Dollar Car Hire
West Palm Beach

On arrival at Palm Beach International the process is straightforward. After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, follow the overhead signs for the Rental Car Center. All rental desks, including Dollar, are grouped together in one area, so you won’t need to search far. Once you’ve completed the paperwork at the desk, you’ll be directed to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are located, ensuring a smooth transition from the terminal to your car.

Palm Beach International Airport has a dedicated cell phone waiting lot which is ideal for this. It’s a safe, designated area just a minute or two from the main terminal and the rental car facility. You can pull in, park and take a few moments to set up your navigation and wait out the heaviest rain. This lets you get organised and comfortable before joining busier roads like I‑95 or Okeechobee Boulevard.

To avoid major highway interchanges, take Belvedere Road east directly from the airport area. This surface road provides a direct route into the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. While it has traffic lights, it removes the need to merge onto I‑95 at speed immediately after picking up your car. Following Belvedere Road will lead you straight towards key areas like The Square and the Kravis Center, making it an excellent choice for first‑time visitors.

The drive from PBI to the island of Palm Beach is surprisingly short, typically only 10 to 15 minutes without heavy traffic. The most direct and least stressful route for a newcomer is to take Okeechobee Boulevard east from the airport area. This road leads straight to the Royal Park Bridge, a wide, modern crossing over the Intracoastal Waterway that offers a scenic and straightforward approach.

The most efficient route to Singer Island from PBI is to take I‑95 North for a few miles to the Blue Heron Boulevard exit. Head east on Blue Heron Boulevard and it will take you over the causeway to the island. The Blue Heron Bridge is a large, modern structure and isn’t considered tricky, though you should be mindful of your lane as you approach the island itself. The route is well signed and preferred by most travellers.

Driving on I‑95 offers a faster, more direct route for longer distances, but it involves higher speeds and can get very congested at peak times. In contrast, local roads such as US‑1 (Dixie Highway) are slower, with frequent traffic lights and direct access to shops and restaurants. These surface streets are better for shorter trips or a more leisurely pace, while I‑95 is the obvious choice for quickly travelling north or south through the region.

The most common point of confusion for visitors leaving PBI is the immediate series of ramps connecting to I‑95. It’s easy to take the northbound ramp when you intended to go south, or vice versa. The key is to have your navigation app running before you leave the rental car garage and to watch for the large overhead signs. Choosing your lane early and confirming the direction (North to Orlando, South to Miami) helps prevent a wrong turn.

A good approach is to use one of the public car parks at The Square, such as the Hibiscus or Gardenia car park. Arrange to meet on one of the lower, less busy levels. This provides a safe, out‑of‑the‑way spot to park temporarily and load luggage into the car without obstructing traffic on the busy surrounding streets. From there you can easily exit together to your final destination.

Morning rush hour typically runs from 7:00 to 9:00 and the evening rush from 16:00 to 18:30. During these times, major east–west roads like Okeechobee Boulevard and Southern Boulevard become heavily congested, especially for travellers heading towards the beaches. I‑95 also experiences significant slowdowns in both directions through the city. If your schedule is flexible, plan to drive outside these peak windows for a much smoother experience.

At weekends the bridges connecting West Palm Beach to Palm Beach Island can become quite congested with beach and tourist traffic. Eastbound backups toward the island typically begin to build around mid‑morning, often by 10:30 or 11:00. Return traffic heading west can be heavy from late afternoon until after sunset. To avoid the worst of it, aim to arrive on the island early in the morning or visit on a weekday if you can.

The Palm Beach Zoo is conveniently located very close to PBI, making it an easy first stop. The simplest route is to take Southern Boulevard west for a short distance and then follow the clear signs for Dreher Park where the zoo sits. The entrance is well marked and the zoo provides a large, dedicated car park directly in front, so finding a space is typically hassle‑free.

The most direct route to Rapids Water Park is to take I‑95 North from the airport to the 45th Street exit. From there head west on 45th Street and the park will be on your right. The park is well signed from the highway. The main area where visitors should take care is the busy junction of 45th Street and Military Trail, which has multiple turn lanes; stay in the lane your navigation suggests.

For maximum convenience, Lake Worth Beach Park is an excellent choice as it has a large car park situated directly adjacent to the sand, pier and facilities. This minimises the distance you need to carry your gear. Another good option is Phipps Ocean Park, which offers ample parking a short walk from the beach, along with picnic areas and restrooms. Both locations are ideal for families wanting to avoid a long trek with equipment.

Many historic hotels on Palm Beach were built when vehicles were smaller, so their entrances can be narrow. If you’ve hired a large SUV or van, it’s sensible to look for any posted height clearance signs before pulling under the porte‑cochère. For peace of mind you can also call the hotel ahead of arrival to ask about vehicle size restrictions or for specific instructions on where to pull up for check‑in.

Downtown West Palm Beach offers a mix of parking options. Multi‑level public car parks are the most common and are ideal for longer stays when you plan to walk around. For quick errands, on‑street metered parking is available, though finding a spot in a prime location can be challenging during busy hours. Many restaurants and venues also offer valet services, which are convenient but less suited to quick in‑and‑out stops.

The most effective strategy is to park in one of the centrally located city car parks, such as the Banyan or City Centre car parks. These are just a block or two off the main strip and provide safe, covered parking. By using a car park you can comfortably leave your vehicle for several hours and explore the entire downtown area on foot.

Driving at night in West Palm Beach is generally safe, as major roads like Okeechobee Boulevard and US‑1 are well lit. However, be particularly cautious in the downtown Clematis Street district, which has many one‑way streets and becomes a lively, pedestrian‑heavy area in the evenings. Always drive more slowly in this district and watch for people crossing the road, especially near the many restaurants and bars.

For a performance at the Kravis Center, it’s advisable to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the show starts. The main source of delay is usually the queue of cars waiting to enter the on‑site car park. Arriving early allows you to navigate the car park, find a space and get to your seat without rushing, ensuring a more enjoyable evening.

To avoid circling narrow residential streets, best approach these iconic Palm Beach destinations using a major artery. Use your satnav to drive directly to a specific valet stand or public car park, such as the garages near Worth Avenue. Approaching via Royal Palm Way or Okeechobee Boulevard provides a more direct path. Circling the smaller side streets for on‑street parking is often fruitless and can be frustrating.

Florida enforces school zones strictly and they are common on many main roads you’ll use to reach attractions. When the yellow lights are flashing, typically during morning drop‑off and afternoon pick‑up times, you must reduce your speed to the posted limit, often 15 or 20 mph. These zones are actively monitored, so be vigilant and slow down to ensure safety and avoid a costly ticket.

For newcomers, the series of on‑ and off‑ramps at the I‑95 and Okeechobee Boulevard interchange can be complex, so it’s important to be in the correct lane early. Additionally, many main roads like US‑1 (Dixie Highway) feature medians that prohibit left turns at certain junctions. Instead you’ll be required to proceed to a designated U‑turn lane, which can be an unfamiliar traffic pattern for many out‑of‑state drivers.

For a more relaxed and scenic drive to Jupiter, taking the coastal route along A1A is the best choice. It offers pleasant views but is slower due to lower speed limits and more traffic lights. If speed is a priority, I‑95 North is the fastest option. On I‑95, the most common slowdowns occur around the PGA Boulevard exit in Palm Beach Gardens, especially at peak times.

Parking at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse can be limited as it shares space with adjacent parks and restaurants. To secure a spot without stress, plan to visit earlier in the day, ideally arriving before 11:00. This is particularly important at weekends and on sunny days when the area is popular. An early arrival gives you more time at the lighthouse and less time circling for parking.

To catch the ferry to Peanut Island you should park at the Riviera Beach Marina. The marina has a large public car park, but it fills up quickly, especially at weekends and on holidays. It’s recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before your planned ferry departure. That gives you a comfortable buffer to find parking, unload your beach gear and walk to the shuttle boat without rushing.

The drive to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is scenic, culminating with a crossing over a pleasant bridge onto the northern part of Singer Island. The entrance is clearly signed from A1A. Be aware that on fine weekends and holidays the park’s car parks can reach capacity and may close temporarily. To guarantee entry, plan to arrive in the morning, ideally before 11:00.

The most convenient parking strategy is to head straight to one of the public car parks a block or two off the main street, such as the Old School Square car park. This lets you park once for the day and enjoy the area on foot. You can easily walk from the western shops and galleries to the eastern restaurants and the beach without the hassle of finding new parking spots.

Driving on A1A is a different experience that requires heightened awareness compared with inland roads. Speed limits are significantly lower and the road is shared with a high volume of cyclists and pedestrians. Be prepared to stop frequently at marked crossings and give ample space to cyclists. It’s a scenic drive that demands patient and defensive driving rather than a focus on speed.

A perfect and simple stop along this route is Lake Worth Beach Park. The park offers a large, easy‑to‑access public car park right on the seafront. You can pull in, park and enjoy the pier, beach and nearby restaurants. When you’re ready to leave, exiting the car park and continuing your journey south or turning around to head back north is straightforward.

The most direct and least complicated route to Wellington from the airport is to take Southern Boulevard (also designated US‑98 and SR‑80) heading west. This main road takes you directly from the PBI area into the heart of Wellington without any motorway driving or complex interchanges. It’s a well‑maintained, multi‑lane road that’s easy to navigate.

When there is a game or event, expect heavy traffic on 45th Street, the main road providing access to the ballpark. The key to a smooth arrival is to get there early and follow the guidance of electronic signs and traffic stewards who will direct you to the appropriate car park entrances. The lots are large, so allow extra time to park and walk to the stadium gates before the event begins.

The drive to Lion Country Safari is a relatively easy trip west on Southern Boulevard (US‑98/SR‑80). The road is straight and well paved, though the landscape becomes more rural the further west you go. The main challenge for newcomers is to keep an eye out for the park’s large entrance signs; with fewer landmarks in that direction it’s possible to miss the turn if you’re not watching your satnav or the road signs.

To have the best experience, time your drive to avoid South Florida’s rush hour. Plan to leave West Palm Beach before 07:00 to get south of the Fort Lauderdale and Miami metro areas before commuter traffic peaks. For the return journey, aim to leave the Everglades area either before 15:00 or after 19:00 to miss the worst of the northbound evening congestion.

During peak times like spring break or holiday weekends expect significantly increased traffic across the area. The biggest bottlenecks are typically the bridges to Palm Beach Island, major east–west roads like Okeechobee Boulevard, and the coastal A1A. Downtown areas such as Clematis Street and The Square also become very congested. It’s wise to double your estimated travel times and exercise extra patience.

In the West Palm Beach area I‑95 is the main free north–south interstate. The Florida Turnpike runs parallel to I‑95 and is a toll road that generally offers a faster, less congested drive for longer distances. Most rental vehicles are equipped with a toll transponder or a pay‑by‑plate system. You can discuss the specific programme and options for your hire car when you pick it up at the desk.

You’ll find several convenient shopping centres just a few minutes’ drive from the airport along both Belvedere Road and Okeechobee Boulevard. These plazas host major supermarkets, pharmacies and big‑box stores, making it easy to stock up on snacks, drinks, sunscreen and other supplies. This lets you get everything you need before heading to your hotel or the beach, avoiding the denser downtown traffic.

The PBI cell phone lot is the perfect spot for a safe and easy driver switch. It’s located just a minute from the rental car return area and is designed for cars to pull in and wait. This provides a calm environment off the main road where you can comfortably swap drivers, adjust seats and mirrors, and confirm your navigation before getting on the motorway for a longer trip.

Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms can produce intense downpours that severely reduce visibility, so it’s essential to slow down and increase your following distance. Be cautious of standing water, as some lower‑lying roads, particularly those nearer the Intracoastal Waterway, can be prone to temporary flooding. Never attempt to drive through deep water; it’s always safer to find an alternative route or wait for the water to recede.

The simplest and most direct route to Palm Beach Gardens from PBI is to take I‑95 North to one of the main exits, such as PGA Boulevard. This route is easy to follow and well signed. Be aware that PGA Boulevard is a major commercial hub and experiences heavy traffic, especially during rush hour and on weekends, due to the abundance of shops, restaurants and offices. Expect multiple lanes and frequent traffic signals.

For an early morning flight, especially on a weekday, it’s sensible to add a buffer of at least 30 to 45 minutes to your planned travel time. Morning rush hour can start early and create unexpected delays on I‑95 and major local roads. This extra time will allow you to follow the well‑marked signs for "Rental Car Return" and complete the vehicle drop‑off process without feeling rushed.

The most efficient process is to follow the airport signs for "Departures" first. Pull up to the kerb corresponding to the correct airline to drop off your passenger and their luggage. Once they’re safely inside the terminal, drive away from the kerb, follow the main airport loop and then merge into the lanes clearly marked for "Rental Car Return." The airport layout makes this a very simple and intuitive sequence.