The Configuration of MIA Airport

Although Miami International Airport consists of one enormous U-shaped terminal building, it is effectively divided into three separate terminal sections: the North Terminal, the Central Terminal, and the South Terminal. These three terminals form the well-known “horseshoe” layout of MIA Airport.

All terminals follow the same basic configuration:

  • Level 1: Arrivals and baggage claim
  • Level 2: Departures and check-in
  • Level 3: Connections to other concourses and access to the MIA Mover

Please note that although the terminals are interconnected, transferring between them may require exiting and re-clearing security.

Miami Airport North Terminal (Blue Terminal)

The North Terminal, also known as the Blue Terminal, consists exclusively of Concourse D. It stretches over approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) and includes 51 gates, 4 security checkpoints, and a wide range of shopping, dining, lounge, and spa facilities.

The Blue Terminal primarily serves American Airlines, handling both domestic and international flights.

  • Level 1: Arrivals and baggage claim
  • Level 2: Departures
  • Level 3: Connections to Concourse E and the MIA Mover Station

Due to its size, traveling from one end of Concourse D to the other can take up to 30 minutes on foot. To facilitate movement, the Skytrain operates inside Concourse D.

Skytrain details:

  • Runs every 3 minutes
  • Travel time: approximately 5 minutes end-to-end
  • Station 1: near Gate D17
  • Station 2: between Gates D24 and D25
  • Station 3: near Gate D29
  • Station 4: near Gate D46

Miami Airport Central Terminal (Yellow Terminal)

The Central Terminal, also known as the Yellow Terminal, is located between the North and South terminals. It includes Concourses E, F, and G and hosts numerous shops, restaurants, and the on-site Miami International Airport Hotel.

Concourse E serves both domestic and international flights and is primarily used by American Airlines, along with other Oneworld partners and selected Caribbean and Latin American carriers. It has 18 gates and a satellite concourse capable of handling Airbus A380 aircraft.

The satellite concourse of E is accessible via:

  • MIA E Train (automated people mover)
  • Pedestrian walkway

The MIA E Train connects Gates E2–E11 (main concourse, Level 4) with Gates E20–E33 in the satellite building.

Concourses F and G mainly serve domestic and Canadian flights:

  • Concourse F: 19 gates
  • Concourse G: 14 gates

All concourses in the Central Terminal feature security checkpoints at their entrances.

Miami Airport South Terminal (Red Terminal)

The South Terminal, also called the Red Terminal, handles both domestic and international flights, mainly operated by non-Oneworld airlines. It consists of Concourses H and J, connected by an airside walkway.

This connecting corridor hosts most of the terminal’s shopping and dining options.

  • Concourse H: 13 gates, mainly used by Delta and other non-Oneworld airlines
  • Concourse J: 15 gates, primarily serving long-haul intercontinental routes

Concourse J includes a gate capable of accommodating Airbus A380 aircraft.

Terminal layout:

  • Level 1: Arrivals
  • Level 2: Departures
  • Level 3: Terminal connections and MIA Mover access

Security checkpoints are located at the entrances of Concourses H and J, with an additional checkpoint positioned along their connecting walkway.

Transfers between Miami Airport Terminals

Miami International Airport terminals are connected primarily by moving walkways and bridges:

  • Concourse D (North Terminal) ↔ Concourse E (Central Terminal) via a bridge near Gates D31 and E2
  • Concourse G (Central Terminal) ↔ Concourse H (South Terminal) via a walkway near Gates G2 and H3

In most cases, transferring between terminals requires exiting and re-clearing security. The only airside connections that do not require re-screening are:

  • Concourse D ↔ Concourse E
  • Concourse H ↔ Concourse J

All other inter-terminal connections are landside.

Our Tip 1: All bridges and walkways connecting terminals are located on Level 3.

Our Tip 2: The MIA Mover is located at the center of the U-shaped airport complex, between the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages. It provides access to the Car Rental Center and the Central Station.