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Key West is a special place for car rental because the island itself is compact, but the routes around it can be unforgettable. If you are staying only near Duval Street or Old Town, you may not need a car every day. But if you want to explore beaches, drive the Overseas Highway, visit other Florida Keys, or travel back toward Miami, renting a car can be a very smart choice.
The main airport is Key West International Airport, also known as EYW. The airport says that on-airport rental car providers are available at EYW, and the rental car counters are located in the arrivals / baggage claim area.
Car Rental Companies at Key West Airport
At Key West International Airport, travelers can find several well-known rental providers. For example, Expedia lists Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, and National as popular rental options at EYW. Enterprise also has a location at Key West International Airport at 3491 S Roosevelt Blvd, and its airport page lists regular daily opening hours and after-hours returns.
| Rental Company | Good For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avis | Standard cars, SUVs, vans | Convenient airport rental option |
| Budget | Lower-cost bookings, family cars | Good to compare for cheaper rates |
| Dollar | Budget-focused travelers | Often useful for airport deals |
| Enterprise | Service, airport pickup, flexible car types | Located at EYW airport area |
| Hertz | Sedans, SUVs, convertible-style travel | Hertz notes some customers found rentals from around $55/day or less at EYW |
| National | Business travelers, airport rentals | Often used by frequent renters |
| Thrifty | Budget car rental | Worth comparing for lower prices |
Average Car Rental Prices in Key West
Car rental in Key West can be more expensive than in larger Florida cities because the island is smaller and availability may be limited. Prices also change depending on season, holidays, cruise traffic, airport fees, car type, and how early you book.
| Car Type | Best For | Estimated Daily Price |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Car | Short island driving, budget trips | From $45-$75 per day |
| Compact Car | Couples, easy parking, lower fuel use | From $50-$85 per day |
| Standard Sedan | Comfort, airport pickup, longer drives | From $60-$100 per day |
| SUV | Families, luggage, Florida Keys road trips | From $80-$140 per day |
| Minivan | Groups, family travel, luggage | From $100-$180 per day |
| Convertible | Scenic Overseas Highway drive | From $110-$220+ per day |
| Luxury Car | Premium vacation or special trip | From $130-$250+ per day |
Hertz says that 33% of customers found rental cars for $55 per day or less at its Key West International Airport location, and it also notes that booking in advance can give more availability options.
How to Rent a Car in Key West
The process is simple, especially if you arrive at EYW Airport.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose pickup location | For most travelers, EYW Airport is the easiest option |
| 2. Compare companies | Check Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty |
| 3. Select car type | Compact for island driving, SUV/minivan for family or luggage |
| 4. Check total price | Look at taxes, fees, insurance, and deposit |
| 5. Review fuel policy | Full-to-full is usually the easiest option |
| 6. Check mileage rules | Important if driving to Miami or other Florida Keys |
| 7. Confirm parking plan | Key West parking can be expensive |
| 8. Book early | Availability can be limited during high season |
Best Car Type for Key West
For driving only inside Key West, smaller is usually better. Streets can be narrow, parking is limited, and many attractions are close together. For a longer Florida Keys route, comfort matters more.
| Trip Plan | Best Car Choice |
|---|---|
| Staying in Old Town only | You may not need a car every day |
| Airport to hotel and short drives | Economy or compact |
| Driving the Overseas Highway | Standard sedan or convertible |
| Family vacation | SUV |
| Group travel | Minivan |
| Beach and luggage-heavy trip | SUV or minivan |
| Romantic Florida Keys trip | Convertible |
Parking Costs in Key West
This is one of the most important things to check before renting. A cheap rental car can become expensive if your hotel charges for parking or if you park daily in busy areas.
The City of Key West parking page lists some city lots at $6 per hour with a $48 daily maximum, including the Key West Bight Parking Lot. Another local parking guide lists Old Town parking around $25-$30 per day and street parking around $4.20 per hour, though prices can change with demand.
| Parking Type | Estimated Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| City parking lots | Around $6/hour, up to $48/day | Good for central areas, but can fill up |
| Private lots | Often around $25-$40/day | Check daily cutoff time |
| Street parking | Around $4-$6/hour in busy areas | Watch signs carefully |
| Hotel parking | Varies widely | Ask hotel before booking a car |
| Old Town stay | Parking can be limited | Consider renting only for day trips |
How to Save Money on Car Rental in Key West
Key West is not always the cheapest place to rent a car, but you can reduce the total cost with the right strategy.
| Saving Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Book early | Better car availability and usually better prices |
| Compare airport and city pickup | Airport is convenient, but city options may sometimes be cheaper |
| Rent only for the days you need | If staying in Old Town, you may not need a car daily |
| Choose compact instead of SUV | Easier parking and lower rental cost |
| Avoid unnecessary extras | GPS, prepaid fuel, and extra insurance can raise the price |
| Check hotel parking fees | Parking may cost more than expected |
| Return on time | Late returns can create extra charges |
| Compare weekly rates | Sometimes 5-7 days can be cheaper per day |
| Avoid peak dates if possible | Holidays and winter season can increase prices |
Do You Really Need a Rental Car in Key West?
A rental car is useful, but not always necessary for the full trip.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Staying near Duval Street | Rent only if you plan day trips |
| Staying far from Old Town | A car may be useful |
| Visiting beaches and viewpoints | A car helps |
| Driving to other Keys | Definitely rent a car |
| Arriving and leaving from EYW only | Taxi/rideshare may be enough |
| Planning Miami to Key West route | Rental car is a great option |
| Traveling with kids or luggage | SUV or minivan may be worth it |
Best Routes by Rental Car from Key West
| Destination | Why Go | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Smathers Beach | Easy beach visit near the airport | 5-10 minutes |
| Duval Street | Restaurants, bars, shops, nightlife | 10-15 minutes from EYW |
| Mallory Square | Sunset, waterfront, entertainment | 10-15 minutes |
| Bahia Honda State Park | One of the most beautiful Keys beach stops | About 45-60 minutes |
| Marathon | Middle Keys, restaurants, marina stops | About 1 hour |
| Islamorada | Scenic Keys drive, fishing, food | About 1.5-2 hours |
| Key Largo | Gateway to the Keys | About 2-2.5 hours |
| Miami | Longer road trip via Overseas Highway | About 3.5-4 hours |
Hertz notes that US Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is 113 miles long and includes 48 bridges connecting Key West to the mainland.
Tolls and Long-Distance Driving
Inside Key West, tolls are not usually the main issue. But if you drive toward Miami, Orlando, or other parts of Florida, toll rules may matter.
Florida’s Turnpike says most rental companies offer toll programs, but each company has different payment arrangements, so renters should check the fees and rental agreement carefully. It also says that customers with a SunPass Portable transponder may use it in a rental vehicle, but should add the rental vehicle’s license plate to the account for the rental period.
Book a Rental Car in Key West
Use Car Rental Company USA to compare car rental deals in Key West, Florida. Choose your pickup location, travel dates, and car type, then check the total price before booking.
For the best value, compare several companies, book early, choose a smaller car if you are staying on the island, and always check parking costs before confirming your rental.
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