complex adjacent to the port -- offers views of cruise ships, Miami's skyline, and the Biscayne Bay waterway. The Freedom Tower (1925, 'Miami's Ellis Island'), where Cuban refugees were processed after 1959, stands nearby as a National Historic Landmark.
Why Miami Became the Cruise Capital of the World
Miami's rise as the world's cruise capital was driven by geography (proximity to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Cuba), weather (warm year-round, making short winter cruises attractive), and the post-WWII growth of leisure travel. The first modern cruise ships began sailing from Miami to the Bahamas in the early 1950s; the industry grew through the 1960s-70s as jet travel made Miami a practical embarkation point for passengers flying from the northeastern US. Carnival Cruise Lines, founded by Ted Arison in Miami in 1972, pioneered the 'fun ship' concept of affordable mass-market cruising and transformed the industry from luxury ocean liner travel to accessible resort vacations. Miami-Dade County's Seaport generates approximately $1 billion annually in direct economic impact.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Miami
American Airlines Dominates MIA -- Book Early for the Best Domestic Fares
American Airlines controls a large share of MIA capacity, which can limit competition on some routes. For northeast-to-Miami routes (New York, Boston, Philadelphia), JetBlue and Delta provide the strongest competition to American's pricing. For west coast routes (LAX, SFO, SEA), United and Alaska sometimes offer cheaper alternatives than American's MIA fares.
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is 30 Miles North -- Compare Both Airports
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is 30 miles (50 km) north of MIA and serves as a Southwest Airlines stronghold, plus significant Spirit and JetBlue operations. FLL fares are frequently cheaper than MIA fares, and the Tri-Rail commuter rail connects FLL to MIA. Always compare FLL when searching for Miami-area flights -- the savings often exceed the ground transportation cost.
Avoid December Art Basel Week -- Prices Spike Citywide
Art Basel Miami Beach (first week of December) is the highest-demand week in Miami outside of New Year's Eve: hotel prices triple or quadruple, flights sell out months in advance, and restaurants require reservations. If you're not attending Art Basel, avoid that week entirely. The surrounding weeks of late November and mid-December offer similar winter weather at much lower prices.
Visit November through April -- Dry Season with Ideal Weather
Miami's dry season (November-April) offers the best combination of weather and value outside of peak holiday weeks. Temperatures are 20-28°C, humidity is low, and afternoon thunderstorms (a Miami summer staple) are rare. January and February are peak snowbird season -- the best weather but highest hotel demand. May offers low prices and pleasant weather before hurricane season (June 1).
Airlines Serving Miami (MIA)
American Airlines
MIA Hub -- American's Gateway to Latin America and the CaribbeanMiami International Airport is one of American Airlines' most important hubs -- the primary gateway for American's Latin American and Caribbean operations. American operates more flights from MIA than any other carrier: nonstops to New York JFK, Chicago ORD, Dallas DFW, Los Angeles LAX, Boston BOS, Washington DC, and virtually every major US city, plus nonstops to over 30 Latin American and Caribbean destinations. MIA is American's only hub with this level of Latin America coverage.
Key Routes
MIA to New York JFK (3h nonstop); MIA to Chicago ORD (3h 10m nonstop); MIA to Dallas DFW (3h 15m nonstop); MIA to Los Angeles LAX (5h 30m nonstop); MIA to Boston BOS (3h nonstop); 30+ Latin America and Caribbean nonstops
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta Hub -- Southeast and International Connections via ATLDelta Air Lines operates a strong MIA presence with Atlanta (ATL) connections providing access to Delta's full domestic and SkyTeam international network. Delta also operates direct flights from MIA to New York (JFK and LGA), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), and Boston (BOS). Delta's premium cabin options on the MIA-ATL and MIA-JFK routes attract business travelers.
Key Routes
MIA to Atlanta ATL (1h 40m nonstop); MIA to New York JFK (3h nonstop); MIA to Detroit DTW (3h 15m nonstop); MIA to Boston BOS (3h nonstop); connections to all Delta and SkyTeam routes
JetBlue Airways
Value Carrier with Northeast and Florida StrengthJetBlue Airways offers competitive fares from MIA to Boston (BOS), New York JFK, Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and other northeastern US cities, along with Caribbean leisure destinations. JetBlue's Mint premium cabin (business class with lie-flat seats) is available on some MIA transcontinental routes. JetBlue's strong Boston-Miami and New York-Miami routes provide a lower-cost alternative to American and Delta on those corridors.
Key Routes
MIA to Boston BOS (3h nonstop); MIA to New York JFK (3h nonstop); MIA to Fort Lauderdale FLL (short connection); MIA to Caribbean destinations; Mint premium cabin on select transcontinental routes
United Airlines
Chicago and Houston Hubs -- Star Alliance International AccessUnited Airlines connects Miami through Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Newark (EWR), and Denver (DEN) -- providing access to United's domestic network and Star Alliance international partners. United's Newark hub is the strongest connection for MIA travelers heading to Europe via Star Alliance; EWR-MIA is a heavily trafficked business route.
Key Routes
MIA to Chicago ORD (3h 10m nonstop); MIA to Houston IAH (3h nonstop); MIA to Newark EWR (3h nonstop); MIA to Denver DEN (4h 30m nonstop); connections to all United and Star Alliance routes
Things to Do in Miami, Florida
Essential Info for Your Miami Trip
State
Florida (FL)
Currency
USD — US Dollar
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5) / EDT (UTC-4) in summer
Airport Code
MIA — Miami International (11 km NW of downtown); also check FLL (Fort Lauderdale, 50 km north)
Population
~470,000 city; ~6.2 million Greater Miami metro area
Top Attractions
South Beach Art Deco, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Everglades NP, Art Basel (December), Pérez Art Museum, Vizcaya
Florida Sales Tax
7% combined state/local (no state income tax)
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Miami
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Miami, Florida
What airport serves Miami, Florida?
Miami International Airport (IATA: MIA) is the primary airport, located approximately 11 km northwest of downtown Miami. MIA is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major hub for American Airlines, with nonstops to virtually all major US cities and 30+ Latin American and Caribbean destinations. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL, 50 km north) is the secondary airport, particularly strong for Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue; comparing MIA and FLL fares is strongly recommended.
What is Miami known for?
Miami is known for South Beach and its Art Deco architecture, the vibrant Cuban-American culture of Little Havana, the Wynwood Walls street art district, Art Basel Miami Beach (the world's premier contemporary art fair in December), the Port of Miami (world's largest cruise port), proximity to the Everglades National Park, and its role as the financial and cultural capital of Latin America. Miami is the only major US city founded by a woman (Julia Tuttle, 1896) and one of the few where Spanish is spoken more widely than English.
Is Miami safe to visit?
Miami is generally safe in the areas most visited by tourists: South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell (financial district), Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana, and the Design District are all considered safe with standard urban precautions. Like any large city, Miami has neighborhoods with elevated crime rates; stay in established tourist and entertainment areas, and use Uber/Lyft rather than walking unfamiliar streets at night. Miami Beach (South Beach) has a heavy police presence during peak seasons.
When is the best time to visit Miami?
November through April (dry season) is the ideal time to visit: temperatures are 20-28°C, humidity is low, and the risk of tropical storms is zero. January and February are peak snowbird season -- perfect weather but higher hotel prices. December Art Basel week (first week of December) brings extreme price spikes. May and October offer good weather and lower prices. Avoid June through September (hurricane season) if possible: temperatures reach 33-36°C with very high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
How far is Miami from the Everglades?
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (main Everglades National Park entrance) is approximately 64 km (40 miles) southwest of Miami International Airport -- about 45-60 minutes by car via the Florida Turnpike and SR-9336. Airboat tour operators in the Everglades/Homestead area are approximately 50-60 km from downtown Miami. The park has multiple entrance points; Shark Valley (northwest entrance, closer to Miami) is accessible via US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and is popular for its observation tower and bicycle rentals.
How does Fort Lauderdale Airport compare to Miami Airport?
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) is 50 km north of MIA and frequently offers cheaper fares, particularly on Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue, and Frontier. FLL fares to/from New York, Boston, Chicago, and other major cities are often $30-100 cheaper than MIA equivalents. The Tri-Rail commuter train connects FLL Airport to MIA Airport and Miami central station (~45 minutes, $5). Ground transportation (Uber/Lyft) between FLL and South Beach takes 45-60 minutes. When price shopping for Miami flights, always compare MIA + FLL.
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