How to find a cheap car hire deal in Key West
Grab a cheap rental car in Key West and hit the road for around $168 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
$117 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Key West.
Staying on a bit longer? Grab a weekly rental from $816 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Key West car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
Alamo, Dollar and National are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you choose Alamo or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Key West car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Key West.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore more without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of $152 a day.
Not far behind, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $159.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $187 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Key West.
Flying to Key West? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Key West plans by booking a car hire at Key West International Airport. The city centre is about 5 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Key West
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Key West car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Key West that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Key West car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Key West.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is typically 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always go over your rental company's terms to know where you stand.
Add a car seat to your Key West car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, hand the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in Key West for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time relaxing at The Porch on Frances Inn - Adults Exclusive. Around 2 kilometres from central Key West, it comes with parking, a ticket office and snorkeling.
Or make use of the parking at Almond Tree Inn - Adults Only. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features air conditioning and a garden.
Browse the range of hotels in Key West for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car hire deal in Key West and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. South Beach, Mallory Square and Dry Tortugas are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Key West
Around 72 kilometres east of central Key West, Marathon should be on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Sombrero Beach and Coco Plum Beach.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Marathon include Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort, Marathon Florida Keys and Tranquility Bay Resort.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Key West and then set off for Big Pine Key. Roughly 48 kilometres east of Key West, Blue Hole and Blue Hole Observation Platform are among the highlights that make the drive more than worth it.
Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Centre and Parmer's Resort are comfortable places to stay in Big Pine Key if you're hanging out for a while. Book one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Still got fuel in the tank? Motor on to Fort Lauderdale, about 241 kilometres northeast of Key West. From Las Olas Beach to Ft Lauderdale Beach (Playa las Olas), it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Drift off to sleep in Fort Lauderdale at either B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach or Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton. They've got a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
