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 $240 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find the right home for your plans.
$61 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a home in Key West.
Staying on a bit longer? Grab a weekly home from $424 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 home. 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 homes 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 $180 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $160.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $194 a day for one of their homes.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Fullsize home 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
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher rate, so carefully review the policies before locking in your reservation.
Add a car seat to your Key West car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest approach.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Get familiar with your home. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, pass the keys to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
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.
