National - Miami MIA Location

Hi,

I would like to know how far away is the MIA location from the AA terminal? How frequent are the shuttle bus?

I have a 5pm AA flight leaving MIA on 1/8 Tuesday. I am staying near the Eden Roc on Collins Ave, would like to know if leaving at 3:30 is going to be sufficient time to return car and catch the shuttle? if not, 3pm?

thanks!!

We actually drove around Collins near there the last time we returned at MIA (Sun 12/16). Take 195 over and follow the signs for Rental Car Returns when you get near the airport (some of the signs are easy to miss). It's about 20 min on maps.google.com.

When we got to Natl, the bus was there waiting for us, but I'm not sure how often it runs. It's about a 10-15 min ride from Natl to MIA, and AA is the 1st or 2nd stop IIRC. That said, I'd leave a solid 30 min for returning your car and getting to the terminal, just to be safe.

Make sure you look up places to get gas before you leave, because the rental car locations are a bit out of the way - Luis Sabines Way / NW 7th St has a lot of options - check maps.google.com for "gas stations near MIA". Last year (2006), we didn't do this and wandered around for 30 min looking for gas, ultimately missing our flight :(

As you prob know from the AA forum, MIA is a zoo (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=755808&highlight=security+miami). Leave plenty of time if you have to check bags, even if using the F/J lines (it was another 20-30 min for us last time). As a GLD, you can also try to use the F security lines (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8907358&highlight=mia#post8907358) at concourses D and E, even if flying Y, but it's not a sure thing. If you can't get thru, plan on another 30 min to clear security.

So, if you're checking bags and flying Y, I'd definitely leave at 3pm at the latest.