Although the airport officially has three terminals, in reality it is one single large interconnected building. It takes no more than 20 minutes to get from one end to the other.
The terminal number is not used to designate the part of the airport where your flight is checked in, but the letter of the check-in hall. The signage is clear and you'll know where to go as soon as you get off the automated train when all passengers arrive at the airport.
- Central Terminal – gates E, F, G
- North Terminal – gates D
- South Terminal – gates H, J
Transfer between flights
If you're just transferring, you won't use the automatic train, but there are departure information boards on every corner.
As with all US airports, a purely international transfer (e.g. London - Miami - Bogota) requires you to collect your luggage, go through immigration and check in again. There is no direct transit zone option here.
Do I need to apply for ESTA?
You must collect your luggage and leave the transit area at each transfer. Therefore, you must have an electronic ESTA processed to enter the United States (per 21 usd to process online at the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
How long does the immigration check take?
The Miami airport is notorious for very long lines at immigration control.
If you arrive during off-peak hours, you can be in the public section in 20 minutes, but especially during the afternoon rush hour for arrivals from Europe, the immigration line can be 3-4 hours long.
If you have less than 1.5 hours to transfer, it is recommended that you tell the informants that you have a tight transfer before you get in line. In this case, you may be sent to the priority queue.
If you do not make your guaranteed connection due to the length of the immigration check, the airline will arrange the next flight free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline's expense will not be provided in these cases.
MIA airport maps
Clear maps and diagrams can be found on the airport's two official websites:
- miami-airport.com/maps - Schematic layout of terminals and services
- shopmiamiairport.com/maps - maps with details of shops and restaurants
